GHA Titanium – recommendations for hotels in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore

[occasionalranter]

Am putting together a trip for about 5-6 weeks in November and early December, want to explore Malaysia and Thailand, have never been to either, assume I’m clueless, also want to exploit my new GHA Titanium status where worthwhile. Does anyone have recommendations for Kempinski or Anantara or other GHA hotels in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, other must-see places ? Do Kempinski and Anantara generally give worthwhile upgrades to Titanium in this part of the world ?

Probable itinerary is – 3 days in Singapore (may seem odd to start here but have bagged 2-4-1 flights out there on 6th November and that is much cheaper than anything ex-London for cash) , then not sure where to stop off (maybe KL or Bangkok) for about 3 days before getting to Chiang Mai about 12th/13th to meet up with son and partner, 4 days there ending with the lantern festival, then work our way gradually back down through Thailand and Malaysia. Not sure where we’ll fly back from, will keep an eye out for J redemption seats from BKK/KUL/SIN, worst case scenario either premium economy seats as a BA redemption or splash out on EVA Air J non-stop BKK-LHR for £1.5k each :/

Thanks 🙂

[Michael C]

Don’t know about the status angle, but I can say:

-the Kempinski Singapore is very well regarded and located
-the Anantara Riverside is the nearest thing to a resort in BKK if you preferred relaxing a little
-in contrast, the Siam is a luxurious city-centre option

PS Not sure how much is in the splashing pool, but we returned on Eva PE last year and it
was more than fine, especially with the great daytime flight.

[BBbetter]

Review on Kempinski singapore.

https://milelion.com/2020/09/06/review-the-capitol-kempinski-hotel-singapore-staycation/

Milelion also has reviews on other SIN hotels and some others in south east Asia including Kempinski Bangkok.

[JDB]

@occasionalranter – while not precisely within your itinerary, the Anantara Desaru Coast, in Malaysia some 2-3hrs drive from Singapore, will give you good recognition.

[Hbommie]

Far East hotels have a decent rep for recognising GHA status, IMO Capella, Pan Pacific and Kempinski are good in this respect. I usually email to check that a booking is eligible, if you use an OTA it sometimes comes unstuck but direct or through GHA is fine.

[occasionalranter]

Thanks everyone. All useful. Will report back afterwards…

[kristian.talks]

occasionalranter wrote:

Am putting together a trip for about 5-6 weeks in November and early December, want to explore Malaysia and Thailand, have never been to either, assume I’m clueless, also want to exploit my new GHA Titanium status where worthwhile. Does anyone have recommendations for Kempinski or Anantara or other GHA hotels in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, other must-see places ? Do Kempinski and Anantara generally give worthwhile upgrades to Titanium in this part of the world ?

Probable itinerary is – 3 days in Singapore (may seem odd to start here but have bagged 2-4-1 flights out there on 6th November and that is much cheaper than anything ex-London for cash) , then not sure where to stop off (maybe KL or Bangkok) for about 3 days before getting to Chiang Mai about 12th/13th to meet up with son and partner, 4 days there ending with the lantern festival, then work our way gradually back down through Thailand and Malaysia. Not sure where we’ll fly back from, will keep an eye out for J redemption seats from BKK/KUL/SIN, worst case scenario either premium economy seats as a BA redemption or splash out on EVA Air J non-stop BKK-LHR for £1.5k each :/

Thanks 🙂

Definitely recommend the Capitol Kempinski in Singapore: stayed recently as GHA Platinum, booked via Amex FHR…

– Booked an entry level room and was upgraded to a suite (was my first time staying at the hotel so potentially they were looking to impress?!). Complimentary minibar for soft drinks, amenity was a bottle of Chilean red also substantial fruit platter, FHR branded cup cakes and other snacks.

– great location, GM seems hands-on and responsive, ate at the 15 Stamford restaurant for dinner and breakfast and felt quality of food was more than sufficient and ample portions

– entrance to the hotel is a bit tucked away from the street which I found a plus point, it’s not like some of the “big name” hotels in Singapore where you are also competing with tourists for a seat at the bar

– had a late flight out from SIN and they were happy for me to hang around in the lobby lounge for as long as needed until I went to Changi

Enjoy your trip!