Exploring Mövenpick: A Stay in Bangkok

I will be residing in Bangkok for a duration of three nights during the first segment of my trip. As an Accor Plus member, I have been perusing the Red Hot Rooms for advantageous offers, and in October, I identified several that align with my travel dates in February. Red Hot Rooms guarantees a discount of up to 50% on standard room rates. Although I did not verify the regular rates at the time, my status as an Accor Plus member entitles me to an additional 10% discount, ensuring that the final rate will be somewhat lower than the standard pricing.

LOCATION

Mövenpick is strategically located in proximity to several Accor hotels in the vicinity, notably the Sofitel Bangkok, which is just a few minutes down the road. This advantageous location ensures that it is not situated in an undesirable area; the Terminal 21 shopping mall is merely a 15-minute walk away, and Nana station is approximately the same distance. Furthermore, being near the primary thoroughfare where many major shopping malls are located, a few stops on the subway will facilitate access to some of the largest malls in Bangkok. A brief ride will also lead to the Makkasan station, where travelers can access the airport train to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport.

ROOM

The room is situated in the second wing of the building, within a complex comprising three separate buildings. Upon entering the room, one will observe the closet to the left, which contains two bathrobes, a safe, and slippers for guest use. Directly opposite the closet is the bathroom. Although the bathroom exhibits signs of wear, it remains functional; a separate bathtub is provided alongside a shower. However, the operation of the rain shower remains unclear, as the switch located beneath the tap does not appear to respond properly. It is possible that I may have misinterpreted its functionality, but the mechanism should not be overly complex.

The sink area features a large mirror with adequate lighting, and a makeup mirror is also provided here, along with a hairdryer mounted on the wall.

Proceeding past the bathroom leads to the main bedroom. The first item to the left is the minibar, which offers a limited selection of tea and coffee, and I noted that one of the cups was not clean. Beneath the minibar, there is ample storage space, along with a mini fridge that, unfortunately, is not stocked and does not maintain a cold temperature, even when set to the highest setting. Adjacent to the minibar is a long table, providing more than sufficient space for various items, including my computer and cables, leaving ample room for additional belongings.

On the opposite side, there is a spacious King-sized bed accompanied by two nightstands, one on each side. The lighting controls are conveniently located above each nightstand, which is a thoughtful feature; however, it is important to note that the bedside lamp can only be operated from its corresponding side of the bed.

In the far corner, there is a chair paired with a coffee table, providing a pleasant nook to enjoy the view while in a state of relaxation. Nonetheless, it must be mentioned that the view from my room is rather limited, lacking any particularly noteworthy aspects.

The primary concern pertains to inadequate noise insulation from the street, resulting in the ability to hear virtually every vehicle and bicycle that passes. Fortunately, the street is relatively quiet during the night; however, it does experience considerable congestion from morning until late at night.

AMENITIES

There exists a restaurant located on the ground floor of building 2, where I dined on the evening of my arrival due to the late hour, as well as my possession of a discount from my Accor Plus membership. The cuisine was satisfactory; however, the pricing is undoubtedly on the higher end, even when considering the discount. Additionally, one can find a rooftop bar offering food, with menus placed around the tables to display available options. I noticed a barbecue dinner, which is quite distinctive, and this can be facilitated due to the open-air setting of the rooftop, thereby alleviating any potential concerns regarding odors.

On the rooftop, Building 1 features a small area adorned with artificial grass, presumably intended as a yoga space. In contrast, Building 2 boasts the most expansive area, which includes a bar, a swimming pool, and ample seating arrangements. Building 3 accommodates cabanas and a designated children’s play area. Additionally, a fitness center is located one floor below in Building 2; however, I did not have the opportunity to visit it.

Between the hours of 4 PM and 5 PM, guests are invited to the restaurant to enjoy a complimentary chocolate and cookie buffet, although I was unable to partake, as I was not present during that timeframe.

ACCOR GOLD BENEFITS

During check-in, I received a printed document outlining my Gold status benefits, which included information on where to redeem my complimentary drink voucher. However, it ultimately served little purpose beyond being an ornate piece of paper.

I was also informed that a welcome “sweet plate” would be provided by the restaurant. As I checked in late at night and required dining services, I chose to have it delivered the following day. I contacted the hotel in the morning around 9 AM to request an earlier delivery, as I would soon be departing. After waiting until 9:45 AM without receiving the sweet plate, I went to the reception to notify them of the need to postpone the delivery. They advised me to contact them upon my return so they could arrange for delivery. When I returned to my room in the evening, I discovered that it had already been delivered.

The sweet plate contained a macaroon, some fruits, and primarily sugary items that do not align with my preferences. Given my schedule of being out from early morning until late at night, I had minimal opportunity to consume these treats during my stay.

PRICE

For a duration of three nights, I am required to pay a total of THB 8,790 (NZD 440), which is reasonable for a four-star hotel. Upon reviewing the pricing a month in advance, I noted that the rate was approximately NZD 240 per night, thereby allowing me to effectively receive one night at no additional cost.

CONCLUSION

The hotel presented an aura of luxury; however, the room appeared somewhat outdated. Renovations would be necessary to remain competitive with the numerous other hotels in the vicinity, particularly in highly competitive cities such as Bangkok.

The issue of noise insulation from the street is a significant concern. Despite being on the sixth floor, I was able to hear every single car and bicycle passing by, which is unsatisfactory. I specifically requested a quiet room, and it would be reasonable for the hotel to assign me a room that is not directly above the street if the insulation is inadequate. It is worth noting, however, that noise insulation from adjacent rooms does not appear to be a problem.

Additionally, the hotel is somewhat set back from the main road, which means that guests may experience delays in accessing the property when using the sky train. Certain areas lack proper sidewalks, necessitating walking along the road. This may pose challenges for individuals with mobility difficulties who do not intend to utilize tuk-tuks or other private transportation options. While the hotel does offer tuk-tuk rides to Terminal 21, the service is only available during limited operating hours.

The welcome amenity provided in recognition of my Gold status primarily caters to those with a preference for sweets. I would appreciate a broader selection of options. Furthermore, there was a considerable delay in the arrival of my welcome plate, which ended up sitting in my room for an extended period. The receptionist informed me that it contained chocolate and could not be left out for long; however, I did not receive any chocolate items, at least none that were visible, as I was unable to sample any during my stay.

For those considering dining options within the hotel, there appears to be a commendable variety, making it a viable dining destination.

In terms of value, I believe I received a good rate for this property, approximately NZ$150 per night, which is reasonable for a four-star establishment. Given that Swiss airline crew are accommodated at this property, it suggests that the hotel maintains a standard that is acceptable for airline personnel.

Rate my stay:

LOCATION

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

SERVICE

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

AMENITIES

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

LUXURY

Rating: 3 out of 5.

VALUE

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

COMFORT

Rating: 4 out of 5.

ROOM SIZE

Rating: 4 out of 5.

CLEANLINESS

Rating: 5 out of 5.

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