jimmac

Try asiatravel.com.

Don't stay in the Royal Cruise. The first one has been around for a while but the others have been added in the last few years. You have to fight your way through Chinese tour groups to get anywhere within the hotel. They are not guest friendly and they have guards at the elevators. Find somewhere else to stay is my strong advice based on making the mistake once myself.

Does it have a website?

Step, That's what makes this board great. Guys have info and share it. Thanks for your update. After my afternoon soapie today I took a walk to the Tropicana and got a shave from Toom. She and the old lady were happy to see me. They wondered how I knew where they were and I told them a friend told me. I'll go back in the next few days for a shave and a facial. Thanks again. jimmac

I'm staying in the Sandy Spring right now and there is no noise problem. There's a few guys hammering nails on some minor construction at the Haven and nothing happening on the site next to Ma Maison. Even the Condotel is at the brick laying stage and maybe a start on finishing. So there is no noise problem.

Moved into the Sandy Spring yesterday and there is no noise to speak of from construction. The Condotel still looks the same as the pictures on this thread. Just block laying going on. Nothing much happened at Ma Maison. And they are doing form work this morning at the haven just below my room but its just a few guys hammering in nails. Nothing too noisy. Had a great dinner last night at Ma Maison.

I thought some board members might like an update on the Beach View. Walked by last night and the property is boarded up tight for renovations. Doesn't look like there's much work going on. I hope they do a good job of renovating as its a nice property in a nice location. If they fix it up I'd stay there again. I am wondering what happened to the ladies who worked in the great beauty salon in the hotel.

If you've got a decent computer you should be able to play them there.

Thought I'd move this up the list to see if there any takers to share from BKK to Pattaya.

I have booked a limo from ImageLimo to meet me off the TG flight from Frankfurt arriving at the above time. I'm headed to the Sandy Spring. If anybody is arriving at the same time or just before, I'd be happy to share for a contribution to the cost. PM and let me know.

Does anyone have the info requested on the construction at the Beach View? Anyone been around there in the last few weeks?

For all of you who want to check availability in various classes, here's another tool you can use: http://flyaow.com/classamex.htm You need to know the fare codes. J and/or C is business, Y is full fare economy and they go down from there. This tool only has one digit per fare class so you will never seee more than 9 seats available in each class but if you see 9 or close to that you know there's seats available. Sometimes if you use travelocity or another similar booking engine if youclick on the details or conditions of a price offered you will get the booking class there. Onc

I've stayed in both hotels so I know them and you are making good choices. I hope the rooms are all being rejuvenated and upgraded in the Beach View renovations. If they are I might stay there again. I doubt that reovation means heavy construction so I think noise affecting your stay at the Markland is unlikely. If you are concerned why not just ask for a room facing north in the Markland and you'll be on the other side of the building and not have any noise. Does anyone on the board know the details of the Beach View construction? Is the beauty shop open during the work? I like goi

SQ's 345 has about 190 seats. TG's will have 230 seats.

If it stops in Japan it is not "non-stop". Non Stop means non stop. If it keeps the same flight number on two legs with a stop somewhere it is direct. There's a big difference and those are the correct technical terms in airline lingo.

I read on Flyertalk that TG will have 3 classes...business, premium economy and economy and their 345's will carry more passengers than the SQ planes.

I can't comment on other airlines upgraded economy, like Eva, as i've never flown in them. But I have flown in BA's World Traveller Plus as well as just World Traveller. If your choice is between those two, there is no doubt plus is a necessity. I've flown BA economy from London to South Africa and back and it is the most cramped cattle class I've ever experienced, worse than any charter I've ever flown. Plus is quite comfortable...the 8 across seating on a 747 compared with 10 across in regular economy gives you elbow room and a 38 inch pitch is fine. The food is regular economy food.

I have a couple of questions of all you Sandy Spring clients. How do you buy a membership and get the special rate? I can't find anything on the hotel web site about the membership. I have stayed in an 8th floor suite and have one booked for November. I thought I had read on this board or been told maybe in Pattaya that only the 8th floor suites have bathrooms with a separate shower and tub while those on the 7th floor have tub only. Can anyone advise if this is correct? Since I have my reservation for 10 days at 2500 Baht, do you think I can buy the membership and get them to dro

The Cosy Beach has a joiner fee.

BigDUSA, Is the Marriott guest friendly?

Can one of the expats on the board help by answering this question?

The place upstairs at the Big C mall will let you plug in your own.

You have a PM.

SoCalGuy, The Image Limousine page looks good but nowhere do they specify the type of cars they use. Do they use large American sedans like the one in photo or do they use other types? It looks like a good service but for the price it ought to be a big, comfortable limo. Also, are they really reliable if you book on the net? Thanks. Jim

I would like to add my praise of the Conrad. I've stayed there several times and I'll be back in November and January. Absolutely first class hotel in every way! I've had no problems meeting TGs in the lobby and taking them up to the room. Never registered them and never took them to the Executive lounge. Its not cheap but its worth it.