Sheraton Royal Orchid, Bangkok
Rob, having planned originally on going to Vietnam but his visa not clearing in my scheduled arrival and, found himself looking for a way to kill some time. In a few days, I would be leaving Asia from Bangkok, so it seemed fairly straightforward to just go there earlier than planned.While hunting around for new properties and areas, I found a very good price at Sheraton Royal Orchid, Bangkok which with Marriott Status, seemed like a no brainer to stay at.
It ended up being a very good decision.
Arrival
So, I was staying at a property across Bangkok, and with 3 bags and no public transportation that I was aware of near the hotel (more on that later), I took a taxi. It was 300 baht because it was busy time in Bangkok (I swear it is always rush hour).The side opposite the river is a little underwhelming as you drive up, but man, once you get inside, you see how huge this place is and all the things it has.
The Room
An outstanding and just insane room on the pool level, actually outside of the main hotel building (hence being a villa). The "pond" in the private garden is actually a jacuzzi. Yes, outstanding.
3D interactive room tour, use your mouse or fingers to move around and see other rooms.
The Floorplan for direct room click access.
Dining and Drinking
Two dining spaces, and 3 bars (astounding) are at your service. Also, you can order room service like I do in the middle of the night when working remote on US time.Sheraton Club
Lots of Sheratons have a Sheraton Club, but in Asia, well, this is a completely different and over the top affair. The amount of food and drinks, plus the size of the lounge and the view of the river, being on the top floor of the hotel, is really impressive.They truly take care of you here for anything you are needing or wanting for your stay in Bangkok.
Hotel Amenities
A full set of amenities, including a water taxi to the massive mall across the river, and further down to the public transport system. Everything to keep you fed, drunk and entertained for your stay.Hotel Shopping
The hotel has many stores, some interesting, some have me scratching my head. I was a little impressed they had a shopping arcade though, that's such an old school hotel item.
Manager gifts above the regular benefits of status
Cool stack of statues
Big room, end of the building
Decent bath products, worked well and smelled nice
The Italian place
Giordianos exterior seating
The lobby bar, never was really busy ever
But they did have tasty drinks
The general and buffet restaurant, I didn't have time to go
Ahhh, now here, at Siam Yacht Club, I did go
The be seen at bar, this got busy and has a DJ at night
This is the restaurant, and the place to get your steak
A sampling of the Siam menu
And the page in the menu where I got my steak from
This was intensely tender and delicious, and amazing service
Where one dines outside for Siam
And a fancy spot to drink and impress your friends
The Club, which I didn't know what to expect
Fancy seating for the guests
Dining seating
The bar, which is free at night
Lovely drinks for the taking
Asian breakfast delights
More western style food
More bread than Fornax
The long shot
Custom egg order form
The first order
Dinner with heavy food
Deserts!
Thai wrap station
The cheeses, which bleu is my favorite
A decent gym, not overkill, but it was good
The main pool, that is open longer hours than the other one
The garden pool, which is the daytime drinking one
Swimup bar!
Finally a sauna with a working interior light
The garden areas (used to be part of the Portuguese Embassy)
Tennis anyone? Not really seems to be a thing here
Tailors in the hotel
More tailors. I cannot advise on quality because I don't know
Super cute elephant souvenirs
Carpet dealers
Silks and such
Artisan items for the inner grandmother in you
Summary
I have seen some challenging Sheratons in the United States, but I have not had a bad experience at one in Asia. Each time I go, I find I am seriously impressed with the all-out 4 star hotel experience.This hotel is really astounding, and the water taxi to the Siam mall and the elevated railway stations behind it and down the river, it's actually a very connected hotel. I took the water shuttle to just see the river a bit, you can do that!
Buy an upgrade to a room that includes the lounge, or add on the lounge. The daily offerings are excellent and worth it. Locals come here for weekend getaways it's so good.