The Long Way Back From PEI.
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drron
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So finally on the ground.Not CX's fault that it was late.
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As usual the CX gates are on the G wing-about the furthest from Immigration.No fast track passes handed out but I qualify anyway being over 70.Wasn't a problem as mrsdrron just said business class to the lady policing entry and in we went.Only 1 other in front of us.Had to wait a few minutes at the carousel until the bags came out.more brownie points for CX as ours were out 1 and 2.
A huge crowd going through the Green Customs chanel.Some really looked like they had a lot of food.No one was stopped.Quickly found the fellow for the Marriott Marquis Queen's Park so soon in the car on the way to the hotel.This is a Luxury Escape booking and the transfer was included in the package as was a club room and lounge access-I would have got that anyway.As I thought no upgrade due to the package.
The driver rang the hotel when we were getting close.Now if we were staying at the SGS this would mean we would be greeted at the door and taken to our room.But here just left at the door.So off to the elite checkin line.Just one fellow but only one agent and they were arguing.After 10 minutes I noted only 3 in the regular line so I left mrsdrron in the elite line and went over.2 agents and both were in arguments with guests.At about the 30 minute mark another agent appeared and we got served at the elite line.
Of course whilst all this was going on a bus tour arrived.3 agents appeared immediately and handed out their keys then disappeared again.
We were not amused.
....As usual the CX gates are on the G wing-about the furthest from Immigration.No fast track passes handed out but I qualify anyway being over 70.Wasn't a problem as mrsdrron just said business class to the lady policing entry and in we went.Only 1 other in front of us.Had to wait a few minutes at the carousel until the bags came out.more brownie points for CX as ours were out 1 and 2.
A huge crowd going through the Green Customs chanel.Some really looked like they had a lot of food.No one was stopped.Quickly found the fellow for the Marriott Marquis Queen's Park so soon in the car on the way to the hotel.This is a Luxury Escape booking and the transfer was included in the package as was a club room and lounge access-I would have got that anyway.As I thought no upgrade due to the package.
The driver rang the hotel when we were getting close.Now if we were staying at the SGS this would mean we would be greeted at the door and taken to our room.But here just left at the door.So off to the elite checkin line.Just one fellow but only one agent and they were arguing.After 10 minutes I noted only 3 in the regular line so I left mrsdrron in the elite line and went over.2 agents and both were in arguments with guests.At about the 30 minute mark another agent appeared and we got served at the elite line.
Of course whilst all this was going on a bus tour arrived.3 agents appeared immediately and handed out their keys then disappeared again.
We were not amused.
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drron
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So to the room.
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Only a shower which is a disappointment.But it is a good shower and does have a ledge so I could sit down and wash my feet.
So the view.
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Things didn't improve in the morning.We had a choice of having breakfast in the restaurant or the lounge.The first morning we went downstairs to the restaurant.The first thing we saw approaching the restaurant was a large coughroach scurrying by.The place is huge and an absolute zoo.Lots of interesting things but everything does run out quickly.Mrsdrron prefers poached eggs and ordered them from the egg station.Her order was basically forgotten so she got hard boiled eggs without the shell.We cut our losses and went upstairs to finish brekkie in the lounge.
....Only a shower which is a disappointment.But it is a good shower and does have a ledge so I could sit down and wash my feet.
So the view.
...Things didn't improve in the morning.We had a choice of having breakfast in the restaurant or the lounge.The first morning we went downstairs to the restaurant.The first thing we saw approaching the restaurant was a large coughroach scurrying by.The place is huge and an absolute zoo.Lots of interesting things but everything does run out quickly.Mrsdrron prefers poached eggs and ordered them from the egg station.Her order was basically forgotten so she got hard boiled eggs without the shell.We cut our losses and went upstairs to finish brekkie in the lounge.
drron
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So to our first full day in Bangkok.We stay here to recharge after a long trip butalso to reset our body clocks close to home time.So usually there are no tourist activities.
From the Marriott Marquis you have to walk through Benchasiri park.A ovely oasis in this bustling city.
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Now this morning it was to get to the BTS station and go to Asok and Terminal 21 for both of us to have a manicure and pedicure.I also had a haircut this time.It is a time of pure indulgence which I enjoy.
This day I learnt the power of a single word.Mostly my manicure is done by a person commonly known in Thailand as a ladyboy.We had not seen her on our last 2 visits so I said we missed you last time we were here.The manager was walking past and asked has she errr him done your nails before.I answered SHE has done them 3 or 4 times before.When the manager walked off my nail lady said thank you for that.Now in past times she has done an excellent job but in near silence.This time was totally different.She was smiling and giggling but mostly chatting to her colleague doing the pedicure.However she talked to me a fair bit and she has very good English.Even asked me as she massaged my arms did I like it.Of course I did.
Feeling very relaxed after this we caught the BTS back to Phrom Phong and did some window shopping in the Emquartier mall and then have lunch.That next.
From the Marriott Marquis you have to walk through Benchasiri park.A ovely oasis in this bustling city.
.......Now this morning it was to get to the BTS station and go to Asok and Terminal 21 for both of us to have a manicure and pedicure.I also had a haircut this time.It is a time of pure indulgence which I enjoy.
This day I learnt the power of a single word.Mostly my manicure is done by a person commonly known in Thailand as a ladyboy.We had not seen her on our last 2 visits so I said we missed you last time we were here.The manager was walking past and asked has she errr him done your nails before.I answered SHE has done them 3 or 4 times before.When the manager walked off my nail lady said thank you for that.Now in past times she has done an excellent job but in near silence.This time was totally different.She was smiling and giggling but mostly chatting to her colleague doing the pedicure.However she talked to me a fair bit and she has very good English.Even asked me as she massaged my arms did I like it.Of course I did.
Feeling very relaxed after this we caught the BTS back to Phrom Phong and did some window shopping in the Emquartier mall and then have lunch.That next.
drron
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For lunch we went to one of our favourite Thai chain restaurants-Nara.They do a fabulous Pomelo salad which is so refreshing.We started with pork satays and summer rolls.
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You can see we really enjoyed the satays!
Then we both had our own bowl of the Pomelo salad.
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We are very likely to go again when we get to the Royal Orchid Sheraton.
But back through the park.
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And those buildings are the massive Marriott Marquis.
That evening we went up to the M lounge.Decent wines with a South African Sav Blanc for mrsdrron whilst I drank the Chilean Cab Sav which I liked more than the South African shiraz.
There were obviously others on the Luxury Escapes package-you were allowed 2 children under 11 at no extra cost.There were 2 Australian couples each with 2 children of the right ages.A really good deal for them.
.You can see we really enjoyed the satays!
Then we both had our own bowl of the Pomelo salad.
.We are very likely to go again when we get to the Royal Orchid Sheraton.
But back through the park.
..And those buildings are the massive Marriott Marquis.
That evening we went up to the M lounge.Decent wines with a South African Sav Blanc for mrsdrron whilst I drank the Chilean Cab Sav which I liked more than the South African shiraz.
There were obviously others on the Luxury Escapes package-you were allowed 2 children under 11 at no extra cost.There were 2 Australian couples each with 2 children of the right ages.A really good deal for them.
drron
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Whilst in the lounge the hotel manager came by and asked how everything was going.We told him and he apologised for the problems.When we got back to the room we found these.
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Now as we had got out of the lift from our visit to the lounge we noticed a female staff member standing a little way away from the lift lobby and as we headed for our room she headed for the lifts.5 minutes later the doorbell rang and this was delivered.
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The next morning we got a message from the Concierge to remember and book a time for our transfer to the Royal Orchid-we were going to take a taxi.Went down to the concierge who said We wish to offer you a complimentary transfer by a hotel car to apologise for whatever it was that went wrong!We accepted.
That night another ring of the doorbell and this was delivered.
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Nothing got delivered the third night but this morning the hotel manager brought around the GM.He is from the Gold Coast.
I have always believed that if there are problems the Service recovery is the most important aspect.I think they went above and beyond.
Incidentally after the first night we were always called by name with staff coming around frequently to see if we needed anything.
.Now as we had got out of the lift from our visit to the lounge we noticed a female staff member standing a little way away from the lift lobby and as we headed for our room she headed for the lifts.5 minutes later the doorbell rang and this was delivered.
.The next morning we got a message from the Concierge to remember and book a time for our transfer to the Royal Orchid-we were going to take a taxi.Went down to the concierge who said We wish to offer you a complimentary transfer by a hotel car to apologise for whatever it was that went wrong!We accepted.
That night another ring of the doorbell and this was delivered.
.Nothing got delivered the third night but this morning the hotel manager brought around the GM.He is from the Gold Coast.
I have always believed that if there are problems the Service recovery is the most important aspect.I think they went above and beyond.
Incidentally after the first night we were always called by name with staff coming around frequently to see if we needed anything.
drron
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The next morning it was definitely brekkie in the lounge.Actually one of the better lounge breakfasts we have had.The egg cook was very good.When you ordered your fried eggs over easy that is just what you get.Really good.
A slightly different view from the lounge.
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Mid morning it was over to the Emporium to check out the Department store there.Saw some interesting signs proclaiming environmental sensitivity.One seemed good the other just wrong.
First was Starbucks.No we didn't partake but my back was aching and I needed to sit down for 5 minutes.The table had this sign.
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Now that seems a good thing.
But in the Department store.
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Yes the shoes were plastic which is far worse for the environment than any animal hide.
Of course the major part of the day was selecting a place for lunch.We chose Le Dalat a Vietnamese restaurant that used to be very good.Not so much now but I did get to drink Beer Lao but much dearer than in Laos.
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The sugar cane prawns and marinated pork with vermicelli were nice.
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But the spare ribs were pretty tough and tasteless.
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A slightly different view from the lounge.
...Mid morning it was over to the Emporium to check out the Department store there.Saw some interesting signs proclaiming environmental sensitivity.One seemed good the other just wrong.
First was Starbucks.No we didn't partake but my back was aching and I needed to sit down for 5 minutes.The table had this sign.
.Now that seems a good thing.
But in the Department store.
.Yes the shoes were plastic which is far worse for the environment than any animal hide.
Of course the major part of the day was selecting a place for lunch.We chose Le Dalat a Vietnamese restaurant that used to be very good.Not so much now but I did get to drink Beer Lao but much dearer than in Laos.
..The sugar cane prawns and marinated pork with vermicelli were nice.
..But the spare ribs were pretty tough and tasteless.
.
drron
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So now for my 20000 post.Appropriate that it should be during a Trip report.Also as it is a review of an Executive lounge-the M club Lounge at the Marriott Marquis,Bangkok.
It is a huge lounge but also one of 2 the same size.There are 2 towers to this hotel and each has their own lounge.The staff here are excellent.I have already mentioned the egg cook for breakfast but they als have a woman at night cooking a different Thai dish each night.You can definitely make the lounge your evening meal.
So this night they had BBQ ribs that were nice and the Thai dish was Pad Thai-it was excellent.
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Also chicken in Pandan leaves and an assortment of fruit.
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Salads and meats.
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Plus some sweeter things.
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The wines were very reasonable plus a full range of spirits though these were dispensed by staff.
One of the other things I liked was a few Thai dishes at Breakfast plus whilst we were there fresh mulberries at breakfast-delicious.
So we may even consider going back as the lounge is a winner.
It is a huge lounge but also one of 2 the same size.There are 2 towers to this hotel and each has their own lounge.The staff here are excellent.I have already mentioned the egg cook for breakfast but they als have a woman at night cooking a different Thai dish each night.You can definitely make the lounge your evening meal.
So this night they had BBQ ribs that were nice and the Thai dish was Pad Thai-it was excellent.
..Also chicken in Pandan leaves and an assortment of fruit.
...Salads and meats.
..Plus some sweeter things.
.The wines were very reasonable plus a full range of spirits though these were dispensed by staff.
One of the other things I liked was a few Thai dishes at Breakfast plus whilst we were there fresh mulberries at breakfast-delicious.
So we may even consider going back as the lounge is a winner.
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drron
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On our last night we headed up to the roof bar as we had coupons for a free drink each.However it only opened at 6pm by which time we would be firmly ensconced in the lounge with at least our second glass of wine.But you did get good views from up there.
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A Marriott residence which may be where we are for Christmas 2020 and the SGS where we should have been.
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......A Marriott residence which may be where we are for Christmas 2020 and the SGS where we should have been.
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drron
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Thursday and time to check out.We had a 1500 checkout which gave us time to go back to the Emquartier and have lunch at another of our favourite chains-Fuji.A cheap Japanese chain so naturally my liquid refreshment was-
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We shared octopus karaage and garlic enoki mushrooms.
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Then we each had a rice bowl.Mine the one topped with salmon roe and chopped salmon.
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Went downstairs just before 1500 to check out.As soon as the agent saw my name he was on the phone.The resident manager and his deputy came and said goodbye.As we drove of they and 6 other staff lined the steps and waved.I wonder what the people going in and out of the hotel thought.
.We shared octopus karaage and garlic enoki mushrooms.
..Then we each had a rice bowl.Mine the one topped with salmon roe and chopped salmon.
..Went downstairs just before 1500 to check out.As soon as the agent saw my name he was on the phone.The resident manager and his deputy came and said goodbye.As we drove of they and 6 other staff lined the steps and waved.I wonder what the people going in and out of the hotel thought.
drron
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So now to our second hotel for this Bangkok stay the Royal Orchid Sheraton.
Arrived at checkin ~ 1530.Taken up to the executive lounge for checkin and told an hours wait for the room.Finally got to our room at 1715 but it was worth the wait.Interesting was the fact that in any lounge I was the first person I'd seen being told that they weren't following the dress code-but my long pants were in the luggage and we are still waiting for the room so allowed to stay.
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There is a separate shower in the bathroom hidden by a wall on the left.
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Previously we have been upgraded to a junior suite but this is an executive suite at the front of the building and about 30% larger than the junior suite.
So the views.
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And next morning before the tourist hordes.
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Each one of those barges is the home of a family.
Arrived at checkin ~ 1530.Taken up to the executive lounge for checkin and told an hours wait for the room.Finally got to our room at 1715 but it was worth the wait.Interesting was the fact that in any lounge I was the first person I'd seen being told that they weren't following the dress code-but my long pants were in the luggage and we are still waiting for the room so allowed to stay.
....There is a separate shower in the bathroom hidden by a wall on the left.
.Previously we have been upgraded to a junior suite but this is an executive suite at the front of the building and about 30% larger than the junior suite.
So the views.
..And next morning before the tourist hordes.
..Each one of those barges is the home of a family.
drron
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Friday and over to Iconsiam.Decorations all around.
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Exactly my thoughts.
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For lunch I had an oyster omelette from the food court.Mrsdrron didn't feel hungry so had a coconut smoothie with sago.
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I wasn't tempted by the offerings of a nearby stall.
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Leaving the mall and you notice how the Hilton is now dwarfed.
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.....Exactly my thoughts.
.For lunch I had an oyster omelette from the food court.Mrsdrron didn't feel hungry so had a coconut smoothie with sago.
.I wasn't tempted by the offerings of a nearby stall.
.Leaving the mall and you notice how the Hilton is now dwarfed.
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