Pattaya Hotels

[QUOTE=Bunky;2820047]The LK Empress is a solid choice. No issue or fee for joiners. The location is about as good as you can get for your first trip to Pattaya. Just steps from Beach Road, where you can hang out on the beach proper, or catch a baht bus headed south to Walking Street. From the LK Empress, you can also walk easily to Soi LK Metro and Treetown. If Soi Six is on your itinerary, you can walk east to Second Road, then catch a northbound baht bus. There are multiple laundries very close to the hotel. They don't show up on Google Maps, but they're all over the place.

No matter what you want to eat, you'll find it in that area. If you fancy an English breakfast, check out the Swan Pub and the Sportsman Pub. The breakfast buffet at the Lek Hotel is basic, but it's cheap and you can eat poolside. If you like a food court with multiple offerings and air conditioning, you'll want the Central Festival Mall, lower level. Want to try the local food? There are hawker stalls at the Soi Buakaow market, and on the north side of Pattaya Central Road, at the Pattaya Klang Market. Don't forget to have a slice from the Bronx Pizza.

Finally, let me add another endorsement for Nam's Taxi. Sure, you might be able to save a little money by taking the bus. But for the first time visitor hiring a car is the way to go..[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=Nixonbd;2820679]If you want to be literally on top of the action; I'the recommend the LK Metro area to stay. The Areca Lodge is by far the most booked hotel in that area. The LK Metropole is another fine option. The LK Empress, while a fine hotel on the beach; it is a 10 - 15 minute walk to where any of the good action is located. Last point, you can always get scammed by a taxi service or any one of the limo services at the airport exit gates. Best to plan transportation in advance and do not pay upfront. Nam's is a fine service for 1000 to 1200, one-way, depending on the size of the car. They usually provide a bottle of water as well. Happy hunting![/QUOTE]Thanks for your advise, I decided to extend my trip to 21 days and will be spending the first 14 at empress and then the last 7 at KTK Hotel, when booking via agoda I noticed they had a suit for the same price as the regular room at empress so I thought why not, it seems a bit closer to the action as well while not straight on top so I can still get some sleep and silence. Looking forward to the trip although I am still 2 months away, hopefully end of Aug. / early Sept. Isn't a bad time for a vision.

Just to confirm with you, getting money ahead of time is alright but its recommended to do the exchange to local currency at the airport? Cause when doing some research in these threads and youtube videos it seems that using my card is just stupid, I have low cost withdraws abroad from my bank but I assume the exchange rate is still better at the airport and to withdraw a pretty large amount and then bring with me limited amounts daily for "adventures"?

[QUOTE=Kontiki;2823085]Will be spending the first 14 at the LK Empress and then the last 7 at KTK Hotel. When booking via Agoda I noticed they had a suite for the same price as the regular room at the LK Empress so I thought why not. It seems a bit closer to the action as well while not straight on top so I can still get some sleep and silence. Just to confirm, getting money ahead of time is alright but it's recommended to do the exchange to local currency at the airport? Cause when doing some research in these threads and youtube videos it seems that using my card is just stupid, I have low cost withdraws abroad from my bank but I assume the exchange rate is still better at the airport and to withdraw a pretty large amount and then bring with me limited amounts daily for "adventures"?[/QUOTE]KTK HOTEL: I wasn't familiar with this place, so I looked it up online. Looks like they have five different types of suites. They all look OK, to varying degrees. The decor is similar to that at the hotels in the LK chain. Very ornate. Not my cup of tea, but I realize lots of gents like it. As for the location of the KTK Hotel, I see it's east of Second Road and east-south-east of Soi 6. The streets are a little tangled there, so getting from the KTK to Second Road is going to be a bit of a hike. Google maps says it's 550 meters on foot from the KTK to the Corner Bar at the northwest corner of Soi 6 and Second Road. Headed for Walking Street, it's a 900 meter walk to the west end of Walking Street to catch a southbound baht bus. The center of the SOI LK Metro complex is 1,600 meters distant. I hope Mr. Kontiki likes to walk. Otherwise, he'll probably be using motorbike taxis quite a bit.

Choosing a hotel is a very personal thing, and I'm loathe to second guess another gent's choice without knowing much more about his preferences and his budget. But if Mr. Kontiki seeks to stay "closer to the action," he can do a lot better than the KTK. As they say on the interwebs, YMMV.

CHANGING MONEY: Changing money in your home country before flying to Thailand is guaranteed to result in a TERRIBLE exchange rate. Absolutely no reason to do it. Using ATMs in Thailand can be just as stupid. Or it can be a very smart move. That's because the exchange rate can vary depending on what button you push. And the fees can be hefty. Both these problems can be managed. But you need to get smart. There are dozens and dozens of threads on ATM usage that will explain all. If you prefer to just deal in cash, the smooth move is to change at least some money at the airport. But don't use the money changers near the baggage claim. Go downstairs to the lower level and use the money changers near the station for the airport rail link. Again, many threads on this here.

Bunky

[QUOTE=Bunky;2823124]KTK HOTEL: I wasn't familiar with this place, so I looked it up online. Looks like they have five different types of suites. They all look OK, to varying degrees. The decor is similar to that at the hotels in the LK chain. Very ornate. Not my cup of tea, but I realize lots of gents like it. As for the location of the KTK Hotel, I see it's east of Second Road and east-south-east of Soi 6. The streets are a little tangled there, so getting from the KTK to Second Road is going to be a bit of a hike. Google maps says it's 550 meters on foot from the KTK to the Corner Bar at the northwest corner of Soi 6 and Second Road. Headed for Walking Street, it's a 900 meter walk to the west end of Walking Street to catch a southbound baht bus. The center of the SOI LK Metro complex is 1,600 meters distant. I hope Mr. Kontiki likes to walk. Otherwise, he'll probably be using motorbike taxis quite a bit.

Choosing a hotel is a very personal thing, and I'm loathe to second guess another gent's choice without knowing much more about his preferences and his budget. But if Mr. Kontiki seeks to stay "closer to the action," he can do a lot better than the KTK. As they say on the interwebs, YMMV.

CHANGING MONEY: Changing money in your home country before flying to Thailand is guaranteed to result in a TERRIBLE exchange rate. Absolutely no reason to do it. Using ATMs in Thailand can be just as stupid. Or it can be a very smart move. That's because the exchange rate can vary depending on what button you push. And the fees can be hefty. Both these problems can be managed. But you need to get smart. There are dozens and dozens of threads on ATM usage that will explain all. If you prefer to just deal in cash, the smooth move is to change at least some money at the airport. But don't use the money changers near the baggage claim. Go downstairs to the lower level and use the money changers near the station for the airport rail link. Again, many threads on this here.

Bunky[/QUOTE]I haven't stayed at KTK but have stayed at four or five hotels right next to it including the Nova hotels. I actually like the location. You can walk to second road in five minutes including Soi6. So really it's only a five to seven minute walk to second road aka the baht bus route.

The location may not be for all but I like staying in differenr central areas of Pattaya during my trips there just to change things up.

[QUOTE=ButtRavisher;2821503]Hi there everyone.

Me and my friend are going to Pattaya in June. We want to book 1 hotel room for us to stay where we both intend to bring a girl for each of us and indulge in activities together.

We are planning to bring 1 girl each to the room pretty much every evening.

Ideally, I'm looking for the following:

1. No issues bringing 2 "guests" at the same time (since we are renting 1 room with 2 adults staying).

2. No or low joiner fee.

3. Not too far from the action (It's my first visit to Thailand)/ not so far that girls would complain.

4. Safe.

5. Reasonably priced (I understand this is relative so my range is 1200-2600 baht per night).

Thank you for the help! If anyone has any other pointers / tips regarding this, those would be appreciated too.[/QUOTE]No joiner fees at all. Check in guy himself suggested can bring 5 guests all together as per your capacity. Also tried and tested for same. But poor breakfast and pool.

[QUOTE=Bunky;2821852]I must confess the last time I tucked into the breakfast buffet at the Lek Hotel is was pre-COVID. So my bad for recommending it without knowing for sure that it was still on offer. I'm sure on the gents with more current knowledge will update its status. With regard to alternatives, I do know that Casa Pascal no longer offers a breakfast-brunch buffet. That one hit my hard because it was a favorite of mine.
Bunky[/QUOTE]I have boots on the ground now, and can confirm that the buffets at the Lek and Apex are still closed. Although it could be possible that they are only opened for a couple of hours in the morning, like 7 to 10 am or something like that. But I doubt it. I walked by around 11 am.

The good news is that Casa Pascal has reopened their breakfast / brunch buffet. Although for some reason they are closed between June 12 and 23.
And they have increased the prices.

[QUOTE=Mogwai;2824770]I can confirm the buffets at the Lek and Apex are still closed. . . . The good news is that Casa Pascal has reopened their breakfast / brunch buffet. Although for some reason they are closed between June 12 and 23. And they have increased the prices.[/QUOTE]Thanks much to Mr. Mogwai for the information. Pity that the Lek and Apex hotels are not offering a breakfast buffet at this time. They were far from haute cuisine, but they offered a decent bill of fare and value for money. Perhaps when high season is upon us in a few months, they will reconsider. Meanwhile, I'm totally psyched to learn the Casa Pascal has resumed their breakfast / brunch buffet. The food is superb and the surroundings most comfortable. Even at the new higher price of 399 baht (+100 on Sunday) I think it's fairly priced. Don't worry about the 11-day closure this month. I saw a report elsewhere that they're just taking a bit of a holiday.

Bunky

Hey guys, I will visit thailand next months and want to try some unusual thailand experiences with girl. But from all guides on internet a forums I really don't know what is the best way to meet some young lady. Not sure what is best option, call some girl, visit some place, just walk around city. Can you give me some good advices? Don't want to Loose time there.

Gents in been 7 years since I've been back to Pattaya. I am thinking of going in 3 weeks. What is the best girl friendly hotel to stay at close to the action in Pattaya? In the past I've stayed at the Marriott which is now rebranded as something else and the Mercure. Thanks in advance. Also what are some of he hotels that allow early check in? I may arrive Pattaya at 8am from bkk.

I have a discount available to me for the HRH Pattaya I was thinking of using but was wondering about the girl friendliness of the place. Reviewers mention it as a family friendly hotel & the fine print on the website says registered guests only in the rooms. Has anyone stayed there or knows of the reality of the situation of me bringing a friend back to my room for some action. Thanks gents.

[QUOTE=Shemp;2825057]I have a discount available to me for the HRH Pattaya I was thinking of using but was wondering about the girl friendliness of the place. Reviewers mention it as a family friendly hotel & the fine print on the website says registered guests only in the rooms. Has anyone stayed there or knows of the reality of the situation of me bringing a friend back to my room for some action. Thanks gents.[/QUOTE]Rather than "discount" (those corporate discounts are often marketing traps), I'd check a few points.

1) its location vs. The center of night life (whatever this is at your eyes, although they are all pretty much close).

2) guest friendly. All the non chain hotels are definitely girl friendly and eventually just ask for a joiner fee in case you plan a three-some and a second girl joins.

3) its room price incl breakfast (service and vat included) and room level.

4) most of hotels anyhow register the second guest even if it is only for ST. It's for your own security, so that could be a non-issue.

5) Pattaya si still Pattaya, so all hotels have seen anything and everything, they might want to save the face on their formal pages. Then they close their eyes if one is discrete.

[QUOTE=GianniVersace;2825052]Gents in been 7 years since I've been back to Pattaya. I am thinking of going in 3 weeks. What is the best girl friendly hotel to stay at close to the action in Pattaya? In the past I've stayed at the Marriott which is now rebranded as something else and the Mercure. Thanks in advance. Also what are some of he hotels that allow early check in? I may arrive Pattaya at 8am from bkk.[/QUOTE]Unless you are lucky, difficult to get an early check in. Better book from the night before and you can even have breakfast on arrival if part of the room package.

[QUOTE=Flarirne;2825038]Hey guys, I will visit thailand next months and want to try some unusual thailand experiences with girl. But from all guides on internet a forums I really don't know what is the best way to meet some young lady. Not sure what is best option, call some girl, visit some place, just walk around city. Can you give me some good advices? Don't want to Loose time there.[/QUOTE]This is the Pattaya hotel thread, not the general pattaya thread.

As it seems you have a few months ahead, better RTFF and you will get all the answers you need.

People has already spent time in reports and information. Why should they do a concierge service?

[QUOTE=GianniVersace;2825052]What is the best girl friendly hotel to stay at close to the action in Pattaya? In the past I've stayed at the Marriott which is now rebranded as something else and the Mercure.[/QUOTE][URL]https://www.hotelbaraquda.com/[/URL]

The Hotel Baraquda is in central Pattaya, just east of Second Road, steps from The Avenue shopping complex. Easy walk to Soi LK Metro, Treetown and Sois Buakao, Lengkee and Chiyapoon. Northbound baht bus to Soi Six stops right outside the front door on Second Road. To get to Walking Street, you'll have to walk west to Beach Road and catch a southbound baht bus. Google Maps says that's 260 meters.

The "deluxe" room is the standard offering, and it's pretty nice. If you want to splash out, consider booking a suite.

Bunky

[QUOTE=Bunky;2825492][URL]https://www.hotelbaraquda.com/[/URL][/QUOTE]I can agree on the high quality of Baraquda, but keep in mind that Barraquada Pattaya will be closed down from 1st July on for refurbishment.

[QUOTE=Bunky;2825492][URL]https://www.hotelbaraquda.com/[/URL]

The Hotel Baraquda is in central Pattaya, just east of Second Road, steps from The Avenue shopping complex. Easy walk to Soi LK Metro, Treetown and Sois Buakao, Lengkee and Chiyapoon. Northbound baht bus to Soi Six stops right outside the front door on Second Road. To get to Walking Street, you'll have to walk west to Beach Road and catch a southbound baht bus. Google Maps says that's 260 meters.

The "deluxe" room is the standard offering, and it's pretty nice. If you want to splash out, consider booking a suite.

Bunky[/QUOTE]As of December, The Avenue mall has basically nothing open. Some vendors on the lower level on carts and tables, but no place inside to shop.

Granted it's been 6 months since my trip, but I would hardly consider a semi-abandoned shopping mall to be a selling point for their location.