Four Seasons Bangkok in a Nutshell
Four Seasons Bangkok in a Nutshell
The buzzsaw noise of tuk-tuks and motorbikes and exhaust-spewing buses flying down busy Rajdamri Road, one of the main arteries connected to the heart of Bangkok, become an afterthought once guests step into the serene Four Seasons Bangkok. Here Thai-Buddhist chic meets old colonial glamour in a hotel consistently ranked amongst the city's top luxury options.
Opened in 1983 and operated by Four Seasons since 1992, Four Seasons Bangkok presents a rich Thai aesthetic manifested throughout the property.
It's in the captivating silk murals handpainted on the lobby's high ceiling, in museum-like glass cases displaying Thai antiquities, even in designer cocktails with playful takes on Thai fruits and cuisine.
There are Western-style flourishes too, of course, such as live jazz music in the Art Deco-inspired lobby lounge, and modern guest room amenities such as flat-screen plasma TVs. Still, Four Seasons Bangkok radiates with that welcoming feel of being far away from home in its tropical outdoor spaces graced with leafy-green palm trees and plants, orchids and lotus flowers, koi and Golden carp.
Yes, there are reminders everywhere here that you are, indeed, very much in Thailand.
See a Guest Room >
Guest Rooms at Four Seasons Bangkok
With its 354 rooms and suites located in several different courtyards/wings, Four Seasons Bangkok maintains a sense of spaciousness no matter the occupancy rate.
Cavernous cabana rooms in the lush central courtyard near the pool are particularly appealing for couples: with no sound but birds chirping in the morning and the soft whir of the cranked-up air-conditioning, at times it felt like we were on a secluded jungle retreat, not in the middle of one of the busiest parts of Bangkok.
The 559-square feet "rooms" resemble large, well-equipped studio apartments. Save for a single piece of art hung near wooden sliding doors that open onto a small patio with table and chairs overlooking the courtyard, there's not much in the way of décor in the cabana. It's all about space, privacy, and amenities, and that's just fine.
Rooms include a 42-inch plasma TV (with access to expensive pay-per-view movies, plenty of cable channels, and a large, free streaming library of music by type and artist), writing desk, CD/DVD player, tea and coffee makers, and soft, king-sized bed with plush pillows that make it difficult to get out of bed in the morning. A walk-in closet, with safe, is near the cabana's private entrance, just before the marble bathroom.
Speaking of the bathroom, it's probably big enough to sleep in and comes stocked with big, fluffy towels, bathrobes and slippers, water bottles (don't drink tap water in Bangkok), soaps and shampoos from L'Occitane, and toothpaste and brushes.
The shower and bath tub are separate (the latter large enough to comfortably accommodate one person); his-and-her sinks are a nice touch.
Taste the Food >
Dining at Four Seasons Bangkok
There's something for every taste among Four Seasons Bangkok's four restaurants, three lounges, and café on the premises. The Bed and Breakfast package includes a sprawling breakfast buffet loaded with baked goods, made-to-order eggs, pancakes, waffles, fresh fruit juices, yogurts, cheeses, cereals, Asian selections, sausages, bacon, and more.
Shintaro is a smallish Japanese bistro specializing in sushi and sashimi, Spice Market serves Thai fare (this was the most crowded of the bunch during our stay), and Biscotti does Italian.
(Though I didn't get a chance to try it myself, I have it on good authority that Biscotti's wood-fired focaccia with mascarpone and truffle oil is bad news, in a good way.)
Madison is a contemporary-styled steakhouse (with a number of selections for vegetarians too) that wouldn't seem out of place in uptown New York. We were seated at a candle-lit table in one of a few private booths to the side and given cold lemongrass-scented hand towels to start. Soft jazz music fills the dining area.
Service was friendly and attentive without being overbearing, and the atmosphere was quite romantic. Unfortunately the food was uneven, at least that night. Our two starters were both delicious: Caesar salad with juicy shrimp and freshly shaved parmesan, and blue fin tuna tartare drizzled in ginger soy, topped with avocado and watercress, and served on ice. My wife enjoyed the "turf" part of her surf and turf, but felt the lobster was a bit chewy; my grilled halibut with sweet corn purée was also a little tough, and the sauce was a puzzling match that detracted from, instead of enhanced, the fish.
Mocha and Muffins is a cute cafe/bakery on the other side of the courtyard, opposite Madison, that's perfect for a quiet cup of coffee and one of its homemade strawberry doughnuts or sausage rolls — provided you can get one before Bangkok locals snatch them up. The rolls literally sell by the hundreds every day.
Locals also regularly join tourists in the lobby lounge for afternoon tea, as well as for Sunday brunch, an indulgent affair featuring cuisine from all of the hotel's restaurants.
Weddings, Four Seasons Bangkok Style >
Destination Weddings at Four Seasons Bangkok
Ample facilities and personal planning services from onsite specialists are available for lavish weddings at Four Seasons Bangkok: if you want it, chances are you can have it here.
Plush ballrooms can accommodate up to 600 guests for larger weddings, while outdoor garden hideaways cater to smaller gatherings. All details are fully customizable, from the gourmet catering menu (sample) to the floral arrangments and table decorations.
Four Seasons' wedding planners also can assist couples with the paperwork and legal documentation for getting married in Thailand, which can save a lot of time and possible confusion. (Marriages performed and registered here are recognized in the United States; traditional Western ceremonies in which the bride and groom exchange vows are not required.)
Elaborate weddings will of course translate to the happiest, most-perfect day of your life, but just in case the magnitude of expectation begats fits of stress, Four Seasons Bangkok offers use of the fitness facilities during your stay to help work it off, as well as a courtesy suite for the newly married couple on their wedding night.
For Honeymooners >
Honeymoons at Four Seasons Bangkok
Regardless of your length of stay--many honeymooners check into Four Seasons Bangkok for just a few nights before moving onwards to explore other parts of Thailand--a number of romantic extras, such as in-room Champagne breakfasts and picnic baskets for two (and perhaps a few surprises too), are available to help make the experience truly special.
In our room, we found a basket of fresh fruit and a vase of roses, as well as flower petals in the shape of a heart and kissing towel swans on the bed.
Let the staff know you're "just married" before your arrival.
Four Seasons' Romantic Getaway package consists of a four-hour spa treatment for two that includes a coffee scrub, floral foot and body baths, and aromatherapy massage. Popular with guests and locals alike, the spa was unfortunately booked full during our weekend stay, so we had to settle for (or perhaps, more accurately, be taunted by) its pleasant scent of lemongrass that filled the second-floor lobby every time we walked by it on the way to our cabana. Book your treatment(s) as far in advance as possible.
A selection of other packages is available. Tour of Thailand is a customizable one that allows guests to book any combination of stays at resorts in Bangkok, Koh Samui, Chiang Mai, and the super-luxe and exclusive Tented Camp Golden Triangle outside Chiang Rai.
What to Do While You're Here >
Activities at Four Seasons Bangkok
If You Just Want to Relax: North American travelers checking in directly after a loooong flight to Bangkok might be thinking one of two things: where's the pool, and/or where can I get a drink?
Beautifully located in a quiet, leafy courtyard of shady palm trees and small koi ponds, and lined with cushy deck chairs, the 82-foot lap pool at Four Seasons Bangkok is reportedly the largest in Bangkok and a relaxing spot to unwind.
While you're lying there, look up: the looming high-rise condominiums and hotels that surround the Four Seasons will enhance your sense of having escaped to a true urban oasis. Ask the staff for complimentary frozen fruit and, of course, sunglasses cleaning. (Here's a picture of me rinsing off at the poolside waterfall shower).
While guests can certainly order a drink at the pool, the stylish open-air terrace bar Aqua is an ideal spot for some non-poolside imbibing. Covered by a retractable roof and located at one end of the high-end Parichart Court Shopping Garden, Aqua serves beer, cocktails, wine, light meals, and fresh fruit juices. Try one of their signature Thai-inspired drinks, such as the Mango Sticky Rice, a play on the sinful Thai dessert with a vodka and Malibu base.
The Spa at MSpa offers a variety of massages, treatments, and packages, including one for couples.
If You Want to Burn Some Calories: Four Seasons Bangkok's basement 24-hour fitness room has everything you could need: free weights, treadmills, stationary bicycles, etc.
Guests can also join regular yoga and aerobics classes free of charge, as well as use the squash court.
Discover Bangkok >
Things to Do Near Four Seasons Bangkok
The location of Four Seasons Bangkok couldn't be better for exploring one of the world's most remarkable cities.
With the Ratchadamri station of the fast, efficient, frigidly air-conditioned BTS Skytrain located just outside the hotel entrance, getting to many of the most-common sights on visitors' to-do lists is a cinch. Skytrain fares range from 15 - 40 baht, depending on the length of the voyage.
The hotel concierge can hail a taxi and tell the driver where you're going in Thai. In general, taxis are the next-best way to get around the city, with the meter starting at just 35 baht. Most trips, regardless of how long you might get stuck in traffic (very likely scenario), shouldn't cost more than 120 baht, on the high end. Unlike in some cities (like, ahem, New York), drivers do not expect big tips and will appreciate whatever you give them. You'll likely make a cabbie's day by adding just 20 - 40 baht on top of the fare.
Like most cities, the very best way to experience Bangkok is on foot. There's so much to see and do within easy walking distance of the Four Seasons, including these two highlights:
Lumpini Park - My favorite green space in the city, best experienced from 5pm until dark when the afternoon heat has subsided and locals come out to jog, picnic by small lakes, or join free aerobics classes (love those!). Friendly cats, dogs, turtles, and monitor lizards--huge ones, with a taste for human flesh--roam freely.
Just kidding about the human flesh part.
CentralWorld Plaza - The largest "lifestyle complex" in Southeast Asia: shopping galore, more than 100 restaurants, indoor ice-skating rink, banks/ATMs, grocery stores, pharmacies, teen-friendly hangouts, and a luxe cineplex. Concerts and other special events are often held outdoors on the plaza; in November and December it's taken over by four massive beer gardens. Find even more consumerist pleasure just around the corner from CentralWorld at Siam Paragon, Siam Square, and Platinum Fashion Mall; skip Gaysorn Mall (drab).
What Could Be Improved >
Four Seasons Bangkok Would Be Perfect If...
From the gracious staff to the thoughtfully appointed rooms, Four Seasons Bangkok gives guests very little room for complaint.
In terms of inclusive amenities and services, the hotel is fairly generous: aerobics and yoga classes, a tea or coffee wake-up call, and 24-hour access to the health club (where if you don't feel like working out you can always just enjoy a cappuccino and plate of fresh fruit while everyone else sweats it out) are just a few examples.
One thing I was disappointed that wasn't offered, however, is complimentary in-room wi-fi access, a guest amenity many luxury hotels are increasingly making standard. The Executive Club package is an optional upgrade that includes standard (read: wired) in-room Internet access along with other business-friendly services, but at this writing wi-fi wasn't among them.
As mentioned earlier, dinner at Madison was hit-and-miss.
Another minor nitpick: a choice of daily newspapers, including Wall Street Journal Asia and The Bangkok Post, is another courtesy included with all rooms. However, I didn't receive any copies after making my selection and hanging the card on my room door shortly after checking in.
What to Expect >
Four Seasons Bangkok attracts an international clientele of business travelers and vacationers. Due to the brand's popularity and name recognition in North America and Europe, you'll likely see a lot of Americans and Europeans here, but it's also popular with travelers from Hong Kong and Japan.
The hotel exudes elegance and classic Thai charm from the moment you step into the sweeping lobby, its high ceiling swathed in bright, handpainted-silk murals.
Together with the hotel's showpiece, a mesmerizing wall-to-wall Buddhist temple-style mural at the first-floor staircase, as well as sculptures and antiques throughout the premises, it's a mini-museum of Thai treasures.
Honeymooners or couples of any age should find Four Seasons Bangkok ideal for a romantic getaway. It's unreasonable to expect no kids at the pool or at the table next to you at dinner, but we didn't see many during our stay and weren't bothered by them.
If you want to all but guarantee peace and quiet during breakfast or evening cocktails, consider the Executive Club package. Instead of having breakfast at Madison or Aqua, Executive members can enjoy it in the relative privacy of the seventh-floor Executive Club. That's also where inclusive hors d'oeuvres and unlimited drinks (beer, wine, liquor) are served daily after 5:30pm.
Find Out More >
Contact Information:
Four Seasons Bangkok
155 Rajadamri Road
Bangkok, Thailand
+66 (0) 2 126-8866
Official Hotel Website
As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary accommodation and meals for the purpose of reviewing those services. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.
The buzzsaw noise of tuk-tuks and motorbikes and exhaust-spewing buses flying down busy Rajdamri Road, one of the main arteries connected to the heart of Bangkok, become an afterthought once guests step into the serene Four Seasons Bangkok. Here Thai-Buddhist chic meets old colonial glamour in a hotel consistently ranked amongst the city's top luxury options.
Opened in 1983 and operated by Four Seasons since 1992, Four Seasons Bangkok presents a rich Thai aesthetic manifested throughout the property.
It's in the captivating silk murals handpainted on the lobby's high ceiling, in museum-like glass cases displaying Thai antiquities, even in designer cocktails with playful takes on Thai fruits and cuisine.
There are Western-style flourishes too, of course, such as live jazz music in the Art Deco-inspired lobby lounge, and modern guest room amenities such as flat-screen plasma TVs. Still, Four Seasons Bangkok radiates with that welcoming feel of being far away from home in its tropical outdoor spaces graced with leafy-green palm trees and plants, orchids and lotus flowers, koi and Golden carp.
Yes, there are reminders everywhere here that you are, indeed, very much in Thailand.
See a Guest Room >
Guest Rooms at Four Seasons Bangkok
With its 354 rooms and suites located in several different courtyards/wings, Four Seasons Bangkok maintains a sense of spaciousness no matter the occupancy rate.
Cavernous cabana rooms in the lush central courtyard near the pool are particularly appealing for couples: with no sound but birds chirping in the morning and the soft whir of the cranked-up air-conditioning, at times it felt like we were on a secluded jungle retreat, not in the middle of one of the busiest parts of Bangkok.
The 559-square feet "rooms" resemble large, well-equipped studio apartments. Save for a single piece of art hung near wooden sliding doors that open onto a small patio with table and chairs overlooking the courtyard, there's not much in the way of décor in the cabana. It's all about space, privacy, and amenities, and that's just fine.
Rooms include a 42-inch plasma TV (with access to expensive pay-per-view movies, plenty of cable channels, and a large, free streaming library of music by type and artist), writing desk, CD/DVD player, tea and coffee makers, and soft, king-sized bed with plush pillows that make it difficult to get out of bed in the morning. A walk-in closet, with safe, is near the cabana's private entrance, just before the marble bathroom.
Speaking of the bathroom, it's probably big enough to sleep in and comes stocked with big, fluffy towels, bathrobes and slippers, water bottles (don't drink tap water in Bangkok), soaps and shampoos from L'Occitane, and toothpaste and brushes.
The shower and bath tub are separate (the latter large enough to comfortably accommodate one person); his-and-her sinks are a nice touch.
Taste the Food >
Dining at Four Seasons Bangkok
There's something for every taste among Four Seasons Bangkok's four restaurants, three lounges, and café on the premises. The Bed and Breakfast package includes a sprawling breakfast buffet loaded with baked goods, made-to-order eggs, pancakes, waffles, fresh fruit juices, yogurts, cheeses, cereals, Asian selections, sausages, bacon, and more.
Shintaro is a smallish Japanese bistro specializing in sushi and sashimi, Spice Market serves Thai fare (this was the most crowded of the bunch during our stay), and Biscotti does Italian.
(Though I didn't get a chance to try it myself, I have it on good authority that Biscotti's wood-fired focaccia with mascarpone and truffle oil is bad news, in a good way.)
Madison is a contemporary-styled steakhouse (with a number of selections for vegetarians too) that wouldn't seem out of place in uptown New York. We were seated at a candle-lit table in one of a few private booths to the side and given cold lemongrass-scented hand towels to start. Soft jazz music fills the dining area.
Service was friendly and attentive without being overbearing, and the atmosphere was quite romantic. Unfortunately the food was uneven, at least that night. Our two starters were both delicious: Caesar salad with juicy shrimp and freshly shaved parmesan, and blue fin tuna tartare drizzled in ginger soy, topped with avocado and watercress, and served on ice. My wife enjoyed the "turf" part of her surf and turf, but felt the lobster was a bit chewy; my grilled halibut with sweet corn purée was also a little tough, and the sauce was a puzzling match that detracted from, instead of enhanced, the fish.
Mocha and Muffins is a cute cafe/bakery on the other side of the courtyard, opposite Madison, that's perfect for a quiet cup of coffee and one of its homemade strawberry doughnuts or sausage rolls — provided you can get one before Bangkok locals snatch them up. The rolls literally sell by the hundreds every day.
Locals also regularly join tourists in the lobby lounge for afternoon tea, as well as for Sunday brunch, an indulgent affair featuring cuisine from all of the hotel's restaurants.
Weddings, Four Seasons Bangkok Style >
Destination Weddings at Four Seasons Bangkok
Ample facilities and personal planning services from onsite specialists are available for lavish weddings at Four Seasons Bangkok: if you want it, chances are you can have it here.
Plush ballrooms can accommodate up to 600 guests for larger weddings, while outdoor garden hideaways cater to smaller gatherings. All details are fully customizable, from the gourmet catering menu (sample) to the floral arrangments and table decorations.
Four Seasons' wedding planners also can assist couples with the paperwork and legal documentation for getting married in Thailand, which can save a lot of time and possible confusion. (Marriages performed and registered here are recognized in the United States; traditional Western ceremonies in which the bride and groom exchange vows are not required.)
Elaborate weddings will of course translate to the happiest, most-perfect day of your life, but just in case the magnitude of expectation begats fits of stress, Four Seasons Bangkok offers use of the fitness facilities during your stay to help work it off, as well as a courtesy suite for the newly married couple on their wedding night.
For Honeymooners >
Honeymoons at Four Seasons Bangkok
Regardless of your length of stay--many honeymooners check into Four Seasons Bangkok for just a few nights before moving onwards to explore other parts of Thailand--a number of romantic extras, such as in-room Champagne breakfasts and picnic baskets for two (and perhaps a few surprises too), are available to help make the experience truly special.
In our room, we found a basket of fresh fruit and a vase of roses, as well as flower petals in the shape of a heart and kissing towel swans on the bed.
Let the staff know you're "just married" before your arrival.
Four Seasons' Romantic Getaway package consists of a four-hour spa treatment for two that includes a coffee scrub, floral foot and body baths, and aromatherapy massage. Popular with guests and locals alike, the spa was unfortunately booked full during our weekend stay, so we had to settle for (or perhaps, more accurately, be taunted by) its pleasant scent of lemongrass that filled the second-floor lobby every time we walked by it on the way to our cabana. Book your treatment(s) as far in advance as possible.
A selection of other packages is available. Tour of Thailand is a customizable one that allows guests to book any combination of stays at resorts in Bangkok, Koh Samui, Chiang Mai, and the super-luxe and exclusive Tented Camp Golden Triangle outside Chiang Rai.
What to Do While You're Here >
Activities at Four Seasons Bangkok
If You Just Want to Relax: North American travelers checking in directly after a loooong flight to Bangkok might be thinking one of two things: where's the pool, and/or where can I get a drink?
Beautifully located in a quiet, leafy courtyard of shady palm trees and small koi ponds, and lined with cushy deck chairs, the 82-foot lap pool at Four Seasons Bangkok is reportedly the largest in Bangkok and a relaxing spot to unwind.
While you're lying there, look up: the looming high-rise condominiums and hotels that surround the Four Seasons will enhance your sense of having escaped to a true urban oasis. Ask the staff for complimentary frozen fruit and, of course, sunglasses cleaning. (Here's a picture of me rinsing off at the poolside waterfall shower).
While guests can certainly order a drink at the pool, the stylish open-air terrace bar Aqua is an ideal spot for some non-poolside imbibing. Covered by a retractable roof and located at one end of the high-end Parichart Court Shopping Garden, Aqua serves beer, cocktails, wine, light meals, and fresh fruit juices. Try one of their signature Thai-inspired drinks, such as the Mango Sticky Rice, a play on the sinful Thai dessert with a vodka and Malibu base.
The Spa at MSpa offers a variety of massages, treatments, and packages, including one for couples.
If You Want to Burn Some Calories: Four Seasons Bangkok's basement 24-hour fitness room has everything you could need: free weights, treadmills, stationary bicycles, etc.
Guests can also join regular yoga and aerobics classes free of charge, as well as use the squash court.
Discover Bangkok >
Things to Do Near Four Seasons Bangkok
The location of Four Seasons Bangkok couldn't be better for exploring one of the world's most remarkable cities.
With the Ratchadamri station of the fast, efficient, frigidly air-conditioned BTS Skytrain located just outside the hotel entrance, getting to many of the most-common sights on visitors' to-do lists is a cinch. Skytrain fares range from 15 - 40 baht, depending on the length of the voyage.
The hotel concierge can hail a taxi and tell the driver where you're going in Thai. In general, taxis are the next-best way to get around the city, with the meter starting at just 35 baht. Most trips, regardless of how long you might get stuck in traffic (very likely scenario), shouldn't cost more than 120 baht, on the high end. Unlike in some cities (like, ahem, New York), drivers do not expect big tips and will appreciate whatever you give them. You'll likely make a cabbie's day by adding just 20 - 40 baht on top of the fare.
Like most cities, the very best way to experience Bangkok is on foot. There's so much to see and do within easy walking distance of the Four Seasons, including these two highlights:
Lumpini Park - My favorite green space in the city, best experienced from 5pm until dark when the afternoon heat has subsided and locals come out to jog, picnic by small lakes, or join free aerobics classes (love those!). Friendly cats, dogs, turtles, and monitor lizards--huge ones, with a taste for human flesh--roam freely.
Just kidding about the human flesh part.
CentralWorld Plaza - The largest "lifestyle complex" in Southeast Asia: shopping galore, more than 100 restaurants, indoor ice-skating rink, banks/ATMs, grocery stores, pharmacies, teen-friendly hangouts, and a luxe cineplex. Concerts and other special events are often held outdoors on the plaza; in November and December it's taken over by four massive beer gardens. Find even more consumerist pleasure just around the corner from CentralWorld at Siam Paragon, Siam Square, and Platinum Fashion Mall; skip Gaysorn Mall (drab).
What Could Be Improved >
Four Seasons Bangkok Would Be Perfect If...
From the gracious staff to the thoughtfully appointed rooms, Four Seasons Bangkok gives guests very little room for complaint.
In terms of inclusive amenities and services, the hotel is fairly generous: aerobics and yoga classes, a tea or coffee wake-up call, and 24-hour access to the health club (where if you don't feel like working out you can always just enjoy a cappuccino and plate of fresh fruit while everyone else sweats it out) are just a few examples.
One thing I was disappointed that wasn't offered, however, is complimentary in-room wi-fi access, a guest amenity many luxury hotels are increasingly making standard. The Executive Club package is an optional upgrade that includes standard (read: wired) in-room Internet access along with other business-friendly services, but at this writing wi-fi wasn't among them.
As mentioned earlier, dinner at Madison was hit-and-miss.
Another minor nitpick: a choice of daily newspapers, including Wall Street Journal Asia and The Bangkok Post, is another courtesy included with all rooms. However, I didn't receive any copies after making my selection and hanging the card on my room door shortly after checking in.
What to Expect >
Four Seasons Bangkok attracts an international clientele of business travelers and vacationers. Due to the brand's popularity and name recognition in North America and Europe, you'll likely see a lot of Americans and Europeans here, but it's also popular with travelers from Hong Kong and Japan.
The hotel exudes elegance and classic Thai charm from the moment you step into the sweeping lobby, its high ceiling swathed in bright, handpainted-silk murals.
Together with the hotel's showpiece, a mesmerizing wall-to-wall Buddhist temple-style mural at the first-floor staircase, as well as sculptures and antiques throughout the premises, it's a mini-museum of Thai treasures.
Honeymooners or couples of any age should find Four Seasons Bangkok ideal for a romantic getaway. It's unreasonable to expect no kids at the pool or at the table next to you at dinner, but we didn't see many during our stay and weren't bothered by them.
If you want to all but guarantee peace and quiet during breakfast or evening cocktails, consider the Executive Club package. Instead of having breakfast at Madison or Aqua, Executive members can enjoy it in the relative privacy of the seventh-floor Executive Club. That's also where inclusive hors d'oeuvres and unlimited drinks (beer, wine, liquor) are served daily after 5:30pm.
Find Out More >
Contact Information:
Four Seasons Bangkok
155 Rajadamri Road
Bangkok, Thailand
+66 (0) 2 126-8866
Official Hotel Website
As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary accommodation and meals for the purpose of reviewing those services. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.