Hot Deal

Fans of the Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong can now enjoy the same brand of swank accommodation in Bangkok. The Peninsula Group's latest venture opened in November in Thonburi on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, giving each of the 370 rooms and suites at The Peninsula Bangkok an expansive river view. The hotel also runs a ferry service to the opposite riverbank for easy access to the Chareon Krung and Silom shopping areas--giving newly arrived guests the option of checking-in on the east bank if roads are congested. The following specials run from Jan. 6 to Sept. 30: the "debut package" rate of $175 a night (single or double); the "Pen plus package," offering rooms from $240 (with the third consecutive night free); and the "romance package," a two-night stay for $568 with champagne, breakfast and three-course dinner served in your room. Locals can also enjoy a one-night stay for $155 (double), which includes brunch in the hotel's Cilantro restaurant. Get details from the hotel at 662-861-2888, or online at www.peninsula.com.

R E L A T E D  N E W S :

Here's another great deal, available only to U.S. residents planning to visit Thailand: Book the Cathay Pacific $999 Internet All-Asia Pass (offering 31 days in Asia via Hong Kong) and receive a special "Internet Intelligence" rate at the Grand Hyatt Erawan in Bangkok. The hotel is offering a special nightly rate of $95 (Friday to Sunday nights) and $125 Monday to Thursday) by showing proof that you're a Cathay Pacific "Cyber Traveller". This deal cannot be booked on the Hyatt website (www.hyatt.com), but only through registering online at Cathay Pacific's USA website (www.cathay-usa.com). All travel must be completed by Dec. 19, 1999, and you will still have to book your air ticket with a travel agent after registering at the Cathay Pacific website. Two other great reasons for anyone to stay at the Grand Hyatt Erawan--the Hyatt Great Deal rate (with rooms from $148/night) and the Night After Nights promotion, offering free nights and bonus airmiles, both continue until February 28, 1999. The hotel also boasts the world's largest collection of contemporary Thai art, which gets regularly displayed in its grand atrium lobby. The hotel can be reached by calling 662-254-1234 or by fax at 662-254-6308; or by e-mail at reservation@erawan.co.th.

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