Bangkok's Metro Hotel: Unbeatable Luxury Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the neon-drenched, spicy-food-filled world of Bangkok's Metro Hotel – a place that promises "Unbeatable Luxury Awaits!"… and, well, after my stay? Let's just say… it's a mixed bag. And I’m going to lay it all out for you. No holding back. Prepare yourself for honest, messy, and possibly rambling thoughts.
First Impressions: The Glitz and the Grit (and My Own Exhaustion)
So, arriving in Bangkok after a twenty-hour flight is… an experience. Let's just leave it at that. Stepping out of the taxi, I was immediately assaulted by the glorious chaos that is Bangkok: the humidity, the tuk-tuks weaving through traffic like drunken fireflies, the smell of jasmine and something vaguely resembling deep-fried… everything.
The Metro Hotel itself looked impressive. Gleaming glass, towering over the… well, let’s just say the less glamorous parts of the city. The doorman, bless his heart, was all smiles and a perfectly pressed uniform. Inside, the lobby? Swanky. Like, seriously swanky. Think marble, chandeliers, and enough gleaming surfaces to reflect every weary traveler's face at least a dozen times. I was too exhausted to properly appreciate it, but the air conditioning immediately was a godsend. Accessibility wise? Seemed decent. Elevators were plentiful, though I didn't personally use a wheelchair so couldn't provide more insight.
Getting Down to Business: The Nitty-Gritty (and My Tiny Room)
Okay, let's list out the room details, so you can get inside my brain, okay? I'll focus on my experience, which was, frankly, confusing. So, my room was… small. My mind's eye registered that it was small, but it was okay. Available in all rooms
- Additional toilet: Nope, one toilet only.
- Air conditioning: Check. Crucial.
- Alarm clock: Aye, it was there.
- Bathrobes: Yes, and soft, fluffy, and I definitely, 100%, wore it for a decent chunk of the day.
- Bathroom phone: Huh… I didn't even realize. Didn't touch it.
- Bathtub: Yes, with a decent view.
- Blackout curtains: YES! Absolute lifesaver for jet lag.
- Carpeting: It was clean.
- Closet: Fine, but a bit on the small side.
- Coffee/tea maker: Yes. And crucially important to get me going in the morning.
- Complimentary tea: Nice touch. I actually took my tea with me for an outing.
- Daily housekeeping: Yep, spotless.
- Desk: Yep, with a lovely lamp.
- Extra long bed: Yes! I'm tall, and this was a winner.
- Free bottled water: Always appreciated.
- Hair dryer: It worked.
- High floor: Mine was high, but I believe it isn’t an essential aspect, still, it's nice to have a view.
- In-room safe box: Yup. Used it.
- Interconnecting room(s) available: Never saw a peek, so I couldn’t check.
- Internet access – LAN: Didn't use it.
- Internet access – wireless: Yes. Wi-Fi [free] was great.
- Ironing facilities: Yep.
- Laptop workspace: It was good, but that small desk was better.
- Linens: Fresh and clean.
- Mini bar: Standard, but overpriced.
- Mirror: Yep.
- Non-smoking: Yep.
- On-demand movies: Didn’t try it.
- Private bathroom: Of course.
- Reading light: Worked.
- Refrigerator: Standard.
- Safety/security feature: Felt safe.
- Satellite/cable channels: Did the job.
- Scale: I avoided it. Bangkok food is dangerous.
- Seating area: No.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Yes, I love this.
- Shower: Good water pressure.
- Slippers: Yep.
- Smoke detector: Probably, but I didn’t set it off.
- Socket near the bed: Excellent.
- Sofa: No.
- Soundproofing: Mostly. Bangkok is… noisy.
- Telephone: Right there.
- Toiletries: Meh. Generic.
- Towels: Plentiful.
- Umbrella: It rained.
- Visual alarm: Didn’t check.
- Wake-up service: Yes.
- Window that opens: Nope.
Now, that's the hard facts. One major issue was the soundproofing was fine, but Bangkok never sleeps. So, the hotel did a decent job, as it could get noisy from the city. My room got a bit noisy at times, but not overwhelmingly so.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Secure (Mostly)
Okay, props where props are due: The Metro Hotel felt safe. They had CCTV in common areas and outside the property. Security [24-hour] was visible. The Front desk [24-hour] folks were helpful. Fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, the whole shebang.
COVID stuff? They tried. There were hand sanitizer stations everywhere. Anti-viral cleaning products were clearly being used because EVERYTHING smelled faintly of industrial cleaner. The rooms were sanitized between stays. It looked like they'd gone through some serious Professional-grade sanitizing services. They provided all the essentials. Oh, and Hot water linen and laundry washing. was done daily. I also saw people with certificates, so Hygiene certification seemed to be in place.
They also did Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, but this was hard to do, especially in the tiny elevators. Individually-wrapped food options were available. I also read that Room sanitization opt-out was available, whatever that means.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Foodie Adventure (And the Occasional Disappointment)
Alright, the food. This is where things get… interesting.
The Asian breakfast, included in my rate, was decent. I wanted the Western breakfast, but I'm a sucker for eggs. Breakfast [buffet] was a mixed bag. The "international cuisine" was a bit bland. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was okay, not great. There was a Coffee shop, which was better.
The restaurants themselves were plentiful, but I only tried the main dining area; there was a Restaurant, of course. The A la carte in restaurant was the main option. I ordered a soup and a salad, which were okay. The Poolside bar was a nice touch. Bottle of water was included, which made me happy. The Happy hour was a decent deal.
Now. The BEST thing about the food? The room service! Room service [24-hour]: I was exhausted one night, and the pad thai I ordered was a solid 8/10. Seriously, a lifesaver.
Ways to Relax: The Spa Situation (and My Happy Ending)
Okay. This is where the Metro Hotel almost redeemed itself, completely, but…almost. The Spa looked fantastic. The sauna, the steamroom, but I went straight for the massage. I got a Thai massage, and it was divine. Pure, unadulterated bliss. Seriously, I have never, ever, felt so loose and relaxed. The Foot bath was a great start. I felt like they could have upgraded the Body wrap and Body scrub, but it was so enjoyable, it got a pass from me. I didn't swim in the Swimming pool or the Swimming pool [outdoor].
Things to Do: Beyond the Hotel Walls
Okay, this is for you, if you're heading to the city. Bangkok is a vibrant city. From here, you can easily go to the best shopping locations, temples, and other destinations in Bangkok.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Extras (and the Occasional Snafu)
The staff were helpful, generally, and I appreciated the Concierge service. They also provided Currency exchange. And they had a Cash withdrawal machine there, too.
- Air conditioning in public area: Yup. Essential.
- Daily housekeeping: Great.
- Doorman: Helpful.
- Elevator: Crucial.
- Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Laundry service: All there.
- Luggage storage: Used it, worked great.
- Safety deposit boxes: Yep.
- Smoking area: Yep.
- Terrace: Didn't spend much time there.
- Pets allowed unavailable: I’m not a pet person, I didn’t even notice it.
Meeting/banquet facilities, and other business options are available also.
**Getting Around: Easy
U.G.SODAM Jeju: South Korea's Best-Kept Secret (You NEED to See This!)
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because we're diving headfirst into my (slightly chaotic) Metro Hotel Bangkok adventure. And, let me tell you, after this trip, my bank account and my sanity will probably need a long, hard look at each other. Here goes nothing:
Metro Hotel Bangkok: My Slightly Unhinged Itinerary (with Lots of Rambling and Questionable Decisions)
Day 1: Arriving in a Tropical Deluge (and Questioning All My Life Choices)
- 8:00 AM (ish): Land at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Okay, first impression? Humidity. It hits you like a warm, damp blanket. Immediately question what I was even hoping to achieve in Bangkok. Grab a taxi. Hope I don't get scammed (which is a legit fear considering my grasp on Thai Baht is currently… nonexistent).
- 9:30 AM: Taxi drops me somewhere near the Metro Hotel. "Near" is the operative word. Turns out, Bangkok's a labyrinth of streets. The poor taxi driver looked as lost as I felt. Finally, after a small trek involving questionable alleyways and a very sweaty me, I think I've found it. The exterior? Looks… well, it looks like a hotel, okay? No immediate red flags. Yet.
- 10:00 AM: Check-in! Oh boy, here we go…I stumble into the lobby, a bit frazzled, a bit sunburnt, and feeling like I'm about to have a conniption. The receptionist is super polite, too polite. Are they hiding something? The room… is small. But clean. And the AC is blasting like a hurricane, which is a blessed relief. Settle in. Get my bearings. Consider taking a nap. But no, gotta fight jetlag. Gotta be productive. Gotta… buy a bottle of water because I'm already parched.
- 11:00 AM: The Food Stall Fiasco: Okay, time to dive straight into the deep end: Street food. I read a guide, know the risks, and I'm ready to embrace the delicious chaos. I spot a stall selling… something. It looked delicious and mysterious. I awkwardly point and gesture (my Thai vocabulary consists of 'Sawasdee' and 'Thank you'), and end up with… something. A mass of noodles, mystery meat, and a sauce that could melt steel. It was… intense. Actually, it was incredibly flavorful. I took my first bite. My eyes watered. This was the most delicious, and the most potentially dangerous, thing I'd ever tasted. I powered through it. I think I survived. Probably.
- 12:30 PM: Wandering Around and Getting Lost (and Loving It): Took a walk around the area. Saw temples. Saw monks. Got completely turned around. Realized I wasn't just "lost," I was geographically challenged. But you know what? It was kinda fun. Saw some local life. Heard the constant hum of life. Found a little cafe and had a Thai iced coffee. Bliss. Almost forgot about near-certain food poisoning.
- 3:00 PM: The Massage That Saved My Soul (and Maybe Ruined My Toenails): After my street food triumph/ordeal , my back was screaming. Found a massage place down the street. Oh my god. This was heaven. The masseuse, a tiny woman with the strength of ten men, kneaded all my travel stress out of my body. It was so good. I may have snored. But I'm pretty sure my toenails are now permanently bent at a 45-degree angle from the massage. Worth it.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Found a restaurant that seemed… clean. Had Pad Thai. It was good, but not the death-defying Pad Thai of the street stall. Needed to play it safe.
- 8:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Attempted to organize my bag. Failed. Decided to watch some TV instead. The Thai channels are…interesting. Definitely not what I'm used to. Crash out. Jetlag wins.
Day 2: Temples, River Cruises, and the Persistent Feeling of Being Watched (and Loving it even more)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. Surprisingly not sick. Win! Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Basic, but free. Coffee is questionable, but hey, caffeine is caffeine, right?
- 9:00 AM: Temple Run! First stop: Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn). The beauty of it made me stand there stunned. Absolutely stunning. The architecture is mind-blowing. I spent way too long just staring. And maybe, just maybe, I snuck a peak at the view, so good I almost wished I had a boat for myself.
- 11:00 AM: River Cruise Shenanigans. Boarding a boat for a trip down the Chao Phraya River. Beautiful views, the buildings look like they're on a postcard. The heat, however, is relentless. I find myself questioning the wisdom of wearing a black t-shirt.
- 12:30 PM: Lunch on the Go! Lunch: another street (or river!) stall. This time, a mango sticky rice (safe bet!), and some skewers of… things. Still no regrets.
- 2:00 PM: More temples! Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha). The sheer size of the Buddha is awe-inspiring. Wander through the temple grounds, feeling a mix of reverence and mild bewilderment. It's so unlike anything I've ever seen.
- 4:00 PM: The Shopping Spree That Never Was: The plan: Go to a market. Buy some souvenirs. The reality: Get completely overwhelmed. The crowds. The sheer cacophony of sights, sounds, and smells. My brain short-circuits. Ended up buying a silly t-shirt that says "Sawaddee, Bitches." Regret sets in immediately.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Tried some more advanced dishes than the night before, the place seemed reliable. This time, tried green curry. It was spicy enough to singe my taste buds and still absolutely amazing.
- 8:00 PM: Back to the hotel for another night of questionable TV and the blissful embrace of air conditioning. I still stand by the hotel as a great choice.
Day 3: Markets, Markets and More Markets (alongside a bit of culture)
- 9:00 AM: Wake, get dressed, and head into the nearest market, Chatuchak Weekend Market. What can I say - a huge variety of things! You could buy a live bird, a new sofa set, or a vintage t-shirt. It's immense. I got a little bit overwhelmed, so I stuck with browsing.
- 12:00 PM: Time for lunch. Again, street food! This time, I tried some sort of fried dough I couldn't even name. Delicious. And, thankfully, my stomach is holding up!
- 2:00 PM: Back to the hotel for a small rest, before heading out on a final adventure.
- 4:00 PM: A last journey, this time to a floating market. I tried to take lots of photographs, and get lots of memories. This time, I remembered to bring some sunscreen and I went again, this time feeling prepared.
- 6:00 PM: Take a walk to the nearest shopping mall. It was weird, but I had lots of choices in the end..
- 8:00 PM: Pack my things. Tomorrow, I'm off.
Final Thoughts:
Bangkok, you magnificent, chaotic, delicious beast. You’ve thrown me for a loop, you've tested my tolerance for heat and questionable food, and you've left me exhausted but utterly exhilarated. Did everything go perfectly? Absolutely not. Did I eat things that might give me nightmares for the next week? Probably. Do I regret any of it? Not a single bit. This trip was raw, real, and honestly? One of the best trips of my life. Now, time to go home and sleep for a week. Maybe.
Unbelievable Jingdezhen Getaway: Ibis Styles Cidu Avenue Hotel!
Okay, seriously, is the Metro Hotel *really* as luxurious as they say? I'm sensing a brochure-induced lie here.
Alright, let's be brutally honest, because I've been there, done that, sweated through the t-shirt, and eaten the Pad Thai. The "unbeatable luxury" part? Yeah, mostly true. BUT. Here’s where the real talk starts. They're not kidding about the marble. Like, seriously, you could practically *live* in the bathroom. My first reaction when I walked in? "Woah. Did I accidentally wander into a Versace showroom?" (Okay, maybe a slight exaggeration. But the polished surfaces, the sheer *scale*... it messes with your peasant sensibilities). The bed? Cloud Nine, reincarnated. I swear, I slept for a full 12 hours the first night. My husband, bless his cotton socks, actually *teared up* with joy. (Don't tell him I told you that.) So yeah, luxurious? Absolutely. Unbeatable? Depends on your budget and tolerance for extreme pampering. The price tag is not for the faint of heart, okay? Just be prepared.
What about the location? Is it actually convenient, or am I going to spend half my trip stuck in traffic? This is Bangkok, after all.
Location, location, location! This is crucial. And the Metro Hotel gets a pretty solid A- in my book. It's smack-dab in the middle of things – you know, close to the BTS Skytrain (thank GOD for the BTS!), which is a lifesaver. Traffic in Bangkok is a beast, a snarling, horn-honking, exhaust -spewing BEAST. Avoid. At all costs. The Skytrain is your friend. The hotel's a short walk to it, which is huge, especially after a grueling day of temple hopping and market haggling. You can also hop on a tuk-tuk out front, that crazy three-wheeled contraption. But be warned: they'll try and fleece you. Negotiate HARD, even if you *feel* like a total clown. Plus, the hotel's kinda near some cool restaurants and shops. Basically, you're pretty sorted. Unless you're super into the "seclusion" vibe. Then, maybe... not the best.
I'm a foodie. How's the food situation at the hotel itself? And nearby? Do I need to become one of *those* people who eats only at the hotel restaurant?
Oh, the food. Let's talk food! The hotel's got a couple of restaurant options. One is a fine-dining establishment, which, let me tell you, does some seriously fancy stuff. Perfect for a romantic dinner, if you're into that (I am!). The other is a more casual spot, which is where I usually landed. The buffet breakfast?! HEAVEN. Seriously, the best breakfast I've ever had. Fresh fruit (mangos, oh the mangos!), pastries, eggs cooked every possible way... I nearly blew my diet. The coffee was passable, though. (I’m a coffee snob, what can I say?).
BUT! Don't limit yourself to the hotel. The area is awash with deliciousness! Street food is a must-do. And don't be afraid of it! (Unless you have a particularly delicate stomach. Then, maybe err on the side of caution.) Tiny, hole-in-the-wall places are where you'll find the real deal. I had some of the best Pad Thai of my life about five minutes from the hotel. Just... be prepared to sweat. It's Bangkok. You will sweat.
The pool! Tell me about the pool! Is it actually a relaxing oasis, or just a crowded splash zone? I need my zen time.
Okay, the pool. Buckle up, because I have strong feelings. The pool *is* gorgeous. Seriously, picture this: sparkling blue water, lush greenery, maybe a gentle breeze... idyllic, right? The view? Stunning. Rooftop pool, so you're looking out over the city. But hear me out: crowds. The pool gets busy. Very busy. And it's not always the zen oasis you dream about. I went one afternoon, and it was a total free-for-all. Kids splashing, cocktails spilling, sunbathers jostling for prime position. Not my idea of peace and quiet.
My advice? Go early. Like, *really* early. Before the masses descend. Or embrace the chaos, grab a cocktail, and try to just... go with the flow. The pool is worth a visit, but don't expect a spa-like experience at all times. It's a hotel pool in Bangkok, not a secluded mountain spring.
What about the service? Are the staff helpful and friendly, or are they just trying to get a big tip?
The service at the Metro Hotel is generally top-notch. Really. The staff are genuinely friendly and helpful. I had one experience where my luggage was delayed. (Airline shenanigans, not their fault.) The concierge went above and beyond to track it down, making calls, reassuring me, even offering to run errands while I waited. Little things like that make a huge difference.
However, and I'm being real here, sometimes the level of attention feels... staged? Like they're overly attentive, and you're constantly aware of how much they're expecting a tip. It's not always authentic. But, look, a little extra politeness goes a long way in a city like Bangkok. Just don't let it put you off. And yes, you should tip. They work hard. But don't feel obligated to tip *everyone* for *everything*. Weigh it up.
The spa! Is it worth the (probably hefty) price tag? I need a massage after all that temple-hopping.
Oh, the spa! Okay, so, here's a confession: I splurged on the spa. And it was... well, it was an experience. The decor is stunning; very zen, very calming... all the right vibes. The massage itself? Divine. Literally. My masseuse was a miracle worker. I had the Thai massage, and she somehow managed to untangle years of knots in my back. I melted into a puddle of bliss. The pressure was perfect, the essential oils smelled amazing, and I floated out of there feeling like a new person.
The price? Yes, it's pricey. Consider it a treat. Was it worth it? For me, yes. After a week of walking and sightseeing, that massage was pure heaven. But... I could have gotten an equally good (maybe even better!) massage at a local place for a fraction of the cost. Do your research, maybe before you go. The hotel spa? Excellent. But you can find equally excellent, and far more affordable, alternatives. It's your call!
Anything you wish you'd known before you went? Any hidden gotchas?
