I'm staying at the Millennium Hilton on the shore of the Choa Phraya River.

The Thai people have an aversion to confrontation. So I felt a little bad bullying my way into the hotel's Executive Lounge (but just a little). Hilton now has a program where Gold and Diamond members can "choose their benefit," including free internet access or an upgrade to a room on the Executive Lounge floor.

I decided to take the free internet access (since this hotel charges an outrageous $22 a day). So I didn't expect a room upgrade but I still expected access to the Executive Lounge. I had to talk to three different managers before someone made it happen. I am an Ameri-CAN, after all.