P J Watergate Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand
When you see a smiling young woman who works in the well-lit pub running to open the doors to the lobby before you can get there, you start to believe you have found a service oriented hotel. She had been watching out the huge plate glass windows and actually did get the door open before I got there. Then with a triumphant flourish, she directed me toward reception.
The reception staff didn't need to jump to attention, they were already waiting. Actually, they seemed eager. I didn't like the room I had because of some noise going on below. With not a moments hesitation, reception dispatched a bellman for my bags as another escorted me to the room.
Apologising for the noise of a new carpet being installed in a room below, they proceeded to move me to the other end of the floor. It was so effortless I almost felt guilty.
More good news awaited at breakfast. The chef stood tall and proud in houndstooth trousers and starched chef's garb just inside the entrance to the restaurant. "Welcome. We have good buffet. Please sit where you like." And the buffet was better than I expected for the room price.
Did I mention that the P. J. Watergate should probably be rated as a 2 star hotel? And that the rooms are clean, comfortable and spacious? The location is excellent as well. Walk down the soi and cross the boulevard to find the Pratunam market area .. one of Bangkok's best for shopping.
Some may not like the fact that the PJ Watergate stands 200 or so meters down a soi. Actually, it is part of a neighborhood, and I find that interesting. Walking down to Ratcha Prarop Road, you will pass open air noodle shops, laundry shops, barber shops .. you get the idea.
If your taxi or tuk-tuk has trouble finding the PJ Watergate, the entry soi is almost exactly opposite the Indra Regent. Turn at the Charoen Optical Shop (blue sign) .. it really is a 2-way soi.
If you don't want to walk, the security manager who patrols the parking area keeps a number of metered taxis standing by .. and no fuss about starting the meter.
I didn't use their cyber cafe, their pub where the eager young lady works, nor their health spa. But I suspect the service is great.
The staff gives the impression that they can't do enough for you.
I left with a very good feeling. Not just for the great value and service, but wondering how management motivates the staff in a 2 star hotel to give 4 star service.
