Based on fellow travellers reviews, we booked a four night stay at the President Solitaire Hotel & Spa and, although overall it was a 'pleasant' stay, we would have to say that we came away a little disappointed. The reception staff, although efficient, weren't as friendly as the concierge staff . The concierge staff were fantastic , nothing was too much trouble and they made us feel very welcome - they are a definite asset to the hotel. We had booked a Platinum Suite, and were asked upon checking in if we wanted a smoking or non-smoking suite. We advised that we would like non-smoking and we were given a room on the third floor - which without a doubt was a smoking floor (especially given the ashtray located just outside the lift door). The smell of smoke as you stepped out of the lift was very strong - and a little disconcerting for non-smokers. We thought that we would reserve our judgement until we got to the room - and we found ashtrays in the room - so it definitely wasn't a non-smoking room. Upon contacting reception to question the type of room, we were assured that it was non-smoking. Then a knock at the door - housekeeping came in to collect the ashtrays and put a fragrant oil filled ceramic burner on the table so that when the tealight burned, it 'refreshed' the room. The room itself was lovely, large, well fitted out and the bed was very comfortable. However we would have to agree with other travellers who feel that the bathrooms really let the hotel down. There was no chance that we were going to use the jacuzzi - the jets just didn't look clean and the grouting really needed to be addressed. Breakfast was not too bad, however if a hotel is going to advertise breakfast from 5.30am, then one would expect that you could get a full breakfast from that time. We had booked two tours which left very early each day, so upon arriving downstairs for breakfast we found that it was still progressively being set up (some lights weren't even on) - our options those mornings were very limited. Room service on the other hand was excellent, the menu choice great and the service perfect. The other interesting thing to note is that if you have a laptop, you can have complimentary unlimited access to the internet. If you don't, then you will be charged 100 Baht for 15 minutes - a little disappointing (and expensive). We went around the corner to an internet cafe and paid 20 Baht for 20 minutes. Overall the hotel is in a good location, within easy walking distance from the MRT and in amongst the action. Unfortunately the things mentioned above, although relatively minor, really let the hotel down and, given the vast amount of choice for accommodation in Bangkok, would result in us not returning to the hotel when we next visit.
