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 aguest 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 |
4/0used 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 |
3/0used 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
|
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 Lowseasonally |
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?