steve99

Just wondered if anyone has stayed in Bangkok or Ko Samui in the past few years? there seems so much choice of 4 to 5* Hotels that a few first hand opinions on places would be helpful in making a slightly more informed decision.
Any comments welcome.
Steve

jond

Hi we stayed at the Samui Central beach resort ( I think that is what it was called) it was fantastic.

John

jules

Hi Steve

Have stayed in the Pan Pacific in Bangkok, was fantastic with lovely rooftop pool and the really friendly staff. It's right in the centre so easy to get anywhere. Can't help you with Ko Samui

Jules

steve99

Thanks John and Jules, i'll check them out.

Keep them coming!
Steve

JohnAndNetta

Hi Steve,

Me & Hubbie used to go to Bangkok quite regularly. We always preferred to stay by the river. My top recommendation is either the Shangri-La (if you want to splash out stay in the Krungthep wing - wow!!!!), or the Mandarin Oriental, but if you want a slightly cheaper, but still 5 star hotel, then the Royal Orchid Sheraton is also superb.

In my younger days when I couldn't afford 4/5 star I used to stay in 2/3 stars at a fraction of the price and still excellent quality (The Asia for example), but now that we are very familiar with Bangkok I find that staying close to the river is much much nicer than some cheaper (though still just as spectacular) 5 star hotels you'll find along Sukhumvit for example, but obviously they will charge you a premium for the riverside location. If you are travelling out of season then try and negotiate a good price with the hotels. But if you are going around December / January time, forget it!

Koh Samui is about the only beach resort I haven't visited. Its one of the slightly smaller resorts, but I guess any of the 'resort' style 5 stars are going to be absolutely spectacular in true Asian tradition! Have a great time in Thailand - definitely one of my most absolutely favorite countries!!

Netta

suzy

We stayed at the Boathouse on Samui. Old boats have been refurbished and made into luxurious rooms and set in the gardens. There is also a 'normal' part of the hotel. Wonderful pool there too.

Suzy

JohnAndNetta

I remember seeing these in the Kuoni brochure - they looked absolutely beautiful......Lucky you!

Netta

suzy

Our best holiday ever Netta. Wonderful people, wonderful country. Can't wait to get there again.

suzy

steve99

Were looking at going around next March/April time possibly utilising the easter break, a few of the sites ive looked on have warned its stinking hot, but it says its the dry(er) season and when looking at historical temps they dont seem to bad (not as hot as Perth) generally in the low to mid 90's (30 -35C) it does look a bit more humid than here, but shouldnt be as bad as when its wet over there, I guess there will be a lot more pollution etc so maybe that impacts it. Any views?
Im assuming most shops/bars/restaurants etc will be airconditioned (ie it will be more like Singapore than Bali !)
Steve

JohnAndNetta

April is probably one of the worst times to go. My best friend is Thai and even she hates returning home at this time of year. I've been in the rainy season a couple of times, and yes its been very humid and its also caused floods in Bangkok a couple of times. But its been tolerable. Certainly wasn't as bad as Singapore, which was horribly humid.

December, Jan, Feb is obviously best time, but doesn't sound like it fits in with your plans. Haven't been in April myself- my friend has always put me off! But here's the thing.....are you just going to chill out or are you intending doing lots of sightseeing as well? Sightseeing in Bangkok in April will be very stifling. But if you're chilling out then I would say go for it.

and yes....all the large shops and restaurants are air-conditioned. But a lot of shopping is also done on the streets, so obviously you will feel the heat here.

Sorry - this probably isn't the answer you're looking for, but hopefully it will help in your final decision.

Netta

jjonboy

can strongly reccomend the imperial queens park hotel in Bangkok