Hotel Review:Park Plaza

There are currently three Club Carlson properties in Bangkok, the 4th a Radisson Blu is being readied for a February 2014 delivery.  The new property was within walking distance from the Park Plaza, I did cruise by the construction but, I did not see any of the other Club Carlson Bangkok properties.
Contemporary, quiet and centrally located can best describe our small hotel.

Important Update to "Time to Get off the Pot" post of 4/26/13

Today’s post is a prime example of how quickly things change in this hobby.  The information provided is meant as an update to my post dated 4/26/13 where I recommended the Club Carlson credit card for beginners.  There have been significant changes to the benefits of this card more commonly refered to as a devaluation.  I’ve been up front from the beginning that collected points should not be saved and this would qualify as reason #1; at any given time the rules change.  Club Carlson rather suddenly re-evaluated their reward program resulting with some hotels changing award categories. This change was not widely made known.  Those enrolled in their loyalty programs were not given much notice, less than 48 hrs to book properties taking advantage of the reward chart before changes.  While the devaluation increases the reward category (requiring more points for a free stay) on several properties it does downgrade hotel categories as well.  When these instances occur it is best to act quickly if you want to secure a particular property that has been affected.  Fortunately, none of my destinations planned for 2013/2014 have been impacted by the change.  My Bangkok reservation did increase in category  from a 2 to a 3 meaning the points for a free night went from 15K to 28K, an increase of 13K points per night. However, since my reservations were made in March and the devaluation takes effect today, May 1, 2013 my previously made reservations are being honored at the old category.  Club Carlson has 6 hotel reward categories starting at 9K points and rising to 50K.  Do I still believe this is a good value card, yes.  Mainly because Club Carlson members are still given a free award night when booking reward nights.  For my travel needs in the immediate future I can leverage the card to receive maximum benefits. Will I renew the card and repay the annual fee when it comes do, probably not.  

This link will take you to a detailed reward chart listing all properties affected by the change and only you can decide if the value is still worth the cost of the credit card fee.

Time to get off the pot

Perhaps by now your thinking "I'm ready to dip my big toe into this pot of lucrative inexpensive travel options" but I don't want to get too involved.  I want to see if it really does work without much investment of time or money.  Fair enough.  So let's take the leap.... I'm going to recommend a card that is a great all around card for families or singles for domestic or international travel and will provide immediate results, plus status.  The card comes with a fee, a mere $75 investment, but that $75 can translate into a week outside Disney World or several nights in popular European destinations like Rome or Paris.  The card is the Club Carlson Premier Rewards Visa Signature Card.  Stop the presses, those who know this travel game have raised brow wondering why I would make this my go to introductory card, it's simple I know my readers.  Those with kids are going to travel domestically and the two largest expenses are transportation and accommodations. This card will knock accommodation off your list of expenses.  But wait you say, I don't want to travel in the US, I want the exotic locales or the European cultural hot spots, no problem, got you covered too.  If I recommended an airline card no one would have enough time to acquire the needed points let alone award availability to get to the destination.  I want immediate results for my reader so you get hooked and start enjoying the world around you.  Club Carlson is promoting their brand in the US announcing a partnership with Genevieve Gorder  from HGTV Design Star fame to redecorate their Country Inns & Suites properties.   They also own Radisson, Radisson Blu, Park Inn and a few other lesser know properties.

First things first, if you are not a member of the Club Carlson reward program enroll here (it's free).  You'll need your member number for the application link above.

Now lets address the $75 investment.   Here's what you get...

5 Club Carlson points per dollar on everyday spending
10 points per dollar on Club Carlson hotel spending
85,000 point signup bonus — 50,000 after first purchase (even a pack of gum qualifies)

35,000 more after $2500 spend within 90 days

“Bonus Award Night” – your last night on an award redemption is free meaning book two nights get a third for free.
Automatic Club Carlson Gold status - meaning upgrades, free internet etc.,
40,000 points annually for card renewal

More importantly these points are your currency for rooms all over the world.  Book your stay via the web and you'll earn 2K more bonus points.  depending on the property this $75 investment can turn into several hundreds of dollars of savings that you can use as soon as those points post in the type of property of your choosing.  Please email me if you are still unsure or have questions, comment via the blog if anything remains unclear.  I am using these points for two properties in Thailand but I've also used them for a free night with the kids and their friends after a long day at Hershey Park and for a free night because I did not want to drive home after a festive wedding reception.  So forget just dipping that big toe, jump in and see what you can accomplish with a little knowledge.