Rex7777

Saw a story the other day about a new procedure they have. Instead of using a laser they insert a permanent contact lens of sorts right behind the cornea. If necessary, the procedure can be reversed. To me, it sounds safer than laser surgery. Rex

Supposedly, it's guest friendly, unless things have changed very recently. Rex

For what it's worth, I'd buy a low priced laptop here in the US and just bring it along. You can get a decent one for around $1,000. Rex

For what it's worth, the Sabai Lodge has a good sized pool. Rex

I guess I'm paranoid, but I just figure if the place catches on fire the Sabai Lodge would be the best place to be, as it's only two stories. Even if I were on the second floor a jump out the window wouldn't kill me. Aside from that I'd still stay at the Sabai Lodge again. The only negative is that room service doesn't operate all night. One time that ticked off one of my guests. Rex

Gabor, Just out of curiosity, what do you consider a good price? I keep looking at Thai condos on the Internet, but so far I'm not so sure where I want to buy one, and I'm certainly not brave enough to buy one sight unseen. Rex

I'd consider paying 4 million for a condo, but it had better be a pretty neat condo. These have no sea view? That sort of cuts down on the appeal of it, doesn't it. I've been checking out condos for sale on the internet and I've seen some with totally awesome views of the sea. I can just picture myself sitting out on the balcony with a bottle of wine and a Thai girl.... So what if it costs a little money? Rex

Fr. Lust, For what it's worth, I sort of liked the Windy Inn. Some people don't, but I found it just fine. I had a top floor room with an ocean view - 1250 a night, I believe. Sort of high, but what the hell. The amenities are basic - no elevator, no phone, no bathtub, and only a 13" TV. Still, the view was awesome, and you can't beat the Walking Street location. In a way, it was strange. With all the hustle and bustle of Walking Street, you'd think it would be noisy late at night. Not so. Very very quiet at that end of the street. And with no phone in the room, no one could both

When I stayed at the Sabai Lodge I felt very comfortable using the safes at reception to store my unused travelers checks, extra cash, passport, etc. Nothing went missing. Keep in mind, these safes aren't really big enough to store an expensive camera or laptop. Rex

Is this the small place that's on Walking Street sort of across from the Windy Inn? If so, I was wondering the same thing myself. I think it's probably an OK place from what I could tell when I stayed at the Windy Inn. Rex

For what it's worth, they usually ask for 500 Baht, or at least that's my experience. It may have gone up since I was last there. Still, I think there's a mini bus for a lot less. Rex

It seemed to me like an OK place, but if the cafe is any indication, it'll cost you more than it should. Stopped in for lunch one day and had a Carlsberg and a club sandwich with fries. More food than I could possibly eat. A beer or two later and my bill was approaching 1000 baht. I was in the bar section eating at the bar, but the rest of the retaurant was filled up with Japanese tourists, or so it seemed. The pool looks nice. Rex

I think they used to recommend it on the Rock Hard website, so I guess it's girl friendly. I've never stayed there, but what do you have to loose? Or, Try the C&N Hotel, or Tropica Bungalows, or the Orchid Residence, etc. Rex

In all seriousness, the best time to vistit is any time you can. Just go. Either you'll be hot, or you'll be wet, at times. Who cares? Go and have fun. Rex

As for Phuket? There are a bunch of places at Patong Beach close to the action (Bangla Road). Plan on paying at least 1000 Baht, perhaps as much as 1500. C&N Hotel is OK. Also, try Tropica Bungalows (book a double). There are also some smaller cheaper places. For example, look up the Smile Inn, if it's still there. some of the more expensive hotels might want an expensive joiner fee. Rex

Last year I spend three weeks at the Sabai Lodge. You really can't complain about the location. Just walk down the Soi a ways and you've got Classroom 2000 go go, a bunch of beer bars, and all the soapy places. Walk the other way and you can easily catch a baht bus down to walking street. Rex

I stayed there last November for a few weeks. Fifth floor, sewview room. Maybe the same one you've booked. There are some pictures under my handle in the Gallery. Fantastic view from the room, and I have to second the notion that the pool across the street is good. The food at the pool bar is also OK. I forget what I had, but I remember feeling guilty that the entire meal was less than 100 Baht. It was excellent. As for the rooms? No telephones, and the TV is very small. Also, there's no elevator, but that's no big deal, I suppose. All in all, a nice quiet place to get away from it

You don't get to specify a hotel, but there are discussion group type web sites where people exchange their Priceline experiences. They keep a list of participating hotels in each area, so, generally, you'll know that if you bid on a 5 star hotel in a certain part of town, you'll likely get one of the two or three participating hotels in that area. Try this: http://pub143.ezboard.com/bpricelineasiadiscussions Rex

I've used Pricline HK twice now, without a problem. Just be sure you can really go before you buy the room, or else you'll just be throwing your money away. In July I bid on a room for four nights in November and got the Westin Grande Sukhumvit. However, something came up and I couldn't get away, so I just lost that money. Rex

As for the distance question, I'd say you really won't want to walk from North Pattaya to Walking Street all that often. But don't forget, there wiil be a Baht bus that'll go by about every 30 seconds. Very simple to just hop on one and ring the bell when you want to get off. Rex

I don't know anything about Pattaya Center, but Sabai Lodge is just fine. Are you really going to Pattaya to sit around in a hotel room? Anyway, I'd stay at Sabai Lodge anytime. Rex

One morning about 4AM I ate breakfast in their coffee shop. The hotel itself was dark and dreary looking, but I suppose it would do if you're looking for a bargain and like the location.

If you stay at the Marriott, remember that the bathroom floors are all marble. When you take a shower, the water can spill out of the shower stall onto the rest of the floor. It you're not careful, you can come back half drunk at 3 AM, go into the bathroom, slip on the water, and break your neck. Be careful... Rex

I think you may as well plan to lay low on the King's birthday. Even the TV stations are closed that day, if I remember correctly (at least the ones I saw - they just played soft music and some sort of tribute to the King). Maybe you should find a girl the day before and just take it easy that day.

As I recall, they've had two cash and miles promos this year. I've got some miles, so maybe next time I'll take them up on it. Anyone ever taken them up on the deals they offer when the planes are overbooked? Last year I was scheduled on a Saturday flight from Minneapolis to Tokyo when they started asking for volunteers to be bumped. The deal was good for overnight lodging, dinner, the same flight out the next day, and a $750 coupon good towards future flights. I should have taken them up on it. Rex