Today we have a Reader Question about the ever rising rates of hotels belonging to international chains in Thailand, and it appears that it has how hit a ceiling where customers are no longer willing to pay.
Readers are encouraged to send us questions, comments, or opinions by email, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. We’ll try to cover them here several times a week.
Choosing the right hotel in Thailand is often difficult especially when one is used to relatively affordable rates but these times are long gone, at least as international chains are concerned.
Thailand has been traditionally a country where you can generate somewhat affordable stays for your loyalty account of the major international chain but this has become largely a thing of the past as prices went up sky high.
The email that reached me reads as follows:
… I’m spending 4-6 weeks in Thailand each year and this is the first time I’m considering to put a stop to it, either changing my stay pattern or even go visit another country instead.
Usually I always split my time into 1/2 in Bangkok and 1/2 in Phuket where I fill up my Hilton, Hyatt and Marriott stays but this year I got a sticker shock based on the hotel prices. The lowest Four Points (select service) rates were US$180 or higher. The full service, more luxurious hotels that used to cost $100-120/night are not double that or more. It’s crazy!
Is it just me or has Thailand lost both its allure and value?
What can I do to use my winter vacation to still add elite nights? I’m based in the U.S. (Reno, Nevada).
-Carl
The reader isn’t the first person who notes this development and it’s pretty much in tune with what I’ve written for the last couple of years.
In addition to the high base rates for chain hotels in Thailand, the Thai Baht has also gotten very expensive and that adds an additional layer of cost on the visitor.
As far as the reader and everybody in the same situation is concerned I’d seriously consider:
- Is Thailand still where you want to hang out given the circumstances?
- Is there any actual value in traveling to Thailand anymore?
- Is hotel status something you really need and does this trip depend on it (vv)?
- Are there other destinations that sounds interesting and that would be a better fit?
The reader has one serious advantage, namely being from the U.S. where he can get credit cards that solve most of his hotel qualification troubles. The Amex Hilton and Amex Bonvoy Brilliant confer status immediately. Chase Hyatt is also useful.
I’d also consider an Air BnBn for such a long period of time. While possible, I don’t like to live in hotels at the same location for a month or longer.
There is always another way: Stay away from international chains. Not only in Thailand but elsewhere too. These chains have racked up their prices so much that even with loyalty and elite benefits there is very little value to be had. I’d always go on a random OTA like Expedia and compare all local hotel rates.
As far as value is concerned, I’d seriously look into Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam if Southeast Asia is the preferred travel region.
Thailand and the responsible tourism officials have for years, over a decade actually, advocated for high value tourism. The future will tell if that endeavor is successful.
Conclusion
A reader is disappointed with the perceived and real value that his annual travel to Thailand is now reflecting. Travel services, products and hotel accommodation has gotten expensive and especially hotel rates have soared.
Unfortunately the Thai tourism sector went on a slide quite some time ago and not only did the Baht become way too expensive but also the pricing policy of the hotels no longer reflect value adequately. There is no reason whatsoever why a 4.5* chain hotel in Bangkok should cost US$200+.
There are indeed better destination where a more sensible value proposition is available as as much mass tourism as Bali has become, the value for money is still MUCH better there than anywhere in Thailand.
