Can anybody take the free A/C bus to the Novotel from Airport Gate 4 Level 2, or does one have to be a registered guest?

Is the entrance and lobby of the Novotel a 'tout free' zone?

What transportation is available from the Novotel, regular taxis, regular pricing?

Is it convenient parking for the 2 or 3 vehicles HER family will show up in?

Can help you with some of your queries, not all.

I've never seen any touts or simillar vermin in or around the Novotel.

The airport multi storey car park is just across the road from the hotel, so no problems parking. Not sure if the hotel has its' own car park though.

I am a regular user of the BKK Novotel. (Don't have a choice since my flights to NRT depart early am and I have to sleepover to make the connection from HKT). My last stay was in July. I'll answer in the order you asked;

Can anybody take the free A/C bus to the Novotel from Airport Gate 4 Level 2, or does one have to be a registered guest?

Up until last year, they didn't check. Now they verify with the guest manifest and tick your name off. However, if you said you were just going to see if they had a room or to go eat or meet someone, they wouldn't mind. On the other hand, it takes about 5-10 minutes to walk from the airport to the hotel. Just cut through the parking garage and it's across the road.

Is the entrance and lobby of the Novotel a 'tout free' zone?

Yes. Very good security. It's like an oasis of serenity. You can't get onto the grounds without walking by a guard post. I recall staying the night they had ASEAN meetings in Pattaya and the place was swarming with security. Novotel put some thought into the design for ensuring security.

What transportation is available from the Novotel, regular taxis, regular pricing?

Taxis are available and I have seen arriving guests pay metered fares. Like any big hotel you have to give the doorman 10 -20 baht tip. Now that there is a trainlink, why bother with a taxi. Walk to the airport and take the rapid express for 150 baht into BKK.

Is it convenient parking for the 2 or 3 vehicles HER family will show up in?

Hmm good question. Although there is [parking, I think it is intended for guests. The airport parking garage is across the street and probably cheaper. I have never parked at the Novotel, but they have to offer parking facilities.

It is a reliable 4 star hotel with typical hotel food. Nothing imaginative, somewhat bland, and a bit pricey. That's why I eat at the airport.

Now that there is a trainlink, why bother with a taxi. Walk to the airport and take the rapid express for 150 baht into BKK.

Is that up and running now? September 23rd 2009?

Now that there is a trainlink, why bother with a taxi. Walk to the airport and take the rapid express for 150 baht into BKK.

Is that up and running now? September 23rd 2009?

Nope, not operating yet. SRT want to do 'public information runs' one day a week from 1 oct, expect proper running early 2010.

Once it does open you'll be able to walk through the station from the hotel to the airport in airconditioned comfort (the station is under the car park). There is also going to be retail space in that area (the most secondary location in tha airport).