Comparison of Starwood Hotels In Thailand

Pool Phoenician Scottsdale Center for Well Being

Many of my regular readers, friends and colleagues know that I spend a lot of time in Thailand and since I had a business project in Thailand for the past 2 years, it meant a whole lot of time in Thailand (over 9 months in total.) I’ve been keeping this overview of Starwood Hotels in Thailand updated over the years as I’ve been visiting the different hotels.

Here is an overview comparison (I’m awarding up to 5 points, 5 being pretty darn perfect) and will provide detailed information below the chart.   While there are tons of hotels in Thailand, my focus has been on Starwood Hotels In Thailand.

Property Review:

Overall
Service
F&B
Pool
Spa
Beach
Aloft Bangkok – Sukhumvit 11
3
3
3
3
n/a
n/a
Le Méridien Bangkok
5
5
4
3
4
n/a
Le Méridien Chiang Mai
4
4
3
3
3
n/a
Le Méridien Koh Samui
4
4
3
4
4
3
Le Méridien Phuket
Royal Orchid Sheraton
4
4
4
4
3
n/a
Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok
4
4
4
3
3
n/a
Sheraton Krabi
3
3
2
4
3
4
The St. Regis Bangkok
4.5
5
5
4
3.5
n/a
The Westin Grande Sukhumvit
3
3
3
2
1
n/a
The Westin Siray Bay
4.5
4
4
5+
4
3.5
W Bangkok
4
4
3
4
 3
n/a
W Retreat Koh Samui
4
5
4
4
4
3.5
Naka Island (note: I have not stayed as a
guest overnight,but visited and toured the facility)
 3
4
 4
 4

 Platinum Benefits

Platinum Benefits
 Breakfast
Lounge
My #of visits vs # of complimentary upgrades
Aloft Bangkok – Sukhumvit 11
3
3
n/a
1/1
Le Méridien Bangkok
5
5
n/a
Too many #s to count 100% upgrades
Le Méridien Chiang Mai
4
4
n/a
1/1
Le Méridien Koh Samui
3
3
n/a
4/0
used suite night awards
Le Méridien Phuket
3
4
n/a
1/0
Royal Orchid Sheraton
4.5
4.5
4
4/4
Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok
4
4
4.5
1/1
Sheraton Krabi
3
3
3.5
2/0
The St. Regis Bangkok
3.5
4.5
n/a
3/0
used suite night award
The Westin Grande Sukhumvit
3
2
2
2/2
The Westin Siray Bay
4.5
4.5
n/a
5/5
W Bangkok
4
4
n/a
1/ n/a
(suite were not yet open when I visited)
W Retreat Koh Samui
4
4
n/a
1/a (all villa retreat)
Naka Island
No overnight yet

Costs and Who Should Go

Overall Value
Price
Who Should Visit
Aloft Bangkok – Sukhumvit 11
4
Low
Anyone
Le Méridien Bangkok
5
Moderate to Low
seasonally
Anyone, Business Travelers
Le Méridien Chiang Mai
4
Moderate
Anyone
Le Méridien Koh Samui
3
High
Couples, Small Groups, Friends
Le Méridien Phuket
3
High
Families
Royal Orchid Sheraton
4
Moderate
Anyone, Business Travelers
Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok
3
High
Anyone
Sheraton Krabi
3
Moderate
Families, Groups
The St. Regis Bangkok
2
Very High
Anyone who can afford it
The Westin Grande Sukhumvit
2
Moderate
Anyone
The Westin Siray Bay
4
Moderate
Anyone
W Bangkok
4
Very High
Anyone who wants a W experience
W Retreat Koh Samui
3
Very High
Couples
Naka Island
Very High
Couples

 

My Recommendations

In Bangkok my recommendation is the Le Meridien Bangkok. It’s central and it’s very customer focused. There are plenty of suites and lots of upgrades if you’ve got status with SPG. The staff is phenomenal and the breakfast is something you’ll remember.

In Phuket my recommendation is the Westin Siray Bay if you’re not there for a party. The Westin is a big property set into a hill (lots of walking required, but the hotel does offer a golf cart shuttle.) The pools are spectacular and the food options are plenty.  One of my favorites.

In Koh Samui, if money is not an object, then I would suggest the W, it’s a unique experience. Otherwise I suggest the Le Meridien Koh Samui unless you want to spend all your time on the beach, and then I suggest you don’t go to Koh Samui. The Sheraton Samui has recently opened but I have not yet tried it out so have not rated it here.

In Krabi the Sheraton Krabi is your only choice and it’s a good one if you’re looking for value or for a family vacation. Don’t go in high season and expect any SPG platinum or gold benefits. There are lots of kids at the hotel and it seemed crowded at the holidays.  The pool is great, but the breakfast not so great.

Naka Island, again, if money is not an object, I’d say go to Naka. It’s beautiful. The beach is by far the best Starwood property beach I’ve seen.  You’re isolated – a boat ride is required to get anywhere – so this is not a great jumping off point is you’re on the go.  Visit Naka for R&R.

What is your favorite of the Starwood Hotels In Thailand?

2 Comments on "Comparison of Starwood Hotels In Thailand"

  1. Plaza Athénée Bangkok, A Royal Méridien Hotel is also found in Bangkok.
    Was it omitted due to the fact the staff is incredible, the food is excellent and the public spaces are beautifully maintained . . . but this grand lady has been stating they’re updating their rooms for more then two years. I have not seen them yet. And yet they price themselves as though they are keeping up with “The Sukhumvits”.

  2. Gregory, it was only omitted because it’s the one hotel I have never been too.

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