The Le Meridian Bangkok is an edgy, modern hotel in the heart of Bangkok. The glass entry is etched with a classic James Dean Scene and cleverly conceals the doors. The lobby is full of modern chic accents and the staff is very welcoming. There are several restaurants and bars all of which are decorated in the theme of the food on hand. The Bamboo Bar was one of my favorites. The Le Meridian has partnered with Jean George to create some magnificent breakfast options. Each one was more tempting than the next. At our first breakfast, we were greeted with Champaign and breakfast was included for Platinum members. The rooms are decorated in an elegant and modern style with high-tech touches and five-star amenities. We had a corner suite with two rooms and an amazing view (when the smog cleared). The Le Meridian is conveniently located near the Jim Thompson museum and store (amazing silk) and the Patpong Night Market – a lively, pushy, crowded market that opens at dusk and is filled with knock-offs and cheap Thai goods (the silk scarfs are the best deal at the market). While you’re at the Le Meridian, make sure you check out the spa, but if you really want an amazing spa experience, make sure to visit the spa at the Grand Hyatt.

Did you know that Starwood has a program called Nights and Flights?

I have been a loyal Starwood follower for about 3 years now and can’t believe I never knew about this! In fact, I was so skeptical, I called Starwood to test it, and it’s real.

With Nights and Flights, you can redeem Starwood points for 5 free nights AND 50,000 frequent flyer miles (yes, I said AND!!). Redeem 60,000 points for category 3 hotel, you get 5 nights and 50,000 miles or redeem 70,000 points for a category 4 hotel and you get 5 nights and 50,000 miles. The miles must be transferred to a US based air carrier. So essentially, you’re getting 5 nights for 10,000 or 20,000 points at a category 3 or 4 hotel.

So you’re probably thinking to yourself, who wants to stay at a category 3 hotel? Am I going to be stuck at the Four Points by Sheraton near an airport? NO! That’s the best part. Starwood cat 3 and 4 are very good hotels. Here’s some category 3’s, Le Meridian Versailles Montreal, the W Atlanta- Perimeter, Le Meridian Dallas at the Galleria, The Westin Denarau Fiji (I’m going here in December 2011!), Plaza Athenee Bangkok (a Royal Meridien hotel – and I stayed here in 2009, it was great!), Le Meridian Khao Lak (near Phuket Thailand – I spent a week here in 2010 and it’s one of my all-time favorites!). Some of the Category 4s include: The Westin Aruba, The W Montreal, The Le Meridian King Edward Toronto (one of the most historic and beautiful hotels in Toronto) the W Buckhead (Atlanta), the W Santiago Chile, Le Meridian Brussels, The Westin Dublin, Le Meridian Rimini, Italy, Le Meridian Barbaron Seychelles (Prince William and Kate have been here!), the Westin Nusa Dua Bali, Le Meridian Phuket.

Okay, so what’s the catch?? I paid 58,000 points last year (2010) at the Le Meridian Khao Lak (Phuket) for 6 nights. And 48,000 points at the Westin Siray Bay Phuket for 5 nights. This year, I’ve just booked the Westin Denarau Fiji for 5 nights at 60,000 points and Starwood transferred (within 48 hours) 50,000 points to US Air.
Also, don’t forget, right now it’s stay 3 get 1 free at Starwood….more free nights.

If you have 60k or 70k points….this is INSANE deal. Don’t miss out on it.