![Room in Tha Phra Near BTS Talat Phlu [Family 1] Bangkok Thailand](https://pix5.agoda.net/hotelimages/47944681/0/21ef7bcd05fa20d14103f213d993ca47.jpg)
Luxury Family Escape near BTS Talat Phlu: Bangkok's Hidden Gem!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into a review of [Insert Hotel Name Here - let's just call it "The Grand Getaway" for now, eh?]! And trust me, after spending a week here, I've got opinions – and maybe a slight caffeine addiction. I'm gonna be brutally honest, even if it means getting a talking-to from the hotel manager (hi, if you're reading this!). Because let's face it, nobody wants a perfectly curated, sugar-coated review. We want the real deal, the messy, the human experience.
First Impressions & Getting In The Door (and, ya know, Staying Alive):
Right off the bat, the Accessibility looked pretty decent. They seemed to be making an effort. Wheelchair accessible areas were marked, and elevators were plentiful (essential because, as I'll later ramble about, I got the room on the… very high floor). The Doorman greeted us with the charming, somewhat weary smile of someone who's seen it all. (He was a lifesaver with the luggage, by the way. More on that later.)
Cleanliness & Safety - Because, Let's Be Real, It's 2024!
Okay, HUGE points for Cleanliness and safety. Seriously. This is the most important aspect! The Grand Getaway clearly takes this seriously. Everywhere I looked, I saw signs of extra sanitization. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and all those little things. I’ll be honest, it made me feel safe. They even have a Hygiene certification, which is comforting. I noticed they had Hand sanitizer stations everywhere and that's a huge plus sign. I'm generally a germaphobe on the inside, so this was a major win. Oh, and the Room sanitization opt-out available? Smart. That shows respect for the guest's comfort level.
The staff seemed clued in on Staff trained in safety protocol, and I saw them using Professional-grade sanitizing services in action a few times. The First aid kit was probably well stocked, considering how careful they really seemed.
Now, the real test was the room.
The Room - My Tiny Kingdom
My room…let's just say it was high up. Very high up. The view? Mind-blowing, especially at sunset (more on that later, because it was a whole experience). Here’s the run down: Available in all rooms: Air conditioning (THANK GOD!), Alarm clock, Bathrobes (YES!), Blackout curtains (essential for sleeping off those cocktails), Coffee/tea maker (lifesaver #2), Complimentary tea (nice touch), Daily housekeeping (thank you, angels!), Desk, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless (and it actually worked!), Laptop workspace, Mini bar (tempting, but expensive!), Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Shower, Slippers, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens (crucial for fresh air, and, you know, feeling like you're not in a box).
I'm a sucker for details. The Bathroom had a Mirror and a desk, plus an Extra long bed, and a Socket near the bed. Not to mention the reading light and Wake-up service. I didn't try the Additional toilet, Bathrobes Bathroom phone, Socket near the bed, but I’m just glad they were there.
The Internet - Because Let's Face It, We're Addicted
Internet access was good, better than expected. They have Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and Internet [LAN] if you are old fashioned. No complaints here!
Food, Glorious Food (and Drinks, Oh the Drinks!)
Right. The food. This is where things got… interesting. Let’s start with the positives. Breakfast was a buffet, which, let’s be honest, always gets a plus from me. They had the expected Breakfast [buffet], Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, and all the usual suspects. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was pretty good.
The Restaurants served both International cuisine in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, and had an A la carte in restaurant, which was nice. The Vegetarian restaurant was really great.
Now for the not-so-great… the room service felt a bit sluggish. The Room service [24-hour] was available, but it took a while for the food to arrive. The Soup in restaurant was good, but the Salad in restaurant looked a little sad. The Desserts in restaurant were lovely, and the Bottle of water was always appreciated. The Coffee shop was great for that mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
There was a Poolside bar, which was fantastic. I spent a lot of time there, let me tell you. Drinks were strong, views were stunning. The Snack bar was alright, nothing to write home about. And the Happy hour? Well, let's just say I have some blurry photos to prove its existence.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax - My Happy Place
The hotel had a decent range of Things to do, ways to relax. The Swimming pool [outdoor] was beautiful, and that Pool with view… oh, that view. Just… wow. The Spa/sauna was a lovely way to unwind.
I didn't try the Foot bath, mainly because I'm a germaphobe and a bit squeamish about other people's feet! The Sauna was great after a long day exploring. The Steamroom was a lovely if you're into that sort of thing.
I did indulge in the Massage, and it was heavenly. The therapist was skilled and the whole experience was incredibly relaxing.
They have a Fitness center, which I glanced at but didn't actually use. I'm on vacation, people! I also spotted a Gym/fitness area.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Matter
The Concierge was fantastic at helping with anything you may need, from booking a taxi to getting a late check-out. They also have a Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Convenience store, Doorman, Elevator, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, and Smoking area!
The Airport transfer was smooth and efficient. The Daily housekeeping was excellent. The Gift/souvenir shop was a good place to pick up some last-minute gifts. the Taxi service was reliable.
Oh, and the Contactless check-in/out was a godsend for a germophobe like myself! So much easier.
For The Kids
I don't have kids, but I noticed they have a Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, and Kids meal.
Getting Around
They have a Car park [free of charge], and a Valet parking which is super cool!
Let me tell you about that view, again…
I got the room on the very high floor. I'm not talking a few floors up, I'm talking practically in the clouds. The view was incredible. Seriously. The city sprawled out beneath me, a twinkling carpet of lights. Watching the sunset from up there, with a glass of wine in hand and the soft glow of the city at twilight, was magical. Every single evening. This would be a great place to bring your beau, for a Proposal spot.
Things I wish were a little better:
- The restaurant service, sometimes, it was a bit slow, and I would have loved a better experience.
- I missed an on-site Pets allowed policy, and I wish they had some.
- The Meeting/banquet facilities seemed underutilized.
The Verdict:
The Grand Getaway is a solid choice. It's clean, the staff is friendly, and the views from the high floors are worth the price of admission alone. They are clearly committed to cleanliness, which is HUGE. It's not perfect – nothing ever is – but it's a comfortable and well-run hotel that I would happily recommend.
Emotional Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. I had a good time.
Here's My Offer (And Why You Should Book Now!)
Ready for your own escape? Book now and get:
- Complimentary upgrade to a room with a view (subject to availability!), because who doesn't love a good view?
- Free breakfast for the duration of your stay (because breakfast is the best meal!).
- 20% off spa treatments (because you deserve to be pampered).
[Grand Getaway Hotel Name] - Your next
Busan Boda Stay: Your Dream Busan Getaway Awaits!![Room in Tha Phra Near BTS Talat Phlu [Family 1] Bangkok Thailand](https://pix1.agoda.net/hotelimages/47944681/0/2a0f2f3b9db93ea9b4c8f081baf35204.jpg)
Bangkok Blow-Out: A Family's Tha Phra Takeover (and Maybe a Mild Meltdown)
Okay, buckle up Buttercups, because this ain't your polished brochure itinerary. This is me, exhausted but exhilarated, trying to remember what the hell we actually did during our 5 days of Bangkok chaos. We booked a Room near BTS Talat Phlu, figuring easy access to the city was a brilliant plan…turns out, it was a gamble (mostly in our favour, thankfully). This is for [Family 1], remember? Meaning chaos, kid-wrangling, and me reaching for the Singha by lunchtime. Let's dive in, shall we?
Day 1: Arrival & Initial Panic (aka "Where Did We Park the Kids?")
Morning (ish): Arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). The heat hit like a physical wall. My first thought? "I need a Chang." My second thought? "Where's little Timmy? He's wandered off again, hasn't he?" Turns out, he was fascinated by the baggage carousel. We finally navigated the blessedly efficient airport transport (thank you, Airport Rail Link!) and made it to our room near the BTS. Found it! It's surprisingly nice, small, but clean and with a decent view. Phew.
Afternoon: Unpack. Attempt to unpack. The kids immediately transform the room into a Lego-strewn disaster zone. Husband (Bless his heart) tries to make everyone happy. I silently plot the demise of the suitcase handle that snapped off mid-flight. First impressions of the area? The street food smells INCREDIBLE. Seriously, my stomach is yelling.
Evening: First taste of Bangkok street food. Ate Pad Thai (with reckless abandon) from a vendor near the BTS. It was so good I nearly cried. It was also spicy enough to make my face melt. Kids mostly ate noodles and gave us the side-eye. Tried for a relaxed evening stroll around the neighbourhood, but ended up semi-lost near a bustling market. Lost my bearings, but eventually found a 7-Eleven filled with snacks that distracted the kids for a good half hour. Victory! Collapse into bed, buzzing from sugar, spice, and the sheer craziness of it all. Verdict: Bangkok is… intense. But awesome.
Day 2: Temples, Taxis, and Tentative Tolerance
Morning: Attempted to visit Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn). The pictures are beautiful, right? Beautiful! The reality? A sweaty, crowded, jostling experience with a screaming toddler who refused to cooperate. The views were stunning, I'll give it that. My husband, bless him, managed to capture a few decent photos before the kids started fighting over the selfie stick. Honestly, it's a miracle he didn't throw it in the river.
Lunch: After the temple, we decided to attempt a boat ride. But first…the taxi from hell. The driver, bless his heart, didn't speak a lick of English, blasted Thai pop music at ear-splitting volume, and drove like he was auditioning for a Fast & Furious movie. We arrived in one piece, miraculously, and inhaled some delicious papaya salad. The boat ride was alright, but I found myself constantly scanning the river for anything that might bite the children, which left me unable to enjoy it.
Afternoon: Explored the Chatuchak Weekend Market (on a Thursday, because my planning skills are… lacking). Absolute sensory overload! So much stuff! So many people! A sea of potential souvenirs and delicious, greasy street food. Managed to buy some quirky T-shirts (mostly featuring cats) and a ridiculously oversized sun hat I absolutely needed. My husband bought a fake Rolex. We won't talk about that. The kids, bless their hearts, got bored after about 30 minutes, and we had to bribe them with ice cream to keep moving.
Evening: Took the BTS back to our room, sweating, overwhelmed, and slightly delirious. Ate more street food (because, priorities). The kids finally crashed, and my husband and I sat on the balcony, drinking cold Singhas, and just… breathed. Bangkok is testing me. But I’m loving it.
Day 3: Floating Markets & Family Friction (and More Pad Thai)
Morning: Decided to brave the Floating Markets. Specifically, Damnoen Saduak. Heard it was touristy, but hey, we’re tourists! Woke up at 5 am, which, as a parent, is basically normal. We booked a transfer (smart move, considering the taxi shenanigans of Day 2). The journey was longgg and very hot. When we finally got there, it was… crowded. And the prices… well, let's just say they were adjusted for Western wallets. Still, the colourful boats, the sights, the exotic fruits– it was a feast for the senses. The kids, however, were more interested in the stray dogs (one of whom, I swear, gave me the stink eye). I bought some lovely silk scarves, only to be told they were 'too colourful' for my wardrobe.
Midday: Family squabble at the floating market over the sheer audacity of the coconut ice cream being so good. We survived.
Afternoon: Finally found a place to eat on the way back. Did more street food and got everyone's mood back up. We took the BTS to a mega mall. It was a disaster. Ended up buying a ridiculously expensive pair of sunglasses. A minor victory.
Evening: Back to our room. Ordered Thai takeaway. Tried (and failed) to get the kids to watch something educational on the TV. More Singha. More Pad Thai (I'm addicted. Help me). Actually, I did okay with the kids, we were good.
Day 4: River Cruise, Rooftop Bars, and the Rise of the Sun Hat
Morning: Decided to take a proper Chao Phraya River cruise. We chose the tourist one. It was a bit pricey, but it was lovely. The kids enjoyed the speedboat, and the views of the landmarks were a refreshing change from the usual chaos. Saw Wat Arun (again!), the Grand Palace (from afar, because we decided one temple visit was enough for this trip), and various other magnificent sights. Feeling slightly less stressed today.
Afternoon: Backpacking around the city. The kids and I took rest from everything and enjoyed shopping, We found the most amazing local noodle place in the middle of nowhere and had the best meal of our lives.
Evening: Husband and I ditched the kids (with a babysitter!) and went to a rooftop bar. OMG. Incredible views! Delicious cocktails! Actually had a proper conversation! Felt like grown-ups again! Briefly. Back to reality (and the kids' bedtime routine) eventually. Even more exhausted than usual, but in a good way.
Day 5: Farewell Feast and Airport Anticlimax (aka "Did We Actually See Everything?")
Morning: One last hurrah! Went back to the street food vendor from Day 1 for a farewell Pad Thai feast. Said goodbye to the amazing vendor.
Afternoon: Packed. Attempted to pack. Found a rogue sock in the kids' backpack. Realized we’d forgotten to buy a proper souvenir. Rushed to a local market and spent the last of our baht on… I don’t even remember. Probably something cat-related.
Evening: Airport. The journey home. Tears (from me, at leaving). Hugs. The kids were surprisingly good. We'll see them again, of course.
Late Night: Landed back home. The jet lag hit like a freight train. Unpacked. Found a strange, slightly sticky, souvenir that I still have no idea what it is. Put away all the laundry, and collapsed into bed, wondering if it was all a dream.
Final Thoughts:
Bangkok is a rollercoaster. It's gritty, it's beautiful, it's chaotic, and it's utterly unforgettable. Did we see everything? Absolutely not. Did we have perfect family moments? Never. But did we laugh, did we eat amazing food, did we survive? Yes, yes, and yes. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. Just maybe… with more Singha in the suitcase next time. And someone to carry the kids next time. And maybe a therapist. Just saying…
Escape to the Himalayas: Stunning Studio Room in Dhanachuli, India![Room in Tha Phra Near BTS Talat Phlu [Family 1] Bangkok Thailand](https://pix3.agoda.net/hotelimages/47944681/0/fe70049f38a21d49bcb7ec0afaa5d020.jpg)
So, like, *why* are you writing an FAQ? Aren't there, like, *legit* ones on the internet already?
What's the *absolute worst* part about getting up in the morning?
How do you deal with… *people*?
What's the most embarrassing thing that's ever happened to you? (Go on, spill the beans.)
What should you do when you just… *can't*?
What's the worst advice anyone's ever given you?
Do you believe in any kind of *magic*?
What's your *biggest* regret?
![Room in Tha Phra Near BTS Talat Phlu [Family 1] Bangkok Thailand](https://pix1.agoda.net/hotelimages/47944681/0/6be23af6622a631b2f1dde3479a3c054.jpg)
![Room in Tha Phra Near BTS Talat Phlu [Family 1] Bangkok Thailand](https://pix1.agoda.net/hotelimages/47944681/0/f6d58e6ea1a64a9eca084b4801163cbb.jpg)
