Bangkok: Peninsula Bangkok (February 2009)

Much to my surprise, I was underwhelmed by the service! Sad, but true. From all the glowing reviews that I’ve read, I just expected to be bowled over, so I was disappointed that the service at this hotel wasn’t as good as either at the Hotel de la Paix or Raffles Le Royal in Cambodia. A German family sitting next to us at dinner one night at Thiptara was absolutely ignored during their entire meal, despite their many polite attempts to get service. There are several restaurant options at the Peninsula: Jesters, Thiptara (the setting of which was lovely, and it was surprisingly inexpensive), the Bar, the Lobby, the River Cafe and Terrace (where the buffet breakfast is held if it is included in your room rate, as well as a dinner buffet. I’m not sure what either one costs, since both were included for us, but these buffets are the nicest that I’ve ever seen anywhere), Mei Jiang, and the Pool Bar. I did not see the spa or fitness center, but the spa is in it’s own two- or three-story building, so I suspect it’s lovely. The pool is gorgeous with plenty of chairs and a few salas (cabanas) that are first-come, first-served. The bar along the river is a great place to have a drink; it is part of the River Cafe and Terrace. There is no smoking inside the hotel, and only at a few places outside (the River Cafe bar and the Thiptara relaxation/waiting area and one small section near the pool). There are 37 stories in this hotel, but amazingly, there was never a wait for an elevator. Rooms were large and comfortable with every possible amenity including the less-often-seen automatic curtains, daily newspaper box with light, TV above the bathtub, and twin his-and-hers sinks. I didn’t mind the Thonburi location: I liked having a good view of both the river traffic and the city itself, and it was easy to walk to local mini-markets with ATM machines nearby the hotel. There weren’t many off-site tourist restaurants nearby, but there were plenty of local sidewalk food stands if you were so inclined. We booked our airport/hotel transfers with Tour with Tong for $25 per way, which was more than it would have cost for a regular taxi, but much less than the $75 per way charged by the hotel.