Located across from the American Embassy, the Hotel Athenee was a good base camp for our four nights in Bangkok. The rooms and public areas were in in great shape. The front desk staff was very attentive and helpful. The only negatives were the lack of training in he food and beverage department. We dined one night at Smooth Curry, which was very understaffed and our waiter was not able to answer any of our questions about he menu, level of spiciness, etc. we had drinks and lunch at the pool the next day and it took nearly 20 minutes to mix a cocktail and ankh her 40 minutes for food to arrive. The breakfast buffet has an amazing range that appeared to satisfy almost any ethnic culinary desires.