hotel tips and travel advice

Perusing the hotel reviews

Having never travelled to the Far East before, I really wasn’t sure what I was supposed to expect in a country such as Thailand (the land of smiles) as it is otherwise known. Nor had I any idea about the country’s recent history, culture or about the language. I mean was there such a thing as Thai language? Apparently yes.   One thing was for sure though, that is; I’d have to stay in the Royal City of Angels (Bangkok) for a couple of nights for a business seminar to see some people about a business venture.   Scared? Not really, after all it is just another city. Hesitant? Yes, since I hadn’t had a chance to book a hotel suite in the center and time was running out. Of course, you’d think it’d be easily done but when you have no time to research and not enough sleep to concentrate, you tend to worry about which kind of hotel you will end up staying at.   After all, it’s not as if I need to stay in some royal palace. Meanwhile browsing the web, I did find one advice site and it went like this:

[Aside from the obvious categories of class and style without forgetting that ominous matter of affordability, choose a business hotel that is located in the heart of the commercial business area of Bangkok. Go for one that offers a range of suites from superior standard rooms to suite and royal deluxe rooms plus great reliable services. They must have access to all the city attractions, historical sites like the Royal Palace and convention centers.

Your hotel location should be in a convenient area at the heart of Bangkok’s business center, although slightly set back “away from the bustle” to allow for rest and retreat after a hard day’s meeting. Check that access to and from the international and domestic airports is simple and available. Less than 80 minutes to and from the airport. Access by car or by public transport is also recommended. Good access to all business points, without forgetting the tourist attractions. Business people need time-out for touring, separating business from pleasure.

Aside from hotel service and staff efficiency, service should also include the amenities in the vicinity of the hotel and the kind of service offered from the surrounding shops, restaurants etc. Poor service from surrounding amenities would almost certainly suggest a poorly infrastructured area and to be avoided at all costs.

Rooms and suites

The business hotel should cover an extensive range of suites that are spacious, luxurious, and perfectly kempt at all times. Standard types to suite types fit for aristocracy that includes all modernisms of high-tech communications, amenities, large-size beds, good views and everything any guest would need for a five star hotel suite stay.

Great advice to those of you starting out, but I’ve been on business trips before so I actually do know what kind of place I need for a business convention. It’s not like rocket science. Finally, I gave up surfing the net and simply asked a friend if he knew of anywhere. He came up with two words; Dusit Thani, a beautiful five star palace in the center of Bangkok. Perfect for tourism and business and amazing service.

It just goes to show, it’s what you know, it’s who you know.