STEIGENBERGER GRAF ZEPPELIN, STUTTGART, GERMANY

Standard

I arrived at the Steigenberger Graf Zeppelin hotel around noon and as the room was not ready for check-in. I decided to have lunch at the Restaurant Zeppelin-Stüble, one of the hotel’s 3 restaurants. The Zeppelin-Stüble is a cosy local venue which serves regional specialities such as Maultaschen (swabian ravioli) Lentils and Spätzle. The lunch was delicious and was nicely presented. (When I paid my bill, I overheard the waiter offer a lunch special menu to guests which had just arrived, unfortunately he did not offer me those daily deals. They would have been a much better value as the food and beverage prices are generally high at this hotel)

The hotel also features Gourmet Restaurant OLIVO  and Restaurant Zeppelino’S, the hotel’s famous Steakhouse. I was also able to enjoy a great breakfast where wonderful breads, local sausages, and many tasty items were served. Egg dishes and hot beverages were served to the table and I liked that very much.

I stayed in a Junior Suite which was spacious and impeccably clean. There was a separate wardrobe with plenty of space, a safe, an umbrella and two bathrobes. The suite was fitted out with high-quality materials, modern design and latest electronic equipment including a Nespresso coffee maker.

The bathroom was of a generous size, with a bathtub, a toilet and a large shower. Towel warmers were also available. Toothbrushes and other toiletries were available on demand. I found the Kleenex box to be empty after taking out a single sheet and the toilet roll holder was a bit loose. Small details I know, but this could be improved by a simple room check before the guest arrives.

One of the hotel’s highlights is certainly the Zeppelin Day SPA Spa which is located on the rooftop of the hotel and is about 500 sq. m. This luxurious spa is like an oasis after a long day to relax with nice treatment rooms, a pool, sauna and steam bath.

I enjoyed my stay at Steigenberger Graf Zeppelin very much. I found the staff very friendly and helpful, the location across from the Main Station was perfect and I got a good night’s sleep in a comfortable bed. I would recommend this hotel and would not hesitate to come back at any time.

https://www.steigenberger.com/en/hotels/all-hotels/germany/stuttgart/steigenberger-graf-zeppelin

BANYAN TREE HOTEL, BANGKOK, THAILAND

Standard

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Banyan Tree Bangkok offers luxurious rooms with views of the city or Chao Phraya River. It features a stylish, roof-top restaurant and bar, a spa with pool and 7 dining options. 

Banyan Tree’s rooms and suites are spacious, featuring wooden flooring and large windows. They offer a seating area, coffee/tea maker and satellite TV. 24-hour room service is available.

Banyan Tree Bangkok’s health club offers a well-equipped fitness centre, steam room and sauna. The famous Banyan Tree Spa offers a wide choice of treatments and is considered one of the best SPA’s in Bangkok. I tried an oil massage in a beautiful room and the massage was very professional, just right in pressure and very relaxing. 

Vertigo and Moon Bar offer panoramic views and serve a variety of western dishes. Guests can sample Thai and Chinese specialties. Banyan Tree Bangkok also provides a dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River.

Banyan Tree Bangkok is located in Bangkok’s central business and embassy district on Sathorn Road. Lumpini MRT Station is just a 10-minute walk away. 

I stayed in a one-bedroom-suite which was spacious with a lounge area, a working desk, a separate bedroom and an oversized bathroom with stand-alone bathtub, shower and separate toilet. The amenities were luxurious and plentiful. The layout of the bedroom was however a bit unconventional, very dark (good for sleeping) but a small sitting area which I found a bit badly designed as I did not see the purpose of it. Next door was a nice sitting area with large windows and a great view. There was also no turn-down service which should be standard in a hotel of this level.

The Club Lounge on the 19th floor was of a notable size, with a check-in/check-out area, meeting rooms and large restaurant-style area where breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening drinks were served. The quality and food of the snacks were nice and I found the breakfast very good and delicious.

My overall stay at the Banyan Tree Bangkok was nice, but it was lacking a “wow” factor. Maybe this is because of the age of the hotel and the high competition of luxury hotels in Bangkok. However I loved my massage at the Banyan Tree Spa and visiting the Club Lounge was a pleasant experience.

https://www.banyantree.com/en/thailand/bangkok