Giotto's Lodge in Bangkok

I travel on a business account so have the freedom to literally pick any hotel.
Over the past 20+ years, after sampling Bkk's finest, including Oriental, Shangrila, Regent, Erawan, the list goes on forever,etc., I've found that I can eat only so much for the breakfast buffet, be pampered only so much with service/smiles and have recent years gone 'down-market', first to Novotel for many years, and of course now Livingstone's.

I now prefer peace and quiet, to be left alone. In other cities that I visit for business, have also switched over to 'boutique hotels', less rooms, preferably no coffee shop and no traffic except for hotel guests.

Back to subject -in the old days, I never experienced the walk of shame, on the contrary, I would call it the 'walk of envy' to walk into the lobby and then elevator of the top hotels. Mind you, my companion had to be properly dressed so grabbing someone at the Beergarten wasn't always an option.

[QUOTE=Traveler1234]...Back to subject -in the old days, I never experienced the walk of shame, on the contrary, I would call it the 'walk of envy' to walk into the lobby and then elevator of the top hotels. Mind you, my companion had to be properly dressed so grabbing someone at the Beergarten wasn't always an option.[/QUOTE]Traveler1234,

Walk of Envy - that's nice, a complete different POV. I think it depends on how used you are to such a situation, in the beginning you will feel more shame, but if one reaches your mongering levels then it turns to pride :) !


Giotto

I was out Monday night, dragged by one of our ladies to look around a bit.

First we had a dinner, excellent Thai food, a remarkable restaurant: [b]Baan Kanitha. [/b] Located in Soi 23, close to the Sino-Thai building, no other bars/restaurants around – the place was packed. The restaurant is built into an old Thai bungalow, with a garden around. Parking available.

Inside the house on the ground floor approx. 15 tables, upstairs some more (don’t know how many). Outside another 10 tables. When we arrived around 9:30 the place was packed, when we left at 11:00 pm we were amongst the last customers. The food was excellent, we had several Thai dishes – some was hot but not one dish too spicy. The Chicken Massaman needs to be mentioned, outstanding.

The service was very good, too. Always waiters around, very polite and discrete service – Livingstone’s can learn from that. It is not far from us, 5 min. with a taxi, and I will recommend this restaurant to our hotel customers from now on.

That was the good part of the night.

We then went to [b]Country Road[/b] in Soi Cowboy. There is another one in Soi 19 which I know, but I think it is either closed already or will close soon. This time the Country Road in Soi Cowboy. Oh my god.

It is a kind of Beer Bar with a separate pool table area (3 – 4 tables), and a “Live Band” (the band members were so old, that they hardly can be counted to be alive) played Country and Western. And then – a faked Elvis on the stage…yikes. Not many tables, so customer shared, a permanent coming and going. Service was lousy, the staff basically working girls. The quality of the girls – what can I say, no, I don’t say anything. OK, I had a beer in the beer bar, and the happiest moment was when I left the bar after finishing that beer.

We then had a drink in [b]Five Star[/b], as you know my preferred Gogo-Bar (Hard Rock Live Band) in Soi Cowboy. When we entered the band just played the last song of their second session…bad luck. Then a show started. Naked skin can be seen again in Soi Cowboy, complete nudity. The girls then walk to the customer tables, and you can look up and see everything you want to see. But I am sure that many do not want to see what was to be seen there – disturbing views in some cases.

The girls quality in Five Star was never high, it is better to find somebody somewhere else and go there to have a drink and listen to the music. Now, with this show – I am not sure that I will go there in the future again. I really don’t need overweight girls shaking their naked secrets above my beer glass...

Good that I am old already, and need my beauty sleep. It was after midnight already, so we had a reason to go home, without any more bar hopping. And luckily I had no nightmare - about what I had seen that night.


Giotto

[QUOTE=Giotto]I was out Monday night, dragged by one of our ladies to look around a bit.

Giotto[/QUOTE]

Dragged by one of the ladies?? Hmm, isn't that a bit unusual? Usually it would be a male guest dragging you around. And doesn't that sort of violate the hands off policy on the hired help?

[QUOTE=Thor93]Dragged by one of the ladies?? Hmm, isn't that a bit unusual? Usually it would be a male guest dragging you around. And doesn't that sort of violate the hands off policy on the hired help?[/QUOTE]Thor93,

you BESTARD. You enjoyed the life here, and if I want to go out with one of our ladies then you give me this shit :) ???

OK, not a change of policy, I generally do not go out with male guests, only with females :) ! And in this time we needed to discuss some business issues, and wanted to have a look at some "special operations". Don't worry, everything ended at the entrance of Livingstone's, and I slept in my own bed.

(Why the hell do I write all that here? Do I have to justifiy my own nightlife? Come back, man, we have to talk! :) )


Giotto

[QUOTE=Giotto]Thor93,


(Why the hell do I write all that here? Do I have to justifiy my own nightlife? Come back, man, we have to talk! :) )


Giotto[/QUOTE]

I begin my slow journey back to Bangkok tonight with stops in Europe and China first. Since the company is paying I will unfortunately have to rough it up at the Hyatt, but in my heart would rather be down on Soi 33.

But I will tempt fate and come on down to see you - with TGF in tow. I just may need to know the way is all clear from you first though. We can not have TGF and any past experiences there comparing notes. TGF has forgiven me now though and actually has a more open attitude about my indulgences. She recognized that I was not likely to change my ways and that those ways do not necessarily present a threat to her and her access to my wallet. Isn't that what love is all about?

Giotto:

Glad you tried Baan Kanitha. I'm a fan of Thai cuisine and it's one of my favorite restaurants. Good atmosphere as well as delicious food. Glad you mentioned it. I second your commentary.

[QUOTE=Thor93]...
But I will tempt fate and come on down to see you - with TGF in tow. I just may need to know the way is all clear from you first though. We can not have TGF and any past experiences there comparing notes. TGF has forgiven me now though and actually has a more open attitude about my indulgences. She recognized that I was not likely to change my ways and that those ways do not necessarily present a threat to her and her access to my wallet. Isn't that what love is all about?
...[/QUOTE]Thor93,

Just let me know when you come - Starlet will wait for you, longing, horny ... as you know she loves you as well as your wallet :) . She is now ready to get married to a good man!


Giotto

[QUOTE=Giotto]Thor93,

Just let me know when you come - Starlet will wait for you, longing, horny ... as you know she loves you as well as your wallet :) . She is now ready to get married to a good man!


Giotto[/QUOTE]

Having one TG in love with you is already dangerous enough. Adding a second will surely result in either murder or dismemberment.

Thor, you can have your existing TG in love with you, and Starlet in love with your wallet.

NO PROBLEMS

BTW, I was in the sports lounge 10 days ago, and I barely recognized her, she has put on about 5 kg. Thor, you need to take one for the team, and work it off her.........

It is too quiet in Bangkok. Usually it is high season, but - not many tourists in the city. And Soi 33 is quiet too, some busy days, but no business as usual during this time of the year.

I think Thailand has to pay the bill now for all the political problems of the past year.


Giotto

Giotto,

I know what you mean, it has been quite around Bangkok and not just in Livingstones. I would love to see it really busy but I am not complaining when I can come into the club and hand out with 4 or 5 beautiful girls for the evening. I feel like a real VIP. I do hope it picks up soon.

For anyone thinking of coming to Bangkok, it is great. Come now while the crowds are low. I personally feel very safe here, safer than on the streets of New York that is certain.

See you again soon

PIT

[QUOTE=1Ball]Thor, you can have your existing TG in love with you, and Starlet in love with your wallet.

NO PROBLEMS

BTW, I was in the sports lounge 10 days ago, and I barely recognized her, she has put on about 5 kg. Thor, you need to take one for the team, and work it off her.........[/QUOTE]

Nah, the TGF is very protective about the wallet. She is Thai girl through and through, no money, no love.

Giotto,

I have another hotel question that might also be good information for other travelers considering Livingstone's:

I am trying to pack less, so I would like to have laundry done at the hotels. Does Livingstone's offer a laundry service?

Hi G,
Providing all goes to plan, I should be back in town next week on either Wed or Thurs, not sure yet. Im only around until the monday (got to go back this time:D) for an event over the weekend and not sure if I will be able to stay in the lodge. That being said, Im sure it wont be too much to ask to pop by and catch up.
See you next week, Sid.