jimmybcool

The Gardens are not in a good location IMO. When I want to go golf, I gotta hoof my clubs sometimes. I just don't care for the baht bus ride up the hill versus in town. You might think no big deal, but you never stood on the side of the road with a golf bag. The baht buses get weird like they smell money or something. I'd rather be IN town. ;D

Well, the list is growing. Partly from the reviews here, and other sources. I am down to the following: Honey Inn - South Pattaya Road Sabai Inn/Lodge - Soi 2 Welcome Plaza - 2nd Rd/Pattayaland 2 Beachview - Beach Rd/Soi 2 Charming Inn - Beach Road/Soi 3 (a leader) Natural Beach Hotel - Beach Rd/Soi 11 Bella Villa - Soi 4 Lido Hotel - Beach Rd/Pattayaland Esatiny - Soi 8 (leader) Flipper - Soi 8 AA Pattaya Residence - Soi 13 Bella Vista - between Soi 7 & 8 J&P Court Hotel - Soi Diana Sandy Spring - Soi 13 (leader) It is always hard to determnnine based on photos. And opinions vary. Some people not used to Pattaya may be excited by ANY room for 600 baht ;D I like the ones on Beach Rd since I can get downtown with my golf clubs easily. If I have to take them back (rarely) can do. But usually after golf I am dropped off on Beach Rd so this is cool. When at Pinewood I would have to walk up Soi 6/Yotsak with my clubs in t he late afternoon. I think I've heard EVERY offer to caddy or clean my balls ever made.

fbf Thanks. I think this is at the far end of walking street, and I probably don't want to be there. Long walk in the AM with my golf clubs. But, actually, might be OK go to 2nd and baht bus it. And the price is certainly right. Might be worth a look. Like a lot of stuff in Pattaya, you really got to see it to tell what its like.

Ummm Tom, From the review it seems the price is a bit high for Bella Villa. Around 1800 a night. Even if they discount for a monthly stay I can't see it coming down to 30,000 a month. Otherwise looks pretty good.

Thanks Tom. I have 20 hotels on my list so far including Bella Vista between Sois 7 and 8. Never seen or heard of this one so maybe its the one.

Have done/am doing both. Ever thought maybe specifically listing your needs to a large group of like minded people might show alternatives not available? ::)

Pinewood has pissed me off. No respect from them so fug em. I need a new hotel. Here is the objective: Location: MUST be inside the baht bus loop. This means inside Pattaya North to Pattaya South, Beach road to 2nd Road. I might wander off 2nd road a few hundred yards if everything else if PERFECT. Preference is to be at the South end of town. Room: 1) The room MUST have a King/Queen size bed (no effing way two twins pushed together). 2) Must have a bathroom where taking a shower doesn't wet the entire bathroom. Prefer a walk in shower (don't give a damn about a tub). BTW, the walk in shower with a seat for playtime with the TGs is a BIG plus. ;D 3) Must be able to SLEEP. No way one floor above a gogo bar or the like. I can take a bit of noise but I'm there for 2 months so come on now. 4) Either a large room or a hotel willing to store my empty luggage for me. AND, willing to store my FULL luggage when I go home until I return. 5) Security - must have a 2 key lockbox at desk and must show some interest in who comes and goes. 6) Guest friendly. 7) Small kitchenette area for mixing morning shake in blender. Small fridge. I don't ever really cook anything. I already own the blender. 8) Bigger TV is a plus. What I DON'T need or care about is a swimming pool or room service or a restuarant or breakfast with the room. I want a reasonable price. If I can get all this in a really nice place with good location I'll pay 30,000 a month. Say, if Sandy Springs had a room that met this criteria. If its all the way out at Pinewood (and old like Pinewood) I wouldn't pay more than 21,000 a month. So, place your votes guys.

Bigmike Hell, I would rather stay at Sandy Springs location wise. Not sure if the room meets my needs. I prefer to have a small kitchenette. Just enough to make my morning protein shake (fridge, blender which I own, and sink to rinse in) and some room for all the shit I have. I am certainly conmsidering alternatives to Pinewood now that they have made it clear loyalty is a one way street. I actually have a list of 20 hotels to consider now. Problem is, I got to see them. Or maybe I'll list my priorities here and see how folks respond. thats it, I'll do it.

Well, I got another reply from my hotel today. After staying there multiple times in high season and low season, during the SARs scare and following 9/11, putting up with construction and other hassles, the rubber meets the road. The first time it looks like a sellers market in Pattaya and they want to gouge me. My normal rate has been around 21,000 baht a month all inclusive and a month meant 30 or 31 days. Now, they want 23,000 (OK, high season rate), PLUS 7% PLUS it is prorated at a 4 week rate NOT 30 days which means the difference is: 30 days divided by 21,000 equals 700 baht a day all in 28 days into (23,000 x 1.07 = 24610) = 878 baht 878 x 30 = 26,367 baht a month. In all, the difference is 52,000 for 2 months versus 38,000-42,000 in the past. This is a 25% increase. It is an insult to a long term customer. Thats a big raise. And heck, the ONLY thing they knocked off was the 10% service (??) charge. No rate reduction or long term recognition as a good customer. I honestly am losing interest in LOS. The attitude of the whole country is changing. I just read Hillys post about screwing the farang on bank accounts, another indication of the lack of respect they have for us. Seems each flight is longer than the last. What the hell, do I really need this shit anymore? Come on Castro - DIE already. Time for me to find a new playground where they NEED our business and act accordingly. Or maybe time to find what I want here in the Americas.

animal, Don't know about UK to BKK flighhts. I'll be flying through LAX ;D I'm sure I could get a flight to BKK when I want it. But, I would have to either accept coach class (not a snowballs chance in hell), pay for business class (ummm, nope) or not go. I got spoiled on EVA Deluxe price and quality. I am willing to upgrade my pay for the new SING/LAX direct flights. Might even hang around Sing a day or two. Mmmm, prolly not. I could also probably get the hotel I want if I just go there. But, I'm tired of the runaround. Obviously I need a new hotel if after staying for over 8 months of the last 16 they still don't offer me some kind of deal. They finally replied with OK, 23,000 and 7% when I've been paying 21,000 total. Oh, and get this, the p rice they quote is for 4 weeks NOT a month so the total goes up when the extra few days are factored in. Total Thai gouging bullshit. Naw, I can wait til February and take my pick of a new hotel and see if THEY show some respect. I'm alsoi tired of being so far north anyway so time to chanmge.

You are braver than I. There is no way I could fly to Thailand in coach. I would lose my mind. There is a new service beginning February from Singapore Air. Nonstop LA-Sing. The whole plane is biz and deluxe class seats I think. My travel agent mentioned it in email and I need to clarify. I'm thinking with the hotel BS going on now in Pattaya and flight shortage I'll just wait until February anyway.

OK, February it is. Or maybe I'll contact my old hotel and live with the noise and........ nope. February. I can take it. I can wait. [smiley=uh-uh.gif]

Well, I'm officially annoyed now. First, my hotel dficks me around and won't respond. Then EVA has all its flights in Deluxe class booked until the end of January anyway. Fug it. OK, opinions on February regarding hotel status? Should high season be ending then and hotels more rational or do I need to wait longer.

Wow. My travel agent just told me that the first EVA Deluxe class seat she can get m e in January is on the 26th. Wassup wit dat? Seems like things are heating up over there. Hotel shortages. Flights fully booked. Thinking maybe I'll scrap the whole trip. Don't need the agro. Or maybe go in February when it cools off a bit.

It is interesting. Don't answer a question. Raise prices on long term customers. But who cares? We're full in January anyway. Oh, July? Gee. Can't see that far out. ::) They won't be seeing me in July/Aug/Sept/Oct if they screw me in Jan/Feb. There are LOTS of hotels in Pattaya. Just forces me to arrive without reservation and hoof it the first day to find what I want. Once I do, I won't return to Pinewood.

I'm kind of lucky in that I can visit when I want. I do not plan on paying inflated prices for the same room. Guess maybe I'll wait until March or so. Funny, I sent and email to Pinewood asking if there was some mistake on the price and never got an answer back. Typical thai business practice though. They don't figure that a guy who spent 6 months a year there for 2 years might keep doing i t if they don't piss him off. So they try to jack around the rates. Guess I need a new regular hotel. Damn, I was planning to play in the Classroom Classic though. Hmmmm.

Yo, I just got a quote from my regular hotel (Pinewood) in Pattaya for my Jan/Feb trip. Now put this in perspective. I have stayed there for 4 trips now each lasting 2 months. On average (depending on type of room available) I have paid around 21,000 baht per month. Now, all of a sudden, there is a 10% Service fee and 7% VAT and price increase and the net result is 29,000 baht per month. Wassup? Is there suddenly an influx of punters and the hotels are full or is it just Pinewood?

Wobbly, Soi Dao is further than 1.5 hour drive unless you are suicidal. It is an excellent golf course. The only problem is it is the middle of nowhere. No bars, girls or restuarants (including the hotel - the service and food suck unless you order thai food). But, if you bring some snacks and a girl of your own, it is a nice getaway. On golf courses: Laem Chabang - #1 in grooming and views. Unless you play the back tees it is also a very easy golf course. Off the back tees if becomes a good challenge. Keao Keow - excellent layout. I recommend it. Off the tips this is a championship course. Based on the handicaps I see for the Rideher Cup we better be playing this course short - like the white tees. Natural Park Hills - toughest legitimate layout. A real test of golf. When it is in shape the best greens in the area. Natiral Park Resort - easier than Hills and a nice day. St Andrews - too difficult for most players. You will be pulling your hair out by the 5th if you can't shoot in the 80s on a regular basis. I love the par 6 BTW. But I agree it is a BS hole. Very tricked out. Green Valley - an excellent layout (before and maybe again) and always in good condition. Cute caddies on weekends. PCC and Phoenix - bland but OK Navy Course - sometimes really deep rough.

Just for the record, I am sure Texas is part of the US. :-* jimmybcool - USA I wear a XL in US sizes.

upena Yeah, I shop there when I am in BKK. Have bought some great stuff there and always satisfied when I get home.

bigbear I think the coolest part of golf in LOS is the caddies. If you get one that is fun, the whole day is better. And for you with dirty minds, I simply mean one who can kid around and maybe tickle a bit. Nothing untoward. I save that stuff for professionals. 8)

doggie I usually don't sit in any bars long term. I am not much of a drinker (except on accasion). But they don't push you to drink in FLB so I might hang around there more than I have in the past. I prefer bars with AC, and not too much smoke, and a casual atmosphere which FLB has. I also prefer quieter than FLB but then it wouldn't be a bar would it ;D I'll probably see you Friday. Maybe we can con, er, convince the powers that be to set up some gimmicks for the rideher cup. I am easy to recognize. 6' tall yank with little hair and a little overweight. Aren't we all? modified cause I can't speel for shit. ::)

WHile the condition can vary, the Blue Canyon layout is the best one in thailand. It is truly spectacular. They did have a run of bad luck and bankruptcy and the condition might be off, I don't know. You should call them and ask f or any specials. The normal rate is stupid high. But last time I was there they had a special rate for a few days a week. Worth asking about. If you play it, we will want to know if you had the balls to take on t he water on the par four that tiger drove. I'm guessing most here would not cut any of the water off.

Hey, if any of you guys have a slice I have a guaranteed cure. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . Place water left. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D (ba da boom)

You know, sometimes bars give technical prizes as Grendel so wisely suggested. How about: 1) Nearest the pin Free Barfines? 2) Long Drive - 5 ladies shots of your choice for 5 ladies of your choice (that is a total of 5 shots not 25) 3) Shortest Drive (gives everyone a chance but no sandbagging) - winner buys 5 ladies shots and is given 5 shots by the house to drink with them. Somehow, I think this prize could be dangerous. Some other ideas I am stealing from an excellent tournament run by another Pattaya group. 1) On one hole force everyone to putt with a special putter. This would require building/making a putter that is almost impossible to putt with. I would be happy to assist in this project. 2) On one tee box force everyone to tee off opposite their normal side. Meaning I would have to tee off left handed. You would need to provide a lefty club at the tee box. 3) On one tee force everyone to tee off while standing on a car tire. I also agree 100% with the girls on the course. Pictures of every foursome with 4-8 girls on the first tee are a great remembrance. I got other ideas. Maybe we need to talk over a drink. I get there on Friday the 29th. See you that night or Saturday if I'm jet lagged or attacked by some wild thai women the first day.