valentinoxxx

Since I'm replying to the OP, it is clear to which dates I refer. If you had dates in mind, why not post them? Peak dates still available from 500 to 550 pounds.

Al's Resort is situated on the beach, on the site of the former Royal Garden Beach. Behind, on the Beach Road side is an underutilized market square. On the plus side there is a TOPS supermarket where you can buy fresh seafood at supermarket prices and have it cooked on an outside barbeque. They provide tables and music. 300 baht per kilogram of huge river prawns is usual. Restaurant prices are around 1400 baht per kilogram. In addition there is Neptune's Gym replete with Sauna and Jacuzzi and varied restaurants and bakeries.

Just checked. 500 pounds is still possible for those dates.

An alternative; http://www.bjpattaya.com/

You can fly out using Thai Airways on the 27th for 16k(242 pounds) and then return using Oasis and Air Asia for 153 pounds.

You can take the first and last direct flight from Samui for 2500 baht. That Akwa Guesthouse looks weird.

Ok, first you have to go to the moon... Are you joking? How the hell are we supposed are we supposed to know where you are now? Google Thai Embassy or Consulate.

You can obtain a two bedroom apartment with two bathrooms, two living rooms, kitchen and a balcony with seaview, on the beach road for around 4.5k baht, if you know where to look. Rather better value than some hotel on a back street for 10k. Even worse, the rate is shown as 15,000 baht on their website. Though to be fair, there is no pool or jacuzzi at my place.

Delusions of grandeur?

Diamond City Place Serviced Mansion 513 Moo 10, South Pattaya Road Pattaya City, Chonburi 20260 Tel: +66 38 420 522 Fax: +66 38 420560

I rented a large two bedroom apartment on the beach road earlier this year for 2k per night. Doesn't look to be available at that price anymore. No safety box in the room though. Just lockable drawers.

Budget? Requirements?

P.R.S. MANSION Soi 17, Pratamnak Road 599/3-4 Moo 10 Phatthaya City, Chonburi 20260 ph: 425-931, 426-931 No website.

My personal recommendation; K.N. Travel, 597/2 Moo 10 South Pattaya Rd. Tel +66 38 710 967, +66 (38) 421 326 Fax +66 (38) 429 143 kntravelpattaya@yahoo.com Give them a call to compare prices. Here's a price guide; http://www.saveflights.com/country/united-kingdom.html Etihad transit time is around one hour and a half.

Thanks for that. Made me smile.

I get around the high price problem by booking my tickets from Thailand. So travelling to Thailand mid December and coming back in early Jan costs me around £500 to £550 return. Plus, I can change both outbound and inbound dates at no charge.

Your statements contradict themselves. The price I quoted included taxes and charges, since we were comparing like with like. In other words, comparing the price the OP paid in relation to the price offered via WestEast. No harm done.

How did the flight booking go?

I've access to a very large two bedroom apartment with two living rooms. Doesn't solve the third bedroom problem though.

£350 with THAI or EVA? I don't think so. £415 is closer to the mark.

A decent company would take a maximum of one day's rent as a penalty. Enough said.

Not very many companies are going to have a 100% record of reliability. I've used Khrongfa a couple of times with no problem. I've also used Image Limousine. A bit more expensive, but good service. At least both Khrongfa and Image Limousine have fixed contact addresses. Where is Mr. Toom's base? I don't know. Does anyone know? I prefer to have a point of reference in case of complaints. From their card; Khrongfa Pattaya Tours and Transport Centre(Open 24 hours) 206/84 Moo 9 Soi Town in Town Pattaya Klang Pattaya City Chonburi 20260 Tel: 038 716528, 038 423067, Mobi

For the information of UK residents wishing to transfer funds at better than bank rates(Depending on transaction size); http://www.currencies.co.uk/ http://www.hifx.co.uk/ http://www.commercialcurrency.com/primelocation/ Card for your Tirak; http://www.cash2go.com/ (If your mad enough to invest in Thailand, you're probably sending money to your girlfriend.

Sounds a little expensive. Which agent do you use? I use KN Travel in the South Pattaya Road. +66(0)38 710 967 - 70

Flew Etihad Pearl Class on a previous trip. Excellent new seat that converts into a fully flat bed(none of that angled nonsense). Plus an in-built massager. The food and service wasn't as good as in Emirates Business Class, but the seats are better. British Airways Club Class, watch out. Average food and bog standard service. Seats and direct flights are it's saving grace.