Here are the doorplate and
key of the Vidal Suite. As you'll see, each one features Vidal's
gilt signature.
Because of Vidal's frequent stays at the Oriental Hotel in Bangkok, the hotel named a suite after him a number of years ago. Actually, the Oriental remodeled its John Le Carré Suite in 2000 and, in the process, renamed it The Gore Vidal Suite, thus vaguely recalling Vidal's assertion: "It is not enough that I succeed. Others must fail."
Below are links to a series of pages with photos of the hotel and the Vidal Suite, including its "autographed" key and doorplate. These photos are on the web site of Alf Erickson, who now rents the suite under an annual lease.
Here are the doorplate and
key of the Vidal Suite. As you'll see, each one features Vidal's
gilt signature.
Quite clearly, the suite is
beautifully furnished and tastefully decorated. Here are more pictures
inside
and looking out.
The Oriental Hotel sits
along the Chao Phya River in scenic Bangkok.
Here's the view out the window
of the suite and also from the
balcony. And here are a few more window
views.
The suite features some Vidal books on
several bookshelves and an office,
left messy here by an occupant.