After four great nights at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, I moved about six blocks down the street to the JW Marriott. On previous trips to Bangkok I had seen this hotel from the outside several times. It looked elegant and inviting. So I decided to check it out on this trip now that I also had Platinum status with Marriott which matched my Starwood status when it acquired Starwood last year. This was my first stay in years at a full service Marriott.
Check in
Upon arrival, I was escorted to the Executive Lounge for check in.
The representatives were efficient and courteous. I was upgraded to an executive room. The agent said no suites were available. One of the agents escorted me to the room and showed me some of the features.
Executive Room
The hotel website does not specify the size of an Executive room. The room had nice features. However, for a class of rooms that is just below a suite, this room was small.
Controls for temperature and lighting and are on a bedside table.
Fruit was refreshed daily.
The minibar and refrigerator were well stocked.
The bathroom is rather plain but functional. 
There’s a tub and walk-in shower.
There is a shaving mirror (mounted at a convenient height b/t/w), and the selection of amenities is impressive.
Considering that this was a five-star hotel, the size and decor of this room was a little disappointing, especially when compared to the Sheraton Grande and other hotel options in Bangkok.
The best attributes of the Executive room is that it includes access to the breakfast buffet and the lounge, which I think is the best part of this hotel.
The Executive Lounge
I’m most familiar with hotel lounges in Starwood and Hyatt hotels. Some of them, particularly those in Asia and Africa, are spectacular. The check-in area of the lounge is separate from the part of the lounge where food and beverages are served. So on my first evening visit to the lounge after mild disappointment with the room, I wasn’t expecting much. I was in for a very nice surprise.
First, the lounge is one of the largest hotel lounges I’ve visited. A long hall leads to the rear of the lounge and a private seating area and a business center.
The heart of the lounge is the buffet with a chef who prepares dishes on the spot. This is not the typical lounge fare but real food. No need for dinner after visiting this lounge.
There is a self-service bar next to the buffet.
In addition to self service, friendly waitresses circulate through the lounge keeping beverage glasses full.
Location
The JW Marriott has a fine location on Sukhumvit Road near Sukhumvit Soi 3. It takes only two minutes to walk to the Ploenchit Skytrain station. Siam, Central World and Terminal 21 shopping malls are within one or two stops on the Skytrain. There a several fast food establishments nearby. There is a Thai street restaurant on the other side of Sukhumvit Road near Ploenchit station that serves outstanding seafood dishes at very reasonable prices.
Overall Impression
The JW Marriott is a nice hotel with a good location (although not as good as the Sheraton Grande’s) in the Sukhumvit area. The rooms need updating and should be larger to compete with other five-star hotels in Bangkok. In spite of the drawbacks, the wonderful Executive Lounge tempts me to stay here again.
Other posts about this trip:
Delta CRJ 900 First Class, Charlotte, NC (CLT) to New York, NY (JFK) and a “Midfield” Takeoff
Delta Airlines SkyClub, New York, NY (JFK) Terminal 4
Quick Look, Korean Air Lounge, New York, NY (JFK) Terminal 1
China Eastern 777-300 Business Class, New York, NY (JFK) to Shanghai, China (PVG)
Transfer at Shanghai, China (PVG) and China Eastern VIP Lounge, Terminal 1
China Eastern 777-300ER Business Class, Shanghai, China (PVG) to Bangkok, Thailand (BKK)
Bangkok Hotel Review – The Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, A Starwood Luxury Collection Hotel
