Pattaya Hotels

[Member #4698]

Well, that's pretty much about it, any question post here.

Specifically, which Darkside Bars did you like and why? So little is reported here on the Darkside Bar scene. A short trip report and bar review would be greatly appreciated. (It would probably be best to post your response in the Pattaya Reports thread. Thanks.)

[Old New Guy]

Made it back after some 8 months. I had a good first night, but rather wanted to mention something about the area where I'm staying, that is east of sukhumvit, knwon as "near Siam country club", it is actually a very large area. Yes there is life here. I would say if you are staying for less than a week it may not be worth researching, but for a longer time it may give you the advantages of of being much less touristic and alot quieter, better priced and generally more welcome. It has cons as well, to which I'll go in a moment.

First of all, there is a lot of funky clubs out there. Some are more like the classic bars, some more Thai style with the dark glass doors and allusive neon signs. What is there inside will be a kind of surprise, I can say for sure do not expect the freshest selection, but a friendly bunch. The area is very popular with expats, perhaps the older ones. I think if you are easy going and especially from UK or Australia, you'll find a lot of them here.

There are basically no hotels around except some sort of economical resorts, but many apartments complex that can rented for the day, week, or month. Currently I pay bt 1,000 a day for a very large room, meaning I have a dining table and area, and I don't feel crushed by the walls as in the typical budget accommodation. The owner, an Asian foreigner, is a good friend of mine and has demonstrated that he's do everything to make sure that I'm safe and comfortable. I'm also renting a bike from him for Bt 115 a day.

The cons is that you can't really do without a bike here. The mototaxi charges just too much for what is fair and realistic, but what makes it miserable is that they behave as if they are doing a favor to you, beside being not always available. The ladies may be less than enthusiastic about, and complain a little, but I think that it can create occasion for an attitude test because in reality is just 5 more minutes from any other place, and can be kind of a test, if she complains too much you can offer the choice of taking 50 baht and be left there.

Well, that's pretty much about it, any question post here.

[Cosmic30]

In Soi 10 Serenotel has just opened. I like this location. 3 times in sea me spring too, since Serenote is new, I checked their rates through facebook. 2800 sea view 2000 city view. Seems fair. Maybe some forum member checked it out already (beginner's problems?

[Dan D Dick]

I stay there often, typically in a suite & I pay $116 US per night (used to be right at $100 US). Contact the hotel directly & ask to speak with Mr. Nopporn. I'll be back April 10 for a little over two weeks. Perfect location walking out onto Wlaking Street; in fact I'm often there a few weeks & never go out the front.

/ dddick.

[Bunky]

I will be in Pattaya early April. I make this trip for my 65th birthday. When traveling I like staying in good hotels, but I this case I do not want to pay Marriott prices but something about 100-120 EUR per night. Obviously girl friendly and with the possibility to bring two girls if I like to do it.

If Mr. 55 is considering the Marriott, we know he is looking for relatively upscale lodging. A man after my own heart. He will be arriving after most of the winter holiday visitors have departed, so he should be able to find a nice place to stay for a reasonable tariff.

I have long recommended the Whitehouse Condotel on Soi 13, between Second Road and Beach Road. The location is very convenient, but that little stretch of Soi 13 is surprisingly tranquil. Mr. 55 should consider the one bedroom suite, which is a very comfortable place to stay. There is also a nice rooftop pool, although it's on the small side. My only complaint about the Whitehouse Condotel is that none of the rooms, no matter how grand, have a very nice view. So if you're looking for a view, find another hotel.

Across the street from the Whitehouse is the Hotel Baraquda. This is another hotel with a perfect location. The one bed room "jacuzzi suite" is big and lavish and very contemporary in design. This hotel used to be called the "Dusit D2," so when you search for photos and reviews on this board or elsewhere use that name.

The LK Renaissance is just east of Second Road and steps from the LK Metro entertainment zone, as well as from Soi Buakaow and all the places to hang out there. It also offers one bedroom suites. I don't care for the overwrought decor, but that's me. Lots of punters swear by this place. You can get some good rates by joining the hotel's frequent guest program.

The Page 10 is on Soi 10, between Second Road and Beach Road. They offer one suite, called the "Suite 808," which has the biggest damn bathroom in Pattaya, plus two balconies, plus a very nice rooftop pool with a killer view of the ocean. They also have a number of "Junior Suites," which are a trifle smaller. My only complaint about the Page 10 is that it's close to a noisy beer bar complex and the music is a little much when you're trying to sleep. If you book there, ask for a room on the north side of the building.

On the same street is the Sea Me Spring, which offers a "Sea Deluxe Room" that has an ocean view.

In low season all of these hotels can probably be booked for roughly 3000 baht per night. You may find better deals on Agoda, or my negotiating directly with the hotel via e-mail.

Finally, be advised that all those hotels have no problem with bringing back ONE girl. But some hotels have a problem with bringing back TWO. Usually this can be resolved with the payment of a joiner fee. But if the two girl thing is important to you it's best to be clear about the hotel's policy.

Bunky

P.S. As for the Battle of the Breakfast Buffets, I like the Apex too. (Mostly because I like hot tea with my meal and that's readily available at the Apex. On the other hand, the poolside tables at the Lek are a little nicer, it seems to me.) I think anybody looking for a cheap place to have breakfast should try both the Apex and the Lek. Or just sleep in later and skip right to lunch.

[TellAll]

Better food at APEX (on 2nd road between Diana and Soi 11} 10 be'fast for 1100 be (in October) 10 dinner for 1800 be (as I remember it).

You buy a book of coupons from the people selling "Daily rate meal tickets" at the desk on the right as you enter the dining facility.

Apex Rooms are in the 650 be range. Not fancy. But for myself, I go native. Which is easy "Dta pood Thai dai" (If speak Thai can. Literal translation) A ROOM is a place to keep one's STUFF and SLEEP (after "other activities") I've never been there during "Hi season" but I might try it in 2015.

For me lodging is the first priority. I Stay for long period so a dump would not do for me. I have been in the Apex. It is unkept, walls were dirty and place was run down. I guess if you needed a place to store suitcases it would do, but for lodging not for me.

[Dinghy]

LODGING ON WALKING STREET:

Mr. Lefeu presents a reasonable counterargument. There are lots of gents who are perfectly happy staying in a modest hotel, such as the P72. And there are lots of gents who enjoy the hustle and bustle of neighborhoods like Walking Street in Pattaya and the Zona Norte in Tijuana. If Mr. 55 is that kind of guy he should look into Walking Street Hotels.

My personal taste is different. At this stage in life I prefer more upscale lodging. I love Pattaya for its laid-back beach vibe, for its cosmopolitan population and most of all for its multiple naughty boy options. But as I think most of the guys around here would agree, when one is on holiday it's unwise to go full speed all the time. So I like a little down time to recharge. Sure, there are public places to do that. Quiet beers bars where you can have a pint and a laugh with your mates on a slow afternoon. Hole-in-the-wall restaurants on the east side of Soi Buakaow. Cool dark cinemas. But when I need a break from all things Pattaya (or, heaven forbid, I need to get some work done) it's important to me to have a place that's entirely my own. A nice hotel in a quiet part of town (like Soi 13) fits the bill perfectly. As they say on the Interwebs, YMMMV.

OPINION OF THE LEK HOTEL:

I concur that the Lek Hotel is an older property that's seen better days. But the location is perfect, especially for a first time visitor. You can easily catch a baht bus headed south on Beach Road to Walking Street. If you're headed for Soi Six you can just as easily catch a baht bus headed north on Second Road. You can walk to Soi LK Metro via Soi Diana in just a few minutes. (Seriously. Even if you hate to walk, the Lek Hotel is close to everything.) If you're the type who comes all the way to Thailand and still patronizes American franchises, the Lek Hotel is steps from a McDonald's and a Starbucks. Plus The Avenue shopping center is across the street. Finally, the Lek Hotel offers a breakfast and dinner buffet, served poolside. It's not haute cuisine. But the tariff is modest and the bill of fare features both Thai and western food.

So again, if you're looking for a modestly-priced hotel where the staff is nice and the location is convenient, check out The Lek.

Bunky

Better food at APEX (on 2nd road between Diana and Soi 11} 10 be'fast for 1100 be (in October) 10 dinner for 1800 be (as I remember it).

You buy a book of coupons from the people selling "Daily rate meal tickets" at the desk on the right as you enter the dining facility.

Apex Rooms are in the 650 be range. Not fancy. But for myself, I go native. Which is easy "Dta pood Thai dai" (If speak Thai can. Literal translation) A ROOM is a place to keep one's STUFF and SLEEP (after "other activities") I've never been there during "Hi season" but I might try it in 2015.

[OldGentleman]

Dear friend Taurus,

Open agoda page enter your date choose hotels near walking street either on beach road or adjacent roads.

It is very small place smaller than Koti area.

Request, wear decent clothes, smell good, talk slowly, go for hunting alone, pay correctly.

For soapy you have Sabai, Sabai dee, honey 1 and 2 , Rasputin.

Take care enjoy.

Ogm

[Isc55]

I did not expect that my thread of 29.12. 14 would cause so many, and different, comments! Many thanks to all of you for your opinions and advice. They have been very useful, although I can not say that now I have things more clear!.

Yesterday Bunky said that to have more information about my trip would help to give more accurate advice. OK! Here it is: I will be in Pattaya early April after visiting Niannmar and Chiang Mai for ten days. I make this trip for my 65 birthday. When travelling I like staying in good hotels, but I this case I do not want to pay Marriott prices but something about 100-120 EUR per night. Obviously girl friendly and with the possibility to bring two girls if I like to do it.

Thanks again for the new advice and comments I am sure I will receive. I will try to compensate with a detailed thread when back at home.

[Mogwai]

Hello,

We are a group of 12 people and would be coming to Pattaya on the 8/01-11/01 and was looking out for a decent hotel near walking street.

Since all of us are 1st time travelers to Pattaya request the forum members if anyone can suggest a good hotel.

Thanks,

Tarus

Just read the thread Pattaya Hotels.

[Mogwai]

And one woman for all?

And one condom?

[BionicMan]

Are you looking for one or two rooms?

And one woman for all?

[Tarus89]

Are you looking for one or two rooms?

Hello,

We have booked rooms in ibis Pattaya.

Thank you for your reply.

Thanks,

Tarus

[Bunky]

LODGING ON WALKING STREET:

Mr. Lefeu presents a reasonable counterargument. There are lots of gents who are perfectly happy staying in a modest hotel, such as the P72. And there are lots of gents who enjoy the hustle and bustle of neighborhoods like Walking Street in Pattaya and the Zona Norte in Tijuana. If Mr. 55 is that kind of guy he should look into Walking Street Hotels.

My personal taste is different. At this stage in life I prefer more upscale lodging. I love Pattaya for its laid-back beach vibe, for its cosmopolitan population and most of all for its multiple naughty boy options. But as I think most of the guys around here would agree, when one is on holiday it's unwise to go full speed all the time. So I like a little down time to recharge. Sure, there are public places to do that. Quiet beers bars where you can have a pint and a laugh with your mates on a slow afternoon. Hole-in-the-wall restaurants on the east side of Soi Buakaow. Cool dark cinemas. But when I need a break from all things Pattaya (or, heaven forbid, I need to get some work done) it's important to me to have a place that's entirely my own. A nice hotel in a quiet part of town (like Soi 13) fits the bill perfectly. As they say on the Interwebs, YMMMV.

OPINION OF THE LEK HOTEL:

I concur that the Lek Hotel is an older property that's seen better days. But the location is perfect, especially for a first time visitor. You can easily catch a baht bus headed south on Beach Road to Walking Street. If you're headed for Soi Six you can just as easily catch a baht bus headed north on Second Road. You can walk to Soi LK Metro via Soi Diana in just a few minutes. (Seriously. Even if you hate to walk, the Lek Hotel is close to everything.) If you're the type who comes all the way to Thailand and still patronizes American franchises, the Lek Hotel is steps from a McDonald's and a Starbucks. Plus The Avenue shopping center is across the street. Finally, the Lek Hotel offers a breakfast and dinner buffet, served poolside. It's not haute cuisine. But the tariff is modest and the bill of fare features both Thai and western food.

So again, if you're looking for a modestly-priced hotel where the staff is nice and the location is convenient, check out The Lek.

Bunky

[Daddy San]

Are you looking for one or two rooms?

Let's take bets on the nationality of these guys!