REVIEW – Conrad Koh Samui (2nd visit)
June 11, 2017
REVIEW – Oryx Airport Hotel, Doha
July 9, 2017
- Class: Business
- Access:
- Business and First class ticket holders
- Priority Pass (free with UK Amex Platinum)
- Lounge Pass, various international credit cards
- Date: March 2016
Intro
We were really sad to leave the Conrad Koh Samui but seeing Mr Samui again helped to soften the blow. Remember I mentioned in the last part of this trip report how he had a special vehicle lined up for us, for the return transfer to Koh Samui?
Mr Samui’s ‘special vehicle’
Mr Samui’s ‘special vehicle’
All too soon we were at USM, ready to check-in for our flight to BKK.
At this point I need to point out that what we did next was not the most efficient way of doing things AT ALL. We were flying from USM-BKK-DOH-ARN-LHR.
At a minimum, I should have tried to get our bag checked from USM-BKK-DOH-ARN. We would then be given a C.I.Q. sticker each to wear and would have cleared straight into international transfer security in BKK.
Instead, I opted to check in domestically at USM and later re-enter BKK airport landside, pick up a boarding pass there and get our bag checked all the way to LHR.
Why did I do this? Because having already reviewed the International Bangkok Airways Blue Ribbon Lounge in USM, I felt it would add more value if I got a chance to review the domestic lounge on this occasion – even if it meant enduring a ludicrously tight transfer in BKK. (Don’t say I never do anything for you guys!)
The Lounge
The Bangkok Airways domestic lounge is located between gates 2 and 3 at Koh Samui airport. Access is open to pretty much anybody with a credit card but much like the international lounge, this facility was still not heaving with visitors as a result. With the gate areas being so beautiful and open – the relative value of a lounge is somewhat diminished at this airport.
On this occasion, Kamara and I gained access to the lounge using our Priority Pass cards (free with the UK Amex Platinum card). We were warmly welcomed to the facility by the smiling receptionist and told that we could order hot food, in addition to the buffet – if we so chose.
The reception area
The lounge has a very light and breezy feel and the tone is very much set by the gigantic smiling bear
Most of the seating is located on one side of the bear whilst the food and drink are on the other.
One particular item of interest, very much in keeping with the fun theme of Bangkok Airways’ lounges – the automatic pancake machine!
The buffet selection is surprisingly extensive. Much better than the majority of third party lounges in Europe.
Any lounge with a dim sum steamer and heated cabinet is A-OK in my book!
A variety of pastries and sandwiches on the orange tray plus a number of different local Thai sweets on the green stepped pyramid in the middle
Bean to cup espresso machine, brewed coffee and a wide selection of teas
We took a seat on a sofa in the main waiting area and enjoyed some dim sum and Thai sweets, washed down with some surprisingly decent coffee.
We were told by the receptionist to take our time and relax, she would let us know as soon as we needed to head to the gate. It seemed like we were cutting things fine but since nobody else was moving, we stayed put until about 15 minutes before wheels up, at which point the receptionist came over to us and said that we could now make our way to the gate for boarding. The gate was super conveniently located, right next to the lounge. When we got there boarding was underway but we decided to hold back and enjoy the warm breeze of Koh Samui for a few minutes longer…
Admiring the beautifully ornate ceilings of the open-air gate areas
Definitely a ‘holiday airport’
What a view
I’m not usually a fan of bus gates but I make an exception for Koh Samui airport
Much like the outbound, our flight was boarded very efficiently, we departed and landed on time and our seafood meals were both delicious and served first 😀
Bangkok Airways – Economy Class Seafood meal
- Part 1:
- Radisson Blu Arlandia (Stockholm Airport)
- Part 2:
- Qatar Airways : Business Class – B787 – Stockholm to Doha
- Part 3:
- Qatar Airways : First Class – A380 – Doha to Bangkok
- Part 4:
- Conrad Bangkok
- Part 5:
- Eating and Drinking in Bangkok
- Part 6:
- Park Hyatt Siem Reap (Park Executive Suite)
- Part 7:
- Touring the Temples of Siem Reap
- Part 8:
- Eating and Drinking in Siem Reap
- Part 9:
- Conrad Koh Samui (Second visit)
- Part 10:
- Bangkok Airways : Blue Ribbon Business Class Lounge – Koh Samui (domestic)
- Part 11:
- Doha Airport Transit Hotel
- Part 12:
- Qatar Airways : Business Class – B787 – Doha to Stockholm
