daveh

Often you can get rooms at Yensabai Condo. Specials for 500 Baht. Nice pool. Don't forget to bring toilet paper though. http://www.pattayarentaroom.com

Most safes are combination type. Sometimes freelancers could be tempted if you fall asleep or go into bathroom---better SAFE ;D than sorry.

Personally I prefer a hotel with in-room safe. You can stay at a cheap hotel under 450 Baht but if your money disappears is this a good deal? I don't trust office safes as staff often have access to them. I like Apex hotel 450-550 Baht. In-room safes. Also Yensai Condo (minimum 4 days) specials are also 500 Baht. The extra 100 Baht is cheap insurance and you get a better room besides. If anyone knows of cheaper places with in-room safe please advise.

Last week I found vacancy available at several places around 1PM. Plans change. People move around.

Using shared Limo or bus. Anyone with a similar schedule?

How about shops/booths in Yarawat (Chinatown), Pantip Plaza, Most Open?

By the way I found the coffee excellent at Nana hotel buffet, much better than at Apex hotel Pattaya (unless improved now). Looks like a stay at Nana before heading out to Pattaya in December.

So did Nana change their food in the buffet? It's not so good now? I take it the price is 150 Baht but included in their 1000 Baht room listed on website.

I would think 1:30PM is also good time for room hunting. In my experiences even 10AM has worked for me---But have to wait for maid to clean room. Many times people reserve rooms for a longer period to be on safe side, but leave early. The hotel really can't tell until they checkout, so if you are there before someone else comes along you can snag the room for at least one day. Once you are in the room adding on days usually is possible unless someone reserved for your room number. Its difficult at night to find reasonable accomodation by just dropping in.

There are tons of hotels in Pattaya. You might not find the best rooms though. Looking for a room just after checkout time is advantageous as travellers often change schedule. During peak season I found a decent room at Apex Hotel by just dropping by at 2Pm.

Alot of Chinese tour groups seem to like this place. They always have the big tourist busses parked near the hotel. Probably why it is hard to book. I heard that prices have greatly increased since 2 years ago. I paid about 600 Baht then. Probably can't get special internet rate anymore via guy named Graham. The upper rooms have great view of sea. Takes about 10-15 minute walk to walking street. Of course can use Baht bus. If you like a view, how about Yensabai? Specials about 499 Baht. I am going to try it out next trip.

NWA also return good until Dec 25. Not sure about United. $666 with tax. Has anyone found better rate?

Another thought... Walking Street is safer as little or no vehicles. Use care when on 2nd Street. Sometimes drunk bike riders suddenly turn in front of you at a shop or side street. The last time this happened (the guy might have been African), he missed me by inches had that zombi look on his face.