Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Thailand

We know the Novotel Suvarnabhumi seven years now and found out about it only by accident. At the time we were on the way to Koh Samui, but our plane from Copenhagen had been delayed due to technical problems. We received a day room, courtesy of SAS, at the Novotel with free breakfast and lunch. We were impressed by the friendly staff and how beautiful the hotel looked. Ever since we have stayed there, we stay here too, when in Bangkok.
On this occasion we arrived via the Airport Train Link at Suvarnabhumi and took the underground walkway. It was well signed and took around 10 minutes.
We went to the check in desk. Since we had booked an executive room for one night before our flight home we were brought to the Business Center, which also contains the club lounge. Check in took a bit longer than expected, because a suitable room had to be found for us. The staff was always friendly, but very busy.
We were directed to our room, which was based in the same wing as the club lounge.
The rooms hadn't changed much since our last stay in 2009. Ours was large. The walls were dark blue and the furniture also dark. There was Thai modern art work and the room overlooked the pool.
We had a comfortable king sized bed, a writing desk, a chair and coffee table, a mini bar, wardrobe and cupboard. There was also a flat screen TV with local and international channels.
The medium sized bathroom had Novotel own branded amenities, separate bath tub and shower, a sink and toilet.
The shower was smaller than at the Four Seasons or Banyan Tree (please see also reviews), where we had stayed before. All was comfortable to use, though.
Beside the comfortable rooms, we actually enjoy the romance of the hotel and the convenient location to the airport.
All of the restaurants, the reception, the concierge, business center, Executive Club Lounge and some shops are located on the ground floor.
There are Sala Thai for Thai cuisine, The Square (24 hours open and international), Golden Village for Dim Sum and Cantonese, Kinsen (Japanese), the Atrium Terrace, Le Gourmet and Splash Pool Bar.
We went to Le Gourmet for desserts. It has been moved from the side of the stunning atrium to the center. All the cakes we had were wonderful as always. It's our favorite outlet.
The atrium has a lot of Thai features. The reception for example depicts an orchid. There are trees and a water feature. There was also an art exhibition on display, which we found interesting and the art could be bought at the art gallery in the lobby.
During previous stays we went to the pool, enjoyed drinks at the swim up bar, used the spa and visited the Thai Garden, which is a must. It's hidden and a bit difficult to find, but when there, it's tranquil and peaceful.
Kids are also catered for with a small play area in the lobby.
After our stroll through the Thai Garden we went to the Happy Hour at the Club Lounge. The lounge was modern and medium in size.
There was a good selection of hot and cold dishes and desserts.
The staff made also cocktails on request.
There was a small selection of wines and liquors. The red wine we had was very good.
After our savory choices we wanted to have some of the chocolate tartlets. Unfortunately they were finished already, but when we asked nicely we were told they would be back soon. Taking some other nice sweets we returned to our table. A member of staff approached us and apologized, advising that there weren't any chocolate tarts left after all. That was okay with us, but we were surprised when we received a small plate with other chocolate desserts (there were at least six) as an apology. Trying most of them we were really stuffed. To our next surprise somehow the staff had organized three chocolate tartlets for us. We appreciated what the employees did for us, but were in a bend. Being full already we couldn't let the employees down after they went to great length to please us, so we ate the tartlets. They were delicious and worth it.
Originally we had planned to have in room dining after the club lounge, but we had to forget that quickly.
Breakfast is available from 05.00 hours, which was just right for us, because we had an early start to catch our plane to London Gatwick.
The medium sized buffet was good and as all meals high quality. There was a wide choice of Asian and Western dishes, cold cuts, yogurt, cereals and much more.
Check out was done quickly and correctly.
We then took the free shuttle bus to the airport. It runs every ten to fifteen minutes, depending on the time of the day.
We love the Novotel Suvarnabhumi and will always stay there either after or before a flight.


©2014

Flight Aer Lingus Dublin - London Gatwick / Emirates London Gatwick via Dubai International - Bangkok Suvarnabhumi

My better half found a good deal on Emirates' website from London Gatwick (LGW) to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK). We hadn't been there for five years and wanted to return. We were at first a bit concerned about the coup and unrest in Thailand, but it seemed peaceful enough, so we decided to book the flight. To get to London Gatwick we bought a separate flight with Aer Lingus from Dublin.

The flight from Dublin to LGW South Terminal was full. Previous experience had shown that a pre-booked seat wasn't necessary. On this flight we were unlucky and weren't able to sit together. We chose then two middle row seats behind each other. Thank goodness a lady was so nice to change seats with us when she realized we belonged together.

Next time we consider the payable option of choosing our seats when booking the flight.

We had pre-ordered a meal, because our flight left in the afternoon, and we thought we would be peckish. Since a few months in-flight catering is provided by Clodagh McKenna, an Irish chef and TV personality. We chose the quinoa chicken salad with multi seed crackers, gluten free chocolate cake, fruit salad and coffee. For those, who don't like coffee, there's also tea available. Overall we were happy with the meal. It was refreshing, healthy and tasty. We would appreciate, though, if the description of the ingredients would be slightly more detailed. The salad contains raisins. One of us is allergic to them, so he had to pick them out.

More choice in regards to the beverage selection would be also great, i.e. also juice or water.

We find it also a bit sad that the beef salad is no longer available.

This particular Airbus A319 was a former Iberian plane. When Aer Lingus bought it they didn't change the interior, so the first generation Recaro seats are a bit uncomfortable (too few leg room) and don't have a net at the seat in front to store items.

Otherwise the flight was event less.

Before our next legs to Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Bangkok we spent a night at the Hilton London Gatwick.  The review for this will follow.

The next morning we made our way to LGW North Terminal, where Emirates is based. The check in went flaw less and very few people were queuing.

Having heard only good things about Emirates we were looking forward to our first flight with them and we weren't disappointed.

The plane type was a Boeing 777-300ER. The seats were comfortable and there was ample leg room.

ICE, the entertainment system, offered a wide choice of movies, series, documentaries, games and music.

We were served lunch (prawn salad, chicken curry, chocolate dessert) and afternoon tea. Alcoholic beverages like beer, wine and liqueurs were also available.

I watched a documentary about Lance Armstrong and a few World Cinema Movies.

Connecting in Dubai was easy. To our surprise we were handed new boarding passes at the gate and advised our seat had changed. I thought I didn't read right. It stated we had been upgraded to business class - a first for us.

The plane type used was an Airbus A380. The Business Class configuration was 1-2-1. I had an aisle seat; he had the window seat. Our hostess introduced herself as Suzie and explained she and her colleague Fatima would take care of us during the flight. We were offered a welcome drink and had a glass of Champagne (Moet & Chandon NV Brut Imperial).

We were handed the wine list, which included two white (De Bortoli Estate Grown Chardonnay 2012 Yarra Valley and Voyager Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2012 Margaret River) and red wines (Les Fiefs de Lagrange 2005 and Te Muna Road Pinot Noir, Craggy Range 2011 Martinborough) as well as Quinta do Portal Colheita Port 2000 Douro.

There was also a large selection of spirits, beers, cocktails and liqueurs available. We tried the Patron XO Cafe. The coffee liqueur was excellent.

Our order from the light bite menu was taken. There were sandwiches, vegetable pie, Asian-style chicken fried rice, fried udon noodles, coconut tart, and instant cup noodles. We chose the Asian-style chicken fried rice. It was very tasty.

We were also asked if we wanted to be woken for breakfast and invited to join the bar at the back any time.

The amenity bag containing Bulgari toiletries was handed out and we were also offered to have our bed made.

The seat itself was very comfortable and at the press of a button turned into a lie flat bed. I thought it was romantic when looking up and the ceiling twinkled with star lights. There was enough room to either sleep fully stretched out or on the side.

There was also a minibar stocked with a Sunrasia juice, Voss water and other beverages.

ICE could be accessed via the IPad at the seat or via the large flat screen TV. Storage space was either overhead, in front of the seat or at the side.

The window blinds could be opened and closed fully automatic.

The seats were angled in a way that guaranteed privacy and nobody would disturb the neighbour, if they had to get up for some reason.

It was an overnight flight and if we hadn't taken care, we could have been easily overwhelmed with all the services provided and not slept at all. Lying flat definitely helps arriving more rested at the destination.

Continental breakfast consisted of fresh fruits, yogurt, croissants, pastries and bread, butter and preserves. He had as hot item the scrambled eggs with mixed peppers and I had the courgette and cheese omelette. There was coffee/tea, Champagne, orange or apple juice to choose from.

We were also given priority lane access at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport. Immigration was a breeze and the wait for our luggage wasn't too long.

After ten days in Bangkok it was time to return to Dublin.

Checking in at BKK was hassle free again and waiting time very short.

Our planes was on the legs between Bangkok/Dubai and LGW the Queen of the Skies.

It seems we had a slightly older Airbus A380 between BKK-DXB, because the seats were slightly different than between DXB-LGW and ICE slightly more difficult to use.

There was only lunch service (we had fish), but there was also noodle pots as snacks available for those, who felt a small hunger pang.

Connecting in Dubai was longer than on the journey to Bangkok. We had to take the connecting train. Previously we were able to simply walk to our next gate.

My fiancé wanted to surprise me with a watch from duty free shopping between DXB and LGW. When asking the attendant if it was available she promised me she would check with her colleague if he had it in his cart, because it wasn't in hers. After waiting for ages I had to follow up and was left disappointed. It wasn't available.

The crew on this flight seemed to be generally stressed out and tired.

For lunch we had chickpeas and sweet corn salad with tuna, grilled chicken and blueberry streusel cake.

Later afternoon tea with cheese and chutney and chicken sandwiches, double chocolate cake and scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam was served. Unfortunately the scone was with raisins again and no alternative offered, so my better half had to forgo it.

Arrival at London was on time. After crossing the longest  gate connecting bridge in the world we had to walk for about ten to fifteen minutes to Immigration, where a long queue had built up. It was moving fluid and within twenty minutes we were at the baggage claim to pick up our suitcase.

We enjoyed flying with Emirates, the comfort in both Business and Economy Class, the service, the delicious food and ICE.

After staying another night at the Hilton LGW we checked in for our flight with Aer Lingus back to Dublin.

We were sitting together even without having chosen our seats prior to the flight and hadn't any meal, because we had paid access to the Number 1 Traveller Lounge at the South Terminal.

The flight was eventless, punctual and the staff as always friendly.

Dublin International Airport was efficient and we were at home two hours after landing.

©2014