Bangkok's Bel Aire Princess Is A Real Eye Opener. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED (Bel Aire Princess Bangkok)

Member Name: mythdata

Product:	Bel Aire Princess Bangkok
Date:	02/09/08 (176 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great value, spacious, friendly staff, and much more.

Disadvantages: WE HAD TO COME HOME

On a recent holiday we had and stop over in Bangkok, which in my eyes was perfect as I love to shop and the exchange rate for the Thai baht being so good against the pound was very appealing. Must to my husbands dismay he really enjoyed this to, although he was not keen on the Bangkok stopover at all.

The flight itself was 11 hours and 20 minutes, and when we arrived it was 7 hours ahead of our time, so we were a little jet lagged. We both wanted to sleep and rest up for the days ahead. This was until we saw the hotel.

THE HOTEL

The Bel Air Princess hotel, this was listed as a 3* hotel in the travel brochure. We were not expecting much as it would be classed as our base and we would only use it to sleep in.

To our amazement this hotel was very lavish and in our eyes it looked more like a 4 of a 5* rating, at this point all visions of sleep were out the window. The hotel itself has very cool contemporary look and feel to it, and can cater for your every need.

All of the staff were really friendly and many spoke English, although they do like it when you do try to speak in Thai, I found this very strange as I could not even pronounce the words, but they seem to appreciate that we tried, apparently it is classed as a sign of respect.

ROOMS

I HAVE TO SAY THE ROOMS WERE NOTHING LIKE THE PICTURE HERE. THIS PICTURE LOOKS LIKE A SHABBY B&B..........

The hotel consists of 160 rooms and if our room was anything to go by than this place was very lavish, we stayed in the cheapest superior room and the bed was huge, no word of a lie it was twice the size of a queen in England. So I can only imagine what the superior deluxe and the suites looked like.

The room was very spacious with an oriental style to it, it had all the basics like tea and coffee facilities, hair dryer, iron and plenty of storage. It also had a safe for you to keep all of you personal belongings safe.

The bath room was very spacious too, with floor to ceiling tiling and walking shower and separate bath, all shampoo conditioners and soaps were replaced daily. So you can come away with a really good stock of posh toiletries.

The room was cleaned daily and fresh flowers on the bed and bottled water were also replaced daily, free of charge.

Tipping the maid is not essential but I found we got more towels and flowers for doing it, the maid would not just take money we had to give her it personally. Every time we left money on the side it was there when we got back.

FACILITES

A large swimming pool is located on the roof top and there are many sun loungers available for you to laze on. We found this to be relaxing and quite.

There are 2 bars located in the hotel and a large restaurant, fitness centre and boutique shops. I have to admit the prices for food and drinks are very pricey compared to the bars and restaurants just outside the hotel.

For example buying meals from street vendors will cost you roughly 50p each, a sit down meal will cost you 2-3 pounds each and a lavish dress up king of meal will cost you no more that 8 pounds each. The most you will pay for drinks in 2 pounds each this is in the really posh restaurants.


LOCATION

The Bel Aire Princess in located in Skhamvit Road very close to Siam square, which is a very good location for many of Bangkok's attractions, and is only a five minute walk from the sky train which allows you to travel around the city very easily for anything from 10 - 40 baht, English equivalent of 20 - 60p per ticket.

It is also within walking distance of boutiques, shopping malls Mahboonkrong, Siam Discovery and Central World Plaza. All of these are very cheap and you can haggle a great deal usually you can get a 10-40% discount on the price the vendor is asking for. The only place you can't haggle is in the shopping malls as these prices are set.

OVERVIEW

This hotel was beyond our expectations and really helped us have a fantastic stay in Bangkok, This is by far the best hotel I have been to and it was very reasonable too.

The view from the pool deck was amazing and showed some great views, my favorite was at night as all of the lights and buildings are lit up and look great.

If you decide to go to Bangkok this is a must and I would advise that you stay in a 3* as they are still very lavish.

The reception staff are also very good when it comes to directions and where to and where not to go.

Summary: What a fantastic hotel that mad our holiday.