Rex7777

Gabor, Thanks for the preview. It looks tasty. Rex

JW Marriott Try the Priceline HK website. Bid for a 4 star hotel in the Sukhumvit area. Start bidding at 400 HK Dollars per night. Go up from there. You mught get the JW Marriott at around 550 baht. Otherwise, there's the Westin and the Sheraton Grand Sukhumvit. Rex

As far as I'm conceerned, the Majestic Suites is just fine. The only drawback is the size of the rooms. Other than that, you can't complain: Sony Triniton TVs, marble bath, in-room safe, mini bar, spotlessly clean, and a free breakfast. The breakfast is no buffet, but it'll do. American breakfast- two eggs, toast, orange juice, coffee. Last time I was there the rooms were about 1350 baht. And it's totally girl friendly. I remember once checking out early in the morning and some Thai girl stopped by the reception desk to pick up her ID card. The receptionist had a whole handfull. re

The Nana Hotel is right across the Soi from the entrance to Nana Entertainment Plaza. I've never stayed there, but a lot of people seem to like it for the price and the breakfast buffet. And don't forget, there are a lot of places to stay right around there: Dynasty Inn; Majestic Suites; JW Marriott; Omni; Landmark; etc. etc. If it were me and I was trying to save a bit of money, the Majestic Suites is a good compromise. Rex

Hungarian food? I guess I'll have to do a google search to see what Hungarian food is all about. Believe it or not I've never been in a Hungarian restaurant in my life. Next time I'm there I'll try it. Rex

In all likelihood I'll mover to Thailand in a little over a year. I still don't have a clue as to where to stay, etc. Anyway, I'm beginnign to think that maybe the best thing to do would be to check into a hotel and just relax and have a good time for the first six minths or so. I wouldn't have to worry about utility bills, cleaning the place, laundry, etc. I suppose 1000 baht a day would be acceptable, although I wonder if I couldn't talk some hotel into a good deal for a long term stay. Where should I look? Rex

I think it would be sort of fun to buy a shell condo and finish it. I have a good friend that used to be a home builder. Maybe I could enlist his help for an airplane ticket and a case of beer, or something like that. Rex

If you're only going to stay a month or so, why not just stay in a hotel? Maybe you can get a good deal at someplace like the Sabai Lodge. Say 800 baht a night for the whole month. That's 24,000. Not too bad, considering the daily maid service, clean sheets and towels, and proximity to the beer bars and massage places. Plus they've got a restauraunt, pool bar, etc.

Hibby, Don't change your vacation. Just go. But take it easy during the day. That way you'll stay out of the heat and have lots of energy for the nighttime activities. rex

The first fime I was ever in Thailand was for the entire month of April. I had a blast, but it was somewhat like going on vacation in a steam bath. I think I went through about four changes of clothing per day. Best bet: sleep during the day and party all night. Rex

I've also been thinking of buying. Obviously, if you're from the USA you must know the prices of beach property. However you look at it, Thailand propeties are cheap. I can show you a one bedroom condo in San Diego that costs almost $1 million. The dollar is falling and will prbably continue to do so. Still, what if the dollar tanks? What will that do the world economy? I'm not smart enough to have all the answers. I just hope those people running the world can keep it all together. So, I'm looking for something cheap. Under 3 million baht. I'll buy a shell if I have to.

I was just looking at fares this morning for February 18th, from DC, but I kept coming up with fares in the $1300 range. Of course, I could get to JFK and back, but that would add to it, no doubt. Still, the possibility of a nonstop flight to Bangkok has some appeal. The usual way it's 12 hours to Tokyo from Minneapolis or Detroit (on NWA), then a wait of an hour or so in Tokyo, and then another 6 hours to Bangkok, arriving around midnight. Rex

Great place. Nothing fancy but very functional and clean. Good staff, etc. One drawback, if you can call it that, is that room service closes at midnight or maybe a little earlier. So if you're hungry and it's past midnight, you've got to go out and find some food. Or maybe order a pizza. Other than that, I can't think of a reason why you wouldn't want to stay there. Try Classroom 2000 down at the corner. Rex

I'm always up for an adventure. So I'm always willing to try something new. Just because I've stayed somewhere doesn't mean that's the best place. For all I know the place next door is even better. If I were going tomorrow I'm not sure where I'd stay. Sometime I'd like to try the Hard Rock, just to waste money and have the luxury of the pool. I wonder what the talent is like there late at night? Last trip I stayed mostly in the Sabai Lodge (three weeks), with a week at the Windy Inn at the beginning of my trip. The Windy Inn is at the quiet end of Walking Steet and has no phones. N

I used to live right in the middle of the village in New York City. Depending on which way I walked, I was either right in the middle of a gay neighborhood or right in the middle of the Bowery. The bottom line, though, was that it didn't much matter. Everyone left me alone if that's what I wanted, and I had a good time. I had the time of my life there. Once you're in your own place, you're in your own little world. Have fun. rex

I can't pretend to know the score, but I can't help but think the Russians are there because someone is letting them be there. At some point they'll be gone. Rex

I haven't stayed at the Inn, but did stay at the Lodge across the street for three weeks once. Either place should be great. The pool across the street is great. Just pull up a chair, order a Heineken, and relax. The food from the bar comes from the restaurant. Pretty good. Right down the streeet there's a bunch of soapy massage places, some great beer bars, and, across the street, Big C. You could spend your entire vacation right on that block, although I wouldn't recommend it. Rex

I have to agree. Just go outside and you'll have a sauna. Especially in April. Actually, a steambath would be closer to it. rex

Shell condos? If you buy a condo "shell," exactly what is included? Just four walls? Do the shells come with bath tubs, showers, toilets, etc? What about kitchen cabinets, sinks, etc? I've seen some fairly cheap shells advertised. That might be the way to go, if a person wanted to fool around with a little decorating. Rex

Whaat I usually do is book the first night or two in Bangkok through Priceline Hong Hong. I get the JW Marriott or one of the other 5 star Sukhumvit hotels for around $65 US. I know that's a lot, but it's nice to take a day or so to unwind from the flight at a nice place. I used my credit card when paying in advance for those rooms, but after that it's strictly cash. I pay as I go. If I'm at a hotel and know I'll be staying for a week or so, I just go to the desk and pay in advance. Every so often I'll check to see if I owe them any money for the mini bar or whatever. Rex

Is each building limited to only so many lines? I was looking at condos in those buildings, but I've always assumed that if you want a phone you just call the phone company. Rex

Gonzo, I stayed in a superior B room at Sabai Lodge, I think. It was on the second floor near the big pool. King size bed, but no bath tub. Anyway, I had a good time there. No problems whatsoever. If you decide you want the breakfast buffet next door, I think it's around 100 baht. Rex

It looks like a new place. Sort of far away from the action, so I'd plan on a taking a tuk tuk down to Soi Bangla for the evening's festivities. Same thing going back. I think the tuk tuk mafia has a lock on the rate - 100 baht. I'd send them an email on their guest policy. Otherwise, if you don't mind the price, go for it. Rex

Phil, I'm not sure there's such a thing as a "best" hotel for mongers. Some guys want to be close to the action and are happy with a clean but basic room. Other guys want a bit of luxury and don't mind paying for it. If you want to go the basic route, try the C&N hotel. The Tropica Bungalows is also well located and not too expensive. Actually, there are lots of hotels. Another that comes to mind is the Orchid Residence. Rex

Phuket: 1) Holiday Inn is the worst choice for mongers. 2) There are lots of nice hotels at Patong Beach, but some will want to charge you a "joiner" fee for any ladies, especially the nicer hotels. 3) Take a look at Latestays.com for a deal. Send an email to the hotel, before booking, to confirm the joiner fee charge or lack thereof. 4) Daytime activities? Hang around the pool. Get a soapy massage. Take a trip to one of the nearby islands, etc. Rex