The Rama Gardens is a remarkably exquisite...
The Rama Gardens is a remarkably exquisite hotel that lives up to its reputation for grandeur. From the moment we entered its spacious and elegantly designed grand lobby, we knew that the promise of a memorable stay was assured. The hotel’s courteous, cheerful, and skilled staff made our check-in easy and quick. Our room was exceptionally clean, relatively spacious, and complete in amenities. We really liked the bedding, particularly the zippered sheets and comforter, and the soft, inviting pillows. The room’s self-contained safe for securing personal valuables was in keeping with the comfort and convenience themes of the hotel. The Rama Gardens offers the perfect setting for a romantic interlude, far away from the noise and congestion of Bangkok. Our evenings were made special by our visits to separate bars. We really liked the glamorous female singers and their male piano accompanists at the coffee bar adjacent to the main dining room. Their interpretations of American standards were delightful. We were much less enthralled with the food at the hotel. It fell short of the restaurant’s stunning appearance and wonderful wait staff. After weeks in northern Thailand, we were anxious to add bulk to our diet, so we opted for a full-fledged American-style cheeseburger. We were disappointed. Our selection looked great on the plate, but the concoction was more akin to meatloaf than a simple charbroiled burger, and its rosy pink interior, unusual added flavoring, and European cheese detracted from our enjoyment of the American food classic. Our evening meals of Thai chicken and a Margarita pizza were marginal as well; the pizza took more than an hour to prepare. The hotel’s breakfast menu featured an adequate selection of western and Thai morning foods; however, hash-brown (or country) potatoes and pancakes were conspicuously absent. We wanted to sample the egg dishes---prepared on the spot---just to find out if there’s a chef in Thailand who can prepare eggs over-easy (or an omelet) without burning them. Unfortunately, our early flight didn’t allow us time to do so. The morning cheese board and selection of artisan breads was a nice touch. Overall, the Rama Garden’s breakfast didn’t measure up to the morning meal we prepared ourselves a day later in the quaint hospitality room of Seattle’s small Pacific Coast Hotel.