NOVOTEL BANGKOK PLOENCHIT 4 gwiazdki

Superbly situated right beside Ploenchit BTS (Bangkok Skytrain) station, with plentiful tuk-tuks and taxis available on bustling Sukhumvit Road, on which the hotel sits. I highly recommend downloading the Grab app for calling motorcycle or car taxis, to avoid having to bargain - the fare is displayed upfront and there is no ambiguity. This is a typical Novotel - which means not luxurious, but the basics done well. Free, fast and stable wi-fi, excellent hot (and cold) shower pressure, comfortable bedding and helpful staff. Great value, considering how expensive so many hotels were in Bangkok over the Christmas/New Year period, coupled with a strong rebound in post-Covid travel. Staff were generally helpful and friendly, though those at the restaurant seemed to be rather overworked and stressed, given the large volumes of guests. The breakfast buffet was nothing special, basic and adequate. The gym was quite limited in its equipment, so I stuck to swimming laps in the outdoor pool, which offered good views of the city. Overall, a very comfortable and convenient stay at a hotel which I highly recommend and tp which I would have no hesitation in returning.

I stayed here for two nights, arriving about 1835. I had been looking forward to the stay since I had such a lovely time here last time in November 2019. I was hugely disappointed this time. All staff seem to be doing just the bare minimum and I felt many staff had a couldn’t care less attitude. I arrived and there was no door man on the door to help me with my bags. I had to do it all myself, which I felt was unfortunate. I dragged myself and my baggage into reception and whilst there was 3 staff behind the check in desks, one was doing nothing, another walked off after dealing with a previous customer and the one remaining seemed to have a bit of a couldn’t care less attitude. She checked me in and she knew I was a ALL Platinum member since she said I could check in at the lounge. I explained I didn’t want to do that since I wanted to check in and get to my room to dump my luggage and then get to the lounge before the happy hour closed at 7pm. Despite her knowing I was a Platinum member there was no drinks voucher offered and I’d normally expect a sheet with the details of timings in the lounge, but none. I got to my room, which was boiling hot since the aircon was not switched on. It needs a card in a box at the door to get power. You’d think they could sort the aircon a better way. I rushed upto the lounge and got there at 1850. I rushed to get a drink and some food but the food offering was sparse, not like other lounges I’ve been in, where the food has been extensive. I returned to my table and the hostess immediately came over to say it was last orders and did I want anything else. She brought me a very small glass of red wine and that was it, it was closed! Breakfast in the lounge next morning was very poor with no hot food, no egg station and literally only 3 options of cereals and bread plus some cheese and fruit. I really do expect much more. The hostess was again surly and not really friendly. Evening reception the next evening was still poor with limited food choices but I would say the guy assisting round the food and drink and clearing the tables was lovely. Really friendly, showed an interest and made people feel welcome. Pity the hostesses can’t take some advice from him on how to serve customers. The aircon in my room was never really satisfactory and didn’t seem to work fully. I’ve seen other people have said this so you’d have hoped the hotel would have done something about it. All in all, not good and I will not be returning.

I accidentally dropped my phone into the headboard during my stay in Novotel, special thanks to engineer neng for helping me to get my phone back from the headboard. He is being very friendly and helpful!

Hotel is right by the BTS. It is very convenient to get around BKK. Generally a very average hotel and I will have given it 3 stars above. It gets one extra star because of Nelly at the Executive Floor. She is super patient and tried to meet all the requests. Her words to me were - "I will do all I can to make your stay a good one. We want you to be happy!" That is very good customer service. I must also say the rest of the staff at the Executive Floor are also very responsive and tried to meet our needs. Well done!

Excellent service, excellent location, excellent room. Roof top bar and pool was the highlight of our stay. Highly recommended. Hotel is so close to lively area, we were able to go out in turns and enjoy the night after our young daughter went to sleep.