From reading the review posted by the previous reviewer (about the Banyan being a second hand property) the fairly minor problems with our stay make much more sense. Our first room's air conditioning did not work at all and we had to switch rooms. While our second room's air conditioning worked fine (although it sometimes took an annoyingly long time to finally get cold) the shower water did take a long time to get warm, both signs of an aging hotel. However, this aging seems to been under the service only because the decor, while at times tacky, is kept up fairly well. The service is efficient, polite and helpful. Plus, the bathrooms are amazing. Our bathtub had a panoramic views of Bangkok. Truly amazing. Also, if you can afford it, I highly recommend the Club Rooms which entitle you to free drinks and canapes at night. Definitely worth it. All in all, while this is a top hotel, its minor problems prevent it from reaching the next level.

We stayed in the Banyan Tree just for one night. The service when we arrived was fantastic and the staff couldn't do enough for you.

We stayed in a one bedroom suite and it was beautifully finished, I know other people have said the rooms were dated but it couldn't be further from the truth in the room we stayed in. Wonderful bathroom that was large, we particully liked the bath, that looked out over the city. The only thing that we thought could have been better was the view, our room was on the 17th floor so not that high up and the view although fine we didn't think was that great for the type of room we had booked.

I would definalty recommend having dinner at the Vertigo restuarant, the views are amazing and although it is open air it was cool enough to enjoy dinner. It served great food and the atmosphere was also good, perfect for a romantic meal or having fun with friends. It is must if staying in Bangkok.

Banyan bought the building when it was the Westin and I can only assume the group wanted to capitalise on the long term business traveller business potential in BKK. I say long term as the business in BKK in 2009 is somewhat down in the dumps. So, having been a 2nd hand property, it is somewhat dated. They renovated it somewhat to make it look more "banyan tree" but I think they were constraints. It's in the middle of the business district, and it's a tall building, neither of which are crriteria for a spa oasis on the beach or in the mountains. So, the rooms are dated, but the service is good banyan standard. Their sunday brunch is a blast, but then again, all good 5 stars are about the same these days with these things. The pool and gym are alright, and the restaurants are not bad, especially the Japanese and their rooftop restaurant. Both are overpriced of course. It's next to the Metropolitan, and I have to say between these 2 Singapore hotels, Metropolitan wins. It's more uber cool, and appears cleaner. The Sukothai is next door, but I haven't stayed there to compare. Being on Sathorn, you have to take a taxi everywhere, which is not a problem, unless you are stuck in the dreaded sathorn peak hour jam. Otherwise it's a 25 min walk to Silom shopping

The Banyan Tree group prides itself in being a 'premium luxury resort' for all its guests, however we were disappointed with our stay at the Banyan Tree - Bangkok. Its 5 star accolade is something we definitely questioned on numerous occasions throughout our stay.

The hotel is located in the heart of Bangkok's financial district and our taxi had to drive us down an 'alley-way'/side entrance to the hotel. We were given a warm welcome by hotel staff and we were offered a complimentary 'lemongrass tea' whilst waiting to check in.

Our room was located on the 40th floor and the lifts to the floors felt extremely stuffy as there was no air conditioning in them. Our room was pleasant, yet compact. For a 5 star luxurious hotel, some of the fixtures and fittings were dated and required renewal. As a spa hotel, we were given complimentary incense sticks and aromatherapy oils to burn on a daily basis. The local fruits left daily in our room by housekeeping were a nice touch.

The bath gels and shampoos were provided for in ceramic containers, which were very flimsy. I accidentally knocked one of them whilst having a shower and it narrowly missed my foot before smashing to smitherines on the shower floor. Plastic would have been a safer bet!

Walking around the hotel, there seemed to be no atmosphere and felt lifeless. It is a 'business' hotel, however, the regular image of old western men with teenage Thai girls going to their hotel rooms was rather off putting and felt quite 'seedy', especially when it occurred every night throughout our stay.

On the day of departure, we were incorrectly charged extra for, lets say, personal items we didn't purchase! A not so good end to a dissapointing and dull stay at one of Bangkok's top hotels. Unfortunately, we won't be paying another visit - once was quite enough.