Beatles cover band? Huge suite upgrade with river views? Excellent club lounge? My stay at the Sheraton was very brief, but it was pretty memorable.
I’ve read mixed reviews of the Royal Orchid Sheraton, but I enjoyed my stay. There are multiple Starwood properties to choose from in Bangkok, from Four Points and Aloft to St. Regis and W. I was traveling alone on this trip, so I didn’t need to spend extravagantly, and this was just a brief overnight before my journey home. Ultimately, I decided on the Sheraton, rather than one of the cheaper options for its full service offerings. I talked about my previous layover hotel in Bangkok, the Park Plaza Soi 18.
The Royal Orchid Sheraton is located on the banks of the Chao Phraya river.
My Thai Airways flight from Chiang Rai to Bangkok arrived in the evening, so my taxi ride to the hotel was in the dark, so I didn’t get to do too much sightseeing on the way. When I arrived, the aforementioned Beatles cover band was rocking near the reception desk. The sound blasting through the lobby made for a difficult time hearing the reservations agent, but eventually I was checked in, and headed up to my room. The band was actually pretty entertaining, and I like Beatles music, but apparently I’m old, since I thought it was a too loud while trying to check in.
Executive Suite, Royal Orchid Sheraton Bangkok
A bellman escorted me to my room. My small bags hardly required assistance, but it was nice to get a tour of the property from the friendly guy. I was upgraded to an 750+ square feet executive suite in the Towers wing. That is the typical Platinum upgrade at this hotel. It was pretty nice, especially for short stay as a solo traveler.
Here is a photo tour of the Executive Suite:
views of the entry way and sitting room
Some artwork in the suite
main TV and minibar
Views of bedroom
Bathroom views
A few minutes after getting to my room, I was surprised to have a knock on the door. A bellman delivered another welcome amenity, this time some fresh juice, in addition to the fruit basket and some chocolates that was in my room upon arrival. I also received 500 SPG points as my platinum amenity.
I wanted to spend a little time in the hotel besides just sleeping, and the lounge was closed, so I went back to the lobby to listen to the Beatles cover band some more and caught up on some email.
Royal Orchid Sheraton Club Lounge
Soon, my long day exploring the Golden triangle caught up with me, so I returned to my room to sleep. I had to leave relatively early in the morning so I could maximize my time in the Thai Airways First Class Lounge, but I wanted to check out the club lounge for a light breakfast. There was a pretty nice spread, with various hot choices, plus a diverse selection of breads and fresh fruit. This is significantly better than Sheraton club breakfast offerings stateside.
The club was large, with excellent views but the area near the breakfast buffet was pretty full of patrons. There is a buffet, but club staff is on hand to provide table service as well.
The Royal Orchid Sheraton was a nice hotel, an excellent value, with good Platinum recognition. I’d certainly return to this hotel on future trips. Then again, there are so many other excellent properties in Bangkok, it may take a while to make the circuit.
After breakfast in the lounge, I returned to my room, packed up, and got into a cab for the ride back to the airport and the Thai Royal First ground experience.
