Centre Point - Petchaburi in Bangkok, Thailand
I held out my cell phone and asked, "Where can I get a charger for this? I forgot to bring mine." The man in the navy blue suit and starched white shirt didn't hesitate. "Just a moment." He came back with a charger and a smile. "I have that same phone. Just give it to the housekeeper when you finish with it."
Serviced apartments can be a great alternative to a hotel. The lobby won't be as grand, the reception smaller and you probably won't get a number of theme restaurants. What I like is they "feel" more comfortable .. and a lot less touristy.
I'm not a quick starter and like to have a cup of coffee before I shower. At Centre Point - Petchaburi I had a hot water pot, small dining table with comfy chairs, china and flatware. I bought my own instant coffee at the mini mart just steps away. I like Khao Shong red. A small pack is about Bt 50.
The kitchenette has a real fridge rather than a mini bar, and a sink. I stocked my fridge with soft drinks and orange juice from the mini mart Try the green tea as well.
When I was ready for breakfast I found the restaurant a bit small, but inviting. A chef made me an omelet to order, and a buffet spread had croissants, toast, juice, bacon, ham and rice porridge. All in all a very "comfortable" and tasty experience.
Did I mention how large the rooms are? They big .. around 50 square meters (500 square feet). I drooled a bit over the entertainment center with big-screen TV, DVD player. A satellite fees shows a number of english language movie channels.
I didn't try the high-speed LAN in the room, but another guest told me it was quite fast. You plug in at the built-in desk.
A sitting are with comfortable chairs and sofa made a good place to relax.
On my way to breakfast I had noticed work going on with the pool. It was small but the are looked nice. The mezzanine level also has a reading library and well-equipped fitness room.
If you are a shopper, the Baiyoke market is a quick taxi ride from Centre Point. Pantip Plaza is an easy walk. That mini mart .. actually it is the easiest way to get out to the street. The back entrance leads to the Centre Point courtyard, so it couldn't be much more convenient.
A walk down the boulevard gets you in touch with Burger King, a chicken place and The Pizza Company. But I always hold out for the real honest to goodness A & W root beer on the ground floor at Pantip Plaza.
And since I'm already there .. curly fries!
Centre Point has several serviced apartments around Bangkok. Silom, Thonglor, Wireless Road, Sukhumvit and Langsuan. I haven't tried any of the others .. yet.
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