JQ business class MEL-BKK return

[Hvr]

A quick TR about my Jet*, business class MEL-BKK return. This is in response to a couple of requests in various threads where I have commented on other issues about my travel.

I planned and booked this trip in May when I was planning a major birthday and to get to 2,400 status credits this membership year. Whilst the trip wasn’t on the birthday it was near enough and saving several hundred dollars was worth having my trip a couple of weeks later. Booking early also meant I got to take advantage of the Hilton 20% off sale and do a bit of a mattress run to retain Diamond status for next year.

Whilst I am currently in CBR it mans I have to take a flight from CBR-MEL and this was the fairly basic QF477 departing at 0840 hours. I selected seat 12C upon booking and couldn’t get the first row of Y so I stayed here for the short flight. I declined breakfast and when politely asked why said I was connecting to an international flight and that I was saving myself for the F Lounge, this it was agreed was much better than the Y offering.

Upon arrival I had more than an hour until I could check in so I wated in the MEL domestic J lounge and then eventually meandered down to the international terminal. I had carry on luggage for the domestic flight and planned to check my small roller aboard case for the international flight because it had a heinous liquid in it that rendered it unfit to travel with its owner. I was simply a jar of Vegemite and whilst I do try local food with great enjoyment I do like a little bit of Australia with my breakfast.


At T-180 minutes the Jet* check in opened and I was the first business passenger to receive a boarding pass. My small case was sent down the chute not to be seen until arrival in BKK.

I then quickly cleared immigration and security and headed straight for the inner sanctum that is the F Lounge where I showed by BP and WP card and was welcomed back. I asked about a spa booking and was told there are a couple of times but that it would be best if I accompanied him to the spa to get a confirmed time. As we entered the spa and I was asked by the lady behind the desk if I had been there before. As I started to explain that I had, the lady in charge walked out and saw me and said, ‘yes Mr Hvr has been here before and I’ll look after him’. She checked my flight times and we agreed on a time that would allow me to have a meal and then my treatment (facial and neck massage) prior to boarding time.

So off to the restaurant to have a meal. A delightful Eggs Benedict with the ham went down very well. As a teetotaller I can’t comment on the alcohol but the Coke Zero really hit the spot as did a very nice hot chocolate. I asked about the pavlova but was advised it wasn’t on the menu at the moment. I’ve never had it and I want it. Damn I’ll just have to fly again and hope it appears!

I had a very nice berry dessert with something fattening and then another hot chocolate. Eventually it was time for my spa so I went there and was warmly welcomed as I usually am. I prepared and the lady in charge welcomed me and did a very thorough treatment (let’s be honest a facial on me is a major undertaking!). It felt magnificent as did the massage. The perfect way to start a week of luxury.

Eventually it was time to board so I left the joy of the F Lounge and headed off to board JQ29 to BKK sitting in seat 2D, the one with no seat in front of it.

 

[Hvr]

I’ve done this flight a couple of times and know exactly what to expect seat and service wise so no surprises nor major expectations. However, to be fair to the staff they did do a good job. An example, when pre-departure drinks were being served they distributed menus and asked us to select what we would like for our meals during the flight.

When the menus were collected our choices were duly noted and recorded. This meant that people in business class got their selections with unchosen meals being available for available for people in Y to choose from according to what ever selection procedure they had back there.

The food was ok and I ate it. After the repast in the F Lounge I didn’t need much so it nicely filled the gap as we flew.

For the flight out the middle seat was vacant which I appreciated as did the lay lady in 2F. Whilst we didn’t share more than a dozen words (if that), we did share the middle seat with our possessions.

I don’t use the iPad entertainment offering preferring to use my net book with my shows. After 9.5 hours of flying time we arrived in BKK and I was quickly off the plane and doing the sprint to immigration. I was the first from the plane there and got into a fairly long queue behind a plane load of Egyptians. Fortunately the line moved fairly quickly and within fifteen minutes I was getting my passport stamped after the apparent perfunctory checks required of Farangs whilst the personnel were much more interested in the various pages of the passport belonging to the Egyptian man beside me.

Next step was to grab my bag from the carousel, the bag was waiting by the time I got there and then off to the taxi rank. I had printed instructions for the Conrad and showed them to the dispatcher who relayed the information to the driver and gave me a sheet of paper with the driver’s details and information on how to complain. As I seated my self in the front I made sure the driver saw me put a 100 Baht note in my shirt pocket. This is for the tolls and let him know I knew the system and where I was going. As we approached the first toll booth he held out his hand for the note and then once through the booth handed me the change and receipt, at the second booth same deal. The fare to the Conrad was just over 200 Baht and I gave him 300 Baht, he drove safely with not too much speeding so I figure he deserved it.

 

[jetlagger]

Well done Hvr..
Sounds a treat so far..
Look forward to remainder & especially Conrad experience.
Cheers,
jl

 

[Hvr]

As all Hilton Diamond members know check in is easy for elites. I handed my passport, credit card and diamond card to the smiling lady behind the desk and she positively beamed and welcomed me to the Conrad and then escorted me to my room for check in. I was upgraded to a higher class room and reminded that the Internet was free as was access to the Executive lounge, I was handed a welcome letter and details of the benefits I was entitled to according to my status. I asked that I have a late check out until 1400 and this was noted on the check in details and immediate confirmation provided noting that this was both acceptable and one of the benefits of my HH status.

I was in bed very quickly and slept well. Next morning off to the lounge for a magnificent breakfast including having toast with my aforementioned Vegemite. The service was just right, a welcome and discreet request for my room number and as I was escorted to a table by the window my beverage order was taken.

I spent four discrete nights at the Conrad and the service got better on each stay. An example, on the second stay I mentioned that it would be better if the complimentary water was in the fridge so that it was cold when I arrived. The lady checking me agreed but said it was hard to convince guests that the cold water was complimentary. However, for my third and fourth visits the water was in the fridge and cold.

The first three visits had the standard upgrade which was a very nice room.

The fourth and final night was the upgrade from heaven. Up to room 32051 where I was shown into a seven room suite. From the magnificent entrance lobby with a toilet to the right, or straight ahead into the huge lounge, dining and office area. Then through the double door to the bedroom, then into the hand washing room with two hand basins. Off this room is the dressing room/walk in wardrobe.

Continuing through the hand washing room into the bathroom where I could bathe with magnificent views of BKK. But rest assured fellow travellers I kept the window shade closed whilst I bathed, we were just a bit too close to the neighbouring buildings. Then the final room was the other toilet.

There were several bottles of complimentary water in the fridge and when the turn down service was provided another four bottles were left on the bar. In all rooms there was a fruit bowl which had very tasty fruit which I really enjoyed.

Upon check in I asked for a late check out of 1600 hours noting that I was departing for Australia that night. A very slight swallow from the lady and she said she would check and call me back. A few minutes later confirmation was received that this was of course acceptable and a Diamond benefit. The reason for the uber upgrade was because the hotel was totally full due to the futsbal tournament in BKK.

Other comments about the Conrad. The staff were genuinely pleased to see me and provide top level service. They made it seem easy with their thoughtfulness, for example, at breakfast after my toast I had fruit with low fat yoghurt. The first morning there was only one tub. I asked for a second tub. The remaining mornings when I was getting my fruit a staff member would appear with another tub of yoghurt. All done very quietly and without fuss.

When I saw staff who I had dealt with previously they smiled and if possible would come and talk with me. I dealt with some Japanese staff and when I finished a magazine with several articles about Japan I gave it to one of them. Her thanks were very genuine and repeated later by the another Japanese staff member. A small thing by me and met with the spirit of genuineness that I felt from all of the staff I dealt with.

I’ve seen OBB’s thread about the Shanghai Tang bathroom amenities. I found the Sea Grass amenities to be totally satisfactory. Having read the referenced FT thread I cannot believe it and truly wonder about the demanding mentality of some people.


On the Monday evening the Conrad Young Musician concert was held. When I asked the concierge for directions on how to find the location in the hotel I was escorted there. It was a magnificent evening watching six young Thai boys and girls playing classical music. They were the best in the country having been through several elimination rounds.


The Conrad is a wonderful hotel and I look forward to my next visit. I found it very convenient to get around from and having a taxi card meant I didn’t have any problems on the rare occasion I needed to use one to get back. It is a high class hotel with staff to match.


Next up my two nights at the Millennium Hilton.

 

[Hvr]

It is I think a bit unfair to compare the Conrad and the Millennium but having stayed at them on consecutive nights it is inevitable. They are different hotels with a different clientele in different locations.

I will start by saying that the Millennium is a perfectly adequate hotel and that my stays there were acceptable but not spectacular. Both times I was upgraded and had access to the executive lounge as per Diamond status. Check in was chaotic and when I got to the head of the queue the lady realising I was Diamond asked me if I wanted to go to the seated area for check in, I quietly declined knowing that I would be taking her away from the desk and leaving a line unattended for no apparent reason to the customers behind me. Besides, it was just as quick to get checked in at the desk. On my second visit the same lady checked me in and remembered me and was pleased to see me again.

I then went up to my room and had a side on view of the Chao Praya river which is actually quite spectacular from the 25[SUP]th[/SUP] floor. Connected to the internet to check AFF J and my emails. The internet wasn’t as fast as the Conrad but still better than my ADSL2 here at home. Then time for a walk outside. To be frank there isn’t anything much near this hotel. Although the market next door does have a huge bakery section which was a trap because I wanted to eat so much of their deliciously fresh product.

You have to get the ferry across to the SkyTrain station and go from there. I find the ferry a nuisance given it only runs every 20 minutes during the day and 30 minutes during the evening. I have an uncanny knack of getting off the SkyTrain and just missing said ferry which increased my frustration. I also find it frustrating getting from the pier back to my room. The path through the restaurant isn’t intuitive and there isn’t any signage to assist.

Up to the executive lounge at dinner time for light food and again they just couldn’t get it right. I saw Diet Coke on the bar and asked for a glass of it with ice. It was flat. So I asked for a fresh can and new glass full of ice. You would have thought I was asking for a hugely expensive bottle of wine to be opened especially for me. Very poor showing and totally unnecessary failure of service. The way soft drinks are served is bewildering to me, I don’t drink alcohol but still expect to be served properly. To me this means the full can/bottle the same as a beer drinker would be provided. Too easy to me but it confounds serving staff the world over.

There were children running around being a nuisance which were ignored by the staff. It took another guest to read the riot act to the ignorant parents before the children were quietened.

I never felt comfortable in the lounge and didn’t spend much time there. Breakfast has an awkward set up, however the food was good so no real complaints.

On my second night the hotel was absolutely full with Futsbal teams and upon departure I had to wait for three lifts before I was able to go down to check out which was quick.

Would I stay there again? If required to make up the number of stays to retain Hilton status yes. The Conrad is generally cheaper, in my opinion the location is more convenient and the service better.

A night at the Holiday Inn Ploenchit Road.
I still have Gold status in Priority Club (until the end of the year) and wanted to ensure the account doesn’t die whilst I still have points which will be used soon.

It is a quick walk up from the Conrad but on the main road and shares the same driveway as the InterContinental Hotel. Again huge lines at check in (just after 1400 hours) and a small wait. Again I was asked if I wanted to check in at the gold desk but the queue there was even longer so I declined. The only status benefit for Gold members was the late check out which I utilised, internet was hugely expensive so I didn’t use it whilst there.

The room was a basic room on the Priority club floor in the main building. I was offered the chance to purchase breakfast but didn’t want to get up that early so declined. It is within walking distance to Central station and lots of food places as well. The room was quiet and clean so essentially fulfilled my requirements. Whilst it was slightly cheaper than the Conrad and Millennium the benefits received at the latter two hotels are worth the expense.

Next, the flight back to MEL.

 

[jetlagger]

Hvr,
Continued lovely read & info.. Thanks

 

[moa999]

8 days of hotel hopping - love it.
Any photos of the mega suite.

 

[sydunipete]

It is I think a bit unfair to compare the Conrad and the Millennium but having stayed at them on consecutive nights it is inevitable. They are different hotels with a different clientele in different locations.

I will start by saying that the Millennium is a perfectly adequate hotel and that my stays there were acceptable but not spectacular. Both times I was upgraded and had access to the executive lounge as per Diamond status. Check in was chaotic and when I got to the head of the queue the lady realising I was Diamond asked me if I wanted to go to the seated area for check in, I quietly declined knowing that I would be taking her away from the desk and leaving a line unattended for no apparent reason to the customers behind me. Besides, it was just as quick to get checked in at the desk. On my second visit the same lady checked me in and remembered me and was pleased to see me again.

I then went up to my room and had a side on view of the Chao Praya river which is actually quite spectacular from the 25[SUP]th[/SUP] floor. Connected to the internet to check AFF J and my emails. The internet wasn’t as fast as the Conrad but still better than my ADSL2 here at home. Then time for a walk outside. To be frank there isn’t anything much near this hotel. Although the market next door does have a huge bakery section which was a trap because I wanted to eat so much of their deliciously fresh product.

You have to get the ferry across to the SkyTrain station and go from there. I find the ferry a nuisance given it only runs every 20 minutes during the day and 30 minutes during the evening. I have an uncanny knack of getting off the SkyTrain and just missing said ferry which increased my frustration. I also find it frustrating getting from the pier back to my room. The path through the restaurant isn’t intuitive and there isn’t any signage to assist.

Up to the executive lounge at dinner time for light food and again they just couldn’t get it right. I saw Diet Coke on the bar and asked for a glass of it with ice. It was flat. So I asked for a fresh can and new glass full of ice. You would have thought I was asking for a hugely expensive bottle of wine to be opened especially for me. Very poor showing and totally unnecessary failure of service. The way soft drinks are served is bewildering to me, I don’t drink alcohol but still expect to be served properly. To me this means the full can/bottle the same as a beer drinker would be provided. Too easy to me but it confounds serving staff the world over.

There were children running around being a nuisance which were ignored by the staff. It took another guest to read the riot act to the ignorant parents before the children were quietened.

I never felt comfortable in the lounge and didn’t spend much time there. Breakfast has an awkward set up, however the food was good so no real complaints.

On my second night the hotel was absolutely full with Futsbal teams and upon departure I had to wait for three lifts before I was able to go down to check out which was quick.

Would I stay there again? If required to make up the number of stays to retain Hilton status yes. The Conrad is generally cheaper, in my opinion the location is more convenient and the service better.

.

Your experience mirrors ours. We stayed at the Millenium Hilton for 3 nights last week. I decided to splurge and booked a suite. Being a Gold member I was ushered to the side desk and informed our room wasn't ready (this was about 4pm) and would we like a smoking suite. Definitely not, can they check if anything else is available. Hint, hint. No was the response. By this time we were tired having flown in from CPH and in a rush to get a shower before going out to dinner with friends. After two or three more exchanges and speaking with her manager we were upgraded to an executive suite. (I think the difference is it has a spa bath rather than a normal bath.)

As for the Futsal teams, we had to walk down the corridor to our suite past open doors of athlete's rooms each smelling like stale gym socks.

The shuttle boat was ok, but the timetable meant nothing to them. Several years ago I stayed at another hotel using a shuttle boat and as soon as you got on board you were provided with a cool, wet hand towel and an ice cold bottle of water. A joyous relief from the Bangkok humidity. But no such joy from the Hilton.

I will say the wireless internet was pathetically slow and multiple ports blocked so I couldn't RDP or VPN to my office. It was useless. I look forward to the rest of your report.

The breakfast in the executive lounge was pretty good and was large enough to offer a wide selection (unlike the Copenhagen Airport Hilton). That's if you could find the chef to cook your eggs.

 

[jetlagger]

8 days of hotel hopping - love it.
Any photos of the mega suite.

Hvr.. Would love to see some photos of that mega suite as well

 

[Hvr]

I checked out of the Conrad at 1600 and took a taxi to the airport. Going against the traffic meant it was an easy drive. I arrived about 1630 and discovered that Jet* now use aisle E rather than W. This is also the aisle that QF uses for their flights which I guess isn’t being used as much now they don’t continue onto LHR. The check in opens four hours before flight time so after a quick walk around the terminal I was the first to check in with sequence number one.

Upstairs to go through security and I’ve started another thread on my experience there so no further comments needed in this thread. Then downstairs to immigration which was fairly efficient. Whilst I have been through BKK AP many times I’ve never really walked through it slowly. Waste of time and I didn’t see anything except lots of King Power duty free stores. Got to the QF F lounge and was the first person there. I enjoyed the food and internet but couldn’t get a speed test because it took so long. Although it was getting closer to the time we needed to be at th gate there was no call. Eventually several people in the lounge just went there anyway despite th protestations of the staff that we didn’t need to leave yet.

As I approached the gate, which was close to the lounge, I saw a huge queue of people having their bags searched. This was the pre-flight LAG check and they were very thorough. Every nook and cranny of my back pack was gone through. Politely and efficiently but damned annoying. It took a couple of minutes per person and did delay loading.

I was eventually able to get on onboard and take my seat. I recognised the CSM having flown with her a couple of years previously. However, something was happening back in economy. The CSM and an FA were having lots of urgent conversations and going down the back. Then the CSM came back up front and called the Captain asking him if she could come in and talk to him. This to and fro went on for quite awhile. So long in fact that we missed our slot and eventually took off about 40 minutes late. I have no idea what happened but never heard anything else once we took off.

When the seat belt signs were switched off the FAs took our menu choices for dinner and breakfast. Arrivals forms and express passes were also provided during this time between menu choices and delivery. The pork was very popular for dinner and it tasted good as well. For breakfast there were two hot offerings, neither of which looked appealing so I asked for yoghurt which when I awoke I received with a smile. I did speak with the CSM and she remembered me knowing enough of our previous trip that I am convinced it was genuine.

I did sleep well after dinner, quite a few hours and I was refreshed for breakfast.

Eventually we arrived in MEL about 45 minute late. I was first off the plane and headed straight for the nearest Smart Gate. Put my passport in and continued towards immigration where I was let through. Collected my luggage and with the food I had declared in my hand was sent to a Customs queue where we were lined up and the dog sniffed our bags. No interest in my bag and when the handler saw the stuff in my hand (cranberries) they pulled the dog away and continued down the line. All very quick and I was through in about 25 minutes. I didn’t buy anything from duty free so that helped the speed.

Onto SkyBus for the trip to the city and Hilton on the Park for my last night in MEL before returning to CBR.

Next up my night in HOTP and I am looking for the Conrad photos.

 

[Hvr]

On my last visit to HOTP there was a minor housekeeping problem which I spoke to management about. I was thanked for bringing this to their attention and promised that I would be given a double upgrade on my next visit. This was honoured and I was upgraded to a spa suite with a complimentary bottle of wine and some chocolates. The chocolates were gratefully consumed and the wine will be given to a friend.

The view over the MCG was absolutely fantastic, nice and green and showing off Melbourne to its best. The staff were great and the lounge food was good. No problems getting a fresh diet coke with ice. I did notice the softness of the bed after seven nights in BKK where the beds are delightfully hard. I know what type of bed I am buying on my return to Melbourne.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

As I seated my self in the front I made sure the driver saw me put a 100 Baht note in my shirt pocket. This is for the tolls and let him know I knew the system and where I was going. As we approached the first toll booth he held out his hand for the note and then once through the booth handed me the change and receipt, at the second booth same deal.

or you could have just given him the 100 on sitting down and just collected the 15 change on arrival! (or left it as part of your tip). That way saves handling money

 

[Hvr]

or you could have just given him the 100 on sitting down and just collected the 15 change on arrival! (or left it as part of your tip). That way saves handling money

I have tried that but the drivers I've had preferred I held the money until we approach the toll gates. I guess it avoids any confusion.

 

[Hvr]

 

[Hvr]

Photos from the Conrad Suite: top left, the room number at the door, top right, lounge and dining area looking into bedroom, second left, lounge area looking towards the front door, second right, bottom left, hand washing area looking into the bathroom.

 

[Hvr]

Clockwise from top left.The bathroom the view from the bat, a book I saw in a bookshop and the dressing room and wardrobe . Somehow the title doesn't work for English speakers.

 

[jetlagger]

View attachment 10921View attachment 10922View attachment 10923View attachment 10924View attachment 10925

Mmm.. Nice.. Space.. I see the timber is a strong feature.

 

[jetlagger]

View attachment 10926View attachment 10927View attachment 10928View attachment 10930

Clockwise from top left.The bathroom the view from the bat, a book I saw in a bookshop and the dressing room and wardrobe . Somehow the title doesn't work for English speakers.

:shock: Lovely.. Though, find the book title IMHO somewhat uninviting :shock:

 

[Hvr]

Finally the walk of shame on a QF flight. On Saturday morning I headed to MEL AP for my final flight home to CBR. QF812 was the flight du jour and I snagged 4D that morning after an aircraft change. Priority boarding was utilised but whilst waiting the gate lady asked if someone wanted the exit row. I declined having changed seats to get up the front but the other person nearby accepted the offer and got their BP changed whilst boarding commenced. The very front row of Y is welcome but sometimes the curtain is a slight nuisance.

Anyway the flight was the bog basic standard until meal service commenced. The Y snacks were being distributed and the J meals served on a tray. The FA got to 3B and looked at his list and then the person and a conversation ensued. I heard snippets including the phrase. “do you have a credit card sir to pay for the seat you seem to have self upgraded into” or words to that effect.

There was some other quiet conversation and then the man concerned got out of the seat and walked down to the back of the plane. Now he had been there since take off so I wonder about the counting process. Are the cabins counted separately or just the plane total (puns always intended!).

We arrive at CBR AP and I alight from the plane none the wiser as to what has happened.

Anyway I am now home and packing up ready for my imminent return to MEL.

In conclusion, the Jet* flights were perfectly acceptable knowing what to expect. The Conrad is just magnificent and I really enjoyed my four stays there. The Millennium was ok but doesn't quite match the standard of the Conrad and the Holiday Inn was exactly what I paid for.

And of course the F lounge is just divine.



Hope to travel again soon. We'll see what MEL has to offer.


Hope you’ve enjoyed my little TR.