Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park

Em-J suggested booking a room at the newly opened Crowne Plaza Lumpini Bangkok because we always get a better deal using the IHG Friends and Family Rate.  The hotel is very accessible with the Saladaeng BTS walkway just a few steps away from the hotel’s main entrance. 

As the hotel just opened, we hit a minor problem checking in as the staff were not familiar with the IHG Friends and Family program.  They insisted on asking for the IHG voucher that I've never printed from all my previous IHG stays and asking for my referrer's IHG email address.  

The ground floor lobby is modern and clean.  They also have a small bakeshop which serves very affordable sandwiches and desserts. 

To get to the hotel rooms, you have to take two lifts.  One lift that takes you to the 23rd floor and then you have to take the lifts there that take you to your room.  The 23rd floor serves as the main lobby of the hotel as this is where the front office is located.  The furnishing is even more tasteful and classier than that on the ground floor’s. 

Upon getting to our floor, we were a little surprised as it looks a bit dated.  The layout is also unusual.  I later found out that that hotel used to be Pan Pacific and has been in existence for quite some time.  

The room is spacious and doesn’t feel cramped.  

The toilet has a separate shower and bath.  We particularly love the modern heated toilet seats.

Bath amenities are the standard hotel fare but have cheeky names. 

The mini bar is also well stocked, it even has a convenience kit available. 

The hotel feels like it’s in a compound as there is a huge wall surrounding the property.  A garden is beyond the walls which is perfect for having a few drinks or just being lazy. 

It also has a small mediterranean inspired pool and a small gym. 

As mentioned, the location is great.  There’s a great tasting pizza place just beside it.  Just around the corner is the bustling Silom night life.  There is a grocery that is open till late and a Starbucks just a few steps away.  The BTS station is a few steps away and a newly opened mall just across the street.  Reputable money changers are also nearby.

Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini

952 Rama IV Road

Bangkok, Thailand

Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria Hotel

Crowne Plaza in Galleria has a multi-level lobby that I love.  You enter the hotel and get greeted by the friendly concierge staff.  Take a few steps up and you get to the front desk, a few more steps to your right and you can while away your time by sitting at the lounge chairs.

It has one of the most spacious hotel rooms that I've stayed in. Some of the furnishings are a bit dated but they have little modern touches to the room so you don't feel as you've stepped back in time. 

Even the bathroom is big with a separate bath and shower area.  Standard IHG amenities are provided wrapped in wax paper, nothing interesting enough to keep. 

I don't remember why but my stay came with access to the lounge.  I opted to have breakfast there which was a mistake.  Unless you want privacy, skip it and head to 7 Corners.  

I didn't get to use the pool but it has to be one of the most disappointing feature of the hotel.  It is also shared by Holiday Inn which is right next door and I find it too small for the number of guests between the two hotels.  It also looks in dire need of a major uplift. 

There's also a Gold's Gym which hotel guests can use free of charge. 

As it is connected to Robinson's Galleria, this would be perfect if you have shopping in mind.  Podium is also but a few minutes walk.  It is also close to several offices in Ortigas but be mindful of the morning rush traffic in the area. 

One of the best assets of the hotel would be their very helpful and friendly staff.  The front desk personnel even went out of her way to look for a cab for me when she noticed that there was no one manning the concierge desk at the time of my departure.  

Wifi is not free unless you are an IHG member so better sign up before checking in. 

Crown Plaza Manila Galleria

Ortigas Ave corner ADB Ave

Ortigas Center, Pasig City

Official site: Click Here