Monday, February 11, 2013

Baiyoke Sky Hotel review

So this almost "long forgotten" post was meant to be done last year but then I enjoyed being a bum after our board exam and savored every moment with my mind free from everything. Aaaaah... LIFE! =] Anyways, I'm back to my blog and hoping I could finish the drafts I made last year given my short term memory. And now let's get to the gist of this.

Last October 18, 2012 I went to Bangkok with Mama as her gift to me after undergoing the grueling 6 months of review and 4 days of board exam. The result was released a day after (Oct. 15) the last day of the exam. So we already strategically placed our vacation days near the results day so whatever happens everyone will be happy. haha! And fortunately it was a very happy ending indeed. Thank God! =]

We flew to Bangkok via Cebu Pacific where we experienced another transfer of gates just like in our last trip with them, though its not that much of an issue compared to a delayed flight that some do encounter. We had just planned this trip less than 2 months before our departing date so it's a bit hard to keep the costs low. We booked our hotel at AsiaTravel again. This time we chose to spend our 4 days vacation at Baiyoke Sky Hotel which is located at the Pratunam area where you can shop till you drop which is just perfectly perfect for us! haha! We arrived at our hotel 2 hours before the check-in time so we decided to roam around the area first.

And because as always, I like experiencing every place in the way locals do, I convinced mama not to take a shuttle service and instead take the public transpo and get lost in the way. haha! From Suvarnabhumi Airport we took the Airport Rail Rink located in the lower ground of the airport. There are signs around so it's not that hard. It operated everyday from 06.00 to 24.00.  It has 6 stations and ticket ranges from 15baht to 45baht. For a one way ride a token will be given to you which you would drop in before entering the gate. We waited for some time before the train arrived. It gets crowded so make sure you're near the exit door if you're already going down in the next stop. The train's a bit slow so the ride took about 25-30mins.





Here's a map to guide you in getting around the city through train. The pink one's the Airport Rail Link.



Going down the Ratchaprarop station we walked for roughly 5 mins. going to Baiyoke Sky Hotel. We look for the highest builiding before going down the station so we could get some idea on which direction to go. It's about 3 blocks I think.
*A/N: So while writing this blog I accidentally stumbled on the greatness of Google Maps! haha! So expect some more real time photos brought to you by Google Maps. oyea! =]*

 We saw a sign directing to the hotel and saw a dead end that we even thought we turned the wrong direction but we already saw the back side of the hotel and then saw this gate which is luckily opened, which then eventually lead us to the parking area of the hotel. haha!

I think this is the street where we turned to which is just two block from the station.
And this is the gate I'm talking about! =]


 So weird that we entered through the back side. Anyway, who cares, it saved us some mins. from walking under the heat of the sun. hihi! But in case you can't still find your way make sure to ask specifically for "Baiyoke Sky Hotel" because there's a lot of Baiyoke hotels in the area.

We checked in then left first our baggage in the hotel and went out to find a place to get our money exchanged. The best rate we had is from this money changer which is just a few steps from the hotel front near the "No Problem" store. Then we had lunch at Black Canyon located in Indra Square. There's also KFC, McDo and Dunkin Donuts inside if you want.

We went back to the hotel past 2pm with our hands already full of shopping bags and feet tired from walking so as we went up to out hotel room in the 25th floor, we truly appreciated those fluffy, comfy beds waiting for us. Aaaah. life. =]


We only got the Superior Standard Zone. They have 3 diff. zones to choose from wherein the Standard Zone occupies the 22nd - 45th floor of the hotel. They also have this Sky Zone from the 46th - 63rd floor and Space Zone from the 64th - 74th floor.

The hotel lobby. This is the area where I usually sit at while watching people and enjoying the view. =]
 One of the views from the 18th floor hotel lobby

As we entered the room I was amazed on how spacious it was given that it's only a Superior room in a Standard Zone. Now I wonder how spacious it is up their in the Space Zone. haha! Though the only window in the room was a bit of a let down. I would love to have a floor to ceiling window. choosy lang. haha!

So here's a tour of the room.







Excuse the plastic bags in the above picture. Just look at this cool water bottle below. The hotel's complimentary water bottle with a customized engravings. Amazing! haha!



The main door and the door leading to the bathroom 
Spacious bathroom complete with basic toiletries.


Yes, their shower has its own space, separated from the bathtub. :)


This full mirror near the walk in closet.



Not a panoramic shot. Believe what you see, it's really is spacious like that! =]
 Mini bar was not stacked up when we checked in. It only has this 2 complimentary water bottles, 2 glasses and some coffee/creamer/sugar in it. No worries, I even think this is a practical idea because for sure most travellers don't even avail this overpriced items the mini bar offers in a room and besides they have a convenience store in the lobby. Define convenience. Nice! :)

Those snacks above were bought from the convenience store. :)
 
The next morning we had our breakfast at the Bangkok Sky Restaurant which is up high in their 78th floor.
Good morning Bangkok!


They have these wide variety of food from Western to Asian. A lot of pastries to choose from and fresh fruits and even a choice of fruit shakes! They can also happily make you a sandwich of your choice. The reasonable price of the buffet is just right for what they offer. :)

 First dish. Just because I love anything cute. =]











More shots from the view in the 78th floor.




Back down in their 77th floor is the observation deck and Bangkok mini-museum which means photo ops for a lot. They also have these multimedia kiosks with a map that shows what building you can see in front of you.

Plus these miniature model of the Baiyoke Sky hotel, the highest building in Thailand.


 And going up to the 84th floor is their Revolving Roof  Deck which is free for hotel guests. It revolves 360-degrees in a slow pace so you won't get dizzy. I think I went up there 3x in the duration of our stay. haha! And I always went up ALONE because Mama is as always afraid of heights. I love the cold breeze of air at night plus the city lights and those street lights, big dreams all looking pretty in New Yooooork! chos! haha!
 high speed elevator going up.


 No decent photos from the revolving view point. I suck at night photos adding also the fact that the platform I'm standing on is moving. =[
 Cute!!! =]


 I lounged at the 83rd floor where their Rooftop Bar is also located. They have chairs there in one area where you can sit and still be engulfed by the view if you get tired standing up in the observation deck. In here you can get some more decent shots of the night lights in the city.



 
Would definitely book in this hotel again! :)