Perfect balance between business and pleasure

I chose to stay at the Plaza Athenee as I didn't have the budget for the Peninsula or the Shangri-La. Having had a meal at the Shangri-La, I have to say I preferred the Plaza Athenee. The only thing it lacks is a river view.

The food at the Plaza was great, and not too expensive, the room we had was huge and the service we received was excellent. Upon arrival, one of the ladies at reception actually walked out from behind the reception desk to greet us. She then proceeded to check us in and even took us up to our room!

I especially liked this hotel because it didn't feel feel like a pure business hotel. There was a good, mixed crowd of suits and tourists. I felt that at the Shangri-La it was all pretty much business, with few tourists.

Though the hotel isn't on the river, it is very close to the heart of downtown, and the two big shopping malls are within a 20-minute walk of the hotel.

Good Value & Nice Pool

Stayed for a week at the Plaza Athenee at the end of October. Good property with lovely pool. Check-in at reception business-like, & confused my booking with my friends who were checking in at the same time - not that difficult to sort out one would have thought.

Had a decent deal through asiarooms for a corner deluxe room. Would recommend this type of room if staying here, as they are so much bigger than standard rooms - laid out like a mini-suite, with a sep seating area. C/D rooms well laid out, quite minimalist, with lots of 'empty space' on floor and walls - bit of a shock at first, compared to other hotels I've stayed at in Bangkok, but then it becomes quite calming. Amenities in room nice touch.

Used the hotel car a few times, and with a group of three hiring it, it came to a really reasonable cost. In fact the hotel always offered great value for money for eating, the spa (management of which is being brought in-house now), and even laundry was ok. Just don't order (very expensive) wine. RainTree did a good evening buffet, their Thai restaurant Smooth Curry was actually amazing - really exceptional food, good service - deserves a higher profile.

The Glaz bar has a fantastic guest singer - Maci Miller - for the month of November - do try to catch her act if you're in town this month. They were a bit inconsistent with drinks quality though (we tended to go to the Conrad's Diplomat Bar most nights as their barstaff were better trained when it came to making drinks).

Lovely pool a haven after a heavy day shopping or sightseeing, or a great place to charge up the batteries Before going out shopping or sightseeing! Service round pool could be erratic at busy times. Also late afternoons there was a consistent smell of cooking - don't know if it was the kitchen vents, or whether the Vietnamese embassy next door had a daily cook-out. But overall very nice place to hang out, with pretty landscaping, all-day sun coverage, and a good mixture of sun & shady spots.

No problems

My husband and I stayed here at the last leg of our honeymoon. We had the delux corner room which was bigger than the standard room. WE really enjoyed the room- everything was top notch- big shower and bathroom, comfy beds, choice of pillows, lovely deserts and fruits in the room every night. We ordered the very affordable room service and the food was lovely.

Breakfast has a good selection of different cuisine.

Highly recommended and good value.

Outstanding

This hotel really is special. We arrived in Bangkok for the first part of our honeymoon and were overwhelmed when we seen where we were staying. You are greeted personally at the door and every need is taken care of. The vast lobby is spectacular and every area of the hotel is very well kept. You are treated so well by all the staff that you feel like a VIP every day. The breakfast is amazing and even has champagne chilling for those who want it. In the evening there is a choice of 5 restaurants - we tried the Thai restaurant which was lovely and the all you can eat buffet at the rain tree cafe for around £11 -great value since there is so much choice on offer and fresh meat and seafood cooked to your liking .

The pool area is a haven in the middle of the scyscrapers of Bangkok and there are some leisue facilities and a jogging garden on offer on this level too.

The rooms are beautiful and the corridors are scented with lemongrass. Even the soap and bath products are aromatherapy and you find yourself very relaxed before you know it. It is a world away from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok.

The location is excellent and it is easy to access the skytrain or get a taxi into the City Centre.

All in all it is an amazing hotel and is probably one of the best hotels in Bangkok. We absolutely loved it.

Luxurious but affordable, good location

Very friendly and attentive staff, luxurious feel from the moment you arrive. We stayed with our 10 and six years olds and had interconnecting rooms. Often the hotel extras are prohibitive but we had poolside sandwiches and could even afford the laundry service!

The hotel is well located too for the new night market, skytrain (although taxis are cheaper for a family of four) and other sights. One can easily get to restaurants and supermarkets for essential family extras (water and snacks for day trips).

Oasis of luxury in heart of Bangkok

My friend and I stayed here for 3 nights on 19th June 2005 and it completely blew us away with its service and sheer luxury. From the stunning lobby to the fantastic room (Deluxe twin) the little details make all the difference. All the staff are very polite and treat you like you're a VIP. Pool is also fantastic with great view and was very quiet and relaxing during our stay. Eating at the poolside restaurant was good value as well with great thai food and drinks. Altogether a total haven from the chaos of Bangkok - accessible either by walking or from the Skytrain station 5 mins walk away.

Friendly luxury

We stayed here for 3 nights in March this year, and could not have wished for a more luxurious, and beautifully appointed hotel. The breakfasts were superb, and the staff could not have been more friendly, smiling, and helpful. It is not by the river, but is in a pleasant area, with numerous embassies in the road, within a 3-5 minute walk to the nearest Skytrain station.

We stayed in four very good hotels on this trip -in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Dubai, including a Shangri La, and this was the best!

Excellent is the only word.

Fantastic 5 Star Bargain

Stayed at the Plaza Athenee in late February and early March 2005. Stayed with son and daughter and experienced a fantastic property at a price of $120 per night (US). The restaurants at the hotel are fabulous. The pool is first rate, the spa massage was terriffic. The location is a few blocks from the sky train. You can spend another $100 a night to stay at one of the more highly touted five stars, but why do it? This hotel is really comfortable and very luxurious. Enjoy it !!!

A good choice at good price

Stayed there in October 2004 for 1 night. Nicely decorated. clean, comfortable large rooms without having huge amount of character. Reception areas typical 5 star Asian hotel. No complaints about service. Good location for getting Skytrain. Beautiful swimming pool area -especially for this type of hotel (pool on high up floor) and definitely pool is better than Westin for style and Sheraton Sukhumvit for size.

I paid $108 per night excl breakfast through Meridien website and having checked out a number of other 5 star hotels came to the conclusion that this is one of the best value hotels.

A First Class Hotel!!!

Absolutely fantastic!!! From the moment you step into the hotel, you feel the welcoming atmosphere. All the staff is extremely polite and helpful, the rooms are large and very nicely decorated with high quality sheets and a wide range of pillows to choose from. The bathroom is impeccable. Our breakfast was included in the rate and was very good with a large variety of food from several countries. Everything is brand new. I can assure you that this is a first class hotel and should be considered a five star and not four as some tour sites rate it.