We arrived at the Westin on Sukhumvit Road in Bangkok after a long flight. We were ready to check in and relax! The first thing I asked when I walked in, "Where is the check-in desk?" Not on the first floor apparently. You have to take an elevator up a floor or two, then walk around the restaurant to find it. As a Platinum member, they had upgraded me and my colleague to the executive club floor. The woman at check-in was very professional, but she asked a lot of what I would consider nosy questions. Anyway, she escorted us to our room giving us a tour of the lounge in passing. She was courteous, but not warm. As she left us in our room, she pointed to the fruit basket on the coffee table, "There's your welcome gift. Let me know if you need anything."
The room had an updated feel overall. Nice white duvets and two Heavenly twin beds. Believe me, these were a welcome sight after our long flight. Stumbling into the bathroom a few hours later, I discovered a beautiful orchid on the small countertop. The shower was glass and had a wood floor (can you say mildew alert?). Overall, great amenities. I loved the fresh smell of the lotions and shampoos. Everything else in the room was fairly standard. It did seem like a large room, but I'm not sure if it was any larger than other rooms in the hotel.
The spread of evening snacks and breakfast in the executive club lounge was fantastic! In the morning, they had a wide assortment of tropical fruits, several hot dishes, as well as breads and pastries. The evening snacks offered hot little "petits fours" and wait service for drinks. We found a little corner table overlooking the Bangkok skyline and banged out a few e-mails over the WiFi connection.
The location of the Westin is great, right on Sukhumvit Road just a block or so from the SkyTrain. This made getting around the city very easy (direct access to the weekend market, direct access to the river where you can hop a river bus for the Wat Po). The roads around the Westin did get a bit clogged up during rush hour, but perhaps not surprising.
What I enjoy about Southeast Asia is the great service we always receive. One particularly hot day, we returned to the Westin for a break. A woman in the lobby jumped up to offer us cool towels to refresh ourselves in the elevator. Nice!
Overall, the hotel was a great oasis in the city for us. It's central location, accomodating (if not nosy) staff, clean decor and generous executive lounge were huge pluses. We would definitely return! We heard from some friends later that the Sheraton across the street is even better!
Review by Tom B..
Posted at March 24, 2006 10:20 PM
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2 experiences with westin grande sukhumvit, bangkok
March 29, 2006 4:35 AM. CPwingwalker said:
My favorite Starwood in Bangkok since the completion of its refurbishment last year. PLTs are offered king bedded one-bedroom suites (with Exec Floor privileges), however I noted you had requested twin beds and thus your upgrade will be to the Exec Floor. For future visits you can head all the way up to the Exec floor and checkin there as a Plat. They have a very attentive Australian GM who welcomes feedback. Overall very good value for money at a nicely styled and newly decorated property.
April 2, 2006 4:58 PM. Steve B. said:
Very sleek hotel with cutting edge contemporary art in the public and lobby areas. A little sterile for my taste, but still quite an arresting assault on the eyes!
As a platinum, I was upgraded to a high floor junior suite right across from the Executive Club floor, which had incredible breakfast and pre-dinner spreads. For breakfast, there was eggs, fruit, yogurt, cheese, potatoes, Thai veggies, soup, and the list goes on. Evening appetizers were equally as generous and varied.
The spa offered 60 minute massages for I think $25, a veritable bargain considering its a hotel service. Outside the hotel could easily be had for under $10, but you pay a price for location and convenience.
Located very close to light rail line.
The rooms seemed to be a bit more updated than the Sheraton Royal Orchid, but I'll take the river views anyday, over this property's inland location.