I've stayed in this hotel a few years ago and then would have definately given the hotel a 5 stars rating. It's still a great hotel, great location on South Sathorn road (where the traffic still moves), walking difference to nightlife. Small but very nice suites and wonderful Thai service.

However, if you've previously booked the Club floor, then you should be aware that the previously very generous perks have been changed. They now charge for all mini bar items, the club lounge has now moved from the 53rd floor to the 39th. The skydeck swimming pool and spa for club guests is now closed. The club room is now based in the old presidential suite, drink priviledges are limited to 5.30 - 7.30 and the all day snacks are now somewhat limited. They have though increased the free laundry from 2 to 4 items.

I really wouldn't complain about the standards of the hotel, it's still very good, but if like me you like me enjoyed taking a skyhigh dip with breathtaking views across the Bangkok skyline, then dropping into the club lounge for a glass of wine any time of the day, then you'll be disappointed.

All rooms in the hotel are exact same standard and size, excluding the spa and presidential suites. So I'd save yourself the extra money and book into a standard or premier suites rather than the previously excellent Club. Spend the extra 100 USD a night on something more exciting in Bangkok!

Having said all that, it's still one of my favorite hotels in SE Asia. The Moon bar at Vertigo is a must, although forget a glass of wine at over 1000 bht and go for the excellent Thai Mojito at 350 bht!

My girlfriend, my one year old son, and myself had a couple of weeks to spare and decided on a trip to Bangkok to experience the much reputed Thai hospitality. Taking advantage of some excellent corporate rates offered by Banyan Tree, we booked 12 nights in a Banyan Tree Club room.

We'd booked the limo service to collect us from the airport (cost of 45 USD) and it was fully worth it - to start, this being our first trip to Thailand, we steered away from a potential 'tourist trap' we have read about concerning Bangkok taxis. The limo was a brand new Merc E class which made for a very comfortable ride into town. On arrival at the hotel, we were greeted my the Club respresentative with the traditional flower garland and cool towel, and taken straight to the club lounge. We were offered complemetary drinks while our check-in was processed with a minimum of fuss. We are then showed our room, and gosh! - what a room! Situated on the 56th floor, we had possibly one of the best views in Bangkok overlooking the river (although I'm sure that it would not have made too much of a difference from the 30th floor!).
After a nap, we thought of going back to the club lounge to investigate the possibility of a lunch prepartion for my one year old. The club lounge staff were immediately responsive to our needs, and produced an excellent blend of spagetti bolognaise / steam vegetable which clearly was much enjoyed by my son. A special mention must go towards the club lounge staff (Tai, Pikky, ....) for the excellent care they afforded to us and more specially towards my son during our 12 day stay. The club lounge offered complementary drinks (soft, and of the alchoholic variety), snacks consisting of some delicious canapes (prawn/lobster perperations...). Club guests also get a 10 minute complementary neck and shoulder massage, plus discounts at the spa...
A special mention must also go towards the concierge staff, who were quick to give us tips on nearby restaurants and shopping, and who also booked us on various sightseeing tours through an agency working exclusivey with the top 5 hotels. The tours were rather dear, but the service provided was excellent (mineral water offered, cooling towel after each site, luxury van, and not least, a super guide - thank you Nice!)
Alas, I am not able to say very much about the restaurants in the hotel since we frequented outside establishments, but having had a drink in the Vertigo, the highest open-air restaurant in the world, I'd recommend a visit to the 59th floor....
The pool, although small, was without doubt the most beautiful pool I have seen - and it was often empty which gave us the feeling of a private pool.
The gym seemed well equiped, and we always had the sauna and steambath to ourselves....
If there was one negative aspect of the hotel, it would be the fact that the hotel may have been trying too hard with the incence / scented oil burners in the lobby. It was lovely to have this facility in the room, but when aroma of the incence was tinged with the smell of food from the 24 hour coffeeshop, the result was bizarre and slightly nausiating...
To sum up, a delightful hotel, excellent service, wonderful rooms, super pool - and we'd go back, not just to make use of the 12,000 baht worth of vouchers they gave us at checkout, but for the smiles in the club lounge.
Thank you, Banyan Tree Bangkok, for making our 12 day stay a truely memorable one....

We have just returned from a three night stay in the Banyan Tree which formed the middle section of our three week holiday in Asia and can honestly say that overall this was the best hotel we have ever stayed in. We have been lucky enough to stay in 5 star hotels in various countries, but the service here was unsurpassed.
We received a very warm welcome on arrival and we accompanied to our room and given a full explanation of the services of the hotel. Our room was more like an apartment and we felt very at home, in fact, once we had been left alone in the room, we both let out a loud "wow". If I had to be picky and make a negative comment about the room, the televisions could do with updating. The turn down service was excellent and the daily fact sheet that was left, detailing the next days weather forecast was very handy. The breakfast was excellent and the pool facilities great, so calm considering you are right in the middle of the busy business district. We had no issues with the location, Bangkok as a city is rather sprawling with no obvious centre and it was only 5 mins walk to the nearest tube station and cabs and tuk tuks are readily available. The hotel can arrange tours but we did find these rather expensive and chose to go it alone. Although the journey is quite arduous I would whole heartedly recommend you visit the bridge on the river kwai.
We ate in the hotels Thai resturant Saffron twice as it so so nice and had drinks in Vertigo on a couple of nights which was also great.
One word of advice, the hotel operates a dress code in all it's public areas (including bars and resturants) men must wear closed in shoes and trousers and women must be suitably dressed.
Another tip - we read all the guide books before we went and were certain that we would not fall foul of any of the "tricks" against tourists around the temple areas - however we did! They are very clever and will tell you that temples are closed and be really helpful in suggesting alternative places you can visit even to the point of hailing you a cab or a tuk tuk, which then gets lost and charges you a fortune - so be prepared and keep your wits about you, however none of this detracted from the fabulous time we had in Bangkok and at the Banyan tree.

We stayed at the Banyan tree for just one night in June 2006. It was a pretty expensive but pretty amazing hotel. Walking into the lobby from sweltering Bangkok was quite a contrast. Soft lighting, candles, funky art and decor, nice aromas from incense and oil burners and a very efficient check in. We were whisked up to our room on the 41st floor and given the full tour of the room which was fantastic like the lobby. Amazing view from the room north over central Bangkok and Lumpini Park. My pillow was the most comfortable my head has ever rested on.

The pool on the 21st floor was small but hardly used so the size wasn't a problem for us. Very comfortable towels, sun loungers, umbrellas and cold face towels provided.

Vertigo, the restaurant/bar on the roof (62nd floor I think), was one of the highlights of our trip to Bangkok. Incredible 360 views across Bangkok, a dazzling pink and orange sunset and then city lights as far as the eye can see in all directions. Sadly the restaurant prices are about as breathtaking as the view. A couple of rather expensive beers at Vertigo then it was off to the night market for a cheap meal and some bargain hunting.

We loved this hotel but because of the price we probably won't stay here again. Thoroughly recommend it for a treat though. I miss that pillow!