Bangkok
Le Fenix
33/33 Sukhumvit Soi 11 | Bangkok | +66(2)3054000 | www.lefenix-sukhumvit.com | (August, 2011)
I was going to Bangkok for the Asian Championships of Australian Rules Football. I needed a comfortable place to sleep with a pool. After an arduous internet search I found that wotif.com had one of these secret hotel deals (called "Wot Hotel?" where they won't tell you the name of the hotel but they promise that it's a good deal. Using my special computer skills I figured out that they were going to put me at Le Fenix for 1222 Baht (might still be the same deal), usually around 1700 Baht on Wotif. Place looked decent and well located so decided to give it a try.
I am happy that I did. Le Fenix is not perfect, but for USD40 I can overlook small issues (towels are slightly tattered, internet in my room is weak, the hallway is not spotless)(for USD60 I would probably be a little more picky).
My room is pretty big. Bed is comfortable. Air-conditioning works well as does the TV, though it is pretty light on English language channels. The shower is strong and the water is hot. The maids do a very good job cleaning the room. The staff have all been friendly and very helpful (especially the bartender at the lobby bar who spent like 15 minutes helping me get my phone working). Music in the hallways is a nice touch. The pool/cold jacuzzi, is small but refreshing. The free Tuk-tuk to the BTS station is another convenience which seems to tell customers that the hotel is is willing to put in a little more effort to improve guests' stays.
The restaurant and bars have some good deals, and I wish I had had a chance to take advantage. The restaurant, L3. has a weekday all-you-can-eat lunch buffet that includes burgers and fajitas for 199 Baht. Their sunday brunch is 450 Baht and you can add on free flowing champaign for only 499 Baht more. The small beer bar on the ground floor offers 3 hours of all-you-can-drink beer for 699 Baht, which, if you put your mind to it, can be a very good deal in Bangkok.
Generally I was very satisfied with my stay, though I might opt for a slightly cheaper place in the future as this is a little outside my range. Nice for splurging...