Bangkok Hotels

I booked the Dynasty Grande via Agoda using my US Bank visa card and they charged 3%. I don't recall that happenning the other times I booked. I'm in the US. Anyone else have this happen?

[QUOTE=Soap Fan]Recently had the misfortune to lose my wallet. Not exactly sure how but when exiting a taxi.

Fortunately was staying at the very friendly Livingstone's Lodge. They were able to tide me over with some cash till my emergency VISA Card arrived. Sometimes helps to be a regularly well known customer.

I also recently tried the Admiral Premier on Soi 23 sub-soi. Very close to Soi Cowboy, included free Wifi breakfast included etc. and a very good room with desk, large fridge and microwave. Price around 2300 including taxes from Agoda. Only down side was ISG site was blocked on the internet, and taxis don't know this place well.[/QUOTE]

I already booked a single superior room at 1570baht/night including breakfast. I know what to expect from the Majestic suite and this is my fifth time with M. S. Just Can't wait for heading to Bangkok again.

[QUOTE=Redfield10]I booked the Dynasty Grande via Agoda using my US Bank visa card and they charged 3%. I don't recall that happenning the other times I booked. I'm in the US. Anyone else have this happen?[/QUOTE]

Most credit cards charge a 3% currency conversion fee. That is likely the case here.

[QUOTE=Howman]Most credit cards charge a 3% currency conversion fee. That is likely the case here.[/QUOTE]

Merchants will tack on 3% to offset the cost that the bank charges them for the credit card. Your bank will then tack on another 1 1/2 to 3% for a "foreign transaction" fee. Capitol one is one of the only cards that does not add on a fee. The merchant "should" tell you the are adding on a credit card fee, I always ask up front so there is no suprise, as to your credit card company, read the fine print ;)

Hi Everyone

Will be making my 1st trip across to BKK from the 18th.

I'm having fun just looking at everyone's reports.

It's probably going to be a to center trip, 4 days in BKK and 4 in Pattaya.

I am trying to use hotels out.

Can anyone confirm Grand Sukhumvit is G/F and is a good choice of hotel and more importantly location.

Any recomendations for Pattaya?

I apprieciate we all have different "must haves" on our list, but so long as the main things are covered I am cool.

Coming from Bahrain in the Middle East things have slowed down dramatically because of Ramadan.

It will be good to go and have a beer again.

Thanks Guy & Take care out there.

J

[QUOTE=Barko]Very very cool thing for LL to do! Amazing really, I mean think about it, you're in Bangkok for crap's sake, where else is that going to happen? ;)

Thank you for the heads up on the Admiral Soap Fan, GF I presume? What was the condition of the room you had? New or old? Anything worn, torn or airborne? How would you compare it to the Millennium at 2500+ Baht?[/QUOTE]
Yes, Admiral seemed to be GF. I had no problem ;)
Admiral was a little cheaper than the Grand Millenium special.
Room was a similar size to Millenium room, bed not quite as soft but still very comfortable. Bathroom good including full bath. Large fridge. Good blackout curtains and quiet. I didn't notice anything worn, torn, or airborne, without being particularly vigilant. Room seemed modern and not old. Big flat screen TV. I would guess that this hotel would get fairly good reviews. Pretty girl on reception too.

Free internet and free breakfast was included.
Breakfast was fairly basic so not too Millenium standard but O.K. considering included. Breakfast room is a bit cramped and no pastries (good for my figure :)).

So really a few blocked web sites was the only thing that irritated me a little. There are nearby free wifi spots at Soi 23 pubs.

Food and dining would be the weakness of this Hotel, so eat somewhere else other than included breakfast. So where I am very happy to dine at Livingstone's in evening, I would not at Admiral. ChokChai steakhouse is very close by, several pubs, and quite a few cheap Thai food restaurants.

Location is slightly strange if you don't use a Map to see exact location.

[url]http://www.agoda.com/asia/thailand/bangkok/admiral_premier_hotel.html[/url]

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

Map:
[url]http://maps.google.com.au/maps/ms?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&gl=au&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=112522687346612693021.00044a593b4e00593545f&ll=13.740573,100.565897&spn=0.006524,0.012134&z=17[/url]

[QUOTE=Soap Fan]Location is slightly strange if you don't use a Map to see exact location.[/QUOTE]Hi Soap Fan,

Thank you so much for your detailed information. This is exceptionally perfect timing for me and I am much obliged. Sounds very good really, will definitely give a go then.

Thanks! ;)

I very seldom use C. C. For hotel charges in Majestic suite. The hotel exchange rate is very poor plus a 2% transaction fee from the C. C.

The Best deal is getting bahts from the ATM. And save a minimum 10% on the bills.

On the other hands, at some MP. When I use C. C. And the place charges in baht to C. C., I will receive a good usd to baht exchange.

The ATM exchange rate is the best wholesale worldwide.

Hey everybody

Just booked Royal Asia Lodge for two nights, for the Queen Suite (78m2) for 3600thb all in. Seems pretty reasonable comparatively, and was cheaper directly from their website than from other providers like booking.com.

I know it'll be GF, but just wondering if anyone's had any recent experiences there...quality, staff friendliness etc?

Read some ropey reports after I'd clicked confirm but searched the threads here and read some positive stuff so just enquiring about very recent visits?

Thanks,

Mr B

I found quite nice for the value when i stayed there in nov 2006 so I've decided to go back there next month for the 1st 2 nights of my Thailand trip.

it is GF!!

[QUOTE=Johnd2311]Hi Everyone

Will be making my 1st trip across to BKK from the 18th.

I'm having fun just looking at everyone's reports.

It's probably going to be a to center trip, 4 days in BKK and 4 in Pattaya.

I am trying to use hotels out.

Can anyone confirm Grand Sukhumvit is G/F and is a good choice of hotel and more importantly location.

Any recomendations for Pattaya?

I apprieciate we all have different "must haves" on our list, but so long as the main things are covered I am cool.

Coming from Bahrain in the Middle East things have slowed down dramatically because of Ramadan.

It will be good to go and have a beer again.

Thanks Guy & Take care out there.

J[/QUOTE]Assume you are talking Grand Sukhumvit on Soi 6. See my post a few days back. 100% GF, within 5 minutes to NP/Biergarten/Eden etc, less than that to Nana BTS, with a 7/11 almost next door. A bit pricey but suites are nice, comfortable and big.

Although I'm not going to stay here it sounds a good place to pop into for a meal & a drink. I quite fancy a Thai meal after reading the menu. Do you have to eat the Thai dishes in the Thai restaurant or can you have them in the bar, by the pool etc ?

[QUOTE=Paulcorr]Although I'm not going to stay here it sounds a good place to pop into for a meal & a drink. I quite fancy a Thai meal after reading the menu. Do you have to eat the Thai dishes in the Thai restaurant or can you have them in the bar, by the pool etc ?[/QUOTE]
Most people eat by the pool. You can eat at the bar or in the sports bar (aircon) if you choose.

There is a Thai menu (extensive) as well as a western menu.
I had Argentinian steaks (I don't recommend Thai beef for a steak) there the other day as a change from Thai food. Not the cheapest item but were really good.

When ordering Thai food (normally), I mostly order seafood (fish, oysters, king prawns, crab etc.). I am sure the other dishes are fine, but for me, seafood is great for enjoyment and helping keep the weight off.

Be careful ordering too many dishes. The serves at Livingstone's are a lot bigger than standard Thai serves.

P.S. I try to leave room to sample Auntie Guido's Apfelstrudel (or is it strussel - I'm not sure).
So eating Thai appetizer and main followed by western dessert, is my preferred approach.

If you have no dinner partner, a pretty girl or two to join you can easily be found at the sports bar ;) Of course this will increase the bill, but I don't like to eat alone :(
Normally Thai girls will prefer to eat Thai food, which is good as its cheaper.

I'm looking to stay there. I saw a rate of 1500 baht for studio, sounds pretty good, it's GF isn't it, any recommendations?

[QUOTE=Berny X]I'm looking to stay there. I saw a rate of 1500 baht for studio, sounds pretty good, it's GF isn't it, any recommendations? [/QUOTE]Yeah, GF, they just check ID's, sometimes they take them til the girl leaves.

The rooms aren't bad, clean, and the sliding LCD TV is trick. I just don't like the horseshit they put you through on check in and out there. Sign this, sign that, now wait over there, OK, now sign this thing over here too. It's a little far down the Soi from Suk, but they do have a tuk-tuk shuttle (that I happened to miss every freakin time.) Some guys like this place a lot, for me it was just a one shot deal.

Bar & restaurant are good, all in all you could do a lot worse for 1500 Baht.