How nice to use "SNAs" to sleep for free in a suite at Le Meridien Bangkok

One of the questions I get asked most often is "What do you do for a living?", as if everything I tell on the pages of TFC is not a job. Indeed, It's strange, but it's a job. This means that 9 times out of 10 I travel "only" to review and in my downtime I'm being a tourist, for example right now I'm at the 2nd Thai Mojito sitting in the lounge of "Le Meridien in Bangkok" writing this review, am I on vacation or at work?

Reservation

Having exhausted the hotels in the family Hilton in Bangkok, I decided to also complete a review of all the Marriotts, a far greater challenge since there are 22 of them, more than twice as many as the Hiltons.

As always. reservation must be made through the official website or app, then of course one can indulge in looking for the same room on other portals, and In the case of lower price you will be doubly happy, or rather if you want to accumulate points you must do so, otherwise you can jump, and book, from one chain to another. The price for one night of a basic room in this hotel was about 145 euros. Average for a 5-star hotel in the city. Sure I could have used the points, but Having drained my piggy bank during my vacation in Bali. I didn't have many Bonvoys on hand.

After booking I also requested an upgrade to consume my SNA residuals, unfortunately if they are not used within the year they are lost. Upgrade that was successful and so From basic room I ended up in the suite on the top floor, obviously all thanks to Bonvoy points loyalty and Titanium Elite status.

Location

The hotel is within walking distance of one of the best Marriott facilities in the city, the Surawongse. We are in the neighborhood of Bang Rak, the one in the Patpong nightmarket, This is where Bangkok's "nightlife" was born in the 1960s/70s, before moving to the Sukhumvit area.

Many tourist locations can be reached on foot, and more, such as the skyscraper that seems to be losing its pieces: the MahaNakhon, the iconic 78-story skyscraper visible from all over the city.

Check-in

I arrived just before 12 o'clock, I had already done everything via app even though you still have to go through the front desk.

At the entrance to the hotel is a giant dog.

Similar statues are also scattered throughout the hotel. in addition to the quadrupeds there are also many other collectibles starting with the giant painting behind the reception desk.

Very quick procedures and after explaining all the various benefits I was handed my keys and in less than 300 seconds I was already in the elevator headed for the 24th floor.

The room

The hotel divides the rooms into 3 levels: low floors, high floors and Club floors. This may sound like a superskill, but when it comes to upgrades due to status, Going from a low floor room to a high floor room is already a promotion to a better room, you don't always end up in the suite, sometimes even having two windows instead of one is enough to trigger the upgrade.

In my case, on the other hand, I was "guaranteed" by the approval of the SNA, which since 2024 changed its name to FSU, but it's always the same old thing.

I have to say that my suite was really nice, lower than that of the nearby Marriott, but when we had stayed at the The Surawongse the world was not what it is now and the upgrade received had been crazy considering that I was a "vulgar" Gold at the time., a status that is rightfully received by being included in the monthly fee of the American Express Platinum

As soon as you enter you enter the living area. Two separate rooms and so many square meters available, there are apartments significantly smaller than the assigned room, and hotel rooms as big as the bathroom.

A small living room equipped with everything: mega-screen TV, double sofa, dining table, bar cabinet and mini bar, and a beautiful view of the city.

The sleeping area is a corner room with views on two sides. XXL king bed, although I must admit the mattress did not feel like the usual, it was not like sleeping in a cloud.

Bathroom, with triple overlook. On the living area, on the sleeping area and on the outside. All, of course, at the discretion of the host and respecting the privacy of all occupants. Blinds automated and manageable with simple push buttons, perhaps not so smart, but at the same time foolproof.

Double bathtub, double sink and shower for a whole family of 4 people with double waterfall and double dispensers.

In the room, of course, there was all the usual equipment, with all sorts of plug and button options and perfect wifi coverage. Dulcis in fundo a single button to turn off all lights, none excluded. 

PS remember if you like my suitcases that with TFC10 you can buy them at a discount

Spa and Pool

Like all hotels of a certain standard the hotel has a swimming pool. We are on the 6th floor and the view of the MahaNakhon. is spectacular, especially the nighttime version, great for a dip at the end of the day since it is open until 9 p.m., or before going out (it opens at 6 a.m.).

Here there is also the hotel gym, open h24, and the SPA. I did not use these services this time, it will be for the next time.

The lounge (or the M Club)

At the end of the corridor opposite my room was the hotel lounge.. This room is exclusively for those with status (Platinum or higher) or those who book a room with included access.

A space that is open from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., but comes alive mainly in the morning for breakfast, in the afternoon for tea time, or in the evening for happy hour.

I actually went there for dinner, this benefit for me translates into significant savings of money and time when I am traveling. Here I always know that I will be able to get a drink, sometimes even dinner, without spending a euro. Of course you might say, "Belin Matteo, you're in Bangkok and you're not going out to dinner?" my response might be "

I have been to BKK 8 times this year., I don't always feel like going out to dinner, sometimes I don't even have time to do it, and the lounge is perfect for not spending on room service."

When I travel with my daughter, it is perfect for "plugging" hunger pangs before going to dinner, let's say. Is a safe haven. Small buffet, compared to other hotels , but good quality products (cheeses aside).

Excellent on the contrary cocktails, all free and at will. With the attendants who just came by to tell me that happy hour will end in 20 minutes and to order the last drinks so as not to run out.

Food & Beverage

About the lounge I have written. On the second floor of the hotel is the Tempo restaurant, which is where breakfast is served in the morning, and on the ground floor is a brasserie. There is also a bar in the lobby, where you can eat or have a drink during the day.

Elite members also have the 20% discount on drinks at the hotel's various dining outlets. Breakfast is served in the room on the second floor, very bright area with balcony overlooking the front part of the hall.

The set-up is buffet style, with some areas of express cooking. Needless to say, as usual, it is the realm of abundance.

Impossible to be disappointed, although I felt the lack of freshly squeezed juice as the juices were all industrial.

In conclusion

We are on the price of the nearby (5-minute walk) Surawongse and I would personally prefer the latter for the same cost. Much nicer pool, killer rooftop and imperial suites. This Le Meridien, however, is definitely superior to many other Marriott family hotels in the city, starting with the Westin Grande Sukumvit, for example.

Exquisite staff, truly flawless room and "king for a day (or even two) treatment.

• Bonvoy