njbhbb

We spent 3 nights at the Royal Orchid after taking a 16 day cruise from Hong Kong to Bangkok last month. We were encouraged on this message board to upgrade to the Towers or concierge level and are so glad we did. For $216 per night, we were treated like royalty. We were bowed to each morning, had a fantastic room with full river view, orchids in the room, comfy bedding, fruit basket each day and even a laundry boy who delivered our complimentary 6 pieces of laundry each day wrapped in tissue with orchids in the basket as he bowed to us. We had our own private check in, concierge and wonderful breakfast as well as cocktail hour on our floor. Not crowded and No smoking upstairs as downstairs we found smoky in the lobby near the breakfast area. We loved the 1 hr. each day internet and I loved being called Madam. Its hard to return to being regular folks after this!!!

rhkkmk

sounds like a nice stay, but for $216 in bangkok one would expect excellent service....

Kathie

I always stay in the Towers at the Royal Orchid. I'm glad you enjoyed it!

Gpanda

Glad you liked it. We always use Starwood points to stay in the Towers. It's very relaxing and a great location. Did you get to the Gallery Cafe, just around the corner from the ROS?

alannap

Hi Gpanda,

We are staying at the Royal Orchid in May on Starwood Points as well. We didn't see an option to upgrade to the Towers using points. Can you provide some info on how to do this? Or what the number of points are per night in the Towers rooms?

Thanks!
Alanna

Gpanda

Alaana-I upgraded (actually, I made the original reservation) by calling Starwoods at 800-325-3535 from the United States (yes, Cambridge, MA is still part of the US). I always do this. They're very quick and helpful.

hypatia

Ok used points but only had enough for the regular room.I know you get a hour free in the towers ,is there a pc in the business center for we poor chaps?

Gpanda

Hypatia-we were just there in November. On the mezzanine floor there are 6 terminals that any guest can use. Just tell them your room number.

LeighTravelClub

ROS was our first Thailand hotel. After umpteen visits....it's still our favorite.

claire_david2

So glad to hear more good things about ROS. We're leaving in a week and spending 6 nights there using Kathie's 1,000 point upgrade program. Other than Gallery which sounds mixed, are there any good (okay, decent will do) restaurants nearby or in the hotel in case we're simply not motivated to travel across town for dinner one night? Thanks - Claire

Gpanda

Harmonique is a short walk down the New Road (Charon Kreung). As your walking towards the Oriental, harmonique is on a Soi to your right just after the post office. Try the crab in yellow curry,

also, Tongue Thai is very good. It's on the back side of Oriental Place. Take river ferry to the Oriental stop or a taxi. Walk down towards New Road (Charon Kreung) just before you get to the New Road, there's an alley to your left. Tongue Thai is 20-30 feet down this alley. Try the Morning Glory.

Kathie

In the hotel is Thara Thong, which is excellent. The food and service and ambiance are all good. The only downside is that it's hotel prices, but even that isn't so expensive in Bangkok.

I think the food at the Gallery is good, but do make sure they aren't doing construction before you go in!

rhkkmk

there are a couple of good rest. in river city shopping center next to your hotel...there used to be a good bbq place on the roof...not sure if it is still there or not---great view of the river...

make sure to visit the 360 bar across the river in the new hilton....fantastic views.... food is good in the hotel too---go to hotel office on the river side of the river city shopping ctr and they will call the hilton boat over for you...

you can walk to the jim thompson main store or take a taxi...they have a fantastic cafe on the second floor---suriwong rd at rama IV rd...

mjs

We also enjoyed this hotel. The Tower rooms,especially the suites are quite nice and the additional amenities make this hotel a nice place to stay. The use of Starwood points makes it quite a value. We booked a connected suite and dlx room for our family. Great breakfast, free laundry and drinks/food at night make for pleasant stay.

Bisbee

"We were bowed to each morning"

Actually, you were given the traditional Thai greeting the "Wai"

If you liked the ROS, you should try the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit next time. The jazz at "The Lobby" is excellent, as is the 2 hours of free beverages (wi-fi also). Internet is also free for 24 hours at the rate you paid at ROS. New skybridge now gives you direct access to the Asoke BTS station.

Kathie

BUT - it's not on the river.

(There are those of us for whom that is a prerequisite)

Bisbee

Yep, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit is not on the river. The OP didn't say if it was a prerequisite for them, so that's why I suggested they should try it.

To each their own....

rhkkmk

BIS---I AGREE....there is no comparison between the two...one is a sheraton grande and one a sheraton minus

Bisbee

I've never heard "sheraton minus". That's a good one

LeighTravelClub

I think the river view really enhances any visit to Bangkok. We have spent some considerable time just looking out the window at ROS, day or night, it's an amazing sight which I never seem to tire of.