Park Plaza Bangkok Soi 18: Your Luxurious Bangkok Getaway Awaits!
Park Plaza Bangkok Soi 18: My Bangkok Bliss (and a Few Mild Gripes!) - A Review That Actually Feels Real
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, sterile hotel review. This is real life, Bangkok edition, courtesy of the Park Plaza on Soi 18. I'm talking about a stay that was mostly glorious, peppered with those tiny little annoyances that make travel, well, travel. Let's dive in, shall we?
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First Impressions (and the Elevator Saga!)
From the moment I waltzed – make that slightly clumsily – into the lobby, I thought, "Alright, this is promising!" Sleek, modern, a definite vibe. Now, the elevator situation? Slightly less promising. Okay, majorly slow. Like, "contemplate my life choices while waiting for the doors to open" slow. But hey, what's travel without a little character, right? And at least it was a nice elevator! They even have an elevator for disabled guests.
Accessibility – Good Vibes, Mostly!
Speaking of which, for those with mobility issues, this hotel seems pretty decent. Wheelchair accessible throughout the public areas, and I spotted accessible rooms. That’s a HUGE win. I didn't personally use them, but knowing they are there, and that the Elevator is designed for it is a great feeling of inclusiveness. Plus, they have facilities for disabled guests generally. Bravo, Park Plaza!
Rooms: A Sanctuary of Snuggles (and Where the Air Con Really Shines)
The room? Okay, major props. The air conditioning was a GODSEND. Bangkok heat is no joke, and this thing could freeze the polar ice caps (in the best way!). The blackout curtains were also amazing for sleeping in, which is crucial when you're on vacation. My room had a separate shower/bathtub, which I appreciated. The bed? Heavenly. Truly, a cloud of comfort. I even had a reading light right next to it, perfect for devouring trashy novels (don't judge!). There was a desk, laptop workspace, and even free Wi-Fi, so I thought "Great let's get this report done quickly before heading to the pool!".
Internet – Wi-Fi Woe (and a Little LAN Love)
And speaking of internet, let's talk about the, shall we say, fluctuating quality of the Wi-Fi. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – yes! But sometimes, it felt slower than the aforementioned elevator. A mild annoyance, definitely. Thankfully, there's Internet access – LAN in the rooms too. So if the Wi-Fi plays up, you can always plug straight in. It's the little things, people, the little things! And hey, Internet services are well provided for.
Dining: From Buffet Bonanza to A La Carte Adventures
Breakfast. Oh, the breakfast! Okay, let me rave a bit. The breakfast buffet was EPIC. Seriously, a feast. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast… you name it, they had it! Fresh fruit, pastries, eggs cooked every single way imaginable, the works, and the coffee/tea in the restaurant was on point. The Buffet in restaurant was my main draw. It fueled many a morning adventure. A real power-up for the day ahead!
They have multiple restaurants, also an Asian cuisine in restaurant, an International cuisine in restaurant and a Vegetarian restaurant. The coffee shop was nice too for a quick cup during the day.
During the day I used the Poolside bar and Snack bar, and they were great. The Poolside bar's happy hour was good too! The A la carte in restaurant was also a good option when the buffet would get too overwhelming.
One mild gripe, the room service prices felt a bit steep, particularly for the bottle of water! But hey, that's what convenience costs, right? And the 24-hour room service is a huge plus when those midnight cravings hit.
Pool, Spa & Relaxation: Melting into Bliss (Sort Of…)
The swimming pool? Gorgeous. Pool with a view? Yes, please! The water was refreshing, the sun loungers were comfy, and I spent a good chunk of my vacation time just… existing, you know? They don’t have a Spa/sauna or Spa, but they have a Sauna and Steamroom!
I treated myself to a massage at the spa. Ahhh… pure bliss. The stress just melted away! I really did enjoy the treatments. They also offer other things, like a Body scrub and Body wrap. There's also a Fitness center and Gym/fitness.
Things to Do: Beyond the Hotel Walls
Okay, so the hotel itself is an absolute delight. But Bangkok is a buzzing city! This hotel is in a great location to get around. They have a Taxi service, with a Car park [free of charge] and a Car park [on-site]. They also offer Airport transfer. Although I didn’t use the Bicycle parking, it’s great to see they offer it.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe and Sound
This is where Park Plaza really shines. They're clearly taking hygiene seriously. I was impressed by the daily disinfection in common areas. Hand sanitizer was everywhere (a must these days), and the staff seemed meticulously trained in safety protocol. They even have Anti-viral cleaning products, which is reassuring. They really are going the extra mile. Plus, the rooms are sanitized between stays, and you can opt out of room sanitization if you wish. This all made me feel very comfortable.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
Concierge service? Ace. Daily housekeeping? Spotless. Doorman? Always helpful and cheerful. They also have Currency exchange, Luggage storage, a Convenience store, and a Gift/souvenir shop. The cash withdrawal was very helpful too.
They offer Laundry service and Dry cleaning which is a huge plus. They have facilities for disabled guests, and elevator and the check-in/out [express].
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Fun
They have Babysitting service, and are very Family/child friendly. They also have Kids facilities and Kids meal.
The Little Annoyances (Because Nothing's Perfect!)
As much as I loved it, let's keep it real. The Wi-Fi, as mentioned, had its moments. The elevator, as already pointed out, could use a speed upgrade. And one time, my room key stopped working. Drama! Minor, sure, but still a slight inconvenience.
The Verdict: Should You Go? Absolutely!
Despite a few minor hiccups, Park Plaza Bangkok Soi 18 is a winner. It’s a stylish, comfortable, and well-located hotel with excellent amenities and a genuinely friendly staff. It’s a perfect base for exploring Bangkok, or just chilling by the pool, and feeling like you're living in luxury. I left rejuvenated, relaxed, and already planning my return. Just, maybe, I'll pack a good book for those elevator waits!
Escape to Paradise: Golden Bay Hotel, Weihai's Hidden Gem
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into Bangkok. And not the sanitized, perfectly Instagrammable Bangkok you see in glossy magazines. This is the real deal, warts and all, from my slightly-sunburned perspective, coming to you live…ish…from the air-conditioned sanctuary of Park Plaza Bangkok Soi 18. Here's how it went down, mostly:
Day 1: Arrival (and a Whole Lotta Jet Lag)
- 4:00 AM (ish) - Bangkok Time: Ugh, bleary-eyed check-in. Seriously, who made the time zones? The Park Plaza is a welcome sight. The lobby is all sleek lines and shiny surfaces, which is great because my brain is currently operating at dial-up internet speed. Found my room, which, thank the travel gods, actually looks like the pictures. Dropped my bags, wrestled with the AC (it won, naturally), and collapsed on the bed.
- 8:00 AM (more or less) - Morning Munchies: Woke up feeling like I’d been hit by a bus (a really stylish, air-conditioned bus, granted). Decided to conquer the hotel buffet. This is where the real fun started. The sheer volume of food was overwhelming. I started small, with some fruit, and then, well… let’s just say I haven’t seen that many pastries since my grandma's funeral…
- 10:00 AM - The First Venture & a Serious Miscalculation: Decided I'd be a brave explorer and try to find Terminal 21, that famous shopping mall. Mistake #1: Not accounting for Thai traffic. Mistake #2: Underestimating the distance. Mistake #3: Wearing the wrong blasted shoes (think sandals, not a wise choice for trekking across the city). Spent an hour on foot, cursing my life and the questionable "sidewalks." Found it. Worth it? Eh, maybe. The toilets were themed though!
- Lunchtime - Food Adventures & Regret: Found a street food stall near the mall that looked promising. Ordered something that looked like noodles. It tasted…interesting. Let's just say my gut is currently protesting. The spice was…well, it was present. I’d give it a B-. (Maybe, maybe, a C+. My stomach is still debating.)
- Afternoon - Poolside Bliss (and a near-disaster): Back at the hotel, I collapsed by the pool. Bliss. Until I knocked back a cocktail a bit too quickly and almost face-planted into the water. Swore I saw a few other tourists snicker. Recovered, though!
Day 2: Temples, Tuk-Tuks, and Total Sensory Overload
- 9:00 AM - Temple Time: Finally dragged myself out of bed, determined to see some culture. Headed to Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn). Majestic doesn't even begin to describe it. The intricate details, the gold, the sheer scale of the place… it's incredible. It helps that the sun decided to cooperate.
- 11:00 AM - The Tuk-Tuk Tango: Oh, the tuk-tuks! Those things are like tiny, motorized roller coasters. Negotiating a price is an art form, apparently. Ended up way overpaying for a short ride back to the hotel. (Note to self: Practice your haggling).
- Noon: Unplanned Nap Seriously. The heat is brutal. I blame the temples.
- 2:00 PM - Street Food Round Two (with a vengeance): I'd learned my lesson (or so I thought). Found a noodle stall that looked legit. It was. The pad thai blew my mind. This is what I'd come here for!
- 4:00 PM - Shopping Spree (and a touch of buyer's remorse): Hit up a local market near the hotel. Bought a silk scarf that's probably way more expensive than it should be. (Haggling, remember?) But it's beautiful, so…no regrets? (Maybe a few. Okay, a lot)
- Evening: Rooftop Bar & a Moment of Zen (kind of): Found a rooftop bar with a killer view of the city. Sipped a fancy cocktail, watched the sunset, and felt…almost peaceful. Until a rogue mosquito launched a full-scale assault. Still, beautiful. If only the mosquitoes were less hungry.
Day 3: More Massage, More Food, More Bangkok!
- Morning - Decadent Recovery: Hotel breakfast, again. The pastries were calling my name, and I answered!
- 10:00 AM - The Massage Sanctuary: Found a massage parlor. Best. Decision. Ever. An hour of pure, unadulterated bliss. Seriously, my muscles haven't felt this relaxed since…well, ever.
- Lunch - Local Eating: Headed to a tiny restaurant my taxi driver had recommended. The food was so incredibly good. It felt like I was actually eating food that the locals eat not specially targeted at tourists. The soup warmed me up from the inside out.
- Afternoon - Shopping Mania (Part II): Refused to buy anything at the mall. Instead, I went to a local crafts store. I almost bought a statue of Buddha.
- Evening: Street Food, Finale, and a Midnight Snack: A grand final street food feast before heading out in the morning! I tried everything I wanted to. It was a delicious adventure.
Reflections and Realizations:
- Jet Lag is the Enemy: The enemy of sleep, of coherent thoughts, of making good decisions.
- Street Food is Life: Embrace it. Just maybe start with a smaller portion.
- Haggling is a Sport: Get good at it. Or at least get the hang of it.
- The City is Alive: Bangkok is noisy, chaotic, beautiful, and overwhelming. It's a sensory overload, a constant adventure, and absolutely amazing. I love it!
- I Need More Sunscreen: And maybe some bug spray.
Tomorrow, I'm off to the next destination. But Bangkok, you've officially stolen a piece of my heart (and probably a few of my baht). Cheers.
Escape to Paradise: Seagull's Stunning Split Beach Studio!
Okay, so… What *IS* the meaning of life, anyway? Seriously, someone tell me!
Ugh, don’t even get me *started.* Look, I spent a whole summer in college trying to figure this out. I read Sartre, I tried meditation, I even ate kale (that's the real existential crisis right there). Turns out, the meaning of life? Still a mystery. My *personal* theory, based on, like, zero scientific research, is it's whatever you make it. Which is either incredibly liberating or utterly terrifying, depending on the amount of coffee you’ve had. Currently, I'm leaning towards terrifying.
Here's the thing. I *thought* I had it figured out for a while. Career, apartment, relationship… the whole nine yards. And then? BAM! Life decided to rewrite the script. I lost a job I loved, the relationship imploded (messy, involving a cat and a very dramatic breakup text), and suddenly, my "meaning" felt like a sandcastle wiped away by a rogue wave. So, yeah. Meaning? Still searching. But hey, at least I have a good story to tell. And a newfound appreciation for pizza. Pizza is definitely part of the meaning of *my* life, at least.
How do you deal with… you know… *stuff*? Like, the bad stuff?
Ah, the *stuff*. That glorious, awful, omnipresent "stuff." I’m not gonna lie; I’m not a master of Zen. My go-to strategies involve a combination of (in no particular order):
- Crying. A lot. Sometimes in public. Mortifying, but cathartic. Don't judge.
- Eating ice cream. See above. Usually involved in the crying process.
- Avoiding all responsibility. My skills in this area are… unfortunately well-honed. I can procrastinate with the best of them. (Currently ignoring a pile of laundry that's starting to resemble a sentient being.)
- Talking to my friends. They are the absolute best. They listen, they laugh at my misfortunes (usually in a supportive way), and they bring chocolate. Bless them.
- Pretending I'm a character in a really poorly written sitcom. It makes the absurdity of it all a *little* easier to stomach.
The key, I think, is to remember that everyone's going through *something*. And that it's okay to not be okay. And to maybe invest in a good therapist. I am. (Shameless plug: therapy is awesome. Do it.)
I had this *awful* time a few months ago. Flat tire in the pouring rain, late for a job interview, and I spilled coffee *all* over my favorite shirt. It felt like the universe was actively plotting against me. The logical part of my brain knew it was just bad luck, but the emotional part? Total meltdown. I wanted to scream. Instead, I just sat there, soaking wet and covered in coffee stains, and laughed. Because what else could I do? That day I was a hot mess, literally and figuratively. And you know what? It's okay to be a hot mess sometimes. It's human.
What's the secret to happiness?
Oh, you want the *secret*? Buckle up, because I'm about to let you in on it... *dramatic pause*... I haven’t found it. Okay? Sorry to disappoint. Anyone who tells you they have the *absolute* answer is either lying or selling something.
I've had moments of pure, unadulterated joy. Moments where the world felt bright and beautiful and like everything was exactly as it should be. That's usually when my dog is involved. He's my tiny, fluffy happiness factory. But those moments? They fluctuate like the stock market. They come and go. You can cultivate happiness, you can practice gratitude, you can try to be present in the moment (which I’m terrible at, constantly planning my next meal). But a consistent state of bliss? I'm skeptical.
Maybe the secret is… *embracing* the mess. The ups, the downs, the coffee spills, the flat tires, the crying jags. Maybe happiness isn't a destination, but a series of random, messy, and occasionally wonderful moments. And if that's true? Then I'm… okay with that.
How do you handle… failure? Because it's, you know, inevitable.
Failure? Oh, I'm practically an expert. I've failed at things so many times, I should be given a PhD in it. I’ve failed job interviews, relationships, hobbies I thought I'd be amazing at (pottery, anyone? Nope.), even making a decent cup of coffee.
The thing is, failure *hurts*. It stings. You feel like a complete idiot, and your inner critic is having a field day. The most important thing is NOT to wallow...but I am still guilty of prolonged wallowing every now and then. The tricky part? Pulling yourself out of the swamp of self-pity.
How do I do it? Sometimes I have to give myself some time to grieve and feel the sting before trying to move forward. And a LOT of self-compassion. “You are not a failure you’re just having a tough time.” Once the tears run out, I try to find out what went wrong. What can I learn? What can I do *better* next time? But, honestly? Sometimes, the best approach is just to dust yourself off, laugh about it (eventually!), and realize that everyone fails. It's okay to be human. It's okay to be flawed. And it’s okay to mess up. It's part of the deal.
I remember this time I tried to bake a cake for my friend's birthday. I thought it would be easy, a simple chocolate cake. Famous last words. The cake? A disaster. It was burnt on the outside, raw in the middle, and tasted vaguely of sadness and burnt sugar. I was devastated. I’d put so much effort in. I ended up just ordering a grocery store cake and praying my friend didn’t notice. She knew me so well, that when I handed her the cake, I told her to hide the cake I made or she will be scarred for life. Thankfully she thought it was funny. It didn't make the cake any less terrible, but it did make the whole situation…bearable. And you know what? In the grand scheme of things, a bad cake is a pretty minor fail. And I finally mastered the cake later.
What advice would you give to… well, to anyone?
Okay, wisdom time! And by "wisdom," I mean whatever my brain is spitting out on a given Tuesday. Here goes:
- Be kind to yourself.Seriously. You are your longest relationship. Work on being a good friend to you, you deserve it.
- Embrace the mess. Life is messy. People are messy. Be okay with it!
- Don't be afraid to ask for help. We are all, in the end, just humans, trying to figure out how toStayin The HeartPark Plaza Bangkok Soi 18 Bangkok Thailand
Park Plaza Bangkok Soi 18 Bangkok Thailand
