Soi11

In the last few weeks I've been here, I've observed that the Skytrain and subway are the places where masks are almost universally worn, in my opinion, a good thing. Shopping centers like Terminal 21 people are mostly masked, hotel lobbies, and of course the airport. I mask up in those places, but the downfall are the bars and clubs. Probably the incubator of more nasty viruses than any of the aforementioned places. But who wants to wear a mask when you've got a cute dancer on your lap or have her back in your room? and of course that is the problem. A few days ago I got very sick. Tested and it wasn't Covid, must be the flu, but knocked me out. Wasn't how I was expecting to spend my last week here. Bummer, but that's the price you pay I guess for not waiting another year to come over and enjoy. Feeling better now, looking forward to a mellow last 4 days.

Just checked into Dynasty Grande, never stayed here before, as I usually stay at Grand President or Ambassador on Soi 11. But I'm really happy with Dynasty, nice sized room, super clean and well maintained, with a great desk/work area, sofa sitting area, huge bed, big bathroom with marble and granite, nicely done. And a balcony overlooking the pool so I can step out and get some fresh air. It looks like half the hotel might still be closed, btw. But the location is great too, just minutes walk from NEP and there are those pubs on Soi 4, and Busstop, one of my favorite restaurants, And a 7/11 50 yards away.

Thanks so much for the thorough report, and for the pics! I'm on my way over next week, and my usual place to stay -- The Grand President -- is fully booked apparently, so maybe I will go for the other grand. I am also looking at Ambassador. Much appreciated.

Yes when you're drunk is a good time for those new life experiences! I got a lesson from a couple of cute girls outside Soi 7 biergarten in how to eat insects. With the big cockroach-ish kind of things, waterbugs I guess, they showed me how to break the head off and sort of suck the meat out from inside. Yuck. Once was enough for me. Also I love how those carts always have "ant mix". So no one wants to just eat one type of ant at a time, you gotta mix up the different kinds?

Never stayed at Sofitel. But I've stayed at the Westin numerous times. Very big, modern gym, great machines, etc. Haven't used the pool. The room size varies of course depending what you pay for but they are all nice, usually have at least a little sitting area, and great city views. Super clean and services are top notch. Of course it's fairly expensive as BKK hotels go so you would expect that. I've written in here on another thread about the excellent breakfast/brunch buffets. And the location is perfect, Near BTS and shopping, etc..

I always walk through the hotel/pool area to get to the BTS, it's a total maze that's true, but once you figure it out it's a nice walk through beautiful grounds and lobbies. The main lobby bar is great for an afternoon drink and watching the boats on the river. Be aware though that the prices are Western prices, like New York or London, and IMO not worth it. I assume they cater to businessmen on expense accounts who don't know what amazing food and at what prices you can find in Bangkok. But yes super convenient to the ferry and the sights. A buddy of mine barfined 2 girls from Soi Cowboy and brought them back to Shangri La, I thought he was crazy, that they wouldn't allow them in, but apparently the hotel didn't mind. The girls loved it of course

Thanks for that update. Interesting about tower 3. And If they were driving machines in and out that sounds like a heavy reno all right. I agree, loved Tower 2 suites. Huge rooms, fairly quiet, full kitchens, lobby was easy to get in and out of and not see anyone, brought back multiple girls sometimes. I plan to be there in Sept and was hoping to stay in Tower 2.

I can't tell from the website if it is closed for now or not. I like it there, great location, big rooms, a little shabby but that's part of the charm. I only stay in Tower 2 or 3 across the street. Tower 1 has the huge reception desk and concierge stations and shops and restaurant, it's always crowded, day and night. If you want some privacy bringing girls up to the room, I'd avoid the main tower.

Yeah, there are so many great options. Soi 11 has everything, I often stay at the Grand President, a little worn around the edges but big rooms and no questions if you want to bring someone over for the night. And cheaper than the big name places, Great pool, full staff, good concierges. Soi 11 has lots of hotels, pubs, convenience stores, espresso places, groceries, bars, restaurants. Easy walk to the Sky train. Halfway between NEP and Soi Cowboy. Not far fromTerminal 21 too.

When I'm in BKK, during the day I always like to watch the tennis at Soi 7 Beer garden. Usually when I'm there it's early in the year, so it's the Aussie open.

I gotta give up darts and start learning golf. Unless there's a pub in Sukhumvit area where the girls hold your feathers.

Some of us like the service of a hotel, desk staff, daily maid service, concierge, maybe room service. Old school, I guess. As long as they let you take a guest to the room, it's the way I like to travel.

Sounds good, and yeah that's a great location, much closer to Nana than to Soi Cowboy, but you can get up to the Cowboy with a nice walk (I would cross over and walk up the opposite side, though, it's more crowded with stalls and people, but there's more to look at on that side, Thermae bar, more FLs, etc). And Soi 7 beer garden, and the new bars there which I gather are pretty good. I haven't been to BKK for a few years, sadly. Enjoy!

Oh, no, when I saw you booked Grand Suisse I was gonna write and say good choice, but wow. Back to the drawing board I guess. Let us know how it turns out. I wish I had some suggestions but I don't really have personal experience at very many different hotels there.

Ah, ok, didn't know about that no refund policy. That's not so good. But yes, enjoy the buffet anyway.

Haven't stayed at that Holiday Inn, I do often stay at the Westin on Soi 11, I would recommend it, great location, great buffet as discussed on a different thread

I like Grand president too, nice big rooms, the suites are spacious and not too expensive with full kitchen and big living room. There are two main towers, tower One has the lobby and front desk, so I avoid that as the lobby is always busy and I don't like bringing girls right past the front desk if I can avoid it. Tower 2 across the driveway is nicer and much more discreet for bringing a girl or two back. Never had anyone ask any questions. Across Soi 11 is another tower with smaller rooms, it's fine too, no problem bringing anyone back. And the location on Soi 11 is right in the middle of everything.

How about the Shangri-La? Not near the action, but near BTS to get there

I've stayed at the Westin a bunch of times, perfect location halfway between Nana and Cowboy, easy walk to either. A bit pricey though. If anyone cares, the gym there is top notch.

Now that things are opening up a little in Bangkok, I'm curious about the situation with street food at night, and all those great little pop-up bars that used to line Sukhumvit. Last time I was there, two years ago, those had started to disappear, for whatever reason. There were still a couple around Soi Cowboy, but that was it. And street food, the noodle places and carts on the sois, etc. Are they coming back now too? Although without tourists they may not have enough business. Curious, though.

Yes Soi 7 beergarden is a great daytime spot. Mid day it's not crowded, and every now and then I've found a gem there, even that early. I often go there for late breakfast/lunch at 2 or 3 Pm or so. With Covid I have no idea what it's like though, I'd be curious to hear.