s it really only us posting reviews on this hotel! A personal update based on a single night, March 2011.

Excellent - the service from check-in to check out were first class!

We had a stopover in Bangkok, due to unavailability of a Krabi flight following our inbound flight from UK. Check-in was speedy and efficient and we were shown to a normal deluxe room. The room had all the facilities and amenities that you would expect from a Shangri-la and the decor and cleanliness were excellent.

As we had little time, we opted to eat at the Shangri-La's Sala Thip Thai restaurant. A very good meal, good service, very entertaining Thai dancing on the Banks of the Chao Phraya - a most enjoyable evening. Whilst the hotel is located on the river, very close to the Skytrain station at Saphan Taksin we were tired from out UK flight and didn't venture out of the hotel. From previous visits, we are aware of just how convenient the river and Skytrain links are.

Breakfast was taken in the main restaurant. An excellent selection, served at your table. The service, quality of food and the appearance/layout of the restaurant could not be faulted. If anything, I would say that this meal was better than the breakfasts taken in the Krungthep wing on our last visit.

A speedy efficient and friendly checkout - this hotel, its staff and services not only lived up to, but exceeded our expectations.

Following a major disappointment on an earlier visit, the hotel management offered us a complimentary stay on our next visit. Whilst we have visited Thailand since our earlier stay, our schedule was such that we had no time in Bangkok - this is the earliest that we have had the opportunity to take up the offer - and we were delighted with the experience.

As previously mentioned, the hotel is located on the banks of The Chao Phraya River, very convenient for the Skytrain and Saphan Taksin Central Pier.

We had anticipated a Horizon Club room but were upgraded, on arrival, to the top of the range Krungthep Wing with full benefits, including butler service.

We had an absolutely first-class room, with all the facilities that could be needed and which had a largish balcony with dual aspect, overlooking the river. The views were excellent.

The room was immaculate - both in decor and cleanliness and was provided with fresh fruit, flowers, chocolates and 'nibbles'. There was a lounge area, providing complementary non-alcoholic drinks, high tea and evening cocktails.

Internet access was provided free of charge either using personal laptop or from PCs located within booths in the Riverside Lounge area.

Breakfast consisted of a large buffet selection and English / American breakfast (eggs, bacon, sausage etc.) cooked to order by waiter service. We also ate in the newly restyled Salathip Thai restaurant. This is adjacent to the river and tables are provided both outdoors or indoors, to suit your preference (and the weather). The food was excellent and the prosecco sparkling wine was reasonably priced. We were entertained by traditional dancing, which was some of the best that we have encountered in a hotel. There are another 3 restaurants and Shangri-La also offer dining cruises.

Staff, service and ambience, throughout the hotel, were excellent!

We believe that this visit probably provided a more typical example of the levels of comfort and service at the Shangri La.

The swimming pool has been renewed and is very pleasant, but there is still refurbishment work being done, during the day. There is also a highly rated spa, but with our tight schedule we were unable to try the facilities (much to Janet’s disappointment).

Janet and I both thank and compliment the management and staff for a first class visit - which was over far too soon.

We are definitely now torn between the Shangri La and the Landmark!

Peter & Janet

Shangri-La Bangkok 16-18 Nov

The Shangri-La is a well known 5 star hotel located on the Chao Phraya river and conveniently located near to the Skytrain (Saphan Taksin) and Central Pier.

We booked a double deluxe room and pre-paid in UK, requesting an early check-in as our flight arrived shortly after 7:00 am. The transfer to the hotel via their limousine service was fast and efficient and in no time we were checking in.

All staff at this hotel are friendly, courteous and efficient and our first impression was that this was a great hotel. At check-in we were informed that no double room was available (early check-in was on request so this did not phase us) as the hotel was full. We were offered a twin room, which we accepted, after ascertaining that a paid upgrade was not available (full hotel). We went to our room, unpacked and took a much needed nap.

The river view was excellent (14th floor) and we overlooked the pool and gardens – a great location.

On taking a shower we noted that the bathroom had a great deal of mould around the tiles and was not particularly clean. The bedroom carpet was soiled to the extent that my wife did not want to walk on it without shoes and the sofa was splatter stained on the front and under the cushions with either red wine or blood or vomit. We tried to exchange the room but were informed once again that it was full. Had we not pre-paid we would have moved out, but we had little option but to stay.

On the second day, we arose early and went to the Grand Palace, met with friends for lunch and a stroll round Bangkok and arrived back at the hotel at about 4:30 pm arranging to meet our friends in the evening. To our disgust and dismay our room had not yet been made up.

I complained and was informed that the hotel was full and very busy – although housekeeping did attend to the problem immediately. I put in a written complaint and received a written, brief apology and a plate of biscuits! Strangely enough we chose not to eat the biscuits – or indeed any food in the hotel.

By far the worst experience, ever, of a Bangkok hotel. I intend to post photographs of the mouldy tiles, dirty carpet and stained furniture in the photographs section – along with the views from the window, which are extremely good.

My advice – choose a hotel such as the Landmark, half the price and twice the quality. The views from the hotel are its best feature.