Bangkok Hotel Tips by Openseas

The Oriental is located on the Chao Phrya River directly opposite the Peninsula Hotel. We stayed for a day/ night here to recover from a European trip before heading home to Sydney. The hotel is absolutely gorgeous it oozes with history, character, opulence and luxurious qualities and facilities.

We find all Asian hotels to be marvellous and have stayed at numerous hotels in Bangkok. This trip we wanted to experience the Oriental and we were not disappointed. It’s a true 5 star Asian hotel with all the 5 star trimmings one would expect.

Our room 928 was a deluxe Riverview suite with a spacious elegant sitting room with a balcony and river views. The suite was elegantly furnished with colonial and Asian décor. Ceiling to floor windows lead to the balcony. The king size bed was extremely comfortable. Fresh fruit and flowers were delivered to the room daily. River view suites also have their own butler.

The bathroom was enormous with two separate vanity units, walk-in shower and separate bath tub. There was also a separate powder room and walk-in dressing room.

There are so many restaurants to choose from it becomes a difficult task to decide. We opted to have dinner at China House which is located outside the hotel. The food was absolutely splendid and the 1930’s Art Deco Shangri setting created an exquisite charming atmosphere for dining. Breakfast was on the terrace and we thought it to be excellent.

The swimming pool is located on ground level overlooking the river and we found it to very pleasant. There is also a large plunge pool which has gorgeous covered beds to lounge in.

Unique Qualities: Overall, this hotel is very romantic, exotic, glamorous and luxurious. A real treat for a weary traveller. Next time I’m opting for one of the Author suites which looked amazing. This hotel really does not suit children. I think they would be bored here, especially since they have a strict dress code. The Marriott Spa would be more suited for families.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: most expensive
Prices: US$180 and up  » Currency Converter
Phone: 66-2-6599000
Address: 48 ORIENTAL AVENUE, BANGKOK 10500,THAILAND, Thaila

Location –

The Peninsula Hotel is situated on the Chao Praya River with stunning
views of Bangkok skyline and river. Its approx 40 minutes from the airport.

Arrival –

We arrived late 4.00am due to our plane being delayed, check in was fast and professional the staff very friendly for this time of the morning.

Room –

Our room 1706 was gorgeous with a king size bed which was heavenly to sleep in., the pillows just perfect, although hubby preferred them
to be slightly harder. Our room was elegantly furnished with a small two setter, coffee table, large chair and good size working desk with
internet connection Off the lounge room was sliding doors to a small balcony which had fabulous views of the river and city skyline.

Off the bedroom a large walk-in wardrobe with plenty of cupboards and hanging space. A safe was connected to the wall. A excellent dress mirror was also supplied.

Bathroom –

The bathroom was fantastic with two separate vanity units with an excellent make-up mirror with a separate shower, bath and toilet. Toiletries were generously supplied and two dressing gowns completed the perfect picture. A plasma TV was neatly tucked into the wall over the bath tub.

Room service –

As with most Asian hotels the service was outstanding, always done with resourceful efficiency and politeness. Timing was also quick and
efficient,

Food –

We had lunch overlooking the river on the terrace and we found it to be of good quality with a large Thai menu. Due to our short visit we didn’t try the breakfast., although we had dinner on the balcony which we found to be exceptional. There are 4 restaurants, Chinese, Thai, International and cafe.

Pool –

Fabulous large swimming pool (4 separate ones) with plenty of deck chairs and umbrellas.

Transport –

It’s very easy to get to MBK shopping mall by catching the Peninsula ferry across the river . It’s a short walk to the sky train station, just five stops and ten minutes you are at National Station where all the main shopping stores are in Bangkok.

Unique Qualities: Overall - A truly wonderful hotel.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: most expensive
Prices: US$180 and up  » Currency Converter
Phone: 66-2-8612-888
Address: 333 Charoennakorn Rd Klongsan

We stayed at this hotel mainly because it was the closest to the airport as we had an early morning flight to catch. The overall quality and standard of the hotel is excellent, typical of most Asian hotels.

To me you cannot beat them, wherever you stay. The lobby was attractive and spacious with fabulous Thai staff assisting any needs or questions.

We were greeted warmly and our check in was fast and efficient. Our room 1831 was modern, comfortable and spacious with lovely views of the city. The king size bed was extremely comfortable. The bathroom was spotless with lovely toiletries and fluffy towels.

Arriving late and requested room service for drinks; it was also efficient, fast and came with a cheerful Thai smile.

The Chinese restaurant downstairs from the lobby we found to be excellent which had a live jazz band playing. The service and food was again first-rate.

We have stayed at numerous hotels in Bangkok and it is hard to rate one over another, as we have found them all be to excellent. My favourite is the Marriott Spa Resort.

Overall, this hotel did not disappoint and we enjoyed our short stay here and would return again if we were looking for a hotel close to the airport.

The sky train is minutes away which link you to all the major attractions and shops in the city.


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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$180 and up  » Currency Converter
Phone: 66-2-2381991
Address: 188 Silom Road, Bangkok 10500 Thailand, Thailand,

We used this hotel as a stopover whilst travelling to Europe. On arrival we were upgraded to a suite as a Starwood Preferred Guests. Our room was on the 33rd floor 3319 and was beautifully appointed with fabulous views of the city.

The suite was spacious with a king size bed, working desk, bedside tables with a small settee with everything you would expect from a Sheraton suite. The bathroom was enormous with lovely fluffy towels a huge bath and separate shower. Toiletries were generously supplied. To me, you cannot pass Sheraton Hotels in Asia.

Staff on all levels were friendly, helpful and polite. Concierge was also very knowledgeable and well informed.

The swimming pool area was delightful set amongst tropical lush gardens. It was a lovely way to relax without the hassle and noise of Bangkok street life. One almost felt you were in a secluded oasis in the middle of nowhere. Pool side service was also excellent.

We had the buffet lunch and the display of food was outstanding. We were entertaining business guests, so it was important to us the lunch be high-quality and superior, which Sheraton surpassed with first rate food and service.

We were picked up from the airport by a lovely air-conditioned Mercedes Benz and dropped off when departing.

I have given this hotel a five star rating for honouring the Sheraton loyalty programme and the excellent swimming pool and facilities which were on offer. We have stayed at numerous hotels in Bangkok and I rate this equally with the Marriott Spa Resort, both are exceptional hotels.

It is located in Sukhumuit close to the commercial and shopping districts of Bangkok and is ideally positioned to the sky train for easy public transport.


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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$180 and up  » Currency Converter

This hotel is enormous situated in low rise Thai style building on the west bank of Chao Phaya River on 10 acres with beautiful tropical gardens. We booked this hotel on their website and got a good rate, they e-mailed us back saying they would pick us up at the airport. As soon as we hopped into the air-conditioning car we were handed fresh bottled water and a cool towel. We also used this service on departing.

Check in was fast and efficient and we were offered a junior suite for a little extra which we took. Our suite 570 was very spacious with a separate study, internet broadband connection, working desk and two chairs, tea and coffee facilities were also provided. The bedroom was large with wooden floors, a fantastic comfortable king size bed , bedside tables, lamps, mini bar, large TV cabinet with DVD player, dressing table and small coffee table with chair and ottoman. Large sliding glass doors lead out to an enormous side balcony with table and chairs magnificent views of the river.

The bathroom was normal size with shower over the bath, two bathrobes and slippers were supplied.

Unique Qualities: There are so many restaurants in this hotel; one does not really need to venture downtown. There is Beihana restaurant which has Japanese teppanyaki, the Manohra if you want to dine and take a river cruise. An excellent Chinese restaurant, the Traders Vic Restaurant, which serves international cuisine and has live entertainment. The Riverside Terrace which has traditional Thai dancing for entertainment plus a brilliant buffet dinner.

The swimming pool is average size but has jet spas with a sit in water bar. The only thing which would make it better would be the temperature; the water was far too warm for serious swimming. There are plenty of deck chairs, umbrellas, tables and chairs available.

The best thing in this hotel is the spa resort which is housed in a separate Thai building. There are so many treatments you can choose from, or you can just indulge yourself in one of the many herbal baths available. All the private massage room are wonderful with separate dressing rooms attached. This is a must do, if staying here.

The staffs are amazing, so polite, respectful and gracious. Sometimes, a little over attentive.

The Marriott is not close to downtown, so you need to use the hotel’s ferry which goes every 15minutes and connects to the sky train.

For good shopping catch the train into Siam and visit the MGK store for some good bargains. Chilled fresh towels and bottled water was supplied on the ferry home. (Wonderful gesture).

.Cons: A long way from the city, if you wanted to experience Bangkok nightlife or do business. The river stinks at low tide and if you happen to be near the swimming pool, the smell can literally make you sick. (Not hotels fault) The spa treatments are expensive.

Tip: Book your spa treatments on arrival as it always booked out, especially if you want early appointments. There is an ATM machine in the small shopping plaza connected to the entrance of the hotel. There is also KFC and McDonalds if the kids want their favourite meals.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$120-180  » Currency Converter
Phone: 66-2-4760022
Address: 257 Charoennakorn Rd Thonburi

What a delightful experience to arrive at this hotel after a long flight from Helsinki. Our room 1919 was spacious and beautiful overlooking the Chao Phraya River. The view is very similar to others we have stayed in Bangkok

The dinner was amazing overlooking the waterfront with traditional food and fabulous dancers to entertain us. A must to do if staying here. Book early to ensure a waterfront position.

Pool area is great to cool off after a days shopping. Sauna is available but why bother in Bangkok!!!

I have stayed at many hotels in Bangkok and have basically enjoyed all of them. I do not think you go past Asian hotels for comfort and service.

My pick in Bangkok is the Marriott Spa only because its low rise and built in a traditional Thai flavour.

Unique Qualities: extremely comfortable.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$120-180  » Currency Converter
Phone: 66-2-2367-777
Address: 89 Soi Wat Suan Plu New Rd Ba