My CNX Hotel Experience-June 2022

[Lacessit]

1 minute ago, Thailand said:

Isn't that the recipe for a happy relationship?

IMO selective deafness is better.

[chickenslegs]

23 hours ago, Mac Mickmanus said:

He walked from Panthip Plaza in Bangkok , to his hotel in Chiang Mai

 

23 hours ago, Bill97 said:

Before or after breakfast?

While he was waiting for his scrambled egg.

[sqwakvfr]

1 hour ago, Lacessit said:

Not the way you used the word.

Thank you.  You are the grammar expert of this forum.

[JimmyJ]

13 hours ago, sqwakvfr said:

Really appreciate the psychological analysis about who and what I am.  The mental health and cultural experts on this forum are top notch.  

???? ???? ????

[JimmyJ]

Who gives the hotels their star rating?

[scorecard]

Reminds me of a work colleague booking a so called 5 star hotel in Kuala Lumphur, quite expensive.

 

He arrived, checked-in and went to the room and discovered it was full of strong cooking smells and cheap palm cooking oil.

 

He called reception, the reponse:

- Well same as in any hotel some rooms are near the kitchen.

- Why didn't you mention that you don't like cooking smells in your room when you made the booking?

 

 

He asked about a refund and got abuse. Luckily his office was able to recover what had already been paid for the following nights.  He walked down the road and found a nice looking 3 star hotel, less than half the room rate plus a promise that all amenities are in the room before check-in. Plus the pleasant young man at the check-in desk offered to take him to the room to check for any cooking etc., smells. None.

 

Breakfast was excellent. Lobby staff came each morning when guests were having breakfast and politely/quietly asked if each guest needed any help with getting taxis to and from meetings etc., and left their personal hotel card with personal cell number and mentioned 'please call me if you need anything'. My friend did call the number on the card to ask if he could pre-order very early room service to be in his room when he arrived back at the hotel. A very positive reaction and the food was waiting for him in the room, still hot. Five minutes later his door bell rang, same young man from breakfast just checking that the food was as ordered. It was. 

 

The second hotel instantly became his favorite for KL and he then announced that this hotel was to be used by all company staff in the future when on trips to KL.

 

Good business, and the good news for the hotel owner is that in many cases this level of service  doesn't incur extra costs if well planned. 

 

 

[Lacessit]

53 minutes ago, sqwakvfr said:

Thank you.  You are the grammar expert of this forum.

Actually, I'm the guy with a well-developed BS meter.

[Adumbration]

20 hours ago, KhunLA said:

Been seeing a lot of these lately, though none set up.  Not really a night person, so explains not seeing in use.

 

Yes camping is so in with the bangkok elite at the moment.  Shame it did not become fashionable 20 years ago before they cut down and concreted over all the the beachside trees and primary dune areas.

Edited June 8, 2022 by Adumbration

[KhunLA]

2 hours ago, Adumbration said:

Yes camping is so in with the bangkok elite at the moment.  Shame it did not become fashionable 20 years ago before they cut down and concreted over all the the beachside trees and primary dune areas.

There's plenty of coastline to camp at, well, except maybe Phuket.

[orang37]

4 hours ago, JimmyJ said:

Who gives the hotels their star rating?

 

A slight variation: who is paid off to get a higher rating ?

 

~o:37;

[richard_smith237]

23 hours ago, dingdongrb said:

On 6/7/2022 at 5:58 PM, robblok said:

Normally i go to cheaper hotels, but as gf is paying half of it its not that bad. 

You must be a real  keeper.

You pay for everything right...  ‘cos thats how you impress the ladies !!!

 

.... seems you are jealous that someone has sufficient game to date a lady of equal socio-economic means....   You?... I guess you’ll just have to prove your worth by paying for everything !!! ????

[richard_smith237]

Op... the complaint is valid... the mistake is venting on this forum where so many posters have gone native and are suffering some form of Thai-stockholm-syndrom where they believe the only issues in Thailand are self inflicted through a mistake or unreasonable expectations. 

 

Your expectations of a 5 star hotel were not unreasonable...  IF the hotel was a genuine 5 Star class hotel i.e. Anantara, Meridian, Shangrila etc... and not just guest rated for satisfaction...

 

I’ve never stayed in 4 or 5 star class hotels that do not have these amenities... 

 

 

And... items can be forgotten... Its only recently that when nipping away for a weekend I take hand luggage and don’t bother taking my amenities... *maybe a toothbrush, but I expect the hotel to have one anyway, so I don’t always bother. 

 

The surly service is not solely specific to Thailand, but surly service is not uncommon here, thats down to poor management and poor training.

We stayed at a Marriott in Rayong recently - very similar issues except the staff were trying their hardest, they were just untrained and undermanned after the Covid-19 restrictions were lifted and they were suddenly overwhelmed....  I wasn’t happy when we got there at 4pm and our room wasn’t ready, the breakfast was utter carnage... 

 

It's disappointing when reasonable expectations for the product you are paying for are not met.

 

 

Edited June 8, 2022 by richard_smith237

[KhunLA]

4 hours ago, JimmyJ said:

Who gives the hotels their star rating?

I believe they do ... 

 

... as I posted earlier, found 2, only 2 I actually looked at, and both rated 5*

... 1 had no restaurant

... 1 served breakfast only

 

Who or what 'agency' would give those 5* ?

[Adumbration]

1 hour ago, KhunLA said:

There's plenty of coastline to camp at, well, except maybe Phuket.

No that is not correct.  The Thais like to fence off access to the beach.  Does not happen in other countries to the extent it does here. 

[KhunLA]

5 hours ago, Adumbration said:

No that is not correct.  The Thais like to fence off access to the beach.  Does not happen in other countries to the extent it does here. 

I think you need to get more.

[robblok]

8 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

You pay for everything right...  ‘cos thats how you impress the ladies !!!

 

.... seems you are jealous that someone has sufficient game to date a lady of equal socio-economic means....   You?... I guess you’ll just have to prove your worth by paying for everything !!! ????

I like woman in the same socio economic circle. But hard to find, and this one is above me ???? Or at least as long as her expat contract goes. 100k house + electric (monthly base included in her contract).

 

But at the same time it also means that dining and stuff is more upscale especially with her friend. She herself can eat street food.  The worst was a 5000bt per pax Omakase  diner (just the food). Her friends paid for me. I told them I would not want to attend. I don't like seafood that much and to pay 5000bt for it even good quality is crazy. Sure these prices are not as high as back in Europe for fine dining. But its just not worth it for me.

 

Also when i first met her we went to an expensive restaurant and after that her driver picked herr up (i was in shock for her having a driver but was included in her expat contract). Good thing she is relatively easy and comes from modest roots. 

 

She thankfully does not have too expensive tastes but still its different when with a Thai gf. If you both have the same socio economic status the dynamics in a relation are different. My previous GF's and one wife were also financially independent though because i made a lot more i paid more. (bigger part of joint spendings)  (otherwise its unfair IMHO). 

 

Anyway i like it when a woman has her own money then at least you partly eliminate the she is with you for the money. However you can get a much prettier woman if your paying for it. I mean i can't have a 20 something gf and expect her to pay. Im not that handsome and my game is not that good. 

 

So it all boils down to personal preference. I value good English skills a lot and intelligence. Sure looks are important too but having a gf you can actually hold a conversation with and who can help out with stuff is important. Lot of guys just want a pretty lil thing in the bedroom. Their choice not mine. Same goes for kids / no kids.

 

Same again like in this thread about hotels, i don't need an expensive hotel as long as location is good and its clean and the beds are nice im ok. People have different expectations and needs. That makes this world a fun place.

But for me complaining about no toothbrush is strange. But maybe this guy always travels to high class hotels and that is why he does not have a small toiletry bag with the basics.

[Hamus Yaigh]

I didn't pick up much of a hotel review from the o/p but more what a sad life that person must have.

[sqwakvfr]

 

 

 

I realize that on my initial post I should have added some context.

 

About a month ago I went to a great hotel in the same area.  It was the Empress Premier Hotel on Chang Klan.  For those in CNX this hotel is located close to the Astra Condos and the Shangri La

 

1.  Cost with Breakfast on Agoda: 1500 Baht.  As mentioned previously I paid over 4000 Baht at the other hotel.

2. Check in was smooth and friendly.  The reception clerk even wished me a happy birthday after giving me back my passport.  This hotel visit  was part of my birthday celebration. This is was nice gesture

3. The room was large.  Possibly 40 SQM? It had a living room area with a large window.  But the view was of the Chang Klan neighborhood.  The Chang Klan area looked gloomy on that day.

4. The bathroom was large. It had a large bathtub and a separate shower with one of those fountain shower heads.

5. Amenity items in the bathroom were: 2 toothbrushes, a razor, two bottles of shampoo, body wash and moisturizer. There was even a small bottle of cologne.  This is why I thought a higher level hotel would be the same. I was wrong.  

6. The Breakfast buffet experience was great.  I ordered scrambled eggs at the egg station and they arrived at my table in a couple minutes.  The selection of bakery items, fruits, yoghurt in individual cups was fine.  

 

The workers at reception and at the breakfast buffet were professional and attentive.  

 

Overall the Empress exceeded my expectations.  I thought if pay more next time then I should get even more.  Of course I was wrong.  I will definitely go back to the Empress Hotel.  

[sqwakvfr]

1 hour ago, Hamus Yaigh said:

I didn't pick up much of a hotel review from the o/p but more what a sad life that person must have.

Yes.  Your are right.  I do live a sad life.  I have just booked another hotel and  it was only 5000 Baht for one night.  I will continue with my sad life.  

[RafPinto]

On 6/7/2022 at 10:42 AM, BritManToo said:

Next time book a 500bht hotel.

Then you will have 3,500bht left, enough to pay for breakfast, beer, a toothbrush ........ and a young woman to serve you in your room all night.

 

Saves evenmore.
Imagine drinking 2 small beer at 250Baht each plus 10%, that's another 550Baht saved.
Lady could get you for that 550 extra, the full program.

[BritManToo]

2 hours ago, robblok said:

But at the same time it also means that dining and stuff is more upscale especially with her friend. She herself can eat street food.  The worst was a 5000bt per pax Omakase  diner (just the food). Her friends paid for me. I told them I would not want to attend. I don't like seafood that much and to pay 5000bt for it even good quality is crazy. Sure these prices are not as high as back in Europe for fine dining. But its just not worth it for me.

I've never seen the point in expensive dining.

Leo plus pie and chips does me.

 

Same for expensive hotels,

I just need a room to pass out in.

Pool, Jacuzzi, breakfast ..... widely available for very little cost outside the hotels.

[robblok]

50 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

I've never seen the point in expensive dining.

Leo plus pie and chips does me.

 

Same for expensive hotels,

I just need a room to pass out in.

Pool, Jacuzzi, breakfast ..... widely available for very little cost outside the hotels.

Expensive dining is not for me. (ok I don't go for the really cheap stuff but the really expensive dining is not for me). Its not value for money IMHO. But people have different likes and dislikes. I spend a lot on my computer or gym others dont. Not up to me to judge.

 

As for hotels as long as location is good, clean and bed is good im ok. But not judging people who see it different.

[richard_smith237]

57 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

I've never seen the point in expensive dining.

Leo plus pie and chips does me.

 

Same for expensive hotels,

I just need a room to pass out in.

Pool, Jacuzzi, breakfast ..... widely available for very little cost outside the hotels.

It depends on the restaurant... I won’t pay $800 for a gold covered steak in Salt-Bae’s restaurants, I think thats just stupid....  

 

But, last meal I paid for was 12,000 baht (4 adults, 2 children) - steaks were excellent, plenty of wine, sides, starters, desserts...  we were there for about 4 hours and had a great evening (kids too). 

 

It was expensive, but I didn’t mind, it was an excellent evening and can’t be compared to eating noodles or at sizzler etc. I don’t see any value in eating at Sizzler etc. Yet I do see value in eating a Wine connection... Bottle of wine, a reasonable rib-eye etc... Wife and Son have plenty of choice... 

 

Ultimately, I want to see value in things... and thats the same for a hotel.

 

I’ve been comfortable in 1000 baht bungalows, I’ve been comfortable in far more expensive hotel rooms, location is also a factor in price, as is how long we’ll spend in the room etc....

 

For example, if we are going to a beach resort - paying more for a beachfront bungalow may be worth it, it may not - the decision making is always based on plenty of factors. 

 

If I’m on my own, cheap and clean is fine...  with my family I pay a lot more attention to what we are getting, size of room, location, bathtub & shower, type of room, space for son to sleep (i.e. an extra bed or on a sofa) etc... 

 

 

 

 

 

[robblok]

11 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

It depends on the restaurant... I won’t pay $800 for a gold covered steak in Salt-Bae’s restaurants, I think thats just stupid....  

 

But, last meal I paid for was 12,000 baht (4 adults, 2 children) - steaks were excellent, plenty of wine, sides, starters, desserts...  we were there for about 4 hours and had a great evening (kids too). 

 

It was expensive, but I didn’t mind, it was an excellent evening and can’t be compared to eating noodles or at sizzler etc. I don’t see any value in eating at Sizzler etc. Yet I do see value in eating a Wine connection... Bottle of wine, a reasonable rib-eye etc... Wife and Son have plenty of choice... 

 

Ultimately, I want to see value in things... and thats the same for a hotel.

 

I’ve been comfortable in 1000 baht bungalows, I’ve been comfortable in far more expensive hotel rooms, location is also a factor in price, as is how long we’ll spend in the room etc....

 

For example, if we are going to a beach resort - paying more for a beachfront bungalow may be worth it, it may not - the decision making is always based on plenty of factors. 

 

If I’m on my own, cheap and clean is fine...  with my family I pay a lot more attention to what we are getting, size of room, location, bathtub & shower, type of room, space for son to sleep (i.e. an extra bed or on a sofa) etc... 

 

 

 

 

 

around 2000 at a steak house is not that strange, it would be value for money for me. However I don't often go there as its not something i need that much. Everyone has their own standards. When I eat with my parents on a holiday the prices are also higher then what i would do when eating alone. But when you eat steak expect to pay a lot if you want some quality.

[mancub]

1 hour ago, robblok said:

around 2000 at a steak house is not that strange, it would be value for money for me. However I don't often go there as its not something i need that much. Everyone has their own standards. When I eat with my parents on a holiday the prices are also higher then what i would do when eating alone. But when you eat steak expect to pay a lot if you want some quality.

Yes that's fair, "you get what you pay for", as they say.

Think OP believed he'd paid for a "steak" and ended up with a "beef-burger".......sh%t happens - as they also say !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[FolkGuitar]

14 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

Op... the complaint is valid... the mistake is venting on this forum

 

Yep!  It's like throwing chum in shark-infested waters.

[sqwakvfr]

1 hour ago, robblok said:

around 2000 at a steak house is not that strange, it would be value for money for me. However I don't often go there as its not something i need that much. Everyone has their own standards. When I eat with my parents on a holiday the prices are also higher then what i would do when eating alone. But when you eat steak expect to pay a lot if you want some quality.

In 2001 I paid over $300 dollars for two at the steak house at the Bellagio Hotel in Los Vegas.  This was before the U2 Concert at UNLV(of course this cost an arm, leg and a vital organ). So paying 2000 Baht($57) could be considered a relative bargain as long as the steak is a quality cut of meat.  I have only had steak onca in LOS and was not impressed.  The best steak I ever had was at a Ruth Chriss in Beverly Hills.  .  

[Dante99]

6 minutes ago, sqwakvfr said:

The best steak I ever had was at a Ruth Chriss in Beverly Hills.  .  

And you got a toothbrush with it too!

[marin]

20 minutes ago, sqwakvfr said:

In 2001 I paid over $300 dollars for two at the steak house at the Bellagio Hotel in Los Vegas.  This was before the U2 Concert at UNLV(of course thisi cost an arm, leg and a vital organ). So paying 2000 Baht($57) could be considered a relative bargain as long as the steak is a quality cut of meat.  I have only had steak onca in LOS and was not impressed.  The best steak I ever had was at a Ruth Chriss in Beverly Hills.  .  

You like to name drop and brag a lot. But you really blow it in the end when you say Ruth Chris, yes with one S, which is simply a medium level chain steak house which has now closed all the branches. Long gone.

Edited June 9, 2022 by marin

[sqwakvfr]

32 minutes ago, marin said:

You like to name drop and brag a lot. But you really blow it in the end when you say Ruth Chris, yes with one S, which is simply a medium level chain steak house which has now closed all the branches. Long gone.

But not in 2001.   Brag a lot?  I mentioned  steak experiences I had over 20 years ago.  A true bragger would mention more recent events.  For me this was just a little nostalgia from two decades ago.  I did not intend to offend you or insult you.  So far I have mentioned Bellagio(still in business), Ruth Chriss(out of business) and Empress(still in business).  So I mentioned  the names of 3 businesses(one of them no longer exists). If that is a lot then I am  guilty and let me be punished by the Aseannow enforcement bureau. Also, I admit I did not spell Chriss incorrectly.  For this I apologize because "bragging and name dropping" are two things I do not engage in often.  I am not that good at it. 

 

 

"Sticks and Stones will break my bones but words will not hurt me", Batman

Edited June 9, 2022 by sqwakvfr