Rex7777

First of all, remember, some of the reviews may have been written several years ago. Or, perhaps the person stayed there in low season. Or, maybe they negotiated a deal with the manager. I've found that the best deals are to be had by just showing up and asking to see a room. They'll usually offer you a good price. If they don't, just try the hotel next door. There are hotels all over Pattaya, in all price ranges. Rex

If you can afford it, bring both travelers checks and ATM cards. Either way you're covered. There's no need for much cash, other than for emergencies. Rex

Good start! The more information, the better. Rex

You didn't say which beach you wanted to go to. If you're just going to be with your wife or girlfriend, why not try to get the JW Marriott Resort through Priceline Hong Kong site. I've seen some people get some awesome deals for what would otherwise be an expensive place. The only downside is that you're far away from the nightlife. Rex

That's my plan, more or less, except that it'll happen this time next year, the summer of 2006. I've thought a lot about it and come to the same conclusion every time: why not? I can reduce my monthly outlay to just a few items: rent, electric, internet, cell phone, food. Of course, there's the girls, but that's discretional spending. I'm tired of the rat race and can leave, so I will. Rex

I think there's at least some difference in the prices you see on the website and the prices you can get by simply stopping by to check out a room. Assuming they have vacancies, you might be able to get a deal. Rex

Did any of you Formula 1 fans see the mess yesterday at the USA Grand Prix? The Michelin tires were deemed unsafe and the Formula 1 officials wouldn't let the teams running Michelins change to a different kind of tire. So, all the cars with Michelins sat out the race. The race itself was run with only about six cars. What a joke. Rex

From what I've heard Phi Phi Island sustained some fairly severe damage from the Tsunami. I wonder if they've got the small bungalow type places back in operation? Rex

I found the Priceline Asia Discussion site: http://p197.ezboard.com/bpricelineasiadiscussions Rex

I've used the Priceline Hong Kong site to bid on 5 star hotel rooms in Bangkok. There's another site out there that analyzes the Priceline site. People post their bids, the prices that were accepted, the participating hotels in each region of the city, etc. Once you've got it more or less figured out from that angle, then start your bidding low and increase as necessary. It's easy to do, and for me, everything turned out OK. My room was was always waiting for me at midnight or so, when I arrived. Normally, I like to stay the first few days in Bangkok, and so I treat myself to a 5 star h

I've used the Hong Kong Priceline site to buy rooms in Bangkok with a credit card. No problems whatsoever, even with a very late arrival. Rex

In the "action"? I think one of the biggest mistakes a person can make is to try to find the center of the "action," especially in Pattaya. The action is everywhere. But if you are somehow on a quest for the center of it all, you'll be likely to miss what's going on in front of your face, and before yu know it, your vacation will be over. Just relax and enjoy your stay. rex

Maybe try some of the little hotels at the very far end of walking street. It's actually quiet down there. Of course the quality of the hotels can vary, but if you're looking for both quiet and close to the action, that would be one area to try. Rex

Watch out for the Katoey pickpockets in Bangkok. On my first trip to Thailand, I hadn't been there more than 1/2 hour screwing around before some Katoey near Nana Plazza had his hand in my front pocket trying to extract 2000 baht. Rex

I thought I rememberd a post where I guy said he was able to get them for 500 baht a box. I think here in the states I pay $20+ a box, so 500 baht wouldbe a deal. There's also another brand called Focus that I've seen. Rex

If you know your prescription, you could always try some of the type of lenses you use one day and then throw away. Accuvue is what I use. I think the boxes are cheaper in Thailand than in the USA. You would be able to buy them without a prescription. If they don't work well, you could always try another brand. Rex

I sent some money earlier today. Maybe, in some small way, it'll help her family. rex

Doesn't seem fair, does it? Rex

I've been the the Superior A rooms, up on the second floor. I just walked in one day and they gave me a rate of about 850 Baht a night, I think. That was in November. I'd definitely stay there again. Rex

Just imagine an apartment that you can buy. They're usually in hig rise buildings and, under thai law, foreigners can own them under certain circumstances. Rex

If you're so worried about it, why not just buy some in advance? As for the bars, it seems as though they'll continue to serve you, so long as you continue to drink. They may turn the lights down, but they're still open. Rex

I've had so so experience booking hotels over the internet. I've never had a problem with Priceline, though, but with them you neve know exactly what you'll get. Anyway, on my first trip to Thailand I remember trying to book thhe JW Marriott through some website, using my credit card. I was doing this when I was waiting for my cab to go to the airport. As it turned out, my credit card didn't work because the bank thought it was a fraud. When I got to Bangkok the JW Marriott didn't have any reservation in their computer for me. They had a room, though, but it cost me 5,500 Baht, or som

Sounds strange, doesn't it? Not only did they have to clone your card, they had to find out your pin #. Rex

I've been there a few times. The first couple of times I had a regular size bathtub. The last time I was there I had a bigger bathtub, although the room didn't seem to be any bigger. Just imagine a room big enough for a king-sized bed and not much else. Rex

Sorry for the mistake above. I didn't mean 550 Baht for the JW Marriott, I meant 550 HK dollars. Then they add tax and a processing fee. Rex