Grande Centre Point Ploenchit Hotel

The two-bedroom suite made our three nights comfortable and was bright, roomy and well equipped: TVs in every room, a large fridge, washer-dryer, microwave, hob, two toilets and a spacious balcony. The place is a little aged, but the rooms and common areas were clean and well kept. The lobby was inviting, and staff were polite and attentive, especially the doormen and the man at the pool towel area. I hadn't expected much after reading some bad reviews, but I was very pleased with the stay. The fourth-floor pool and gym were decent, and there’s a Let’s Relax massage spa on the top floor. A five-minute walk gets you to the BTS, with a direct connection to Central Embassy mall. January peak-season prices are quite high, though. A few things could be better: some traffic noise from the main road, blinds that let in sunlight, and water that was too cold in the pool even on a hot, sunny day. The second toilet has no curtain or divider by the tub, so shower water splashed everywhere. There was no iron or ironing board in the suite either. The apartment hotel was still inviting and comfortable, and I'd stay again for the convenience.

The location really is excellent, and some staff were polite, but the stay fell well short of what we expected. The hotel feels old and dated. It's more or less clean, but that's about it. We arrived to a room on the 23rd floor that smelled strongly of cigarettes, despite not booking a smoking room. After we asked to change, they moved us to the 26th floor, but the room was otherwise the same. The first night was dreadful. The wooden blinds didn't keep out the light, and the street noise from tuk-tuks was so loud it felt like they were driving through the room. The entrance door also let in corridor sounds, making it seem as if people were inside. We barely slept. The next morning we asked reception to cancel so we could change hotels, but they said it had to go through Booking.com. Booking contacted the hotel, which refused our request. I understand policies, but the lack of flexibility was disappointing given the problems. We asked for a quieter room with proper curtains and were eventually moved to the 12th floor. It was noticeably better, with a wider bed, real curtains and much less noise than the higher floors. It was acceptable, but by then the experience had been affected. We decided to leave before the last night and move elsewhere. At checkout I told reception we hadn't been satisfied, and the receptionist didn't react, apologize or try to understand. That lack of empathy was disappointing. The hotel also serves no alcohol, and this wasn't clearly mentioned on Booking or the hotel's main information pages. I don't need drinks all day, but having a cocktail by the pool after a long day is part of a holiday for me. Being told to bring drinks from 7-Eleven isn't a real alternative. The explanation of a “green policy” makes little sense when guests are encouraged to bring their own plastic bags and cans. With better options nearby, I wouldn't choose this hotel again.

We stayed on the 22nd floor and had a breathtaking city view that made mornings and evenings special. The room was spotless, comfortable and thoughtfully laid out, with a balcony, which is a big plus in Bangkok. The hotel feels high class from the welcome through to its professional staff and quick, smooth check-in. It’s in a calm, safe spot right in the city center, within walking distance of malls, parks, restaurants, BTS, and business and tourist areas. There’s a good restaurant on site, and free water, coffee and tea during the day were a nice comfort. It brings together luxury, convenience and comfort, and works for business or leisure. I’d highly recommend it to anyone visiting Bangkok.

The manager gave us a room upgrade and a lovely birthday setup for my January birthday getaway, such a thoughtful surprise. We were lucky to be on a high floor, since lower ones may get traffic noise. Chidlom and Ploenchit BTS stations are easy to reach from the hotel. The service and comfort were wonderful, and I'd happily stay again. There are only 4 lifts, so waits can stretch during busy times. There's also just one nearby 7-Eleven, but that's manageable.