I’m not one to just rave about hotel experiences. It’s very rare for me to really, really like a hotel. But our experience with the COMO properties in both Bangkok and Bhutan were excellent, and I would not hesitate to stay at another COMO property in the future. (COMO did not pay for our stay or provide us any compensation for this endorsement, just so we’re up front here.)When we were first planning for our trip, the idea was to stay at the Metropolitan by COMO in Bangkok for one night–as we received a complimentary night for booking our Bhutan package with COMO. Then, I had planned to use points to stay in a Marriott for the other two nights. That plan was sort of scrapped when I drained most of my Marriott points in Naples, when we went to visit Pompeii. But one of the Marriott hotels was still less expensive, so we were considering a move.
I came to my senses and we realized how silly that was, with how little time we were spending in Bangkok. Did we really want to change hotels? No. Plus, we got a promotional rate at the Metropolitan, through COMO, since we had booked them as our tour operator in Bhutan. So the Metropolitan it was.
The Metropolitan is not a small hotel (well, until you see the towering Banyan Tree next door); I think it has about 130 rooms. That said, we were addressed by name at the front desk each time we needed something, and we rarely saw more than 5-6 other guests at a time. While I think the hotel was relatively full (though it was off season, and I know Bangkok tourism is still suffering a bit from all the political change and protests earlier in the year), it felt far from crowded.Before our 3:40am transfer to the airport, they made us a hot breakfast, with freshly squeezed orange juice and all, to take with us. They initially promised that it would be delivered to our room so we could eat it beforehand, and were most apologetic when it was not ready in time to be delivered. We were most certainly not expecting a fully cooked, fresh breakfast in a bag awaiting us at the front desk, after nothing showed up at our room! It was most appreciated at that hour.
DH liked the Metropolitan too, even before we got an upgrade to the penthouse suite! Shout-out to the Metropolitan for that totally unprompted and unforeseen upgrade, we enjoyed ourselves. (Real question though…seriously, what do people do with all that space?!!) I also liked the Metropolitan because I thought the price point was extremely fair for the service, amenities, and rooms. No, it wasn’t the absolutely nicest hotel I’ve ever stayed at–but it was a hotel that I can afford to stay in without cringing at check out.
While I think a review of COMO as a tour operator in Bhutan deserves a separate review of its own (all great though), I will say the properties in Bhutan were a bit smaller and boutique than the Metropolitan in Bangkok. It seemed the staff always knew what you needed, where you had been, what you wanted to do–there was no having to repeat yourself to your guide, to reception, to the host at the restaurant. It was all seamless. And personalized: they knew what table you wanted after you asked the first night, always remembered what you ordered the morning before, and were always willing to go above and beyond. When I was sick the first night, they immediately just told DH they would serve us dinner in our room and suggested some things which might sound good to me. Of course, when I emerged the next morning I was asked numerous times if I was feeling better by multiple staff members.So COMO, you impressed me. The properties “fit” into their environments (both interior and exterior), both in Bhutan and Thailand. Service was understated but yet so attentive and personal. Food was impeccable in all locations (and I’m picky). Shambala spa products are amazing. Everything was always clean. Heated towel bars rocked.
We’ll be back…maybe Turks & Caicos? So many choices!
Have you stayed at a COMO property? What did you think?
