Marriott vs. Dusit D2

[ludwighigh]

I am holding reservations for the Marriott and the Dusit D2 until I can decide. I stayed at the Marriott during my last trip in a 1 BD Suite, comparing it to the D'Suite at the Dusit.

 

Dusit would be like $600 USD cheaper over an eight day stay on the originally quoted rate. On the other hand the Marriott is offering free laundry and free club louge happy hour drinks (both of which are probably not worth the $600 in total). If I bring a second person to breakfast at the Dusit I think I would have to pay.

 

Basically I need some advice from folks who have stayed at the Dusit or both hotels to help me decide.

 

Marriott worked really well, and it is a bad habit of mine not to try something new. But the Marriott was enough of a positive experience to go back, especially if there is any chance that I will not like the Dusit - I just don't get enough hotel vacation days to experiment.

 

Any comments on how the Dusit stacks up on these considerations? Some thoughts on what I liked about the Marriott.

 

1. I liked the access to Beach Road from the Marriott. I assume that the Dusit will only be slightly less convenient being across the street. Dusit might be slightly better for Soi LK Metro.

2. I liked the view from the top floor of the Marriott.

3. Dusit rooms seem cooler, more modern. Someone posted here that the rooms really were not functional. How is the bathroom in the D'Suite room type? Marriott room was good, but the bathroom in the one bedroom suites is dated.

4. Marriott was guest friendly, but gosh I was surprised that there were only a handful of mongers there. I am worried that I might have problems if I was more aggressive on this trip (come back with multiple friends per day or more than one friend at a time).

5. Marriott pool complex was very good, thought I might get hassled bringing a friend over but I did not have a problem. Would like to be able to bring a friend over for a swim. You could order food and drinks at the pool bar, and I spent some time there during the day relaxing. Is the pool bar indoors or outdoors at the Dusit?

6. Did not try bringing a guest to breakfast at the Marriott. Any problems doing this at the Dusit?

7. Marriott gym was pretty good.

7. Marriott wired internet access was very solid.

8. Marriott late night room service was very good.

9. Marriott had people in and out of the room all day - turn down service, cleaning, restocking minibar, laundry.  Although I did figure out that you could do the do-not-disturb sign on the door until 3PM then call to have everything done in one step.

10. Marriott bars generally were dead. The lobby bar has no A/C.

11. I do get United Mileage for my Marriott stay.

 

Thanks everyone!

[doctorcopenhagen]

On my first trip I booked at Dusit D2 but more experienced Pattaya travelers convinced me that Marriott would suit me better. I changed my booking and did not regret it.

 

For my taste I prefer the look of the Dusit rooms, but as with all real-estate location is everything. As you have stayed at the Marriott and pretty much described the good thing about access to BR I do not have to explain it.

 

I went to the Dusit to check it out and I did not regret my choice at all. Only alternative in Pattaya for me would be the Hilton.

[ludwighigh]

On my first trip I booked at Dusit D2 but more experienced Pattaya travelers convinced me that Marriott would suit me better. I changed my booking and did not regret it.

 

For my taste I prefer the look of the Dusit rooms, but as with all real-estate location is everything. As you have stayed at the Marriott and pretty much described the good thing about access to BR I do not have to explain it.

 

I went to the Dusit to check it out and I did not regret my choice at all. Only alternative in Pattaya for me would be the Hilton.

 

Thanks. During my last trip I did not have a chance to walk through the Dusit. What did you notice about the Dusit that helped you to conclude that you did not regret your choice?

[Zauberfee]

I stayed at dusit d2 for 4 nights back in june. You can find my review here

 

1. I liked the access to Beach Road from the Marriott. I assume that the Dusit will only be slightly less convenient being across the street.

It takes 3 minutes to get from dusit to beachroad by passing Soi 13/2

 

 

2. I liked the view from the top floor of the Marriott.

If you stay at dusit, try to get a room with view to the pool. These rooms are really quite. The rooms that face 2nd are noisy

 

 

3. Dusit rooms seem cooler, more modern. Someone posted here that the rooms really were not functional. How is the bathroom in the D'Suite room type? Marriott room was good, but the bathroom in the one bedroom suites is dated.

There's no separate bathroom at dusit, in any room. The sink and jacuzzi are "integrated" in the bedroom. Take a look at my video, then you get a taste of it.

 

 

4. Marriott was guest friendly, but gosh I was surprised that there were only a handful of mongers there. I am worried that I might have problems if I was more aggressive on this trip (come back with multiple friends per day or more than one friend at a time).

dusit is by far the most girl friendly hotel I ever stayed at. Always smiling, always polite, no matter one girl or two. When your guest is about to leave, you'll get a call from the front desk, asking if everything is ok.

 

 

5. Marriott pool complex was very good, thought I might get hassled bringing a friend over but I did not have a problem. Would like to be able to bring a friend over for a swim. You could order food and drinks at the pool bar, and I spent some time there during the day relaxing. Is the pool bar indoors or outdoors at the Dusit?

The pool bar is outdoors. I didn't bring any guests to the pool, but my best bet is, that no one will ever mention this, if your guest is behaving

 

 

6. Did not try bringing a guest to breakfast at the Marriott. Any problems doing this at the Dusit?

Pass, though I always had breakfast alone (if I didn't miss it ;) )

 

 

7. Marriott gym was pretty good.

Gym is a medium sized room with a decent mount of workout equipment. Up to you if it's good enough for me. Imho more then enough for 30 to 60 minutes of workout a day.

 

 

7. Marriott wired internet access was very solid.

Wifi works quite fine at dusit, but you have check in again, everytime your laptop shuts down. You can get internet access codes for up to 3 devices.

 

 

8. Marriott late night room service was very good.

Also pass, never used it

 

 

9. Marriott had people in and out of the room all day - turn down service, cleaning, restocking minibar, laundry.  Although I did figure out that you could do the do-not-disturb sign on the door until 3PM then call to have everything done in one step.

There's a nice turn down service at dusit at about 6:30 pm. That includes a complete cleaning of the room if you messed it up in the afternoon (like I did one day with a girl from DD ).

 

One night the maid was a little bit late (compared to the other nights before). So I called the front desk, asking if anything is wrong with turn down service. Within 3 minutes the maid appeared in my room, changing the towels and making the bed.

 

 

10. Marriott bars generally were dead. The lobby bar has no A/C.

Some for the dusit ...

 

 

11. I do get United Mileage for my Marriott stay.

Advantage Marriott

 

 

Actually I'm thinking about going the opposite for my stay in september. I'm trying to get a Platimum Member, so I can have a nice stay at Marriott.

[piero]

I stay only in Marriott, the largest difference is that Marriott is a resort hotel with large garden and Dusit D2 a modern city hotel

[PBRHotelier]

Both hotels have great service and excellent facilities.

 

The Dusit D2 attracts a younger age group and the rooms are more modern in design.  Most rooms have an open design bathroom - so you can watch your partner take a shower.

 

The Marriott has a better pool & fitness and convenience of being attached to the Royal Garden Shopping Mall.  If you make your reservation for two, no problem bringing your guest to breakfast.  The executive lounge lets you bring in one guest and will also serve you breakfast there if you like.  I have eaten at all the Marriott restaurants many times and never a problem with a joiner - staff always very polite and friendly.

[doctorcopenhagen]

Thanks. During my last trip I did not have a chance to walk through the Dusit. What did you notice about the Dusit that helped you to conclude that you did not regret your choice?

 

As Piero says. Marriott is a resort hotel with large garden and Dusit D2 a modern city hotel. I like the fact that I am in the middle of the city and I live in this tranquil oasis.

 

If you want a city hotel I would much rather stay at the LK The Empress, when compared to price of Dusit D2 .

[Broomstick]

some more datapoints: http://www.pattaya-addicts.com/forum/topic/130310-anyone-stayed-at-dusit-d2-baraquda/

[tookinky4her]

I stayed at both-  the Marriott many times-  the Dusit only once

 

I checked out of dusit after one night-  the noise from bars across 2nd road kept us up until after 2 AM

[john2028]

I liked the Marriott a lot. The grounds and the pool form an oasis of calm in a sometimes hectic city. The balconies are superb as are the many high level open walkways which are festooned with flowers growing over the outside walls. These can be readily observed from Second Road. Many of these flowers are night scented. As an earlier post remarked, the hotel attracts an older crowd.

[Bupattaya]

Marriott over Dusit without a doubt. Rooms much nicer and you just book for Mr. & Mrs and can bring 2 for breakfast, but evenn without the Mr & Mrs. I doubt you would have a problem for breakfast at Marriott. No Guarantee on that. Check with the desk mgr?

[moondoggie]

Twice I have stayed at the Marriott. Never had any trouble bringing someone to the Breakfast buffet. Never any problems with several girls in the room at once. Outstanding internet. 24 hour room service. Friendly & helpful staff. If your a member your internet is free.

I enjoy lounging the afternoon away in the pool. And the grounds make you feel miles away, yet....Great location. Don't forget the advantage of a great nights sleep. Ocean view. For my money there is only the Marriott!

[tuscan]

love the Marriott 100%

[whitespider - RIP]

The thread does seem to highlight the matter of personal preferences as I have stayed at both and much preferred to Dusit although the Marriott is excellent.

 

My (personal) reasons were two fold.

 

1. I prefer the more modern style hotel.

 

2. Although there were no problems taking girls to the Marriott I found the reception staff at Dusit more "amenable" to them.

 

That said they are BOTH excellent hotels and if you stay at either you will have a great stay.

[BigVenz]

I have stayed at both.

Being gold with Marriott gives me the lounge and Breakfast buffet.

The breakfast is the best i've seen in Pattaya, only thing is I rarely wake up in time to benefit from it.

If you are a morning person and would utilize each day, that should make a big difference.

The lounge puts some nice apps out in the evening, some hearty enough it was dinner as well as complimentary, pour yourself cocktails.

I also have showed up with several guests, my experience is that they don't check ID unless you stop at the desk, I usually just say hello and keep on going.

 

Nothing wrong with the Dusit, ultra modern boutique hotel.

The property is under utilized, nice split story upper floor space for Bar/Lounge that sits empty.

Rooftop restaurant looks nice but no traffic at all.

[Trespass]

Never stayed at the Dusit but I am a Marriott Gold Member as well and they always have a head start on getting my business.  

 

Part of setting up your profile is providing your birthday and they will add a nights credit to your account as a "birthday gift". Also means if you check in over your birthday...they know...and show up at your door signing and with a cake.  Standing at the door, wei-ing them back while trying to hide the girl in my room...good stuff.  I am sure they knew I might be embarrassed...but allowed me to save face.  Really nice people.  Concierge even walked me to a Bank and stood there to make sure I could get an advance on my VISA card.  They work at customer service there...brings me back every time.  Love the garden and the super polite security team too.

[Bunky]

I liked the access to Beach Road from the Marriott. I assume that the Dusit will only be slightly less convenient being across the street. Dusit might be slightly better for Soi LK Metro.

 

The only downside here for the D2 is that traffic on Second Road can be intense. If you've had a few adult beverages, be careful crossing the street. The Dusit is definitely a few steps closer to Soi LK Metro. So if you find somebody you fancy there (or in one of the beer bars on Soi Diana) you can easily walk back to the hotel. And if you come all the way to Thailand to patronize American franchises, the D2 is steps from a Starbucks and a McDonald's.

 

I liked the view from the top floor of the Marriott.

 

The D2 has a rooftop bar with a spectacular view down toward Walking Street. Go up there at least once to watch the sun set.

 

Dusit rooms seem cooler, more modern. Someone posted here that the rooms really were not functional. How is the bathroom in the D'Suite room type?

 

Definitely cooler and more modern. But still comfortable and functional for me. The D Suite room has a half bath just inside the door, which comes in handy if you need to take a leak while your girl is using the main bathroom. Speaking of which, the main bath area is largely open to the area where the bed is located. The jacuzzi is right there in the middle of the floor, flanked by a huge vanity area (with a massive medicine cabinet) and a wardrobe. The shower and toilet (in its own little stall with a frosted glass door) are at the far end. There is a massive sliding door between the two rooms, each of which has its own air conditioning system. Both rooms have balconies facing north and overlooking the pool.

 

Marriott was guest friendly, but gosh I was surprised that there were only a handful of mongers there. I am worried that I might have problems if I was more aggressive on this trip (come back with multiple friends per day or more than one friend at a time).

 

No worries on this score at the D2. The hotel gets plenty of civilian guests, but the atmosphere is chill.

 

Marriott pool complex was very good, thought I might get hassled bringing a friend over but I did not have a problem. Would like to be able to bring a friend over for a swim. You could order food and drinks at the pool bar, and I spent some time there during the day relaxing. Is the pool bar indoors or outdoors at the Dusit?

 

As I recall, it's outdoors. The pool at the D2 is smaller and shaded on all sides. I happen to like that. But if you want to bake in the sun the Marriott would be better. Most Thai girls hate the sun, so they'd probably dig the Dusit pool setup.

 

Marriott wired internet access was very solid.

 

Some sputters at the D2 with the wi-fi and the wired connections. It was fine for casual use, but if you needed lots of bandwidth for a VPN etc it might be an issue.

 

Marriott had people in and out of the room all day - turn down service, cleaning, restocking minibar, laundry.  Although I did figure out that you could do the do-not-disturb sign on the door until 3PM then call to have everything done in one step.

 

Same at the Dusit. One small feature I liked was unlimited bottled water. Whenever I ran out I just called down to the desk and somebody was up in less than five minutes. They used old-fashioned glass bottles with a metal cap that were collected and re-used. 

 

Just my two baht worth, but if you can save $600 by staying at the Dusit (and try a new place) I'd give the Marriott a pass.

 

Bunky

[ludwighigh]

I just tried one of the D'Suite rooms facing the pool over last weekend.

 

1. Good service from the staff at the hotel.

2. Room is an interesting concept.

3. The positives above seem to be right.

 

Negatives:

 

1. No safe in the room.  Had to call the front desk to get a safe installed in the room while I waited.  Not sure why it wasn't there already.

2. Air conditioning is not able to keep up (23 degrees) during the daytime, then the room gets too cold at night.  Water from the air conditioner leaked from the vents onto the floor.

3. Shower controls to divert the water from hand sprayer to rain shower broken or nearly broken on both showers

4. No towels in downstairs bathroom

5. Some light switches next to the bed were broken.

6. You can't use the shower closest to the glass shower door without water getting under the door and onto the floor in large quantities

7. No coffee table - no obvious place for more than one person to eat room service

8. Jacuzzi tub unusable because after 20+ minutes of filling (with lukewarm water) it only got 1/8 full.  By the time it would be full the water would have been cold and all of us asleep.

 

Living room couch was dirty as well.  Many areas could use touch up paint, new grout, or proper wall/plaster finish repairs.

 

Didn't try the internet, had no time for the pool or gym.

 

Back to the Marriott next time.