I like to visit Bangkok often and to try out new hotels, especially when they have great deals. This time however, I figured life is short so I'm going to splurge a bit and book the Novotel Ploenchit's Premier Executive floor room. I'm so glad I did! The service from the time I stepped out of the cab and into the lobby for check-in was nothing, but excellent all the way. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming. As soon as I reached the lobby check-in desk I was quickly whisked up to the Executive Premier floor for a private VIP check-in experience. Everything was taken care of while I sat in the Exec floor lounge, and before I knew it, I was in my room just steps away. I chose the executive premier rooms for the free wi-fi in the room and around the hotel, the complimentary breakfast and cocktails and snacks in the executive lounge. What's great is that you can use more than one device and not get charged separately for each, like at some other hotels I've stayed at. The staff at the executive lounge are so warm, friendly, and courteous. Once you get to know their names, it's like you've been friends for ever.

The hotel is still very new, very modern yet very comfortable. This is not a large and spacious hotel so everything is very compact. The rooms are a bit smaller than I expected for an executive floor room, but extremely well equipped and very comfortable! The only complaint I would have is that the air-conditioner was a bit noisy with rattling sounds all night which kept me awake. However, the following nights I just had to turn it off, and the room was wonderfully peaceful and yet still cool all night long. Had a great sleep.

As for location, it doesn't get much better with the Ploenchit BTS station right out front. You can pretty much get anywhere without having to worry about taxis and traffic jams. What's more, one or two stops away and you're at the major shopping malls or excellent restaurants in the city.

The hotel's restaurant has an excellent buffet spread, although I didn't get to try it since I can't eat that much. However, the selection is simply amazing....even more amazing is the decor...first class all the way. I ordered ala carte, and it was also excellent.....service equally excellent too.

As for the facilities, I never got to use the pool as it rained all the time I was here. However, it's pretty small with only a few poolside chairs and a couple of tables....still, it's good enough for a quick dip on a hot day, or getting in a few laps. I did get to make use of the gym regularly though. It's relatively small, but well equipped with brand new equipment and pretty much everything you need for a decent work out. However, there is no regular stationary bike which I usually use. They do have the seated stationary bikes with backrests though.

Overall, this is an excellent hotel in so many respects, but perhaps caters more for the business person or for a quick get away in the city. This is definitely not a spaciously spread out resort style hotel, so families may find it a bit cramped and a bit too modern and businesslike to be spending much time in the hotel itself. For me, I stayed here for a quick 6 night get away, and just wanted to try another one of the Accor hotels which I am a member of. So far, the service at all their hotels have been excellent, and I will always keep coming back because of the quality of the hotels and the genuine warmth and friendliness of the people.

As a side note, I really cannot understand how any reviewer can say anything negative about the service at the hotels here. I have never ever had any bad experiences with anybody at any hotel. The Thai people are so incredibly nice that I can only conclude that any complaints and dissatisfaction with service could only be attributed from a miscommunication, since English is typically not their first language. So to all visitors to Thailand, please realize this and be more patient and understanding. You may be cranky and after your long and tiring flight/journey, but know that taking out your frustration on the check-in staff due to a little miscommunication will definitely not make your experience any less stressful for everyone. Relax and enjoy!

Loved every moment of our stay. The room was not large but very comfortable and nicely appointed. Interet access straight forward and fast. The exec lounge was outstanding and very worthwhile as an up-grade, unlike some other Accor hotels.
Staff were consistantly helpful and friendly - nothing was too much trouble and everyone was willing to go the extra mile. Good suggestions about where to go for first timers in Bangkok.
Location terrific - just across the road from the train which goes everywhere or connects to everywhere. Cheap and efficient and quicker than a taxi. Staying again next year.

The novotel ploenchit is a businesshotel with a modern cold atmosphere.

pro's
- good location, near BTS and major shoppingmalls
- With BTS as starting point you can reach pretty much within a reasonable timeframe
- The rooms are new
- bed is good
- airco quiet
- shower fine
- breakfast good
- if price is reasonable upgrade to room with lounge access

Cons
- no holiday atmosphere
- not much restaurant options within walking distance
- Swimmingpool area not really nice
marriot resort and spa, has in my view the nicest atmosphere and pool, the royal orchid shearton has anice pool area as well.
- the staff is artificial friendly

TIP: the taxis in bangkok are still relatively cheap. But the traffic jams are getting worse.
If you want to visit certain areas more frequently stay near that area. A cheapt taxi is great, but not if it takes you 1 hour or more for a small distance. its no exception.
Or use bts/boats on the river