PenName

I still try different hotels when in Patts. I guess I've yet to find the one place that is "home" for me on my trips to LOS. Anyway, for my March Trip, I'm currently considering either the Sunview Place on Bukhao or the Seaside Guesthouse on Soi 3. If anyone has an opinion from having stayed at one or both, I'd welcome you passing it along. Regards, ~ Pen

Absolutely stunning results, Pete. If this place doesn't go, then I have to imagine that there's no room left in Patts for a good idea, well executed. I'll be in town in a week and your place is near the top of the list of stops. ~ Pen

Yes, I just got a very proper and efficient email from them with instructions after arrival, and I had sent my reservation query a little less than 24 hours ago. Really makes you think when you run the numbers that this company is able to make a profit with what would have to be more expensive vehicles and higher gasoline expenses (due to lower mileage), and the need to have 8 - 10 customers a trip to equal the 1,200 to 1,500 baht levy the private cars and drivers charge. Yes, I understand the there is always a premium for privacy and that sense of being treated deferentially -- one only has to look at the difference in tariffs for public transport and limousines -- but I assure you the difference in the U.S. between an airport shuttle bus (a rough equivalent) and a private car / limousine is nowhere near as high as 8x - 10x. Looks like the touts and the private services have had one over on us for quite some time. If Bell is half as good as as been described on this and other boards, they'll move to the top of my list when my arrival times are convenient or possible. ~ Pen

It looks like with the girls knowing they're going to get soaked, they don swimsuit tops or heavy-duty bras under their tees or tanks. Probably a good idea as raging nipples in the mix of water fights and general chaos might be just what it would take to turn the whole thing into some sex riot (not that I would feel the need to judge ). ~ Pen

I'm going to take my maiden voyage on Bell in 13 days, and am actually looking forward to it. If it's everything everyone is saying, I think moving toward 20-24 hour a day service would put a significant dent in the business of the private car carriers who are charging 9 to 10 times as much. ~ Pen

Well, just well...wow. ~ Pen

Hi, Pete: I'm still looking forward to helping to break in a barstool or two when I get in a couple of weeks from today. Don't let the construction nightmares interrupt the dream -- if it hadn't have been Sonkran it would have likely been something else. Better that it was for a national holiday week rather than something specific to your establishment. Best regards on your openings. ~ Pen

That's interesting about it being 120,000 AA miles to get a business class ticket on Cathay. I collect my AA miles in an Alaska Airlines account since I fly Alaska a few times a year and can also deposit miles from Delta, Northwest, KLM and Air France in the account and have them all count toward elite status. Anyway, I was just able to get a Cathay business class ticket using Alaska Airlines miles (many of which were flown on American), and was only dinged for 100,000 miles. A first class ticket could have been had (if any had been available) for 140,000. Funny the currency and exchange rate nature of airline miles. This coming trip (two weeks to go) is tossing some coin the way of China Airlines. Personally, at this point, I'd fly a crop duster to get there. ~ Pen

Three weeks from right now, I'll be on my way to Patts in an airport taxi pickup. That night, I suspect my ass will be on a stool at Cherry Bar. Thanks for reminding me of one of the reasons why. ~ Pen

Anyone in around midday and looking to share a ride on Sunday, the 4th. ~ Pen

I'm booked into the QV in three weeks, and when I booked, Vic required 4 nights deposit. True, it's non-refundable, but it means the first $100US of my stay is paid and out of the way, and what I got in return was a quick confirmation / receipt that included full details all the way down to which room I'd be staying in. As noted above, the deposit is only a problem if you plan on blowing off the reservation. I've heard from more than a few hotel and room owners in Patts that the mongers given to making reservations at multiple properties, evidently only deciding on a winner while collecting their baggage at the airport, is a huge problem. I've no problem believing that's true and that it's the reason why we're seeing more and more properties asking for some sort of security deposit, as is the norm in most of the rest of the world. Given that we're paying extremely reasonable prices (some might say ridiculously low prices) for a roof over our head and a bed beneath our libidinous bodies, honoring a reservation with an innkeeper trying to make a go of it at $20 - 40US a night doesn't seem like too much to ask (IMHO). Many, if not most of us have been to Patts multiple times and know where we like to stay. What's so wrong with making a decision a few weeks ahead of time and confirming it with a deposit or guarantee? When wanting to try a new property of which we might not be sure if we'll be happy and just can't bring ourselves to take the chance, perhaps we should opt for a reservation of a couple of nights or so and go from there. I know a lot of the world would label us a tribe with commitment problems , but there's no need to extend that to hotel accommodations, is there? ~ Pen

Pete: Major congratulations on how the place is coming together. I have been a big fan of the current FLB under Martin's stewardship, but the FLB when it was under your guiding hand was the very first place in which I set foot in Pattaya. I was made to feel at home from the first moment in the door. First impressions mean a lot, and your establishment was a great first impression of Walking Street and Patts. I'm in town 04 May and as soon as jetlag and reasonable hygiene matters allow, I'll be in to see the place firsthand. So far, it appears a fine idea has blossomed into a great reality. I look forward to enjoying what I am sure will be a first rate experience. ~ Pen

Kuranda - thanks for the post and a reminder of the coming events page. I arrive on the 4th, so I think helping to celebrate Nam's birthday and further the economy a bit at Adam's will be a wonderful start. Is there any update on the pending construction / relocation for Adam? ~ Pen

TQ2 has always been one of my favorites when I'm not hellbent on my way somewhere else specific. Thanks for the hptos to help remind me why. ~ Pen

I want, I want, I want. Any parties on the board for May yet, Adam? ~ Pen