Which Starwood in BKK for honeymoon?
Jan 20, 2011 | 10:28 am
#31
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: NYC
Programs: VS Flying Club, AA, BA, SPG
Posts: 24
Just one last point on the value of points. I actually get the most value from MY SPG points by converting them to LAN and then redeeming them for AA flights. 7000 points that you will spend on the ROS will get you 17,500 points on LAN. 20K points on LAN will get you a RT flight up to about 700 miles each way. 1000 miles will be just a little more. So I use these points on relatively cheap flights like ORD-EWR and ORD-DCA. But I would normally pay $200 for them so I am still getting 3 cents a point or so.
Just know that for 3 nights at the ROS you could have 2-3 plane tickets for shorter nonstop flights on AA.
Just know that for 3 nights at the ROS you could have 2-3 plane tickets for shorter nonstop flights on AA.
Jan 20, 2011 | 10:32 am
#32
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: NYC
Programs: VS Flying Club, AA, BA, SPG
Posts: 24
Using points isn't a waste if the cash in your hand is worth more to you at that time than the points in your account.
On your honeymoon I would probably go for Chiang Rai and rent a car for at least part of the time. The property is more of a resort atmosphere than Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai is a bigger city but IMO there are enough unique things to see around Chiang Rai to make it a wonderful experience.
On your honeymoon I would probably go for Chiang Rai and rent a car for at least part of the time. The property is more of a resort atmosphere than Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai is a bigger city but IMO there are enough unique things to see around Chiang Rai to make it a wonderful experience.
Jan 20, 2011 | 12:24 pm
#33
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: IAD
Programs: Chase Million Miler, SPG Gold, HHonors Gold, Hyatt Platinum
Posts: 2,729
We stayed at the LM Chiang Mai, where we got 7 cpp or so in value using C&P. Same for the Sheraton Imperial in Kuala Lumpur. At the Sheraton Krabi, we got 14 cpp during Xmas week.
I don't really find "real" value in the most expensive cities -- certainly not at Category 6 rates.
Jan 20, 2011 | 1:55 pm
#34
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Chicago
Posts: 2,682
LAN miles are not that useful unless you are taking short nonstop flights under 1250 miles on oneworld airlines. If you are based in an AA city then it can be quite useful. From ORD there must be 50 places I can fly under 1250 miles.
One of the best examples from JFK is Bermuda. It will cost you 35K miles on AA but it will only cost about 20K LAN which is the equivilant of 8000 SPG or just barely one night.
Jan 20, 2011 | 2:30 pm
#35
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: NYC
Programs: VS Flying Club, AA, BA, SPG
Posts: 24
Look at the SPG chart and you will see that most airlines offer 1:1. LAN is the one beneficial exception and is 1:2. So 20K SPG converts to 50K LAN. Its because LAN actually uses KM instead of miles.
LAN miles are not that useful unless you are taking short nonstop flights under 1250 miles on oneworld airlines. If you are based in an AA city then it can be quite useful. From ORD there must be 50 places I can fly under 1250 miles.
One of the best examples from JFK is Bermuda. It will cost you 35K miles on AA but it will only cost about 20K LAN which is the equivilant of 8000 SPG or just barely one night.
LAN miles are not that useful unless you are taking short nonstop flights under 1250 miles on oneworld airlines. If you are based in an AA city then it can be quite useful. From ORD there must be 50 places I can fly under 1250 miles.
One of the best examples from JFK is Bermuda. It will cost you 35K miles on AA but it will only cost about 20K LAN which is the equivilant of 8000 SPG or just barely one night.
Jan 20, 2011 | 3:34 pm
#36
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: wurtulla,queensland,australia
Programs: hh diamond,Qantas club life,AA EX-explat.SPG plat.
Posts: 1,431
I understand your commendable and rational decision of using SPG points and conserving cash however i operate on the principle that life is not a dress rehearsal.A great honeymoon will give you moments you will remember for ever.
So-I would rethink The Peninsula.The worst room at the Peninsula is better than any standard suite at an SPG hotel in BKK-I know we stayed in one at the Peninsula on our first stay there-it was fantastic,pure luxury.So much so that when our son had his honeymoon with 2 nights in BKK we put them up there-they were treated incredibly well.
Therefore will 1 of the parents do this for you,or maybe it can be a wedding gift from a favourite uncle?You would not regret it.
So-I would rethink The Peninsula.The worst room at the Peninsula is better than any standard suite at an SPG hotel in BKK-I know we stayed in one at the Peninsula on our first stay there-it was fantastic,pure luxury.So much so that when our son had his honeymoon with 2 nights in BKK we put them up there-they were treated incredibly well.
Therefore will 1 of the parents do this for you,or maybe it can be a wedding gift from a favourite uncle?You would not regret it.
Jan 20, 2011 | 3:45 pm
#37
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 89
In case you want to stay in BKK:
I just booked the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit. I found again a great rate via checkmystay "insider" page which has a link to a "starpick" rate. It made the room rate come down from 6400 to 3999 THB, this discount is crazy much... It is even 1000 THB cheaper than the weekend rate I found...
Dont forget to book a table at the Sirocco restaurant or the Vertigo. Might be one of the nicest places in the world to eat - great for honeymoon!
Let me know if you need more information for BKK for your trip. Happy to help!
I just booked the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit. I found again a great rate via checkmystay "insider" page which has a link to a "starpick" rate. It made the room rate come down from 6400 to 3999 THB, this discount is crazy much... It is even 1000 THB cheaper than the weekend rate I found...
Dont forget to book a table at the Sirocco restaurant or the Vertigo. Might be one of the nicest places in the world to eat - great for honeymoon!
Let me know if you need more information for BKK for your trip. Happy to help!
Jan 21, 2011 | 3:36 am
#38
formerly known as 2lovelife
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: ORF : UA_Premier_Gold4Life, Bonvoy_titanium, Accor_Plat
Posts: 6,952
If your (points) budget permits, why don't you try the St Regis? Otherwise here are some thoughts:
If you want romantic & unique location, ROS takes the cake.
BUT, Sometimes it's all about the suites (plat or not).
If you rank the suites (room only) from top to bottom, I'd put the Le Meridien & Plaza Athenee at the top, The Royal Orchid and Four Points in the middle, and the Westin & Sheraton Sukhumvit trailing behind.
If you include the benefits the suite comes with, the ROS & SGS win, PA & Westin mid-pack, & Le Meridien & Four Points trailing.
Suites can often be secured for double points. If so, the Four Points would win. SPG50 Discount has been known to give great suite rates at the SGS & FOUR FOINTS. Also try the suite rates at the Plaza Athenee which are my personal favorite, because they feel more like a home than a hotel.
As for the Le Meririen Chiang Mai, their suites are awesome too. What a great place to shack up and just enjoy the view...
In any event enjoy! ^
If you want romantic & unique location, ROS takes the cake.
BUT, Sometimes it's all about the suites (plat or not).
If you rank the suites (room only) from top to bottom, I'd put the Le Meridien & Plaza Athenee at the top, The Royal Orchid and Four Points in the middle, and the Westin & Sheraton Sukhumvit trailing behind.
If you include the benefits the suite comes with, the ROS & SGS win, PA & Westin mid-pack, & Le Meridien & Four Points trailing.
Suites can often be secured for double points. If so, the Four Points would win. SPG50 Discount has been known to give great suite rates at the SGS & FOUR FOINTS. Also try the suite rates at the Plaza Athenee which are my personal favorite, because they feel more like a home than a hotel.
As for the Le Meririen Chiang Mai, their suites are awesome too. What a great place to shack up and just enjoy the view...
In any event enjoy! ^
Jan 21, 2011 | 5:01 am
#39
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Programs: UA-1k, 1mm, Marriott-LT Platinum, Hertz-Presidents Circle
Posts: 6,355
I stayed recently at the SGS wihout any status (gasp!) and was treated well.
(I'm mainly a Marriott stayer who periodically decides to acquire or burn SPG points)
The OP may be interested to know that I paid 1500 POINTS per night to upgrade my paid reservation to a 'deluxe' room at the SGS. This included lounge access (IIRC), free cocktails at happy hour in the various bars, butler service, and all of the other benefits published on the hotel website for that room category
To me this seemed like a good use of points ... you might find that an interesting option for your honeymoon stay.
I'd also mention that while Bangkok is an amazing city, any hotel in it is in the end still just 'a city hotel' - even those beside the river.... make sure you get out to see other places in Thailand and SE Asia - I know another poster mentioned Khao Lak (north of Phuket) - I had an amazing time there last summer, highly recommend either the Le Meridien or the JW Marriott hotels there..
(I'm mainly a Marriott stayer who periodically decides to acquire or burn SPG points)
The OP may be interested to know that I paid 1500 POINTS per night to upgrade my paid reservation to a 'deluxe' room at the SGS. This included lounge access (IIRC), free cocktails at happy hour in the various bars, butler service, and all of the other benefits published on the hotel website for that room category
To me this seemed like a good use of points ... you might find that an interesting option for your honeymoon stay.
I'd also mention that while Bangkok is an amazing city, any hotel in it is in the end still just 'a city hotel' - even those beside the river.... make sure you get out to see other places in Thailand and SE Asia - I know another poster mentioned Khao Lak (north of Phuket) - I had an amazing time there last summer, highly recommend either the Le Meridien or the JW Marriott hotels there..
If the OP wants to spend his starpoints let's help him. He has made it abundantly clear that he wants to do so and is short on cash having to lay out thousands for a wedding. Having said that I believe the ROS is a good option, although you will have to pay to upgrade to a club level room or double points for a suite to get access to the lounge. I love lounge access which is one reason why the SGS doesn't top my list as it is void of one. Being the most expensive SPG property in BKK and not having a lounge puts it down a notch for myself.
I have stayed at all the SPG properties in BKK except the new 4 points and I doubt you will have a bad stay at any of them. They all have great staff's and aim to please. Congrats on the wedding.
Jan 21, 2011 | 10:21 am
#40
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: NYC
Programs: VS Flying Club, AA, BA, SPG
Posts: 24
If your (points) budget permits, why don't you try the St Regis? Otherwise here are some thoughts:
If you want romantic & unique location, ROS takes the cake.
BUT, Sometimes it's all about the suites (plat or not).
If you rank the suites (room only) from top to bottom, I'd put the Le Meridien & Plaza Athenee at the top, The Royal Orchid and Four Points in the middle, and the Westin & Sheraton Sukhumvit trailing behind.
If you include the benefits the suite comes with, the ROS & SGS win, PA & Westin mid-pack, & Le Meridien & Four Points trailing.
Suites can often be secured for double points. If so, the Four Points would win. SPG50 Discount has been known to give great suite rates at the SGS & FOUR FOINTS. Also try the suite rates at the Plaza Athenee which are my personal favorite, because they feel more like a home than a hotel.
As for the Le Meririen Chiang Mai, their suites are awesome too. What a great place to shack up and just enjoy the view...
In any event enjoy! ^
If you want romantic & unique location, ROS takes the cake.
BUT, Sometimes it's all about the suites (plat or not).
If you rank the suites (room only) from top to bottom, I'd put the Le Meridien & Plaza Athenee at the top, The Royal Orchid and Four Points in the middle, and the Westin & Sheraton Sukhumvit trailing behind.
If you include the benefits the suite comes with, the ROS & SGS win, PA & Westin mid-pack, & Le Meridien & Four Points trailing.
Suites can often be secured for double points. If so, the Four Points would win. SPG50 Discount has been known to give great suite rates at the SGS & FOUR FOINTS. Also try the suite rates at the Plaza Athenee which are my personal favorite, because they feel more like a home than a hotel.
As for the Le Meririen Chiang Mai, their suites are awesome too. What a great place to shack up and just enjoy the view...
In any event enjoy! ^
Jan 21, 2011 | 10:22 am
#41
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: NYC
Programs: VS Flying Club, AA, BA, SPG
Posts: 24
In case you want to stay in BKK:
I just booked the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit. I found again a great rate via checkmystay "insider" page which has a link to a "starpick" rate. It made the room rate come down from 6400 to 3999 THB, this discount is crazy much... It is even 1000 THB cheaper than the weekend rate I found...
Dont forget to book a table at the Sirocco restaurant or the Vertigo. Might be one of the nicest places in the world to eat - great for honeymoon!
Let me know if you need more information for BKK for your trip. Happy to help!
I just booked the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit. I found again a great rate via checkmystay "insider" page which has a link to a "starpick" rate. It made the room rate come down from 6400 to 3999 THB, this discount is crazy much... It is even 1000 THB cheaper than the weekend rate I found...
Dont forget to book a table at the Sirocco restaurant or the Vertigo. Might be one of the nicest places in the world to eat - great for honeymoon!
Let me know if you need more information for BKK for your trip. Happy to help!
Jan 21, 2011 | 11:15 am
#42
Moderator, El Al and Marriott Bonvoy, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: SIN
Programs: SQ*G, Mar LTT, Hyatt Glb, AA LTG, LY, HH, IC, BA, DL, UA SLV
Posts: 12,059
- Make two bookings and cancel one as you get closer to the date.
- If the St. Regis doesn't open on time they will be responsbile for finding you alternative lodging. When the Four Points didn't open on time, people were sent to the WGS while paying the THB 1900 rate.
- Slippage of opening dates has little to do with Thailand and is common throughout the world.
Note that the food at Sirocco is not considered to be worth the price. However the view is amazing. You can also just go there for a drink and get the view without the expensive, mediocre (for the price) food. I don't know about the food at Vertigo.
Jan 21, 2011 | 12:19 pm
#43
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: NYC
Programs: VS Flying Club, AA, BA, SPG
Posts: 24
- Make two bookings and cancel one as you get closer to the date.
- If the St. Regis doesn't open on time they will be responsbile for finding you alternative lodging. When the Four Points didn't open on time, people were sent to the WGS while paying the THB 1900 rate.
- Slippage of opening dates has little to do with Thailand and is common throughout the world.
Note that the food at Sirocco is not considered to be worth the price. However the view is amazing. You can also just go there for a drink and get the view without the expensive, mediocre (for the price) food. I don't know about the food at Vertigo.
Jan 21, 2011 | 12:37 pm
#44
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Calgary
Programs: A Few
Posts: 2,339
The food is VERY mediocre...and expensive. I will never return.
The food down on the street is WAY better.
Jan 21, 2011 | 1:26 pm
#45
formerly known as 2lovelife
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: ORF : UA_Premier_Gold4Life, Bonvoy_titanium, Accor_Plat
Posts: 6,952
You cannot go wrong by booking the St. Regis. It's the same owner as the Four Seasons, so quite likely that they'd put you up there if there was an opening delay.