Bangkok's BEST Kept Secret: Luxury Hotel Getaway You WON'T Believe!
A Review That's More Hotel Drama Than Hotel Review (But Hopefully Helpful)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't gonna be your standard, sterile hotel review. I'm fresh off a stay at [Hotel Name - You fill it in!], and let me tell you, it was an experience. More like a rollercoaster ride with a malfunctioning seatbelt and a questionable snack bar. So, grab your popcorn (or, you know, a complimentary bottle of water, which, by the way, they DID provide… mostly!), and let's dive in.
Accessibility: The Great Staircase of Doom (And Other Adventures)
Let's start with the good intentions, yeah? Accessibility is listed. Okay. Now, I'm not in a wheelchair myself, but I do know folks who are. So, I'm peering around, and… Yeesh. While they do mention facilities for disabled guests, the actual landscape felt… ambitious. The main entrance? A gloriously grand staircase. Elevator? Yes. But navigating the hotel felt less like a smooth journey and more like a quest. I spotted a (hopefully functional) CCTV in common areas but couldn't help but notice the lack of ramps in certain crucial spots. My advice? Call ahead, definitely get the lowdown on the layout, and perhaps pack a Sherpa.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges, Wheelchair accessible: They say accessible restaurants… I saw some doors that looked wide enough, but figuring out the actual ease of maneuverability would probably require an obstacle course instructor. I'll give them a "trying" badge, but the jury's still out.
Internet, Internet, Internet! (And the Wi-Fi Fiasco)
Okay, let's move on to the digital age. Internet access? "Yes!" they crowed. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! Except… it was patchy. Like a teenager mid-puberty. One minute blazing fast, the next, I was staring at the spinning wheel of death, silently screaming, "Give me the internet! I need to check my Instagram!" Internet [LAN] was mentioned. Honestly, who uses LAN cables anymore? But just in case, I didn't bring one. Internet services? I think the hotel offers them. The good ones, the reliable ones, are another story altogether.
Wi-Fi in public areas: Surprisingly decent, but who wants to sit in the lobby, tethered to the world? I'm on vacation! I want to lounge in my room, browsing cat videos! (Don't judge.)
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (Or, The Spa That Nearly Broke Me)
Okay, here's where things got interesting. They brag about Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]. That's a lot of relaxation promises.
Let me tell you about the spa. I booked a massage, thinking, "Ah, bliss!" Instead, I got a… well, I got something. Let's just say the therapist (bless her heart, I don't think English was her first language) had a… unique approach. It involved a lot of poking, prodding, and what felt suspiciously like kneading dough. The Body scrub? Think sandpaper mixed with sea salt. My skin felt like it had been through a wood chipper. Foot bath? More like a glorified puddle of lukewarm water. The Sauna was… HOT. The Steamroom had a distinct moldy smell. The Pool with view? Gorgeous. Seriously, amazing. But after the spa experience, I was too shell-shocked to enjoy it. I did, however, briefly consider taking a dip in the Swimming pool [outdoor] that looked pristine.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Sanitizer Symphony
Right, let's talk about the current climate. Anti-viral cleaning products? They claimed to use them. And, to be fair, the place did smell of disinfectant. Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service? Check and check. The Daily disinfection in common areas gave me a reassuring feeling, and the Hand sanitizer dispensers were strategically placed everywhere. They have the Hygiene certification thing down, and the Individually-wrapped food options were a nice touch. Rooms sanitized between stays? Yes, I'm betting, and the Room sanitization opt-out available. Okay, that's a plus. It felt like a fortress against germs. So, points for trying!
Important to mention: Cashless payment service. That’s modern-day travel, very much appreciated.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Culinary Chaos
Oh, the food. Where do I even begin? A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement. They offered it, sure. But the execution? Variable. Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant? Yeah, some of it was tasty! Some of it was… mysterious. Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant - all available. Let's just say, the buffet was the highlight. I loved the Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, and the Poolside bar. Room service [24-hour]. Nice to have, but ordering a burger at 3 AM felt like it took an hour and a half despite the promise. Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant - all in the mix as well, but quality varied.
Services and Conveniences: The Mixed Bag
Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center. - They had everything. Honestly, the sheer number of options was staggering. It felt like a small city.
For the Kids (Godspeed, Parents!)
I didn’t have kids in tow, but the Babysitting service? Good luck! Family/child friendly, supposedly. Kids facilities, Kids meal - they had them. This place seems to be trying to be all things to all people.
Rooms Available in All Rooms: The Little Comforts
Okay, the room! Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. - It was clean, the bed was comfy (extra long!), and the blackout curtains were a godsend. The complimentary tea was a nice touch.
Security, safety, and getting around:
Access, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, Pets allowed unavailablePets allowed, Proposal spot, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms, Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking. The staff was friendly and the level of security was good.
Verdict: The Verdict Is… Complicated
So, would I recommend [Hotel Name]? That’s a tough one. It's got potential, it's trying hard, and the pool view is stunning. But the hit-or-miss execution, the Wi-Fi woes, and the spa experience that left me feeling slightly traumatized… Well, let's just say you might want to pack some extra patience, a crash course in spa therapy, and a strong sense of humor. I'd give it a 3 out of 5 stars. Maybe. If they fix the Wi-Fi and get a new spa therapist. And perhaps find someone to install some ramps.
SEO & Metadata Boost (Because Apparently, We Have To)
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my slightly-less-than-perfect, hilariously-chaotic adventure at the SureStay Plus by Best Western Sukhumvit 2 in Bangkok. Forget pristine itineraries, we're going for real-life, messy, and hopefully, unforgettable.
Day 1: Arrival, Jet Lag, and Street Food Shenanigans
- 14:00 (ish): Landed in Bangkok. The airport was a beautiful chaos of smiling faces and way-too-loud announcements. My luggage, predictably, didn't arrive. Cue immediate mini-meltdown and the panicked prayer to the travel gods.
- 15:00-16:00: Taxi ride to the SureStay. The hotel actually looked better in person, which was a pleasant surprise. The lobby? Air-conditioned bliss. I almost wept with joy. The staff? Super friendly, despite me probably looking like a jet-lagged, slightly-hysterical wreck.
- 16:30: Check In and Room Recon. My room! It was clean-ish and had one of those weird shower-in-the-middle-of-the-bathroom things. Still, after the travel hell, it was a palace. Took out my phone to take photos and my phone fell flat on the floor. That's not a good omen.
- 17:00-18:00: Collapsed onto the bed, then spent an hour staring at the ceiling, vaguely considering a nap, but absolutely terrified of waking up in the middle of the night and wrecking my sleep even more. The jet lag was a beast.
- 18:00-20:00: Forced myself to hit the streets. Hunger was the only motivator. Sukhumvit was a sensory overload in the BEST way. So many smells. So many people. So much delicious-looking street food. I ended up grabbing some pad thai. OMG. This was the best pad thai I've ever tasted! Seriously, I almost did a happy dance right there on the sidewalk. The vendor smiled at my enthusiasm. I probably looked like a crazed tourist. Whatever.
- 20:00-21:00: Wandered around a night market. Got lost. Saw a lady selling deep-fried bugs (nope). Bought a questionable t-shirt ("I Heart Bangkok," standard issue, but it's a start).
- 21:00: Crawled back to the hotel, utterly exhausted, but buzzing with that post-adventure high. My missing luggage? Still MIA. I was starting to make some friends in Thailand though.
Day 2: Temples, Tourist Traps, and Tuk-Tuk Terror
- 08:00 (ish): Woke up feeling like roadkill, but somehow managed to drag myself to breakfast at the hotel because my stomach was playing the drums. The buffet was…adequate. Focus on the fresh fruit, people. You can't go wrong with mango. Ate a bit too much, but, what am I supposed to do?
- 09:00-12:00: Temple hopping! Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn) was STUNNING. Seriously, the details! The glittering tiles! I took a million photos (and promptly deleted half of them because they were blurry). Wat Pho (the Reclining Buddha) was equally impressive, though a bit crowded. My feet were screaming by the end of it.
- 12:00-13:00: Lunch at a touristy restaurant near Wat Pho. Overpriced, mediocre food, but hey, the view was nice. Lesson learned: Research restaurants before you're hangry and desperate.
- 13:00-14:00: Tuk-tuk ride. Hah. More like a white-knuckle rollercoaster on wheels. The driver was a man possessed, weaving through traffic like a maniac. I think I aged ten years in those ten minutes. Actually, he got me so close to the wrong place that I almost had a meltdown on the spot.
- 14:00-15:00: Went to the wrong market that was closed, so I went to the correct market. It was a real market with locals bartering with each other. I even bought an umbrella.
- 16:00-17:00: Found a massage place. God, was it needed. The masseuse was a tiny woman with hands of steel. She managed to untangle knots I didn't even know I had. Pure bliss.
- 17:00-18:00: Back to the hotel to find my luggage! Still nothing. More panic ensued, but at least I had an incredible massage to calm down.
- 19:00: Ended the night eating more pad thai, this time at a different vendor. This time, I decided to try different food. It was spicy, but it's a good spice. I'm slowly getting used to the spice.
Day 3: The River of Dreams (and Traffic Jams)
- 09:00: Breakfast. Again. Ate more fruit. Pretended to be a health guru.
- 10:00-13:00: Took a boat trip down the Chao Phraya River. The water was…interesting. Saw some amazing riverside temples and houses. The boats were a little crowded, and the heat started to get to me. But the view was worth it.
- 13:00-14:00: Attempted to eat lunch near the river… but the restaurant was closed! Decided to eat some street food that looks safe. It was another Pad Thai. No regrets.
- 14:00-15:00: Took another ride, but this time, more careful. The traffic was brutal. I swear, Bangkok's rush hour is a myth - it's perpetually rush hour. I almost considered walking, but the heat… nope.
- 15:00-16:00: Went shopping. More street shopping. I started to get really good at knowing what I can and can't buy.
- 16:00-17:00: Back to the hotel to see if my luggage had arrived. Nothing. I asked the staff at the desk and they kept a smile. I was starting to like them.
- 19:00: I ordered a room service, and watched some TV. I fell asleep before the end of the movie.
Day 4: More Bangkok, Maybe a Flight Home?
- 08:00: Breakfast. I'm getting used to the food.
- 09:00 - 11:00: Tried to go the the markets, but they were closed. I had to think of a plan and decided to go to the malls.
- 12:00 - 13:00: Went to lunch to try another food. It was amazing, and I'm happy I tried it.
- 14:00: Back to the hotel. My luggage? STILL MIA. Honestly, I was starting to find it darkly hilarious.
- 15:00 - 17:00: Spent time at the pool…I'm tired.
- 18:00: packing up the rest of my stuff. I may have a flight back tomorrow.
- 19:00: One last Bangkok dinner. More pad thai. I think I might actually miss it when I get home.
Final Thoughts:
This trip was chaotic. I got lost, I got burned, I ate questionable food and barely survived the tuk-tuk. I found a new appreciation for air conditioning AND the kindness of strangers. I also learned that my packing skills need some serious work. But I made it through. Bangkok, you beautiful, crazy, spicy, wonderful city, you were an adventure. And yes, I would absolutely recommend the SureStay Plus by Best Western Sukhumvit 2. The staff were godsends, the location was convenient, and the air conditioning worked! What more could you ask for, really? Now, off to find my suitcase…
Uncover Perugia's Hidden Gem: Sina Brufani Hotel's Secret Revealed!So, sourdough. Is it *really* that hard? Because, honest to god, Pinterest makes it look like some kind of arcane ritual.
Hard? Let's just say it's a relationship. A *long-term* relationship. Think of it like adopting a grumpy, gluten-loving cat. You’re in for some hisses, some scratches, and a whole lot of trying to decipher what the heck it actually *wants*. Yes, Pinterest is a liar. It's all perfectly golden crusts and artfully arranged boules. My first loaf? Looked like a deflated, slightly burnt, hockey puck. Seriously. We’re talking charcoal-brown. And the texture? More like a brick than bread. But! Don't let that scare you. That brick? We live and we learn. That's the *only* way.
Okay, the starter. That whole "feeding it" thing… what even *is* that about? Does it need a name? (Genuine question, I’m easily influenced).
Oh, the starter. The *heart* of the whole operation. And yes, you *will* probably name it. I named mine… well, I'm still a little ashamed to say… *Brenda*. Don't ask. It seemed right at the time. Feeding it? Think of it like feeding a tiny, invisible alien. You give it flour and water (Brenda seems to prefer unbleached all-purpose, the diva). And it, in return, belches out bubbles and generally acts alive. You chuck half of it away (which felt *wrong* at first, like killing a tiny, gluten-fueled baby… weird, I know). And then you feed it again. The schedule? That’s where the fun starts. Some people feed theirs religiously every day. I… well, let’s just say Brenda and I have a fluctuating relationship. Sometimes it's twice a day, sometimes every other day. It's a learning curve. And the *smell*! Be warned: it can vary from lovely, fruity… to something akin to old gym socks. Brenda's been there, done that.
Proofing. Ah, the bane of my existence. How do you *know* when it's ready? And why does my kitchen *always* seem to be either a sauna or a refrigerator?
Proofing. The *wait*. The watching, the *praying*. This is where the artistry of sourdough comes to a head. You are basically trying to conjure magic from your gluten soul. And yes, the climate in your kitchen is crucial. Too hot? You'll get a flat disc of sadness. Too cold? It'll take longer than a teenager to get out of bed on a Saturday. And knowing when it's ready? That’s… well, it’s an art, a science, and a *crapshoot* all rolled into one. You learn to *feel* the dough. You prod it gently. You look for air bubbles. You might even check the ear – the little flap that forms on the top. My worst experience? Oh, it was a disaster. I was so, so proud of my dough, it was rising so beautifully. I even took a picture of it. And then… I was late for a meeting. Late. And in my haste, I forgot to preheat the oven. *Facepalm*. I rushed back home and, of course, it was over-proofed, collapsed, and a complete disaster. It was a monument to my impatience, and a sad, sad day...
The scoring. Those beautiful designs on the top of the loaf. They seem… intimidating. Should I even bother? (Spoiler alert: I probably shouldn't).
Scoring. Ooh, the *pressure*! That’s where you get to unleash your inner artist… or your inner klutz. Look, the designs are beautiful, yes. They allow the bread to expand properly, yes. But let be honest: My first attempts looked like something a toddler had attacked with a butter knife. It starts simple. Straight lines, slashes. Then you get cocky. Swirls. Wheat sheaves. The first time I tried an abstract design, I produced what can only be described as a vaguely unsettling amoeba. And sometimes, those well-intentioned scores just… disappear in the oven. The loaf just rises and covers everything. My advice? Start simple. And if it looks like a mess? Who cares? It's still likely to taste amazing. The important thing, the *really* important thing, is that you put a good sourdough starter, bake it, and eat it. The rest is just show.
Okay, but… the *taste*? Is it worth the effort? Because sometimes, I'm tempted to just buy a loaf from the store and call it a day.
Oh, the taste… the *wonder* of homemade sourdough. That tangy, chewy, crusty perfection that fills your kitchen with the scent of… well, heaven. Is it worth it? YES. A thousand times yes. Even when Brenda is being a diva. Even when you've got flour *everywhere*. Even when your kitchen looks like a crime scene. The first bite of a loaf you've baked yourself is a revelation. I make delicious sourdough with a great crust and a delicious crumb. And I like to put it, with some jam, on sourdough bread. It always brings me joy. And the smell. So worth it.
Cleaning up. Seriously. How do you get rid of the flour explosion that happens in the kitchen?
Cleaning up. Oh, boy. This is where the romance of baking *ends* and the reality sets in. Flour. Flour everywhere. On the counter, on the floor, in your hair, in the dog's fur...it's a blizzard. And the sticky residue from the dough? It's like glue. My best advice? Embrace the mess. And wear an apron. And maybe a hazmat suit. Mostly the apron. (And a good vacuum cleaner helps *immensely*. Don't ask how I discovered that, let's just say I had a *very* dramatic near-disaster).
Any last words of wisdom for those of us just starting out?
Patience. More patience than you thought humanly possible. Expect failures. Embrace the learning curve. Don't be afraid to experiment. Find a recipe you like and *stick with it* until you understand it. And… don’t let Brenda get you down. She can be demanding, but she’ll eventually give youBook Hotels Now
