Whether it’s backpacking, shopping, bar hopping, food adventure, temple hopping, or even a simple stroll, Bangkok has it all! It’s my first time in this amazing city of Bangkok, Thailand and without a doubt, my almost one week vacation was filled with rainbows and smiles. One of the things that I looked forward in this trip (aside from the food) was our stay at Ramada Plaza Bangkok Menam Riverside, well situated along the famous river of Chao Phraya, known as the “River of Kings” and a major river in Thailand. Aside from the amusing riverside views, it also offers guests with the astounding skyline of Bangkok.

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INTRODUCTION

Ramada Plaza Bangkok Menam Riverside is a five star international hotel well situated in the city centre of Bangkok. One of the many good things about this hotel is its strategic location, close to business establishments, entertainment and shopping malls. The hotel also provides free shuttle boat service making it convenient for guests to connect to the Skytrain (Saphan Taksin station) and Express Boat services at the Central Pier. It is even close, within walking distance, to the well known night shopping bazaar by the river, the Asiatique, The Riverfront.

PEOPLE

“Leave the rest to us”, that’s the tagline for Ramada Plaza, and I greatly believe that they have proven this catchphrase even before our day one started. The moment I pitched for our stay, they have shown prompt and courteous response (special thanks to Mr. Jose Ting) by immediately providing us with our booking reference number and tons of special hotel privileges. Though I asked only for 2-3 nights stay, they provided us with almost a week accommodation.

We arrived past 2 in the morning and from the reception area, we were asked to rest for a while whilst the staff checked on our reservation and collected necessary documents for verification purposes. Cold towels and refreshing complimentary drinks were served as we waited. We were escorted by the in charge reception staff towards the lift and up we went to our designated floor.

As to the service, every need was well taken care of – from the buffet area, room service, shuttle boat, reception, airport transfer, I found no hassle moments with all these. It’s efficient customer service, with very polite and accommodating staff.

ACCOMMODATION

We stayed at the hotel’s Plaza Suite, a 52 sqm lavish room with twin comfy beds (and fresh orchids on top of our pillows everyday), a spacious living room area with a big couch , mini bar, 2 LED T.V. (one in the bedroom and the other in the living room) and a well functioning air-condition. There’s even a master control switch in our room which is very convenient!

Bathroom was spacious and clean, bathroom amenities were provided, hot & cold shower was just perfect and there’s even a bath tub, perfect for relaxation after long tiring walks in the city.

And as to the view, by the window is the smashing sight of the city skyline, the serene Chao Phraya River and the bright lights from the tall Ferris wheel of Asiatique, The Riverfront.

We were given special club benefits as well:

• Private check in and check out at Executive Club Lounge
• Welcome refreshment and selection of mini bar (soft drinks) and refill during stay
• Welcome fruit platter and flower in room with free refill during whole stay
• Daily complimentary breakfast at Executive Club Lounge (06.30-10.30 hrs) or Terrace@72 Buffet Restaurant (0600 -1000 hrs)
• Complimentary afternoon tea at Executive Club Lounge ( 14.00-16.00 )
• Complimentary evening cocktails at Executive Club Lounge ( 18.00-19.30)
• Complimentary tea, coffee and refreshment during the day at Executive Club Lounge
• Complimentary use of the boardroom for 2 hour per stay
• Complimentary internet Wi-Fi access
• Complimentary city phone call per stay
• Complimentary 2 items of clothing pressed per day
• 20% discount on laundry and dry cleaning service
• 20% discount on Food and Beverages
• 30% discount on all individual relaxing massages at Massira Wellness & Spa
• Late checkout until 16.00 hrs.

Another great feature of this hotel is the vivid blue swimming pool, surrounded by lush greens, perfectly relaxing and very serene.

FOOD

Ramada Plaza has 8 restaurants, bar and lounges serving both local and international cuisines. Aside from the great tasting dishes and excellent service from the staff, each dining area has this captivating ambiance, tasteful design, relaxed ambiance and sure comfort.

The Terrace@72 Restaurant & Bar

Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, this restaurant serves a variety of both local and international buffet dishes – Thai, Chinese, Indian, Japanese and Western cuisines, plus fresh selections of seafood, meat, desserts and salads, all well served in a buffet style.

Eurasian Grill

Eurasian grill is located at the lobby level, a fine dining experience serving decadent cuisines with a la carte and set options. Each cuisine is artfully plated by chefs using the finest and freshest ingredients. It also offers good selections of wines and spirits.

Dessert Dreams Bakery

Located at the Lobby Level, this sweet spot serves light snacks, afternoon tea and desserts. It’s the food haven for sweet-toothed guests serving freshly baked pastries, sandwiches, cakes and delicate cookies adorn the shelves (dine in or to go).

Coconut Terrace

Coconut Terrace is a lovely outdoor dining area set amidst the lush greenery overlooking the pool and serving Mediterranean and Riviera specialties. It’s a the perfect spot for relaxation with light snacks served and has a wide variety of cocktails, wines, beers and spirits available.

Ah Yat Abalone Forum Restaurant

This authentic Cantonese specialties prepared by master chefs from Hong Kong, this Chinese restaurant is very well known for its tasty Hong Kong Dim Sum, seafood dishes and abalone specialties.

Illuminous Bar

Serving drinks by the river terrace, Illuminous Bar provides guests with the lovely view over the river with the bonus sunset scenery and Bangkok’s skyline by nightfall.

Sala Thai Pool Bar

Serving light snacks and refreshments by the pool area, this area is the perfect relaxation spot, surrounded by lush tropical greens with a touch of Balinese influence.

The Waves

Beside the buffet area of The Terrace@72, this restaurant offers guests with a la carte menu selections. Guests can choose to dine indoor or ath the al fresco terrace with a lovely view of the riverside.

Thai Pavilion Lobby Lounge

Located at the lobby level, this lounge offers guests with a relaxing ambiance by the outdoor terrace overlooking the pool. Guests can order light snacks and refreshments, also a great place for an afternoon tea and can also be a venue for nightly lounge entertainment.

AMENITIES

It’s a sure perfect stay with all the amenities provided by the hotel. As mentioned earlier, all our needs were well taken care of by the staff. Everything we asked for, they provided it instantly. We requested for a flat iron, for our clothes, and they delivered it right away! When we asked for a bucket of ice, they brought it quickly (and we were so amazed by this ice bucket – kept the ice freezing longer than the usual hours!). But my favourite amenity was the free hotel shuttle boat service. Aside from the money you’ll save instead of taking the taxi going the city centre, it also saves guests from the traffic. Route is connected to the Saphan Taksin Skytrain station as well as the Central pier, which make it really convenient for guests! And whilst on cruise, the staff would hand a cold towel plus a refreshing cold water to quench your thirst from the long tiring day of tour – that’s real superb service!

Other great amenities that Ramada offers include the following:

• 8 restaurants & bar
• Wellness & Spa
• 22 function rooms
• Business Center
• Car park & valet parking
• Express Check in/out
• Terrace sundecks
• 24-hour Call Center
• Concierge Service
• Currency exchange
• Free shuttle boat services
• Free Tuk-tuk services
• Wheel chair access
• Cocktail Cruises
• Fitness Center
• Executive Club Floors
• Souvenir shop
• Doctor on call
• Satellite TV
• Limousine Service
• Welcome drinks & cold towels
• Swimming Pool
• Kids Club
• In-room safe
• Luggage storage
• Cooking classes
• Airport transfers
• 24-hour room service
• Baby-sitting services
• Baby cots
• Postal services
• No-smoking floors
• WIFI access

TIPS

1. Pad Thai in Khao San Road is the best! And if you have the guts, you can also try the eye-catching exotic foods by the street (scorpions, snakes, frogs, crickets, maggots, silk worms and more!).

2. Ramada’s Kwit Teow Sen Yai is a must-try (great remedy for hangovers). It’s a savoury dish made with ‘Sen yai’ (big noodles made of flour), pork balls, fresh squid, fish cake and bean sprouts.

3. Visiting temples has guidelines especially when it comes to dress code. Strictly, there should be no revealing clothes for women (tube, sleeveless, shorts and the likes). There are shawls and other cloths that are made available for women as cover ups. Be informed that temples are considered to be a sacred place and number of monks can be seen all throughout the vicinity hence it is highly recommended to observe silence and pay respect. Also, getting inside the temples normally requires you to be barefoot which means you have to remove your shoes.AD

4.Monks can be seen anywhere particularly inside the temples. Remember that women are not allowed to touch the monks at all so do not attempt to reach out for a handshake nor approach for a photo-op. Also, sitting beside them inside the BTS Skytrain and MRT is a no-no.

5. Wat Pho is the temple where you can find the famous reclining Buddha but you need to be extra cautious and careful of pickpockets. You can notice a lot of warning signs posted on the wall as this can be extremely busy especially during peak season.

6. Touring around Bangkok, BTS Skytrain and MRT are excellent mode of transportation getting from one place to another. But there are also tourist spots that require the use of taxi. Personal tip, get a hotel that is close to a BTS or MRT Station like Ramada Plaza Bangkok Menam! Remember, eating and drinking inside the BTS or MRT is strictly prohibited.

7. Thailand is a country with high regard or absolute reverence to the Royal Family and with their religion so as tourist, you need to be highly respectful as there are laws that may be severely implemented for any disrespect to the Royal Family and to the religion.

8. Equip yourself with courtesy greetings using their local dialects

• sawadee krub (used by men) or sawadee ka (used by women) means “good day” basically an introductory greeting.
• kkop khun krub (men) – kkop khun kah (women) is referring to “thank you”.

9. Thai people have customary greetings with a bow while the palms are pressed together like saying a prayer. Always remember to return the gesture of courtesy. Tip: the higher your hands are pressed towards your face; it means the more respect you are showing.

10. Thais are sweet gentle and smiling people and in the course of your trip, enjoy the warmth of the locals and always payback with your beautiful smile too.

A Note of Gratitude: I’d like to thank the whole staff of Ramada Plaza for the excellent services provided, from day one up to the last. Special thanks goes to Mr. Jose Ting. Hope to see you all again soon!

Note: This is a sponsored hotel stay with Ramada Plaza Bangkok Menam Riverside in Bangkok, Thailand. Opinions on this article are my own.

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