Hotels in Bangkok and Koh Samui/Phangan

[Cynicor]

Hi all,

I have 2 weeks in Thailand coming up in July, for a conference in Bangkok and a bit of a holiday. The conference is being held at Centara World so I was tossing up between the Sofitel and Centara Grand. I would get a World Club Deluxe at the Centara Grand or a Club Deluxe at the Sofitel.

I have no status in Accor, and no faith in their ability to post points/adhere to rules anyway. Does anyone have experience with either of these hotels/rooms?

After I will fly Bangkok air to Koh Samui. I've booked a refundable rate at the Santhiya right now, in a Junior Pool Villa Suite, as it was "50% off"... It may be forever 50% off but the cost wasn't too bad for the reviews it gets on TA.

Anyone have any recommendations as to where to stay in Koh Samui or Phangnan otherwise? Should I find alternatives to Bangkok air or am I likely to survive the flights?

Thanks, Jon

 

[Archphoto]

Bangkok Air is a great airline, and if you're flying their business class equivalent, you can relax in their business lounge beforehand.

If using their regular class that's ok too - they offer lounge access to all flyers (not advertised at check-in from memory). It's nothing grand, but it's away from the crowds and you don't have to pay for the drinks or small food offerings and you get free internet access also.

If I'm flying intra-Thailand - I always try to fly with these guys. They advertise themselves as "Asia's Boutique Airline", and it's an apt description.

 

[simonpenny408]

Bangkok Air get you there fine. One gotcha is if you book by credit card they ask to see exactly the same credit card at check in. So don't lose that card or you will have to repurchase (happened to a friend of mine).

 

[bjm76]

Which Sofitel are you looking at staying at? I have stayed at Sofitel Silom, in a club room, a few times and it is excellent.

I echo the other people on here - Bangkok Airways is a great airline. I have flown them 3 times now, never a problem, the planes are quite new, great friendly service, and you even get a small meal on their flights.

I have not had to produce my credit card at check-in though, they have never asked. Just my booking confirmation and passport has been sufficient.

Cheers

 

[meloz]

Bangkok Air are indeed a great airline. However, I wish they had removed the wreckage of the ATR 72 that skidded into the control tower killing the pilot some years ago. Instead they have put shade cloth around it.

Someone should speak to their PR department.:shock:

Meloz

 

[striking]

I have not stayed at either of those. But I did stay at the Pathamwan Princess last time I went. It is handy as it is right next to the MBK shopping centre and you can access it directly from the hotel foyer. great if you plan to do some shopping. It has 3 lounges and restaurants in the hotel too.

Also close to the skyrail system for getting around town ( if you don't wish to take the Tuk Tuk's)

Worth a look.

 

[Cynicor]

The sofitel is the Centara Sofitel, as I'm only considering hotels at the convention centre for convenience. Not sure how the general location works for sight seeing, but not sure what we want to see while there anyway!

I think both these hotels are relatively new but i could be wrong. They also seem to be a little way form the main sights according to trip advisor reviews.

Thanks for the remarks about Bangkok Air. Booked their airbus 319 BKK- USM, USM-SIN

No recommendations for Koh Samui or Phangnan so far. Anyone?

Jon

 

[nate89]

I've stayed at blue lagoon a couple of times and service has been fine. I wouldn't say it is the perfect hotel, but both times I've gone (once in the late 90's, again in 2008) it has been fine.

I don't think you'll find a great variation in hotel service though and if there are decent reviews on TA you might as well stick to it.

One tip though - if you want to see brightly colored fish and coral then take a trip off to one of the nearby islands

There are quite a lot of speedboats that will take you.

I remember last time I went to Samui the coral was mostly faded... it might have been partially to do with the season, but I think it is probably more due to pollution sadly.

 

[Alanslegal]

No recommendations for Koh Samui or Phangnan so far. Anyone?
Jon

Been a few years since I went to Koh Samui and Koh Phangnan, and stayed at Chabu Samui and Coral Bungalows Resort respectively. Both places were above satisfactory for the price we paid. For Koh Phangnan, if you're not going there for the Full Moon Party, then stay away the first few days prior to each party because most resorts impose minimum night stays. However I love the island feel and enjoyed scooter'ing around the island

 

[simonpenny408]

Last trip (June) to Samui I stayed at the Baan Samui resort (heart of Chaweng but only a 3 star really) and the Imperial Samui (just out of Chawend but 4.5 star). Both were fine. You can get some really good deals on Sawadee.com and Wotif and Agoda.com

 

[mjward55]

I have a conference at Impact and looking for an Accor hotel which is convenient for one of the mass transport systems in BKK. Novotel BKK is full and not sure whether to book at Sofitel Centara Grand Bangkok (next closest but still miles away), VIE Hotel Bangkok or the Pullman Bangkok King Power.

Also considering a coughet trip afterwards and was wondering whether to fly out of the old Don Mueang airport.

Any suggestions?

 

[serfty]

I have a conference at Impact and looking for an Accor hotel which is convenient for one of the mass transport systems in BKK. Novotel BKK is full and not sure whether to book at Sofitel Centara Grand Bangkok (next closest but still miles away), VIE Hotel Bangkok or the Pullman Bangkok King Power.

Also considering a coughet trip afterwards and was wondering whether to fly out of the old Don Mueang airport.

Any suggestions?

Don Mueang may be good for an experience.

I only have stated at Hilton hotels in Bangkok, so can't really assist with Accor properties.

 

[meloz]

Don Mueang is reported to being used as a shelter for Bangkok residents. The area itself is reported to be suffering flooding as well.

Meloz

 

[scwappy]

I found Bangkok air to be a great airline. In Samui I recently stayed at the Anantara Lawana and was upgraded to a Pool Villa. It was very nice, but I wouldn't have been willing to have paid the full price.

 

[JohnK]

I have a conference at Impact and looking for an Accor hotel which is convenient for one of the mass transport systems in BKK. Novotel BKK is full and not sure whether to book at Sofitel Centara Grand Bangkok (next closest but still miles away), VIE Hotel Bangkok or the Pullman Bangkok King Power.

While not close Novotel Sukhumvit in Soi 33 is quite OK and is close to Phrom Pong, or even Asok, and an easy ride to Mo Chit. I quite like the area around Sukhumvit.

Also considering a coughet trip afterwards and was wondering whether to fly out of the old Don Mueang airport.

That would be a good experience. I actually miss flying out of Don Mueang and may book some flights out of there on one of my upcoming trips to Thailand.