Bangkok Hotels

[QUOTE=Hoboken Michael]air conditioning and light switches are interconnected and so air conditioning shuts off automatically when not in room.[/QUOTE]

This is actually quite common outside the US, for energy savings. I've never seen it done at a US hotel. The tricky part is that you'll go out to get a bucket of ice or something and lock yourself out!

In the UK I've seen the hallway lights rigged with timers and motion detectors to shut off and save energy. Not sure it's worthwhile when they're all fluorescents to begin with.

In Bangkok, the power authority saves energy for you by occasionally failing. I can say from experience that there is no place on earth quite as dark as the Lodge's upstairs interior hallway during a power outage.

[QUOTE=Etaoin2003]This is actually quite common outside the US, for energy savings. I've never seen it done at a US hotel. The tricky part is that you'll go out to get a bucket of ice or something and lock yourself out![/QUOTE]
It is quite easy to overcome this by keeping at hand an old card door key from a previous hotel and insert it in the mainswitch slot of your room.
Those switches do not operate with the magnetic strip of the room card but simply by the insertion of anything that resembles a card (size, thicknes, stiffness, no pun intended)
You can leave your aircon for the whole duration of time you are out.
Heòlps a lot if you leave something under charge (cellular, laptop) when you leave the room for eating at the restaurant)
Unless the chamber maid is smart (and mean) and removes your card when she services the room
But usually they are not bothered:

[QUOTE=Bionicman]Those switches do not operate with the magnetic strip of the room card but simply by the insertion of anything that resembles a card (size, thicknes, stiffness, no pun intended)[/QUOTE]

Not in newer hotels, they are specific for their own key cards (Adelphi Suites on Soi 8 for one). So just get a third key from the front desk or take the cleaning staff's generic card.

I’m glad I waited until the end of my trip to write a review for the lodge, as had I done so the first or second night this would not have been completely accurate.

First off, I choose the hotel primarily due to its prominence on the forum I was a newbie to BKK and wanted to ease into mongering in Thailand. I had originally thought I would check out many other places other than Soi33, but this didn’t happen. My other choice was Citichic, in which I did have a booking at 2300 all inclusive.

At LL I stayed in an Executive suite at 3200 per night plus 10% Service Charge and 7% VAT, so close to 4000 per night. Having been travelling extensively through Asia and US I know what an executive suite is, this one was advertised with a Double Jacuzzi. My view of the lodge is that it was/is a restaurant and sports bar first and an inn second. I wouldn’t quite call it a ‘boutique’ hotel but more a decent bed and breakfast or ‘inn’ type place; Boutique hotels in BKK are considered to be places like Eugenia, Le Fenix, Dream Hotel, Chakrabongse Villas, etc… (all in diff price ranges) they generally are smaller single hotel properties with amenities, high service level and the boutique aspect being a theme or ambiance.

Theme and Ambiance wise LL would qualify, but basic ‘hotel’ service and amenities wise it lacks substantially. Upon check-in and being escorted to the room, I was greeted by the largest cockroach I have ever seen, the girl who escorted me up saw it but shrugged, I chased the bugger under the Jacuzzi, but eventually got him the next day. The room I had was of substantial size; it didn’t fit the category of ‘Executive’ suite by anyone of the criteria I know off, neither did it have a separated bed and siting space, nor within the same space did it have a sitting area. There is a little TV in the far corner of the room from the bed, so if you are sitting in bed watching TV (which is the only option) you are about 15 feet away from the 15 or 19 inch TV.

One of the major things I look for in a hotel is comfort, so I can relax. This room basically had a big bed (which actually is very comfortable!) and small little table for your computer with a straight-back wooden chair. No rack or table to keep your luggage on, it sits on the floor, or on the bed; no easy/sitting chair, etc. Basically it’s a room you can sleep in. If you have company and you will, ‘cause that’s the premise, then the bed is the only option. Now my room did have the big double Jacuzzi which does take a full 1.5 hours to get to a water level it would work at, with luke warm water – so a bit of planning and patience is required with that one, not a positive for me.

Surprisingly (and this was the second of my biggest gripes) there are no robes provided, again this seems like a big ‘duh!’ to me for a room with a jacuzzi and also a room in which more often than not you will have company and both of you will be in some state of undress. Also, no slippers!! When I called down to inquire if they had these the girl thought I was from mars, and said, ‘no you need to bring those with you!’

The staff are all very pleasant, other than the front desk ‘indian?’ girl, she’s pleasant in that she seems to tolerate you, but that’s about it. They don’t have any local maps etc., I got mine from the Novotel next door. Rooms are kept clean and tidy, relaxed atmosphere. The breakfast is simply a choice of a single plate of eggs with breakfast meat and a few other options you pick from the menu (not a buffet nor all you can eat). I guess the all day option means you get to have breakfast even if you get up late based on last nights activities, which is welcome. The three days I stayed there they didn’t have Bacon available, and I was always there at 8 or 9 am, so amongst the early risers. The bar pours decent drinks, and the general atmosphere and all is great. At Livingstones, you do feel comfortable and natural being a monger. Hell, when I took my one and only pull from the sports bar, the bartender saluted me while I walked past him, not exactly a walk of shame – well not for me at least, she might have other feelings.

These were the major issues I had, and as you can see they are ‘hotel’ and comfort related. They are not variable, rather with other fixed cost issues needed to bring a property on par they are easily fixable and depreciable over time. For example, how expensive can a robe in Thailand be? And they already do have to get the towels and sheets laundered. Maybe no other guest asked for one before?

Did get to meet Giotto on my last day, very pleasant and helpful person. He seems to take pride in his establishment, so I hope he can review this as constructive criticism. I neither asked for nor was offered the ISG discount. Not to say that I won’t go back, because I had a good time; but there are so many other options. Though, I am a creature of habit, so If I do go back I would forgo the double (or even single) Jacuzzi, you get plenty of tub and massage action in the saunas, and I would forego the larger room, because its pretty much useless space and stay in the cheaper rooms. Then it would be worth it. Because at the end of the day I’m only coming to the room to sleep.

Now, regarding my personal view of this trips’ hotel and mongering at LL. At approx 4000 per night all inclusive the room was a negative. Location wise you are great if you want to monger and pull from Soi33 area. But when I walked the earlier part of the Suk, there was so much liveliness and street action there, plus closer to so many other things. Lets say if I pull a girl from the sports bar (or Soi 33 bars, since Sports Bar quality was medium) then add a barfine of 1000 to 1500 per night (I did pull one night) then your room actually becomes 5000/night. For that money I can stay in the early part of Suk and pull from SW, whose quality is about the same (especially when you adjust for lighting and dress and makeup), except for some of the girls I saw outside one or two bars on Soi33, but then you can also pull from MPs and I didn’t even check out the action in NEP, cowboy, RCA, etc… My other choice of Citichic was 2300 all inclusive, so would make up a massage session at Annies, if I thought on the lines of a budget.

Would I recommend LL to novice mongers, or newbie BKK mongers. Possibly to Novice mongers, and then I would tell them to seek out Giotto. But, I’d be careful in doing that because Giotto is there to run his establishment, and offer ‘advice’ like a tourguide, he’s not there to hold you d*** while you get ready or argue pricing or other things for you, which novice mongers might feel they needed help with; to newbie BKK mongers I would suggest its ok based on your requirements for a hotel and the cheaper rooms are acceptable, but would depend on your mongering choices and confidence level. Unfortunately, there is no clear ‘win’ for LL in my books currently.

So, in conclusion, if you’re on a budget my reviews are probably not for you anyway!  sorry. And if you can afford 150USD per night and higher than go for other options. Additionally, though this was not an issue with me this trip but if people know where you are or you need to tell people where you are business or personal or a GF, whatever (whether in BKK or outside) and you tell them Soi33, they may just peg you as a monger!

[size=-2][b][u]EDITOR'S NOTE[/u]:[/b] [blue]I would suggest that the author or another Forum Member consider posting a link to this report in the Reports of Distinction thread. Please [url=http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/announcement-reportsofdistinction.php?]Click Here[/url] for more information.[/blue][/size]

Great report! I am a Soi 33, particularly Akane fan but stay around Soi 15. Short train ride.

Cactus J

[QUOTE=Bounce Around]...
Did get to meet Giotto on my last day, very pleasant and helpful person. He seems to take pride in his establishment, so I hope he can review this as constructive criticism.
...
[/QUOTE]Bounce Around,

I appreciate your report (as well as your reports in the Bangkok thread) and expecially the constructive criticism, because we had so many positive reviews in the past, and in this business you simply cannot make it right for everybody. And to run such an establishment here in Thailand is anyway a permanent fight against the odds :).

Shocking is of course the first impression of being greeted by a cockroach - but whatever we do, Livingstone's is a wide open area, resort style hotel, not a highrise building, and there will always be some of them around. Twice a month a company comes in here to spray, and there is not much more we can do against them.

I think you stayed in a Junior Suite (because I stay in the Executive Suite at the moment, and I did not see you around there :)). And you are right, some of those Junior Suites are smaller, but then they have Double Jacuzzis. May be we should separate this rooms into two room categories - Junior Suites and Doulble Jacuzzi Rooms, to make that clearer.

Breakfast: A buffet for 27 rooms (if completely occupied) does not make any sense, we would waste too much food, and I am not willing to do so. That you could not get bacon on all three days - that surprises me, because I have breakfast there every day, and I always get bacon. Be sure that I will look into this issue, seams to me an early morning syndrom, the kitchen will most likely buy bacon when they find out that they don't have it, but it is simply too late then for the early monting customers. My apologies for that - this is an important issue that must be fixed immediately.

ISG discount: Please read the conditions of the ISG discount - I cannot know who is entitled to get it or not. I don't know in the most cases who is ISG member and wrote reports. I NEED YOUR PM (also to support Jackson's forum), and then you will immediately find the discount on your room bill. Just to get the prices right: You total daily room rate was THB 3777.40 which is < USD 120.00 .

Finally - talking to Giotto ... I am of course running my business here, but that has not too much influence on what places I will recommend to customers. I will not recommend places like a tourguide - I will recommend places I know, I like and in which I had good experiences. And if somebody asks me about our own Sports Lounge - I will still recommend that besides the Sports Lounge a customer also checks out the other good places here in Soi 33. And I will always explain that Livingstone's Sports Lounge is not the place where you can find the perfect sex robots - there are other places for that in Bnagkok. You have to look around and check out the chemistry between you and the girls, and then your GFE experience will be ok.

Thanks again for your report, with all the constructive criticism. It is very helpful for us to step forward to increase the quality level here. But I know - it will never be perfect for everybody :).


Giotto
[URL]www.livingstones.co.th[/URL]

Bounce Around

Good report, I have stayed in Livingstone Lodge many times and I agree with you on a couple points like the water pressure and lack of a luggage rack but I have to disagree on a couple other. Here is my personal views...

I personally love the breakfast at Livingstones. Yes, you get a choice of eggs (cooked 4 ways), 3 types of meat, cheese, 3 kinds of bread and a number of other options like Congee and yogurt with and without fruit. They will also accommodate other requests within reason. It may not be all you can eat but when I asked for more it was given to me at no charge and very quickly. One of my morning rituals was to head downstairs and order the same thing everyday. Ten relax and eat while chatting with other guests.

As for the staff, they are great. I have never had the feeling I was being tolerated. They would always say hello to me when I walked through and helped me out a number of times by arranging transportation to Pattaya at the last moment. Also other staff like Guido and Som were always asking if everything was good. At first I thought this was because I have stayed there several times but I saw them doing the same thing to new people.

I have stayed at other places in Bangkok like the JW and the Westin but I much prefer Livingstones. First off there is no "Walk of shame", secondly I think it is a much better value for my money and I like the girls in the Bar. I don't find them all knockouts but I have never failed to find 3 or 4 that meet my definition of hot. They may provide a robe and slippers but I never use them. It just isn't something that I find important. But since you and others do maybe Giotto can have a few available at customer’s request.

One thing that you didn't mention is the restaurant. I really like the food they server there. From the western steaks to the snakehead fish in bamboo it is really tasty. I would recommend staying away from the Papaya salad unless you like breathing fire or Sh**ing acid. How the girls handle those peppers amazes me.

Again, Good Post. Thanks!

PIT

Pt, and Giotto

I should make clear that apart from the room 'comfort' issues, the other aspects of my report were just for information for other members.

The stay itself was good, and other than the room, I really enjoyed my time at the lodge, and as I said I would go back possibly in the cheaper rooms, at 3777 THB the 'room' itself was not worth it to me.

The breakfast I really should clarify that I didn't mean there should be a buffet, just mentioned how it was for information for others new to LL. The amount of food etc, was just fine (Except for not getting my bacon, G! You know its a daily guilty pleasure I enjoy when I travel abroad). I hate wasting food myself, and of course service was with a smile.

The food was good, I only ate one meal there wanted to try other places as this was my first time in BKK, the thai rest next door is great as well. And, I did mention that drinks poured are very generous in LL.

The walk of shame issue to me is curious, of course in China its an issue sometimes with stares and snickers, but BKK I would imagine in other hotels not so much. Especially on Suk.

[QUOTE=Bounce Around]...
(Except for not getting my bacon, G! You know its a daily guilty pleasure I enjoy when I travel abroad).
...[/QUOTE]Bounce Around,

LOL, You are absolutely right. Not acceptable, if there is no bacon for breakfast, it can happen one day (bad planning), but not 3 days. I also enjoy the ABF when I travel, something different from the breakfast at home. Btw., I had a serious meeting with our kitchen staff already, and I am quite sure that this will not happen again.

No reason to clarify anything, I highly appreciate your reports, your views, and it is up to us to pick up the important issues and work on them. There are issues we don't want to change, because we have a different concept from other hotels. Then there are issues which are very difficult to fix (e.g. water pressure) because of construction problems (diameter of pipes).

But then there are the issues we can fix - and that is what we should do.

Thanks again.


Giotto
[URL]www.livingstones.co.th[/URL]

Dear all,

In defense of Livingston's Lodge, there is no place in Thailand that is bug free. From the halls of the Kings Palace to the waiting rooms of Bumrungrad Hospital there are plenty of bugs (cockroaches included) applying for the coveted position of bell boy or maitre d'.

I've lived in Thailand four years now and I have never seen a house or a hotel or a building of any kind that did not include a bug or two as a permanent resident. For instance, and this is completely true, I have personally experienced the stinging bite of a red ant inside Bumrungrad Hospital.

So I say, if one of the top hospitals in the world can't keep the bugs out, there is no shame for Livingston's Lodge or it's proprietor Giotto, if a bug occasional greets a patron. It simply can't be helped.

I recommend to anyone that is greeted by a bug in Thailand to smile and reply, "How are you?"

Just take it in stride and realize that a greeting from a bug is just one of the many fine things waiting for you here . . . in the Land of Smiles. :)

posterlion has a full disclosure policy:

I have never rented a room at Livingston's Lodge. Nor have I sampled any of the Lodge's fine selection of female companions. I go to the Lodge to have a few drinks and talk with my friend, Giotto.

Just last night I sat cross-legged by the pool with my good friend drinking Vodka on the rocks into the wee hours of the morning.

As I've said, Giotto is my friend and the main reason I go to the Lodge. But on the other hand, friendship aside, I've never come across an establishment in Bangkok that possesses a more tranquil and relaxing atmosphere to shoot the bull over a few drinks than the one and only Livingston's Lodge.

poster . . .

I stayed at Livingstone's last year and found it to be very clean, and I never encountered a bug even though the place is completely open. My standard room was above the entrance and was quite comfortable.

One thing I'd like all hotels to consider is laptop security. I have a locking cable but it doesn't do any good if there's nothing to lock it to, and the in-room safes often are too small.

[QUOTE=PosterLion]Dear all,

In defense of Livingston's Lodge, there is no place in Thailand that is bug free. From the halls of the Kings Palace to the waiting rooms of Bumrungrad Hospital there are plenty of bugs (cockroaches included) applying for the coveted position of bell boy or maitre d'.
.[/QUOTE]

A couple of years ago one of the guys I was traveling with caught a big cockroach in his room at the Grand Hyatt Erawan. He was up on one of the upper floors, so it was a little surprising to find a bug up that high. He put it in a glass and took it down to reception. They immediately upgraded him to a suite for the duration of his stay.

So, anyone finds a bug, please keep it for me for my next stay at the Grand Hyatt. Only stipulation is it must still be alive or at least still wet from being squished.

I wonder if Giotto would institute a similar policy? I know he wishes to be just as good as those 5 star hotels. Instead of the ISG upgrade, we could all bring our own bugs and get the bug upgrade. Much easier than writing a report.

[QUOTE=Bounce Around]I’m glad I waited until the end of my trip to write a review for the lodge, as had I done so the first or second night this would not have been completely accurate. [/QUOTE]I've refrained from posting, in fear of being accused of a bias on behalf of Livingstone's. However, after reading the recent bug bashing BA has taken, thought I jump in with some comments.

On the whole, I thought BA's comments were not overly critical or over the top. On the contrary, I think he had 'higher' expectations before his arrival. I don't think Giotto has ever claimed to be a boutique hotel - at least not in the sense of one of the luxury boutique type. I recall way back even equating the Lodge to a 2 1/2 to 3 star hotel ;)

Notwithstanding some of criticisms, my sense is that many of us fans like the Lodge because it feels like home away from home. That for me is the main reason I like staying there, even though I'm on a business account, and can stay at 5 star hotel.

The staff are extremely friendly, very personal in their service and do their best to look after you. On this trip, I stayed over 1 week and remember the waitress every evening bring my regular ice tea (no sugar), fresh fish and veg for dinner. And Tina would come over for a drink and every so often bring along a new girl to meet.

And of course Mr. and Mrs. G are always their hospitable hosts.

[QUOTE=Bounce Around]At LL I stayed in an Executive suite at 3200 per night plus 10% Service Charge and 7% VAT, so close to 4000 per night. Having been travelling extensively through Asia and US I know what an executive suite is, this one was advertised with a Double Jacuzzi. [/QUOTE]I am a selfish git, I know :) But that does seem expensive.

One thing you'll learn about Bangkok, is that you do not get what you pay for. You get back what you put in for effort. I spend a bit of time finding decent cheap hotels for my friends passing through Bangkok, everyone wants a good room, for a cheap price.

I must say, I have a few very good choices now, all under 2000B, but with free broadband internet, AC, decent bathrooms, very clean rooms, satellite TV, fire safety systems and all very girl friendly. Unless a hotel has all of those, I will not consider it.

There are a few around, but I'll now go back to my first point of being a selfish git........good hotels stay cheap as long as business is ok, but not good. When business is good, hotel prices go up, and the owners makes much more profits.

Therefore, I am not going to tell you the names of the places I book for people, sorry, but I want them to remain cheap.

However, I will say for under 2000B you can find very good boutique hotel rooms around !!!!! If you can be bothered to spend the time wandering around and checking them all out.

The funny part of the cockroach story is, that it was the loud-mouth Giotto (ME!) who complaint approx. 1.5 years ago about cockroaches coming out of the drainage of a bathtab in a massage parlour... :):)

Life is rather strange at times.


Giotto