Pattaya Hotels

[QUOTE=LittleBigMan;1457736]Regarding the advice on bringing a helmet don't! Unless you actually live here don't! Why it will be gone as soon as you leave it hanging unless you can fit it under the seat or what to carry it everywhere you go don't.[/QUOTE]I brought a helmet over last year and left it with friends at Jomtien. It is not an integral helmet, but is CE approved. It fits under the seat of some 125 cc rental scooters. There is no room for another helmet after that, though, so LBM has a valid point: what's the use if you have to carry it around if you have passengers. I use it as much as possible. I haven't shopped for motorcycle gear at Pattaya, but Bangkok prices seem seem pretty much the same as EU online prices so maybe I should have bought one here. I had an extra one at home and it did fit into my suitcase.

[QUOTE=LittleBigMan; 1457736]Just look and speak with confidents and off you go? And if not, ask them the infraction and to save time and money?[/QUOTE]Sound advice! I have never been in a situation in Thailand where that was needed. Is there a protocol? Do you have to be discreet about it or can you offer the money openly? In West Africa a policeman once took my money in the middle of a street, counted it and asked: "Are you offering a bribe to me?" "No, sir," I replied,"could you kindly pay the fine in behalf of me because I'm in a hurry". He asked for more. I kindly refused on the grounds that I didn't have any more. When being asked for a permit, I handed over my library card. He took it and said I could come and collect it the next day at the station with the money. Needless to say, that cop still has my library card.

I got stopped yesterday on 2nd road in front of Mikes Shopping Mall, so I guess the checkpoints can be anywhere. I handed over the International Permit, a copy of a passport and a valid license from a European Union country and that was enough. Some other farangs were being ticketed. It looked like they pulled over everybody, including Thai nationals.

Had a good looking room on ground floor for about 1200Baht (online booking) incl. good breakfast (rel. to price).

A girl told me, room is recently renovated. Clean. Free WiFi, also worked in my room. Safe in room. The pool I did not like, because small, and always in the shade.

Because just in middle of Soi 8, easy to use a Bahtbus from / to Walking Area, or Soi 6. I can recommend it for a budget.

[QUOTE=Kurre; 1458869]I brought a helmet over last year and left it with friends at Jomtien. It is not an integral helmet, but is CE approved. It fits under the seat of some 125 cc rental scooters. There is no room for another helmet after that, though, so LBM has a valid point: what's the use if you have to carry it around if you have passengers. I use it as much as possible. I haven't shopped for motorcycle gear at Pattaya, but Bangkok prices seem seem pretty much the same as EU online prices so maybe I should have bought one here. I had an extra one at home and it did fit into my suitcase.

Sound advice! I have never been in a situation in Thailand where that was needed. Is there a protocol? Do you have to be discreet about it or can you offer the money openly? In West Africa a policeman once took my money in the middle of a street, counted it and asked: "Are you offering a bribe to me?" "No, sir," I replied,"could you kindly pay the fine in behalf of me because I'm in a hurry". He asked for more. I kindly refused on the grounds that I didn't have any more. When being asked for a permit, I handed over my library card. He took it and said I could come and collect it the next day at the station with the money. Needless to say, that cop still has my library card.

I got stopped yesterday on 2nd road in front of Mikes Shopping Mall, so I guess the checkpoints can be anywhere. I handed over the International Permit, a copy of a passport and a valid license from a European Union country and that was enough. Some other farangs were being ticketed. It looked like they pulled over everybody, including Thai nationals.[/QUOTE]There is a Mityon parts store on Pattaya Tai between Sukhumvit and 3rd road closer to the Big C, around Soi 15, yellow front. They have all the helmets you need there and prices are as high as 40, 000 baht for a helmet. Although at night on Sukhumvit when I'm angry I have topped off on my PCX 130KM / H, with my 600 baht helmet knowing it wouldn't make a bit of a difference asking the man to take me like LT. Dang in Forrest Gump. Usually I do my normal which is 40-60KM / H gets me from point A to B without a problem and relax I don't see buying a fancy helmet that would most likely be ripped off even if you put it under the seat? If someone see you I myself can pop your seat up in a few seconds tops!

Yes you are right there is a new checkpoint on Second, just outside Mikes a cop on each side. Never been stopped there always wearing helmet and look Thai. At night of course outside police box 2nd and Pattaya Tai. 3rd road and Pattaya Tai across from Tony.

If I do get stopped it usually because I actually did the infraction and if I don't have time or don't want to go through the trouble of going to Soi 9, waiting / paying and then return to the cop to get my license I usually say how much fine? Soi 9, busy, can you pay fine for me I slip the money and give me my license and off I go.

LBM

Checked into Sea Me Spring hotel and I would recommend this hotel for the great location. Very close to all the action and the rooms are quite large with good views. Took the deluxe room but I am sure the standard rooms must also be of good standard. If you bring a lady back, they ask for the original I'd which they retain till the she goes back. I got a call from the reception to check if all was fine when my girl went to collect her I'd. I feel this is a good practice which adds to your safety.

[QUOTE=Member #2635;1461087]Checked into Sea Me Spring hotel and I would recommend this hotel for the great location. Very close to all the action and the rooms are quite large with good views. Took the deluxe room but I am sure the standard rooms must also be of good standard. If you bring a lady back, they ask for the original I'd which they retain till the she goes back. I got a call from the reception to check if all was fine when my girl went to collect her I'd. I feel this is a good practice which adds to your safety.[/QUOTE]Are there any boards or posters outside the hotel advertising rated lower than agoda.

Just checking, saw the mixed reviews on ta, so am deciding between this and Areca.

Has anybody booked April suites, or their sister August Suites before. Can see only non cancellable rates on agoda. Please help!

[QUOTE=CorporateMalaya;1464411]Has anybody booked April suites, or their sister August Suites before. Can see only non cancellable rates on agoda. Please help![/QUOTE]To corporatemalaya.

That is the hotel policy if you don't like it just pick another hotel without non cancellable policy just that simple.

Fast Eddie 48

I will be staying in Pattaya for three nights in December, and have already booked at Jasmine Hotel, and Galaxy Suites, which apparently is right above a gogo bar. I plan to stay at or as close to the Walking street as possible. I have read some remarks in this forum, but there is not much on Jasmine and Galaxy. I am not concerned about lack of sleep or the overtly tourist aspect of Walking street. Any suggestions or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

[QUOTE=CorporateMalaya;1464411]Has anybody booked April suites, or their sister August Suites before. Can see only non cancellable rates on agoda. Please help![/QUOTE]Many places go for that policy during high season. All LK hotels as well. Look around a little and you find good ones without the trouble.

Tim

[QUOTE=Seaman Timmy;1469456]I especially am looking for a large hot tub in the room.[/QUOTE]Check out the Dusit D2 Baraquda Hotel:

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

They offer a "Studio Suite" room that features a large jacuzzi tub that might be what you are looking for.

The Dusit D2 is centrally located and convenient to Walking Street, Soi LK Metro and Soi 6.

Bunky

Have recently stayed at these hotels for almost a week each time. Here's my personal take on them.

LK The Empress: While scouting found that the prices thru most sites (including the Hotel website) were almost the same. However as I was contemplating on the place, the availability on the hotel site quickly evaporated from the hotel site (3 wks. Prior to actual stay, during off season). However I managed to find the same rooms available on Expedia.

Room: Sea View deluxe with Jacuzzi and balcony (US $100) –B / F and Internet incl.

Location: Walkable distance to Walking street / Soi-6 / Soi-LK Metro (some may not prefer it, but I don't mind a 10min walk taking in the views and I do walk at a reasonable pace).

Girl Friendly: Yes. (They do collect the ID but I don't see them paying much attention to. The call back as the girl leaves is sort of hit and miss).

Walk of shame: They don't fckg care.

B / F: B / F ok (If you eat pork, you have got better choice).

Rooms are big & clean with a convenience store attached to the hotel. Small Pool and Ok Gym. I haven't seen any kids (and very few families) during my stay and that is a big plus for me – my sole purpose of staying there being mongering. The Jacuzzi in my room worked pretty fine.

Cons: Not much really. Probably the price in case of a longer stay. It was ok for me as I just stayed hardly for a week and I monger only for 3 4 few weeks in a year.

Hard Rock: Just wanted to try another hotel. Booked Hard Rock thru Late-Stays (lower than Hotel site).

Room: City View deluxe _B / F and internet incl. (US $100)

Location : Closer to Soi-6. However better take the Baht bus if you want to arrive fresh at Walking Street.

Girl Friendly : Yesss. I did confirm with them by mail on guest policy as I read contrasting reports on different blogs. First girl of the night is allowed in free. Second one 1200Baht.

Walk of shame : Mixed. Some at the reception give you the look, some don't. If you are particular, you would notice the uneasiness- of course they say nothing. However they do check the I'd thoroughly. For one of the girls with me, the photo wasn't clear and they weren't happy about it- though they let her in finally when I requested.

B / F: Nice spread.

Rooms are modern and very clean. Food quality is pretty good, although a bit expensive expectedly. Staff friendlier than LK if I had to compare. I think the rest is pretty much standard Hard Rock- nice pool, Gym etc.

The biggest CON for me was that it had too many families / tour groups / a few children. Probably that was the reason the reception gave me the uneasy look every time I brought in a girl early. Having said that I had no issues whatsoever bringing girls and had them with me almost every night. (A few others did too).

Personally, among the two, for pure mongering purposes I would prefer LK the Empress for the location & presence of fewer families. However both are not cheap and probably not economically ideal for a very long stay. Having said that, I am not sure of the long term rates on either.

And don't forget Mr. Bubble!

Is Areca cool with a double take-away, my first booking with them next month. Can somebody visualize for me the process at the reception when bringing your friend in. Read some reports in TA on peoples safes being pilfered by housekeeping. Any experiences or tips, thanks.

[QUOTE=ConquerorVal;1468861]Any suggestions or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.[/QUOTE]Would have to give it Jasmine, it is very quiet, all you will hear is this slight base from the bars. Unless you want to splurge and stay at Siam Bayshore which is around 2, 400.

[QUOTE=Bro2012; 1470427]Are you in there Tom? With a couple of those Kitten Club girls?

Seaman Timmy. When you fire up your PH tub. Don't forget Mr. Bubble! Really helps to enjoy the Jacuzzi Sex[/QUOTE]No, I was not in there yet. I was busy trying to flood the room out with bubbles.

There is a trick to get the most out of Mr. Bubble. Once the water fills over the jets, then pour in some Mr. Bubble, and then turn on the water jets. The girls love to play with the bubbles; it's fun watching them.