Bangkok Hotel (dining) Memberships - Antarra/Avani (Riverside)

[SooKee]

Over the years I've joined a few hotel group membership schemes when it's suited in terms of the returns I get (free nights, dining discounts, vouchers, room rate reductions etc etc.).  Up until I moved to BKK I was a member of the Accor Plus scheme which gave 50% off their restaurants and I was using their hotels a lot so the fee (around 6K) was worth it, I reckon I got about 25K 'value' for that expenditure. Since moving to Bangkok though the biggest problem for these schemes IMO is Eatigo where you can get up to 50% discount at many restaurants including top hotel places like Atelier at the Pullman (great brunch).  I would say that Eatigo isn't AS convenient as the member schemes as often the Eatigo offers aren't on every day and the discount can vary a lot from 50% down to 5% whereas most of these schemes are 50% (for two normally), period.  Accor is good as they have 17 Accor owned hotels in BKK with very good restaurants but STILL, for the amount I go to them I still get mostly what I need from Eatigo (and yes, I use it a LOT, I don't see sense in paying full price for a meal that I can get for 50% discount - especially when it's 2k per head normally).  I will however rejoin Accor when I next visit Phuket as the free night you get (in any hotel) plus the rooms at member rates (ALWAYS 1-2K below Agoda / Booking.com etc) more than cover the membership cost in one go.  

 

This listing of the some of the hotel schemes in BKK is quite good, even if it's a bit dated now.  The only one that really appeals is the Sheraton where you pay 9k for which they give you 9k credit and THEN you get 30% off dining too, so the membership costs you nothing, you just need to be sure your'e going to burn that credit!  Trouble is I don't use the Sheraton enough and with just one hotel it's very restrictive.  I'm also not sure if they do any, or better, discount rates with Eatigo making the 30% less attractive given that your'e tying up 9K to get it.  Good value if you eat there a lot though, they even credit tour card with 1,000 baht for every 10K you spend there.

 

Schemes overview: http://bk.asia-city.com/restaurants/article/guide-hotel-membership-cards-bangkok

 

Sheraton Grande Club: http://www.thegrandeclub.com/en/thegrandebenefits

 

The other day though I was out at Antarra Riverside and they have, what for me, is a very good scheme that has just started up called Destination Club. It's 9k a year and for that you get 2 free nights in a riverside deluxe room at Antarra or Avani (inc breakfast)(and which at Agoda rates is worth about 16k with breakfast) plus 50% off dining for 1-2 pax (normally it's 50% for two and 25% for one person).  You also get numerous vouchers including dining at 50% off for 4-12 pax, free family celebration pizza, free bottle of wine, etc etc.  Difference here is their restaurants normally don't feature on Eatigo (Trader Vic's etc - superb Sunday buffet lunch!!) and the card also offers 50% off any beer!  Definitely not normal.  I've put a screen shot below of the benefits, apologies if it's not clear, maximum upload size is 100kb so it loses the detail you'd get in a 400kb image.

 

I'll apologise in advance, given that it is TV, for not wanting to get into discussion / argument about whether folks think it's good value or not, or reasons why folks don't like such schemes or don't want to join.  Up to them.  Folks wanna join, join.  Don't want, don't.  I mention this only because I think this scheme actually does offer REALLY good value in BKK and others might be interested.  If anyone wants the phone number or LINE ID of the scheme manager, PM me (for obvious reasons I won't provide such details on a public forum post).

 

Edited October 25, 2017 by SooKee

[smutcakes]

I have been a member of the Grande Club at the Sheraton for 4 years. Really only use for the Sunday lunch discount, at times the discount is 50%. Have 4 free nights, but never use them and doubt i ever would. Considering i only need to use it 3 or 4 times a year for lunch to make it good value i doubt i will continue doing it. Purely out of the fact i am not bothered about going for a nice lunch, i never use any of the other restaurants or would even go there in the week and  i never use the free room nights.

 

Really nice lunch though on Sunday and convenient being at Asok for BTS or MRT.

[sujoop]

Thanks for posting, was aware of the Sheraton deal just never go there enough to make it worthwhile (lower Sukhumivt area and creepy, scowling (s)expat dregs=no thank you). However, living  on the riverside, the Avani/Anantara club card looks well worth it! The Avani has become a go-to place for rooftop drinks (at Attitude) when visitors come to town, fantastic view, inside or outside, happy hour fair value as well. Trader Vics decor has become a bit dated but cannot fault the high quality of food or service. Will def be enquiring about their card, thanks again!