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2 registered members (Ngaire, 1 invisible),
821
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 Taj Mahal Hotels (Bangkok)
#231395
05/10/12 02:19 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,434
Dreps
OP
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OP
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,434 |
I think that Regent is planning to use the Millenium Hilton in Bangkok for their "Luxury Hotel Package." What other hotels are people looking at for pre-cruise time in Bangkok? It has been more than 20 years since I was there.
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Eugene
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Re: Taj Mahal Hotels (Bangkok)
[Re: Dreps]
#231400
05/10/12 07:48 AM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,335
AndreaN
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Betty & I will be staying at the Four Seasons. It's an absolutely beautiful property, especially if we are upgraded to a cabana suite as I was in March! The Grand Hyatt is right down the block, and I would like to pull together a group dinner before the cruise at the Erawan Tea Room, a fabulous Thai restaurant at the hotel. My friends and I ate there in March and it was wonderful.
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Re: Taj Mahal Hotels (Bangkok)
[Re: AndreaN]
#231418
05/11/12 07:20 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,471
sedona
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We are staying at the Hyatt and the Intercontinental...free nights....status....Andrea..is the Grand Hyatt the only Hyatt in Bangkok?
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 Re: Taj Mahal Hotels (Bangkok)
[Re: Dreps]
#231425
05/11/12 04:23 PM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,335
AndreaN
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I checked Andi, and it does look like the Grand Hyatt is the only Hyatt property there. They are building a Park Hyatt but it won't be open until 2014.
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Re: Taj Mahal Hotels (Bangkok)
[Re: Dreps]
#231432
05/11/12 06:17 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,471
sedona
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Thanks, Andrea. We would love to do dinner.
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Re: Taj Mahal Hotels (Bangkok)
[Re: Dreps]
#231439
05/12/12 03:42 AM
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,078
Leslie B
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Those cabana suites at the FS look incredible, Andrea!
Last time we were in Bangkok we stayed at the Oriental. Would prefer to be on the river but we have a lot of Hyatt and Starwood points so I plan to look at some other options this time.
Leslie
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Re: Taj Mahal Hotels (Bangkok)
[Re: Dreps]
#231440
05/12/12 04:48 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 447
pammy
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We are doing Regent air and hotel since we are saving our miles for our family trip to south Africa. Having done BKK at least 4 times we won't be spending any time there but am glad of the transfers.
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Re: Taj Mahal Hotels (Bangkok)
[Re: pammy]
#231443
05/12/12 06:16 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 6,352
Marc
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We will either be staying at Millenium Hilton or Conrad; prefer location of Millenium. I haven't been able to price transfers yet to determine whether to use Regent's hotel plan for last night or just use points and either arrange own transfer or purchase Regent's. I think we have decided against tigers and elephants (doesn't seem to be much interest here) so we are just going to spend a day at River Kwai and a day shopping.
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Re: Taj Mahal Hotels (Bangkok)
[Re: Dreps]
#231447
05/12/12 07:14 AM
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,991
pwolftx
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We're on the Ankor Wat pre-cruise and as of now they're using the Peninsula in Bangkok for the night before the tour. I think we're going right from Siem Reip to the ship after the tour.
Marc, if you're going to the River Kwai, the Tiger Temple isn't very far from there--it would be a shame to miss it. We did the floating market, the River Kwai and the Tiger Temple in one day without any undue stress.
Peggy
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Re: Taj Mahal Hotels (Bangkok)
[Re: Dreps]
#231449
05/12/12 08:10 AM
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 803
Ralph W.
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I am also doing pre-cruise to Ankor Wat. Arriving on 3/27/13 at 11:05 am. Using CX from LAX via HKG. Decided to arrive a day early so I could rest up from long flights and really enjoy the Ankor Wat tour. I expect to be at the Peninsula also unless Regent changes things. Do they have Sambuca at the Peninsula?
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Re: Taj Mahal Hotels (Bangkok)
[Re: Ralph W.]
#231455
05/12/12 10:37 AM
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 258
Mark and Cheron
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We are staying at the Peninsula for 2 nights using AMEX points and think we are going to use the Regent one night at the Hilton and their transfers.
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Re: Taj Mahal Hotels (Bangkok)
[Re: Dreps]
#231460
05/12/12 01:22 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,419
DougW
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Our plan is:
arrive at BKK. Spend one night at Hyatt on a free room deal.
Next day: off to Siem Reep. 3 nights at The Privilege Floor.
Back to BKK for the two nights at the Intercontinental (points for one night. Yea!)
Move to the Regent hotel for the last night
then on the ship
Just need to book the flight to/from Siem Reep. Any suggestions/advice?
Thanks, Doug
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Re: Taj Mahal Hotels (Bangkok)
[Re: Dreps]
#231464
05/12/12 02:37 PM
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,078
Leslie B
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Anyone know what the current credit is if you don't take the Regent hotel night?
If it is still $300 pp then it doesn't make sense to take it - many of the hotels in Bangkok are really reasonable; adding on the transfer isn't going to get you anywhere near $600 (if that is still the credit). Much better not to have to switch hotels just for the last night.
Leslie
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Re: Taj Mahal Hotels (Bangkok)
[Re: Dreps]
#231466
05/12/12 04:37 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,434
Dreps
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I agree, Leslie. Yes, the credit is still $300 pp as far as I know. I did the same calculation and I actually e-mailed Marc earlier saying the same thing. The hotels seem very reasonable for the quality.
Doug, when we did Angkor Wat on our own, I had no trouble booking Bangkok Airways online. In fact when we extended our trip in Siem Reap, I wasn't even charged a fee by the airlines when the hotel changed our reservation.
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Eugene
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Re: Taj Mahal Hotels (Bangkok)
[Re: Dreps]
#231479
05/13/12 12:15 AM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,923
Ngaire
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The transfer from BANGKOK to the ship is the issue. It is a long way and I have had taxis not be able to find the ship several times so that is the main reason to take the Regent Hotel.
Last time we did Angkor Wat on our own and it look us longer to find the ship than the trip down to the port area and we had the port information. Of course you may have a driver that has no problems at all but just a warning from our experiences. Just be sure you give yourself plenty of time if taking a taxi.
In MOST cases you can get the hotel for less if you will do your own transfers.
Certain cities are a good value, London with that long expensive transfer to the port is an example.
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Re: Taj Mahal Hotels (Bangkok)
[Re: Dreps]
#231486
05/13/12 05:33 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,419
DougW
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Eugene & Leslie: Good point! Hard to believe that 2 people for one night + transport to ship would run close to $600USD. And for us, it would mean not moving, since will already be in BKK.
Thanks for the link to Bangkok Air!
Doug
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Re: Taj Mahal Hotels (Bangkok)
[Re: Dreps]
#231493
05/13/12 07:51 AM
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,078
Leslie B
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Here's a chart that I found for transfers to the port (Laem Chabang) - I have no recommendation for this company (orientalescapes.com) but this provides ballpark amounts, which seem really inexpensive: from Bangkok to Leam Chabang: 1800 THB = approx $60 2700 THB = approx $90 inclusions : >> A private car or van with experience driver >> ATTA Member Service (Express Airport Meeting & Parking at Suvarnabhumi Airport) >> Gasoline >> Drinking water >> All tickets for the Express Way >> A Babyseat (upon request) >> Transportation insurance (THB 200,000/Passengers) Payment : (1) "CASH" You can pay for transfer services directly to our driver upon meeting/pick-up. (2) "CREDIT CARD" We accept payment by VISA & Master. Remark : - Prices (Thai Baht) are valid in either direction and are for 1 vehicle. - Booking should be made at least 24 hours in advance. 
Leslie
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Re: Taj Mahal Hotels (Bangkok)
[Re: Leslie B]
#231495
05/13/12 07:59 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 447
pammy
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Posts: 447 |
Is this per person or per car?
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Re: Taj Mahal Hotels (Bangkok)
[Re: Dreps]
#231496
05/13/12 08:12 AM
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,078
Leslie B
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I'm not trying to advocate one way or the other over taking the Regent hotel package, but if it forces you to change hotels during your stay in Bangkok, I don't think that makes too much sense given how reasonably priced many of the 5* hotels are.
I looked up some base rates fat a few hotels:
Peninsula - deluxe $269 - including breakfast
Four Seasons - superior $204; $246; including breakfast
Grand Hyatt - grand king $245 - w/ internet & breakfast $284
Hilton Millennium - deluxe - $234 - with breakfast $274
There are lower rates at some for advance purchase, AAA, etc. and of course higher rates for club rooms, higher categories.
Leslie
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Re: Taj Mahal Hotels (Bangkok)
[Re: pammy]
#231497
05/13/12 08:13 AM
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,078
Leslie B
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Posts: 2,078 |
Pam - those prices are stated as per vehicle
inclusions :
>> A private car or van with experience driver
>> ATTA Member Service (Express Airport Meeting & Parking at Suvarnabhumi Airport)
>> Gasoline
>> Drinking water
>> All tickets for the Express Way
>> A Babyseat (upon request)
>> Transportation insurance (THB 200,000/Passengers)
Payment :
(1) "CASH" You can pay for transfer services directly to our driver upon meeting/pick-up.
(2) "CREDIT CARD" We accept payment by VISA & Master.
Remark :
- Prices (Thai Baht) are valid in either direction and are for 1 vehicle.
- Booking should be made at least 24 hours in advance.
Leslie
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Re: Taj Mahal Hotels (Bangkok)
[Re: Dreps]
#231498
05/13/12 08:53 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,434
Dreps
OP
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Posts: 1,434 |
Leslie's figures are consistent with what I've seen. I made reservations at the Le Meridien with Starpoints. On one Web site, I saw that a van to the ship would be about $100 and could easily be for two (or even more) couples. Given Ngaire's comments about the port, I am curious about what Regent wants for just transfers, and I'll probably call tomorrow. But I suspect we will do it independently and just allow a lot of extra time.
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Eugene
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Re: Taj Mahal Hotels (Bangkok)
[Re: Dreps]
#231503
05/13/12 12:45 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 6,352
Marc
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Eugene, I will pass on the $600 hotel/transfers from Regent, too. If you find out rate for transfers only, let us know. I would rather leave early and get to ship on my own schedule than wait for a late transfer. Especially, if Regent is putting up overnighting guests in Bangkok; the transfer could be really late.
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Re: Taj Mahal Hotels (Bangkok)
[Re: Dreps]
#231514
05/13/12 07:03 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,471
sedona
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,471 |
Thanks Eugene and Leslie for this info. With our points, paying for transfers also makes sense.
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Re: Taj Mahal Hotels (Bangkok)
[Re: Dreps]
#231517
05/14/12 04:31 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,434
Dreps
OP
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Posts: 1,434 |
So I just was speaking with Regent. They don't have 2013 rates available, but I think that the 2012 information provides useful data. If you just want to arrange a private car through Regent from your hotel in Bangkok to the port of Laem Chabang the cost this year is $219 for the car. That is for a maximum of two people. I didn't ask whether the was less likely to have problems finding the ship because Regent was arranging it, or whether that meant that Regent was responsible if you actually had a problem making it to the ship with "their" car.
I'm pretty sure that we'll just arrange things on our own or with another couple and give ourselves plenty of time.
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Eugene
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Re: Taj Mahal Hotels (Bangkok)
[Re: Dreps]
#231535
05/14/12 08:22 AM
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 258
Mark and Cheron
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Posts: 258 |
I have checked with the Peninsula Hotel and the concierge said it would be BHT 7,000 for a car up to 3 people.
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Re: Taj Mahal Hotels (Bangkok)
[Re: Dreps]
#231555
05/14/12 12:46 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,419
DougW
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To all:
I think we will be able to arrange transport from BKK to the ship easily...either on our own or thru our hotels. Maybe as we draw nearer, we can stay in touch & find some sort of group deal.
In any case, we should be able to beat the Regent price...as long as we, as Eugene said, allow enough time.
Doug
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