General Reports

BR,

The Thai observe every possible New Year, except Jewish.
They do Western:
Leaving BKK for their homelands upcountry, killing hundreds in the proces. This is right after Christmas, which the Thai observe just to take another holiday:
Leaving BKK for their homelands upcountry, killing hundreds in the proces
They do Chinese:
Leaving BKK for their homelands upcountry, killing hundreds in the proces
And they do Thai (Buddist):
Leaving BKK for their homelands upcountry, killing hundreds in the proces

All this BS starts up to a week in advance and lasts until up to a week afterwards. During this time, travel in the Kingdom is only for the hardy or the stupid.

[quote=jak]just spent nine nights at livingstones over the new year time.

i entered a report under the lodge area the night before i left. i got the eight consecutive nights for the price of six plan, and one of the requirements is that you do a post on the lodge. i originally didn't take this real serious - only thought they wanted to encourage you to post. i was pretty busy, and i was planning on doing my posts after i got back and had some time. to my surprise, when i was looking to settle up my bill the night before i left, guido asked about my post. he said i needed to post and pm giotto to get him to okay my discount. i went to the computer and made a post that focused only on the positives (of course, given the circumstances), and then sent a pm to giotto to check it out.

i had to wait around about fifteen minutes or so afterwards to get guido to come over for the okay on the discount. i had to call my friend and tell him i would have to move our dinner meeting time a hour later, so i wasn't real happy about that.

i'm posting this because i think newbies or others who have never been there need to be aware of the positive posts under the lodge section. although my post was not false, it only focused on positives. if you are looking for a critical analysis of the lodge, i think it will be hard to find. i certainly felt coerced in my post for a discount that evening, and i think you need to look at the posts in that area with a critical eye.[/quote]

mr. peeved,

if you are felling bribed, then there is no reason you must accept the discount. some don't. you could have written a completely honest view of the lodge including negatives. if fact why don't you go back and ammend your post if 24 hours haven't passed, or alternatively put in another review and admit that the previous one was time pressured?

the discount for forum members requires you to make a post. if you didn't do a proper post, why would you expect the discount?
i didn't claim a discount on my recent stay, because i had been too lazy to put in a review at the time also. to busy posting on other things.
so many people are expecting a big discount for doing nothing at all.
too mnay forum members are lazy to post, so unless the posting rule is enforced, they just won't bother. and so defeats the the purpose of having an active thread with lots of reviews about the lodge.t

you are not required to be positive. only honest and hopefully constructive. many guests have pointed out some weaknesses in their view and this helps the lodge improve by attempting to address problems that can be rectified. of course if someone complains that its not a 4 star hotel, its difficult to fix that as depends on what facilities are provided.

no one is being asked to lie about their expereince. the major purpose is really just to show that forum members are continuing to stay at the lodge and to see if they are having fun.
despite this, its true that some reporters may be influenced to ignore some negatives about their stay. it depends on their personality.

the lodge is not a perfect hotel. what hotel is, when employs thai staff, some of whom are reliable and others not? i can't find any hotel in thailand that is perfection and in my price bracket.

Jak,
I would love to see your honest post about the lodge and Im sure I wouldn't be the only one. Having stayed at the Livingstones and also visited purely for the bar, I am very curious to hear what you find negative about the place!
Sid

[QUOTE=Jak]Just spent nine nights at Livingstones over the New Year time.

I'm posting this because I think newbies or others who have never been there need to be aware of the positive posts under the Lodge section. Although my post was not false, it only focused on positives. If you are looking for a critical analysis of the Lodge, I think it will be hard to find. I certainly felt coerced in my post for a discount that evening, and I think you need to look at the posts in that area with a critical eye.[/QUOTE]

Giotto is a big boy and can take criticisim. As has been said, his place is not perfect and is not for everyone. He can be quite stubborn on some things which you can see by reading through the posts about the Lodge. I think he wants people to be honest in their posts. I know they respond to valid complaints.

I think for a newbie, it is probably one of the best places in Bkk to go to. If you can find Giotto there (remember to only ask for the boss) and appear to be lost in the ways of BKK, he will take the time to talk to you very openly and honestly about what your options might be. Try doing that at any other hotel in Bkk.

The offer of a discount for a post is genuine and I don't think there is any presumption or demand that it be positive. I realize it may be intimidating to write something negative while you are still there and might have to actually face him before you check out, but anyone who plays in this world should be man enough to be able to stand behind their words, positive or negative.

Here's Jak's original report (reproduced without permission. ;)) Actually sounds pretty accurate from my experiences staying at the Lodge.[QUOTE=Jak]My last night at Livingstones Lodge. Had a nice time here, and I'm glad I chose this place for my first stay in Bangkok. As it's been mentioned before, this place is like an oasis. My room was large and comfortable, and the king-sized bed was excellent (important for me since I have problems with my back sometimes). The bathroom was spacious and the shower was large with plenty of hot water when I felt like taking a long shower. I really liked the large safe in the room, and the air conditioner worked so well I had to get up in the middle of the night to turn it down a few times.

The pool area is very comfortable to hang out in, and your free breakfast can be had late in the afternoon if you are a late riser (had mine one day at 4:30PM). There is a computer for free internet use off of the pool area. The staff was always friendly, and Guido is an excellent host and always makes you feel welcome.

Since I was hanging out with a friend who lives here, I didn't use the services of the girls that hang out here. But I was very tempted. Several of them stick in my mind and I would have liked to satisfy my curiosity. But no problem, this is a nice place to stay even if you have another agenda than hanging out here at night. I was busy with visits to Thai families, invitations to parties, and various explorations of Bangkok.

I strongly recommend a stay here, especially if you are new to Bangkok. It's definitely worth checking out.[/QUOTE]

Thor is spot-on in his post. Couldn't have said it beter myself:

[QUOTE=Thor93]Giotto is a big boy and can take criticisim. As has been said, his place is not perfect and is not for everyone. He can be quite stubborn on some things which you can see by reading through the posts about the Lodge. I think he wants people to be honest in their posts. I know they respond to valid complaints. ...

I realize it may be intimidating to write something negative while you are still there and might have to actually face him before you check out, but anyone who plays in this world should be man enough to be able to stand behind their words, positive or negative.[/QUOTE]

I always speak highly of the place and recommend it to my friends, because I genuinely enjoy it there on my lay-overs. It's a friendly place with genuine personalized service. However, Jak, remember that it is a business also, not a charity. I'm a great advocate of the Lodge, but I don't expect discounts that I'm not entitled to (and I don't get them :( ).

In my several stays, I haven't had any complaints. One time the receptionist made a mistake on the final bill due to a misunderstanding (it wasn't a big amount). When I pointed it out to Giotto, he checked it out and fixed it. On a layover last year, Giotto proudly showed me my room in the new section of the lodge, which was nice, but I've since pointed out to him I prefer not to have that room again, as I'm a night-owl and a light sleeper (and usually sleep-deprived, jetlagged, shagged and hungover when I stay :)). It turned out that the maids' utility room was near the room, and I was woken by the maids chatting in the morning.

As Thor said, Giotto is a big boy and takes genuine feedback on board and fixes the problems.

[QUOTE=Jak]
...To my surprise, when I was looking to settle up my bill the night before I left, Guido asked about my post. He said I needed to post and PM Giotto to get him to okay my discount. I went to the computer and made a post that focused only on the positives (of course, given the circumstances), and then sent a PM to Giotto to check it out.

I had to wait around about fifteen minutes or so afterwards to get Guido to come over for the okay on the discount. I had to call my friend and tell him I would have to move our dinner meeting time a hour later, so I wasn't real happy about that.

I'm posting this because I think newbies or others who have never been there need to be aware of the positive posts under the Lodge section. Although my post was not false, it only focused on positives. If you are looking for a critical analysis of the Lodge, I think it will be hard to find. I certainly felt coerced in my post for a discount that evening, and I think you need to look at the posts in that area with a critical eye.[/QUOTE]Jak,

There are some rules to get the discount, there is a report in the Giotto's Lodge section in which these rules are listed, here the link:

[URL]http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/showpost.php?p=662806&postcount=14[/URL]

If you knew about the discount you should have read the rules too, then there were no surprise about writing a report. One of the rules is to write a report, for the main reason to support Jacksons forum. He gave me the opportunity to run the Giotto's Lodge forum within is site, and I want to give something back to him.

This reports do not necessarily need to be posted in the Giotto's Lodge forum, many members post about their adventures in Bangkok, when they stay at the Lodge. And - the reports also don't need to be positive about the Lodge, it is also necessary for us to get reasonable feedbacks that we can work on the issues to increase the quality levels of the Lodge.

I then need a PM for the report, because our hotel computer DOES NOT KNOW that you posted a report, and I cannot check all threads permanently. I somehow then have to connect your handle with your real name and room number to make sure that the discount is entered in your bill.

So if you only wrote a positive report about the Lodge to get the discount I would now like to encourage you to write your real opinion in the Bangkok Hotel thread. That would be helpful for other members to make up their mind during the selection process of a hotel - and if there are negatives it would help us to work on the issues.

Sorry for letting you wait 15 min., and causing a delay for your dinner.


Giotto

Hi guys,

Thanks for the feedback. Yes, Giotto, your rules are very clear about the discount process. I'll back down on my feelings expressed about the posting situation. I should have taken them more to heart and accepted them in the more strict manner that they are applied.

I still say that the process probably leaves many to be only focused on the positive about their experiences. If I had never visited and I knew the conditions under which many have posted, I would be leery of what to expect.

That said, I really don't have much to say in any negative critical manner. As I said in my post, my comments were all positive and not false. Big safe in the room, top quality king-size bed, etc. My issue is only with the business decision of what is required for posters getting the discount.

I have repeatedly stayed at many places promoted on the board - Aussie Greg's place in Medellin, Kenn and Gringo Management in Rio, and Jackson's apartment this past summer in B.A. I've never gone negative and got into petty bashing. I work in a service business and deal with people all the time. I know there are people that will just have problems no matter what. Actually, in the interest of being fair, I used the services of Gringo Management this summer with the intent of giving an objective posting of my experiences of the service since they are being bashed all the time on the board.

Anyhow, my post was not to convey that I had a bunch of grievances to air - I had a good experience and would consider staying there in the future or recommending it. Yes, no place is perfect, and I roll with little stuff, so I wouldn't even bother to nit-pick. I would just be leery of any business I'm considering using that has a model that has clients posting for the management before getting a discount.

Jak,

You can't let it go as you posted! You are quoted in your first paragraph " I'll back down on my feelings about posting situation " but yet the remainder of your post suggest otherwise!

" My issue is only with the business decision of what is required for posters getting discount "

"I would just be leery of any business I'm considering using that as a model that has clients posting for the management before getting the discount "

Being in the service industry my whole life before retiring I went beyond the level of service required in my job and took shit because I had to believe that the customer was always right! But the rules are very cleared, you stay 9 days and pay for 6 I believe! at 2500 baht a night I say you got more than a discount Jak!

What really should have matter is whether you had a good time? Instead your harping on and on because you were a little late for lunch or dinner and that wasn't because of Giotto rule. Look in the mirror and you will see the problem buddy! If I had the money to stay at Giotto place. I would have check-in picked up a lady at his bar, snag her left and right and in between go downstairs to do my post and end of story!

LBM

I was more interested in finding out what wasnt up to scratch at G's place, however, I have inadvertently fell upon this discount he is offering, in the mean time! WOW! 3 nights free? I'd gladly write a post on an internet forum for 7500bht! Thats more than 100quid!!! I cant imagine (well actually, I can:D ) what I'd do in BKK with a saving like that!!
Sid

Hello friends,

3 questions -

1) Heard the Chinese new year is starting from Feb 7 or sometime around then and the celebrations will go on for 2 weeks... does it impact the prices / quality / quantity of gals available in BKK? Am concerned coz it looks like I may be down there during that period.

2) If using protection, is mongering safe in BKK?

3) Is HCM city (Vietnam) cheaper for mongering or do you get the bang for your buck better in BKK?

Thanks,
-R.

[QUOTE=Jak]...
I still say that the process probably leaves many to be only focused on the positive about their experiences. If I had never visited and I knew the conditions under which many have posted, I would be leery of what to expect.
...[/QUOTE]Jak,

Thanks for your feedback.

It is not the first time that we have this problems with the discount administration rule - I simply don't know how to do that a better way than we try it at the moment.

I still want that guests applying for the discount support this forum, and after having given the discount many times for guests which promosed to "write the report later" (and it never happened) we are today a bit more strict with the rules.

Thanks anyway, for staying at Livingstone's Lodge and your report, I think it was worth the discussion and helps others to write a report early and avoid the problems.

Hope to see you again at the Lodge one day.


Giotto

[QUOTE=Rbamane]
3) Is HCM city (Vietnam) cheaper for mongering or do you get the bang for your buck better in BKK?[/QUOTE]

Not qualified to answer #1 and #2, but can tell you that Thailand (BKK and PTY) is definitely a huge step up from HCMC for what you want. It's possible to find a little available in Saigon for about the same price, but there is nothing even close to the volume or selection available in Thailand. No go-gos, no discos packed with working girls, no massage parlors like those in Thailand, it just doesn't compare at all. Dead, in comparison.

And if you are traveling at Chinese New Year, Vietnam is a tough place to travel to then -- it's Tet holiday, and room rates get raised, as they get fully booked, and it's tough to get seats on planes, trains and buses.

Excellent... good response
[QUOTE=Member #2041]You're absolutely correct - they're mostly all ugly. I suggest you stay home, or keep frequenting those other venues you are used to, and leave the ugly Thai ladies for all of the rest of us.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Rbamane]2) If using protection, is mongering safe in BKK?[/QUOTE]Oh God, yes. Ninety-nine point nine nine percent.

At least better than the SW crack *****s in Canada.

Do you practice DATY, use no condom for BJ?

[QUOTE=PinkPearl]Oh God, yes. Ninety-nine point nine nine percent.

At least better than the SW crack *****s in Canada.

Do you practice DATY, use no condom for BJ?[/QUOTE]

I don't practice DATY
I prefer BBBJCIM [no condom, cum in mouth] (luved that from Viets in Singapore) - is that advised against in BKK?