Theory in action: Choosing a hotel in Asia

Introduction

I shared last week, that I have a trip to Asia at the end of the month, but couldn’t decide where. In that post I narrowed things down to Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, and China. Well, based on a variety of comments and a bit of searching based on this post I revised the list slightly to include Bali instead of Beijing, China.

The Candidates:

Cambodia is easy to select a hotel, but I think it would be only for a night or two. There’s really no question on where we would stay here, it would be the Park Hyatt Siem Reap. I mean, just look at it:

Of course, the downside is that its about double what I’d like to pay, with an advance rate of $205.00.

Vietnam, ironically is similarly priced to the Park Hyatt. But aside from the Hyatt Danang, the rest of the options are cities – at least for Marriott and Hyatt hotels.

I’m not terribly thrilled here, because of the pricing and I’m not sure if we have enough time to get the ~$45 visa letter.

Bali I thought would be a no brainer, as I could update the Saturday Special of the Grand Hyatt Bali, but at $238, its steep. Coincidentally, Marriott has expanded their footprint with an Autograph collection property, the Stones (at $159 no less).

Last, Thailand. This would be our third trip to Thailand this year, our second visit to Phuket/Khao Lak. In Khao Lak, we’d stay at the JW Marriott Khao Lak. It is easily my favorite beach resort, it has a swim up bar, a beautiful beach, and has affordable beach-side massages and dining just steps down the beach. At ~$100 a night, it definitely makes the short list. The only major detractor for us is that we were there in March (and loved it), and there is a pretty big world out there.

So where does this leave us?

We’re still working the shorter list details. I’m trying to figure out how the logistics might work to visit Cambodia for a night to see Angkor Wat, and then head over to Thailand. Its more travel time, but, it also is a fusion of the two desires – see something new, and relax.