Bangkok transits - hotels and rail

[Timtammi]

Re hotel limos. We hardly ever use them either and definitely regard them as a luxury/ripoff. However for this last trip we had lots of equipment we were carrying for a trade show so took the easy option. I know it was expensive by Thai standards but much cheaper than getting a taxi here so figured the travel budget could cop it.

 

[RooFlyer]

I must say that as I 'get on' I find it easier and easier to swallow the cost of a 'limo' Vs a taxi from curb side - especially when its the first time at a particular airport / country.

I've had so many poor experiences - including just plain hassles of getting the driver to understand where I want to go (with written instructions, in their language ) - that I now price my time and stress appropriately and can easily justify the cost, especially in terms of an overall international trip cost.

Happiness is seeing the uniformed man in Arrivals (or before) with your name on a sign. Check ID and credentials, give him the case to tow and follow him past the taxi rabble into the car +/- cold towel.

Commercial 'limos' much preferred over hotel ones; the latter can be a distinct rip-off.

 

[Timba-Jet]

While the airport Novotel is very convenient and good quality, including nice pool, it is pricey.

I personally prefer catching the train into town and seek out a bargain luxury hotel. Find something within easy walking distance from Makassan or Phaya Thai. If Accor is your thing, Pullman King power is nice.

if arriving late at night, then I would consider taxi, quick and no traffic, you should be in town within 3min. walking or waiting & catching shuttle to airport Novotel is 10-15 min perhaps, not too much difference.

 

[marks]

I must say that as I 'get on' I find it easier and easier to swallow the cost of a 'limo' Vs a taxi from curb side - especially when its the first time at a particular airport / country.

I've had so many poor experiences - including just plain hassles of getting the driver to understand where I want to go (with written instructions, in their language ) - that I now price my time and stress appropriately and can easily justify the cost, especially in terms of an overall international trip cost.

Happiness is seeing the uniformed man in Arrivals (or before) with your name on a sign. Check ID and credentials, give him the case to tow and follow him past the taxi rabble into the car +/- cold towel.

Commercial 'limos' much preferred over hotel ones; the latter can be a distinct rip-off.

Definitely use them for pickup now. Try oriental escapes. Meet you at the exit of immigration, rather than trying to find them.
Bangkok Transfer - Offers quality transfer & transportation / Airport pickup and travel services in Thailand

If you have accor and looking at a longer stay the second layover, the novotel at plonetchit is handy with one of my favourite bars/restaurants hyde & seek just up the soi on the side. Hyde & Seek - A playful culinary experience - Frontpage Great little french cafe next door there too.

Cheers

 

[sergeyvzn]

taxi/limo/car into town at any time unless it's really early in the morning or very late at night - AVOID at all cost.

I can still remember vividly as my worst nightmare stuck on the exit from a highway into Sukhumvit Road for 3(!) hours. It would've been faster to walk

 

[clifford]

Whenever I have an overnight in Bangkok, I stay at the Nasa Vegas hotel in Ramkamheng. You can get the train from BKK to Ramkamheng for about 30 baht, and there is a covered walkway from the station to the hotel.

It's not a bad hotel and a good room will set you back around $30 a night. You can spend more and get less if you wish by staying elsewhere.

 

[Sprucegoose]

Thanks too. Will look at that as Novotel alternative. Accor Gold doesn't get you much (extra) ...

You can delete the 'extra' !!

 

[JohnK]

Have taxi fares increased or is there a different tariff used after midnight?

It cost 319 baht + 50 baht surcharge + 75 baht tolls form BKK airport to Holiday Inn Silom last night/this morning.

I don't remember the taxi fare this high in the past but I could not see the meter as it was in from of gear stick. I was tired and may have nodded off for a few minutes.

Off to DMK soon.

 

[Alanslegal]

The OP is on overnight transits so I would hope that their checked luggage, if any, is already checked through thus catching the Airport Express with HLO would be a breeze. Go into town, personally I like Sukhumvit-Asoke area and there is a train from Asoke, that connects the the Airport Express. Plenty of hotel options around there.

 

[Happy Trails]

Have taxi fares increased or is there a different tariff used after midnight?

There is an increase on the cards but it's not due until next month.

Taxi fares to rise by 8-13% | Bangkok Post: news

No extra charges for late night rides AFAIK.

 

[JohnK]

No extra charges for late night rides AFAIK.

So he must have fiddled with the meter.

 

[Happy Trails]

So he must have fiddled with the meter.

Is it even possible to to fiddle with the meter, I have no idea?
You did say you might have nodded off.

My worst experience was being deposited at a servo half way to the airport when the driver suddenly decided he'd finished his shift. This despite it being booked by phone the previous evening.

 

[JohnK]

Is it even possible to to fiddle with the meter, I have no idea?
You did say you might have nodded off.

The arrival time at Holiday Inn Silom was roughly the time it takes to get there from airport.

I did notice going from HI Silom to DMK airport the next day the tariff used changed from 2 to 3 mid trip. Taxi fare not including tolls was ~THB250 which from memory is a little high.

Going to Intercontinental Monday night from BKK airport so would be interested to see the fare as a reference point.

 

[RooFlyer]

The OP is on overnight transits so I would hope that their checked luggage, if any, is already checked through thus catching the Airport Express with HLO would be a breeze. Go into town, personally I like Sukhumvit-Asoke area and there is a train from Asoke, that connects the the Airport Express. Plenty of hotel options around there.

You are correct re baggage .

Due to change in (Award) flights, final plans are that outbound will be straight through BKK airport onwards to RGN; return trip I've decided to overnight at the Sofitel So Bangkok, Club room using Accor points; opposite Lumphini Park. With the money saved I'll splurge on a limo to get me there from the airport.

Many thanks for all the suggestions .. I hope others have been helped as well.

 

[get me outta here]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]A new hotel opening at BKK a/port, maybe good for long transits...[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS BANGKOK SUKHUMVIT

[/FONT]
ROOMS 161
FACILITIES As is standard across the 2,300 plus Holiday Inn Express hotels around the world, the new Bangkok property offers complimentary wifi connectivity throughout the hotel, free breakfast and power showers with a three-function massage showerhead.
WHAT’S COOL ABOUT IT As can be expected from a select-service property, the cost to stay at the new Holiday Inn Express hotel is very attractive with a special rate of THB1,849 (US$56) applicable for bookings made until April 30, 2015.
holidayinnexpress.com

 

[smit0847]

Thats an excellent rate. I stayed at the Best Wester Amaranth BKK Airport in December for about $90 from memory. While its a fair distance from the airport, it has a free shuttle and was very comfortable and good value.

 

[JohnK]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]A new hotel opening at BKK a/port, maybe good for long transits...[/FONT]

BKK Airport? Sukhumvit soi 11? Not quite.

Stayed there ~2 weeks ago. Not near the airport. About 30 minutes by taxi on a good day. And if you can get any taxi in that soi to turn on the meter please get their number.

 

[get me outta here]

Oh, that's sad - I believed the headline.

BKK Airport? Sukhumvit soi 11? Not quite.

Stayed there ~2 weeks ago. Not near the airport. About 30 minutes by taxi on a good day. And if you can get any taxi in that soi to turn on the meter please get their number.

 

[hummel]

Thats an excellent rate. I stayed at the Best Wester Amaranth BKK Airport in December for about $90 from memory. While its a fair distance from the airport, it has a free shuttle and was very comfortable and good value.

Likewise stayed there in December (20th?). I was only there for 6 hours but it seemed fine and would stay there again.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Is it even possible to to fiddle with the meter, I have no idea?
You did say you might have nodded off.

yes! it is very possible to 'fiddle' the meter in Bangkok. I was in a taxi once and every time he shifted the gear stick the driver used their forefinger to push a button and presto, the fare jumped.

I did not pay the metered fare on arrival at the hotel.