Where to stay in Bangkok

[RCTP]

I'm not really sure what's the attraction either. I just wanna fly on Thai's A380 and Mrs wants to tag along and chose that area.

I've learnt not to question her too much. :-P

Yeah I'm hen pecked. Haha!

[Kyo]

OT: what's the Platinum Mall attraction?

200THB clothing (sometimes 100THB) dresses/accessories that break every 5 uses... not really one for the guys...

[9V-JKL]

OT: what's the Platinum Mall attraction?

[Kyo]

Have you asked the Mrs to consider Pullman King Power? It's not far off and tremendously better...

[RCTP]

Hi all,

Sorry for the late reply. Was held up by work over the past few days.

Anyway, the 3 hotels were selected as they are close to the Platinum Mall. Something my Mrs is very adamant about. We had a pact: She chose the hotel, I choose the flight.
As for the transport, it's not really AOT vs cab, but AOT/cab vs rail. But think we'll be going for the AOT.

Also, judging by the last few posts, should I be making a return booking for the AOT? What is this double charging mentioned?

[B727]

Mainly people going to Pattaya apparently...

Speaking of which, I'm supposed to take a trip to the Sheraton Pattaya Resort next year, hmm

[MAN Flyer]

Allow me to refer you to my preferred car driver next time.

I may well do that!.

I do miss that 25% discount on the return booking, the details of which you shared with us here on SQTalk and for which I thank you

It was 50% for a while, both during the protests and also when the Rail Link was opened. But as the protests have ended and the Rail Link has proved to be a bit of white elephant (especially to Maksan CAT), they have no need to discount at the moment.

Now that they're charging my cc twice for the two-way trips, I recently tested them by asking for a different hotel for the return pick up than the drop off and they were able to do it

The double charge system they have introduced is because people were booking a return, getting dropped off on the first leg then calling to cancel the transcation before the return. Mainly people going to Pattaya apparently...

[B727]

Talking of psycho taxi drivers, the one that took me from Copacabana to GIG last week made the Bangkok lot look like pansies.

Allow me to refer you to my preferred car driver next time.

He even carries a business card with a Starwood-afiliated logo

Note that the return needs to be from the same place as drop off, just in case you are thinking of changing hotels. There was a discount of 25% off the return until a few months back but that has now gone and they are now charging two one ways if you pay by card to stop the cancelling the payment trick people were using.

I do miss that 25% discount on the return booking, the details of which you shared with us here on SQTalk and for which I thank you

Now that they're charging my cc twice for the two-way trips, I recently tested them by asking for a different hotel for the return pick up than the drop off and they were able to do it

[Kyo]

And we maintain ours on the cheapskates.

Talking of psycho taxi drivers, the one that took me from Copacabana to GIG last week made the Bangkok lot look like pansies.

Hey, now that TG410 lands almost at midnight, you'll understand my need to get to the hotel fastest means possible. I can't wait for a slow, stately pansy-automobile driver...

I got an unbelievably awesome (and scary) USM driver also over the past weekend working for the Conrad. We nearly went over the cliff in a Toyota Fortuner. Decided to try out their X5 on the way back to the airport and it felt quite thrilling also. They love to accelerate on that tiny island, it seems!

[MAN Flyer]

It sounds like you want to go hassle free in going for AOT, as others have mentioned just book your return trip. Just make sure you get to see their full menu, I was asked if I wanted a merc or BMW when we see there in Oct

Excellent point. If you just roll up to an AOT desk they will usually offer you one of the higher priced cars. Just flip the mat on the desk over that shows all the cars and tell them you want an MU7 (950 THB each way to Sukhumvit area) or a Camry ( 1100 THB each way).

And yes, I maintain my stance on AOT pansies.

And we maintain ours on the cheapskates.

Talking of psycho taxi drivers, the one that took me from Copacabana to GIG last week made the Bangkok lot look like pansies.

[Kyo]

Here he goes again...

For a two year discussion on the BKK taxi topic, see:

http://www.sqtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9971

If it comes down to 600THB, it could be the difference between an outrightly crap hotel and an above average one.

To each their own...

And yes, I maintain my stance on AOT pansies.

[j.lin]

I highly recommend VIE Hotel or Novotel Siam Square

[HUGE AL]

Save the money from your AOT limousine (use a taxi) and put the 600THB you'll save towards a better hotel, seriously.

Here he goes again...

For a two year discussion on the BKK taxi topic, see:

http://www.sqtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9971

[Kyo]

Save the money from your AOT limousine (use a taxi) and put the 600THB you'll save towards a better hotel, seriously.

All three choices are underwhelming hotel-wise.

Nothing more I can really add to this discussion. Better choices/selections could be made all round.

[SINFJ]

Hi all,

I'll be travelling to Bangkok for the first time with Mrs RCTP in end Nov. It's going to be a short weekend getaway, i.e. 3d2n.

Mrs RCTP wants to do lots of shopping and my sole purpose there is to tag along and carry the shopping bags.

We have shortlisted 3 hotels:
1. Novotel Platinum
2. Amari Watergate
3. Grand Diamond Suites

Which is the best choice?

We have already decided to book Grand Diamond but somehow their website isn't working. I've already sent them an email and awaiting reply. But using this time to ask for some advice here.

Also, I would like to ask about transportation. I'll be taking TG410 on 30nov and TG409 on Sunday. On the way there I intend to engage AOT Limo's service. What about on the way back? Is it better to take the train or get a cab/AOT?

Thanks in advance.

All three are not near the sky train. Novotel Platinum is a good 7 to 10 min brisk walk from Siam through Central World. Amari Watergate is across the road. No idea where Grand Diamond is though.

Amari Watergate and Grand Diamond are quite dated in my opinion and I believe you can get newer hotels with the same amount money. These are the hotels travel agents usually push on their promotional packages and having experienced these when I first dated Mrs SINFJ, I had preferred to look elsewhere since. You should be able to score Four Points or Park Plaza Soi 18 or top up a little for Sukhmvit. Most of the Accor properties should fit that budget too.

It sounds like you want to go hassle free in going for AOT, as others have mentioned just book your return trip. Just make sure you get to see their full menu, I was asked if I wanted a merc or BMW when we see there in Oct

Enjoy yourself.