Pattaya Hotels

[QUOTE=BadDances; 1308049]Hello all, I am planning on being in Thailand for a week and a half from the states. My intention is to be in Bangkok for two days, then to either Phuket or Pattaya for 6 days then back to Bangkok, maybe a day trip to Agnor what (can't be all mongering).

I am planning on doing this in style and I have seen pictures of hotels with what looks like private pools to take their guests. Can you suggest a hotel like that in Pattaya? If there are Hilton, Hyatts or Starwood resort / hotels that are GF would be a bonus since I have a high status at all of them.

Any input would be appreciated. I know Phuket is really the place to go but with the news about some unfriendly native action lately I may avoid. I do want to be here to escape and relax as well as have some fun.

Thanks in advance.[/QUOTE]The best hotel, with a great pool, and great location in Pattaya is the Marriott. Most however are too cheap to go there. The pool at the Marriott is 10x's better than the Dusit.

I am a Gold member so no issues for me.

[QUOTE=Duckie44;1309234]Since members are from many different countries, giving prices in USD isn't very helpful. How would you like it, if I mentioned prices in Swedish crowns?[/QUOTE]Yeah, giving prices in about 30+ currencies would be real helpful. LOL.

Oanda. Com or any of hundreds of sites (not to mention just about all hotel booking sites) have currency converters.

For boutique hotels. A couple of favorites are the Moonlight off Soi Yensabai and Four Seasons Place (not related to the global chain) off of Pattaya Tai. For more mainstream, reliable, comfortable, a bit more out of pocket. The usual: Holiday Inn, Hard Rock, the new Hilton at Central are hard to go wrong with. The new Centara Grand is nice, but don't the entry level rooms are particularly tiny, you'll want to get a suite. Also a bit out of the way if you don't own a car.

[QUOTE=Luvpuss; 1309275]The best hotel, with a great pool, and great location in Pattaya is the Marriott. Most however are too cheap to go there. The pool at the Marriott is 10x's better than the Dusit.

I am a Gold member so no issues for me.[/QUOTE]On the map it looks like the Dusit is right next to the Marriott. I choose the Dusit because it looked newer and the rooms are bigger? The terrass Suite in Marriott is 54m² with a small bed 130-150 cm. In the Dusit its 80 m² and with a huge bed 181. 210 cm.

You are most definitively a more experienced visitor of Pats then me (since I have never been there) so I would really like it if you could elaborate why the Marriott is so superior.

[QUOTE=BambiJacobson]On the map it looks like the Dusit is right next to the Marriott. I choose the Dusit because it looked newer and the rooms are bigger. The terrace suite in Marriott is 54m² with a small bed 130-150 cm. In the Dusit its 80 m² and with a huge bed 181. 210 cm. You are most definitively a more experienced visitor of Pats then me (since I have never been there) so I would really like it if you could elaborate why the Marriott is so superior.[/QUOTE]The Marriot and the Dusit D2 are very close to each other. The Marriott is marginally closer to the beach and Walking Street, but the Dusit is closer to the scene on Soi LK Metro. So in my opinion, neither location is better. The Dusit is newer. If I recall correctly, it was built in 2008 or 2009. But the Marriott is well maintained, so there's no difference there either.

Both hotels offer several types of rooms, so it's important to be specific when comparing. If Mr. Jacobson has booked an 80 square meter suite at the Dusit D2 that means he'll be staying in the "D'Suite." This is the finest suite available and it's pretty nice:

[url]http://www.dusit.com/dusit-d2/en/dusitd2-baraquda-pattaya-accommodation/d-suite.html[/url]

As you can see from the attached photo, the suite occupies two levels. I like contemporary and modern design, so I think the D'Suite is spectacular. It's also plenty big, so if you were inclined to have your mates over there would be more than enough space in the living room to hang out. The windows and balcony of the D'Suite face east overlooking the swimming pool.

Speaking of which, the pool at the Dusit D2 isn't as large as the pool at the Marriott. And it doesn't get as much sun because it's in a courtyard and shaded by the surrounding buildings. I happen to like that because it's quieter and more private. But I get that some people like a giant pool with lots of people lounging about. If that's your preference, the Marriott probably has the edge.

In summary, the Dusit D2 is a smaller boutique property while the Marriott is a bigger, more "resort" like hotel. Both are rather expensive (unless you're a Road Warrior using your frequent traveler benefits.) But if you've got the dough, they are ideal places for any Two Week Millionaire.

Bunky

[QUOTE=BambiJacobson;1309404]I would really like it if you could elaborate why the Marriott is so superior.[/QUOTE]1. The pool / garden area is 100% nicer at the Marriott. There is no comparison in ambiance between the Marriott pool garden area and the D2. Considering the D2's price, their pool is a concrete rip off and not worthy of a 4* hotel property. By comparison check out the Tim Boutique roof top pool. The Tim Boutique pool is nicer than D2's pool and Tim Boutique has pretty nice rooms for 60$/night. A good pool is a very important place to relax when in Pattaya because as everyone knows, the Pattaya beach is polluted.

2. The Marriott has a much better location and layout than D2. The Marriott has a 2nd hotel entrance / exit from the garden area directly onto Beach Road. I make use of it frequently both day and night. At night, I always take my girls back to my room via the garden entrance. It is very discreet. I just say hello to the guard and he salutes us as we enter. The guard is the only person we see when entering the premises. There is no need to enter through the lobby unless you want to.

3. Although expensive, the Marriott breakfast buffet has a huge offering of European, Chinese, and Indian dishes, fresh fruit, juices, and smoothies. D2's offering is not nearly as good.

D2 is the newer property, but I am not a fan of the franchise. I think it is way overpriced. I once stayed at the Chiang Mai D2 and was not impressed. Since I am not necessarily a fan of modernistic, minimalism, interior decoration, and really enjoy relaxing around a great pool, and do not have a lot of excess cash to burn, I prefer the Marriott hands down. When, however, I can't get the good rate at the Marriott for 3400bt due to booking demand, I am happy to stay at Tim Boutique and save some real money. D2 is just not on my list of preferred hotels in Pattaya.

[QUOTE=ProfetaPk; 1308124]Hi Greco,

For the hotel in Pattaya I would raccomend.

[url]http://www.baansouy.com/[/url]

Between walking street and jomtien beach. Great location, brand new and the defenitily the place is GF.

Cheers[/QUOTE]Look's nice, but couldn't help but notice all the "places of interest" are of the gay variety. Not that there's anything wrong with it. If I can't walk to Walking Street, then it's too far for me, LOL.

[QUOTE=Natty Bumpo; 1310604]1. The pool / garden area is 100% nicer at the Marriott. There is no comparison in ambiance between the Marriott pool garden area and the D2. Considering the D2's price, their pool is a concrete rip off and not worthy of a 4* hotel property. By comparison check out the Tim Boutique roof top pool. The Tim Boutique pool is nicer than D2's pool and Tim Boutique has pretty nice rooms for 60$/night. A good pool is a very important place to relax when in Pattaya because as everyone knows, the Pattaya beach is polluted.

2. The Marriott has a much better location and layout than D2. The Marriott has a 2nd hotel entrance / exit from the garden area directly onto Beach Road. I make use of it frequently both day and night. At night, I always take my girls back to my room via the garden entrance. It is very discreet. I just say hello to the guard and he salutes us as we enter. The guard is the only person we see when entering the premises. There is no need to enter through the lobby unless you want to.

3. Although expensive, the Marriott breakfast buffet has a huge offering of European, Chinese, and Indian dishes, fresh fruit, juices, and smoothies. D2's offering is not nearly as good.

D2 is the newer property, but I am not a fan of the franchise. I think it is way overpriced. I once stayed at the Chiang Mai D2 and was not impressed. Since I am not necessarily a fan of modernistic, minimalism, interior decoration, and really enjoy relaxing around a great pool, and do not have a lot of excess cash to burn, I prefer the Marriott hands down. When, however, I can't get the good rate at the Marriott for 3400bt due to booking demand, I am happy to stay at Tim Boutique and save some real money. D2 is just not on my list of preferred hotels in Pattaya.[/QUOTE]This did it for me. I cancelled the room at D2 and ordred at Marriott instead. Turns out they have a Gulf of Siam view suite that is not listed on Booking. Com which I normally use. Thanks for the very useful feedback all of you! Love this forum!

By the way. My plane lands at 06. 00 Thai time. What would you say would be a realistic ETA at the Marriott?

Regards,

BJ

[QUOTE=Nixonbd;1310712]Look's nice, but couldn't help but notice all the "places of interest" are of the gay variety. Not that there's anything wrong with it. If I can't walk to Walking Street, then it's too far for me, LOL.[/QUOTE]Ah ah seen that, very true. They are only of that variety. Often web ad cintent, themes, refer to websites we often visit. Ooooops, does this mean that we both. LMAO? Undoubtedly the place has a certain orientation also from the main picture. What does that girl has to do in there? Each one his own. Mine is different.

By the way. My plane lands at 06. 00 Thai time. What would you say would be a realistic ETA at the Marriott?

If you pre book your taxi to pick you up, you could be easily be at the Marriot 08:30. The main delay factors are the airport immigration and baggage collection, they are not as efficient as Singapore or Korea but better than the UK by a long way. 1000 baht will get you a taxi to Pattaya going fast they can now do it in 1 hour 15 mins maybe quicker with a Lewis Hamilton wanabe.

May the force be with you.

[QUOTE=BambiJacobson; 1309404]On the map it looks like the Dusit is right next to the Marriott. I choose the Dusit because it looked newer and the rooms are bigger? The terrass Suite in Marriott is 54m² with a small bed 130-150 cm. In the Dusit its 80 m² and with a huge bed 181. 210 cm.

You are most definitively a more experienced visitor of Pats then me (since I have never been there) so I would really like it if you could elaborate why the Marriott is so superior.[/QUOTE]I see you changed to the Marriott.

Good move.

The pool may be the best in Pats. Very big with a great swim up bar.

It has a direct connection to Beach Road.

Also connected to a mall with shops and resturants

The girls love this place.

Ask for a room as high floor as possible.

Gents,

I've narrowed down my hotel search to Dusit D2 and Tim Boutique. Which would you choose and why?

Thanks

Its probably been mentioned here allot, But the Greenery house is a great deal and a nice place for cheap. It was around 650 when I was there last. Its a bit of a walk to Walking Street, cause the Baht taxi rout doesn't really pass there. But if you have a bike, its perfect. Its on Soi Bucaow by that open air market they have a couple times a week

[QUOTE=LukeSkyWanker; 1310825]If you pre book your taxi to pick you up, you could be easily be at the Marriot 08:30. The main delay factors are the airport immigration and baggage collection, they are not as efficient as Singapore or Korea but better than the UK by a long way. 1000 baht will get you a taxi to Pattaya going fast they can now do it in 1 hour 15 mins maybe quicker with a Lewis Hamilton wanabe.

May the force be with you.[/QUOTE]I never travel with luggage that has to be checked in, only hand luggage. A wheeled carry'on for my clothes and a small bag with a strap to have over my shoulder for my iPad and other stuff I want to have handy in the plane. That way I can step right out of the plane and skip all the fuss of waiting for my luggage which might be lost. I see there is an immigration line that people say take about 20-30 minutes though. Can't really circumvent that I guess.

Do you guys know the rules of what they allow you to bring into Thailand I terms of cigarettes? I smoke a special brand that is not available outside my country so I'd like to bring like 10-15 packets. Would that be a problem?

[QUOTE=BambiJacobson]Do you guys know the rules of what they allow you to bring into Thailand I terms of cigarettes? I smoke a special brand that is not available outside my country so I'd like to bring like 10-15 packets. Would that be a problem?[/QUOTE]A few seconds on Google found this official looking web site:

[url]http://www.thaiconsulatechicago.org/clate/cus-clear.html[/url]

It appears the limit is 200 cigarettes.

There are anecdotal reports on several travel sites that this is strictly enforced and that the fine for being over the limit is rather stiff.

Bunky