Bangkok Marriott Surawongse: Unbelievable Luxury Awaits!
Bangkok Marriott Surawongse: Unfiltered Luxury & a Few Fumbles (But Still Worth It!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! I've just survived (and, dare I say, thrived) at the Bangkok Marriott Surawongse, and let me tell you, it's a rollercoaster of opulent highs and… well, let's call them "character-building moments." This ain't your average hotel review; this is the sweaty, messy truth.
First Impressions: The Good, The Great, and The "Where's the Lobby?"
Pulling up to this place is like stepping onto a movie set. The exterior? Chic, modern, and immediately screams "Instagrammable." The lobby? Okay, so finding it took me a hot minute. I walked around scratching my head, suddenly doubting my sense of direction. Turns out it's up on the 32nd floor! (Totally missed that crucial detail in the welcome email. Rookie mistake, I know.) But once you get up there… whoa. Panoramic views that will make your jaw drop. Seriously, the view alone almost made me book a permanent residence.
Accessibility & Getting Around: Mostly Smooooth Sailing (with a caveat!)
Let's talk accessibility. The Surawongse is generally pretty good. Wheelchair accessible rooms are available (thank goodness!), and they've got elevators galore. Air conditioning in public areas is a lifesaver in Bangkok's humidity. However, I did notice a few minor accessibility gripes, like certain areas feeling slightly cramped. Don't get me wrong, it's a solid attempt, but maybe a little more thought could go into the maneuvering space, especially near the restaurants and lounges.
Rooms: Fit for a King (or at least a well-rested blogger)
My room? Pure bliss. Seriously, the blackout curtains are a game-changer. I slept like a log, a very pampered log. Free Wi-Fi is available in every room!!! The big, plushy bed, the bathtub offering the perfect opportunity to relax, the complimentary bottled water… You name it, they got it. Plus, they have soundproof rooms, which, trust me, is crucial in a city that never sleeps. My room had a sofa, a desk (for pretending I was working, obviously), and a mini-bar. And the slippers? Don't even get me started. I'm still considering smuggling a pair home. There was also a weird, but handy mirror that somehow made me look…better, somehow.
The Food Scene: From "Meh" to "Mind-Blown." (With a few hiccups)
Alright, the food. This is where things got a little…mixed.
- Asian Breakfast: The Asian breakfast buffet was pretty standard. I did enjoy it, but you know what I mean.
- International Cuisine: The international cuisine was good. It was nice to know there were more options.
- Restaurants & Bars: They have a few of them and all of them were amazing.
- Room Service: The 24-hour room service? A lifesaver during those midnight snack attacks.
- Bar: The Happy Hour at the bar was a serious temptation.
Ways to Relax & Unwind: Spa-tacular! (Get it?)
This is where the Surawongse truly shines. The Pool with view is breathtaking. The spa/sauna is the very definition of relaxation. And the massages…oh, the massages. I swear, I felt like a pile of noodles after a good one. The Fitness center is well-equipped, but, let's be honest, I only looked at it. The thought of exercise while on vacation… ugh.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe & Sound
In a post-pandemic world, safety is paramount, and the Surawongse gets it right. Rooms are sanitized between stays, there's daily disinfection in common areas, and plenty of hand sanitizer stations. They've got all the essentials, including first aid kit and staff trained in safety protocol.
Services & Conveniences: They've Thought of Everything (Almost)
The concierge was super helpful, and the daily housekeeping kept everything spotless. Facilities for disabled guests were thoughtful. The place offers contactless check-in/out. The luggage storage was a lifesaver, and they even have a gift/souvenir shop. Oh! And, they offer laundry service and dry cleaning too. Sadly, I did miss the bottle of water that wasn't there.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Fun (if you actually bring your kids!)
They have Babysitting service and other kids facilities.
Getting Around: Stress-Free Exploring
Airport transfer, are you kidding me? Just great. However, I wish the Car park [on-site] was easier to find.
My Big "Aha!" Moment: The Rooftop Pool
Okay, I'm going to get real personal for a second. I'm a sucker for a good rooftop pool. And the one at this hotel… well, it completely blew my mind. The view of Bangkok sprawled out before me, the sun setting in a blaze of color, a cocktail in my hand… It was one of those moments. I was happy. Pure, unadulterated, "I never want to leave" happy. That rooftop pool? It single-handedly elevated (pun intended) my entire experience.
The Slightly Less Shiny Bits (Let's Be Honest)
Look, no hotel is perfect. There were a few minor glitches:
- The check-in process took a little longer than expected.
- The front desk staff, while friendly, sometimes seemed slightly overwhelmed.
- That one time I accidentally ordered breakfast for someone else, and they tried to get me to pay for both. Awkward.
- The prices for some activities were a bit steep, especially if you're on a budget.
The Verdict: Book It! (But Manage Your Expectations)
Despite the minor hiccups, the Bangkok Marriott Surawongse is a seriously impressive place. The luxury is undeniable, the views are breathtaking, and the overall experience is unforgettable. It's perfect for a romantic getaway, a solo adventure, or a splurge-worthy vacation.
Here's my brutally honest breakdown:
- Pros: Stunning views, incredible pool and spa, comfortable rooms, fantastic service overall, great location, and the all-around luxury feel.
- Cons: Minor service inconsistencies, restaurant prices can be high, and the initial lobby location confusion.
My Final Verdict? Book it! It's an investment in your sanity and an absolute treat for the senses. Just be mindful of those little "character-building moments," and you'll have an experience you won't soon forget.
Here's my Unbelievable Offer!!!
Tired of the same old hotel routine? Craving a taste of pure Bangkok luxury?
Book your stay at the Bangkok Marriott Surawongse now and receive:
- A complimentary upgrade to a room with a city view AND a bottle of bubbly!
- Free breakfast for two throughout your stay (because you deserve it!)
- A $50 spa credit to melt away your stress
- Guaranteed late check-out so you can savor every last moment of that bliss!
- Plus, early access to our rooftop pool for maximum relaxation!
This offer is limited, so don't delay!
Click here to book your escape to paradise!
[Insert Booking Link Here]
P.S. Tell them Sarah sent you. Maybe they'll give you an extra slice of dessert at the buffet. (Hey, a girl can dream!)
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Kana, Kaliurang's Hidden Gem
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn’t going to be your perfectly curated, Pinterest-worthy itinerary. This is a REAL trip log, warts and all, from my stay at the Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse. Prepare for some rambling, some outright bewilderment, and a whole lotta food. Here we go…
Day 1: Arrival and Initial Bewilderment (with a side of Pad Thai-induced Joy)
- 1:00 PM: Landed in BKK. Humidity hit me like a warm, wet hug. Or maybe it was more like a sweaty, suffocating embrace. Either way, Bangkok. Here we are.
- 2:30 PM: Taxi ride to the hotel. Traffic. OMG, the traffic. The tuk-tuks weaving like crazed fireflies. I’m pretty sure I aged five years just getting to the hotel.
- 3:30 PM: Checked in. The lobby is gorgeous, all sleek lines and shimmering surfaces. My room? Also gorgeous. But the first thing I did? Flop on the bed like a starfish. Jet lag is a beast.
- 4:30 PM: Okay, forced myself to get dressed. Gotta explore! First impressions: the rooftop pool! I've seen pictures, but seeing it for real brought me to a different state of mind. Beautiful. The view is, dare I say it, breathtaking, but the idea of actually swimming in it right now seems exhausting. Maybe later.
- 6:00 PM: Wandered around the neighborhood. Okay, I got lost. Twice. Language barrier is real, people. Pointing and smiling and fervent head-bobbing seemed to work eventually.
- 7:30 PM: PAD THAI TIME! Found a little street vendor. This is the real Bangkok. The smell… the sizzle… the taste. Oh. My. God. This is what I've been dreaming of. I swear, I almost cried from happiness. The slightly sweet, slightly spicy, utterly perfect perfection.
- Rambling Alert: Okay, so I ordered it in Thai because, you know, I’m "cultured" now, but really I just pointed at the Pad Thai and made a noise that hopefully sounded like "delicious." The vendor, a tiny woman with a smile that could probably power a city block, just nodded and started cooking. The pure joy I felt watching that noodle magic happen… it's a core memory, people.
Day 2: Temples, Tuk-Tuks, and Existential Dread (with a dash of Mango Sticky Rice)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. The buffet is monstrous. I mean, mountains of fruit, eggs cooked every way imaginable, pastries that are basically art. I felt slightly overwhelmed, so I just grabbed some fruit (because I was too lazy to venture into the chaos) and a coffee.
- 10:30 AM: Taxi time. First stop: Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn). The taxi driver was a little… enthusiastic. Driving in Bangkok is basically a contact sport, I’ve decided.
- 11:00 AM: Wat Arun. Stunning. Absolutely stunning. That intricate detail. Pure artistry. I just stood there, mouth agape, trying to absorb the sheer beauty. The river breeze was a welcome relief from the heat.
- Quirky Observation: The sheer number of gold things. Everything sparkles. My inner Magpie was having a field day.
- 12:30 PM: Tuk-tuk adventure! Okay, this was terrifying and exhilarating all at once. Weaved through traffic at a speed that felt illegal. Screamed (internally) a lot. Survived.
- 1:30 PM: Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha). The sheer size of the Buddha… mind-blowing. Laying down like he hasn't a care in the world. Which I guess, he doesn't. The sense of peace… I almost drifted off.
- Emotional Reaction: It was… moving. Just being in that space, surrounded by that sense of calm and history… it was a moment.
- 3:00 PM: Tried to find something to eat near the temples - but mostly just walked into the heat, which quickly wore me down. It was at this moment, I wondered why I ever left the comfort of my air conditioned room.
- 4:00 PM: Mango Sticky Rice. THE HOLY GRAIL. Found a little stall. The creamy sweetness of the rice, the perfect ripeness of the mango… it's a religion, I tell you. It deserves its own religion.
- Messier Structure: Okay, so I ate it fast. Like, inhaled it. Didn’t even pause to take a picture (which in 2024, is a crime against humanity, I know). I just… needed it.
- 5:00 PM: Back to the hotel to collapse. Seriously, I'm going to need a week to recover from the temples.
Day 3: Markets, Massages, and a Crisis of Confidence (followed by a terrible karaoke situation)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Attempted to conquer the buffet again. Failed, but slightly less spectacularly this time.
- 10:00 AM: Explored the nearby Surawong area more closely. Walked along the street, people-watching, getting lost in the little alleyways.
- 11:00 AM: More time to explore. Found a local tailor - I'm thinking of getting some custom-made clothes.
- 12:00 PM: A proper Thai massage. Oh. My. God. Pure bliss. The masseuse, a tiny woman with hands of steel, basically kneaded all my aches and pains away. I think I actually heard my muscles sigh with relief.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: Afterward, I felt this weird mix of relaxed and… exposed. Like I had shed a layer of tension I didn't even realize I was carrying.
- 2:00 PM: Pool time! Finally! Soaked in the sun and actually swam. Still got a little sunburnt (oops), but the views… still stunning.
- 3:00 PM: Snack and a coffee.
- 4:00 PM: Back to my room. Had a bit of a "wtf am I even doing here?" moment. Travel fatigue, I guess. Second guessing my life choices. My ability to navigate public transportation. My wardrobe. Everything.
- 8:00 PM: Forced myself to go out. Went to a Karaoke place in the area. Let's just say my singing is not a highlight of this trip. The locals gave me a wide berth. Lesson learned.
- Rambling Alert: Okay, so I attempted to sing a Thai song. Bad idea. Like, really, really bad idea. The karaoke machine judged me harshly. The locals… well, they clapped politely. I slunk back to the hotel ashamed.
Day 4: Shopping, Seafood, and Farewell (with a slightly empty bank account)
- 9:00 AM: Last breakfast. Devoured everything in sight. Carpe diem, and all that.
- 10:00 AM: Shopping! Hit up a local market. Bargaining is a sport. I think I did okay. My credit card, however, is weeping.
- 1:00 PM: Seafood! Lunch at a riverfront restaurant. Fresh grilled fish, prawns, and the best coconut rice I’ve ever tasted. The view was lovely. The price, a bit less so.
- 3:00 PM: Packing. Reality is setting in. My bags are stuffed, my wallet is lighter, and my heart is… well, full of delicious memories.
- 4:00 PM: Relaxed at the pool.
- 7:00 PM: Ate at the hotel restaurant.
- 8:00 PM: One last walk around the area of the hotel.
- 10:00 PM: Exhausted and ready to sleep.
Day 5: Departure
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast.
- 9:00 AM: Taxi to the airport.
- 12:00 PM: Plane took off.
- 1:00 PM: This trip was perfect
Post-Trip Thoughts:
Okay, so it wasn't perfect. There were moments of disorientation, moments of heat-induced grumpiness, and moments when I just wanted to crawl back into my room and hide under the covers. Also, I got a bit sunburnt again. But… it was real. The food was amazing. The people were (mostly) lovely. And Bangkok? Bangkok is a chaotic, beautiful, overwhelming, and utterly unforgettable experience. I’m already planning my return, and this time, I’m definitely conquering that buffet.
Escape to Paradise: Cozy Mystery Bay Retreat Awaits!
Bangkok Marriott Surawongse: Prepare for…Stuff. Seriously. FAQs for Real People.
Okay, is this place REALLY as fancy as it looks in the photos? Because, let's be honest, Instagram lies.
Alright, deep breaths. Is it fancy? Yes. Seriously, YES. But here's the thing: it's fancy-fancy, not "sterile, soulless, marble mausoleum" fancy. I mean, the lobby? Gorgeous. Think soaring ceilings, that subtle scent of… something delicious (probably bergamot, who knows), and a constant hum of hushed conversations. You'll feel like you should be wearing a tuxedo, but then you see someone rocking ripped jeans and a t-shirt and suddenly you're good. (Well, mostly.) The rooms? Stunning. I remember the first time I walked in, I actually gasped. And, alright, maybe teared up a little? The view from the balcony overlooking the city? Absolutely breath-taking. It's a little too good. Like, you kind of expect James Bond to swing by. He didn't, by the way. But maybe he was there.
What are the rooms like? Because small, cramped hotel rooms are my actual nightmare.
The rooms are amazing. Seriously. Spacious. Big. And tastefully decorated. I had a Deluxe King, and it was ginormous. Actually, the bed was so big, I might have gotten lost in it. Seriously, I once accidentally rolled off the far side in the middle of the night. The bathroom? Dreamy. Giant soaking tub, walk-in shower that could fit a small family...I spent a lot of time in that bathroom. (Don't judge me.) They have like, a little side table thing, the amenities are fancy, the robes were so soft I considered stealing one. Okay, I didn't, but the thought definitely crossed my mind. The cleaning staff? They're ninjas. Seriously. Disappeared and reappeared with the room immaculate. I'm pretty sure I saw one vanish into thin air at one point. It was honestly impressive.
The pool… is it as good as everyone says? Because hotel pools are a gamble.
The pool. Ah, the pool. Okay, here's the deal: it's not just good, it's close to perfection. Infinity pool with a view? Check. Sun loungers so comfortable you could nap all day? Check. And the pool staff! Attentive without being intrusive. Constantly circling. Ready to get you a drink before you even KNOW you want one. (And yes, I wanted one. A lot.) The only downside? It gets crowded. Especially around sunset. But honestly, it's worth it. One afternoon, I just sat there, watching the sun dip below the city, cocktail in hand, and, for a moment, I forgot every single stressful thing in my life. Pure bliss. It was like, the pool alone was worth the price of admission.
Food. Tell me about the food! Is it all bland, hotel-food nonsense?
Okay, let's talk food. This is where things get… complicated. The hotel has several restaurants. I had the buffet breakfast a few times. It was, like, mind-blowingly good. Everything you could possibly want. Eggs cooked to order. Fresh fruit. Dim sum. Even a pho station! (I may have eaten *way* too much pho.) There's Yào Restaurant, the Chinese restaurant, which is apparently amazing, but honestly? I get overwhelmed with fine dining. The decor? Stunning. The food? I'm sure it's great. But the idea of choosing between dozens of dishes? Terrifying. And I will be honest, I was probably too intimidated by the fancy chopsticks to eat. So, basically, I ordered room service a lot. And it was surprisingly good! Especially the Pad Thai. They seriously know what they are doing.
How's the location? Is it easy to get around?
Location, location, location! The Surawongse is in a pretty cool area. It’s not smack-dab in the middle of all the tourist mayhem, which is a HUGE plus in my book. Taxis and Tuk-Tuks are readily available. The BTS Skytrain is a bit of a walk, but totally doable. And honestly? Wandering around the side streets? That's where you find the real Bangkok. My tip? Get a Grab (like Uber, but local). So easy. And cheap. I took a Grab to a street food market, it was absolutely electric. The smells! The noise! The chaos! I got completely lost, and I loved every second. The hotel concierge was also super helpful with recommendations – although I kept forgetting them and just went wherever my nose led me.
What about the service? Hotel service can be a gamble.
The service? Generally pretty fantastic. The staff were incredibly polite, always smiling, always ready to help. From the doormen to the housekeeping to the folks at the front desk, everyone was attentive and kind. One time, I locked myself out of my room (mortifying) at 3 AM. The security guy was there in minutes, got me a new key, and didn't even make me feel like an idiot. He was just, "No problem, sir/madam". Which it wasn't, after all. They are, however, human. One time, during a particularly late night, I ordered room service and the wrong pizza showed up. (Not a huge deal, I was starving and just ate it anyway.) Minor stuff. Nothing that ruined the experience. Overall: excellent service.
Let's be real: Is it worth the money? Because luxury comes at a price.
Okay, the big question. Is it worth it? Honestly? It depends. If you're on a super-tight budget, probably not. If you're used to budget travel, this is a splurge. But if you're looking for a luxurious, stress-free experience, a bit of pampering, and you're okay with spending a little more? Absolutely YES. Think of it as an investment in your sanity. The quality you get for the price is pretty impressive. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. In fact, I'm already starting to save. I'm already dreaming about that pool and the breakfast buffet, and the ridiculously soft robes. So, yeah. Go. Just go. You deserve it. (And maybe bring me back some Pad Thai?)
Okay, but the Gym tho?
The gym! Oh boy. The gym... So, look, I *intended* to use the gym. I had a bunch of ambitious plans. Said I'd go every morning. I packed my workout clothes. Did I go? Well, I walked in. It was beautifully appointed. Modern equipment.Stay Classy Hotels
