torrenova

For the flights, expedia.co.uk can do you a direct flight on Emirates for GBP 128.40 which is about Bt8,600. I have seen them cheaper when in Hong Kong but the cheapest are usually with Gulf Air or Emirates. www.priceline.com.hk has some tickets at HKD 1190+tax with China Airlines for the dates you requested. I don't know whether you can book these on the net as you appear to be in the UK and would not perhaps be able to get a ticket mailed out. As for options getting to Pattaya, then sure go for the taxi-bus-bahtbus idea but you can go upstairs to the departures area and pick up a taxi to go to Pattaya for around Bt1000 I suspect, perhaps a little cheaper. I don't know if Thai Limo still runs a bus to Pattaya or what time it goes. Post your dates on this board and maybe you'll get someone who wants to share a cab to pattaya.

I've only seen the junior suites on their version of the "executive" floor. About Bt6k per day but come with perks suck as free laundry and free drinks etc. For me, too many kids around the place. As for the Hard Rock Cafe, I've been in twice and found it crap. Couldn't see why it was popular but it was busy both times. Had a drink or two and left.

When I was a tourist I stayed at the Residence Garden. I really liked it and appreciated the in room electronic safe, cards for the doors and not keys etc. The fact that it was a suite with a separate bedroom was a bonus. The pool in front always seemed relatively deserted so you could drop in for a swim or just to cool down. The only problem is the baht bus and the fact that the drivers don't know where it is. The hotel cards show the location from Jomtien, not Pattaya ! If I was still a tourist, I would probably still stay there though.

If your agent "insists" on your having some accommodation, then you are probably being sold and IT (inclusive tour) fare. You can choose the accommodation you want - you do not have to take what he offers. Ditch the hotel and get one on Sukhumvit. You'll maybe pay a little extra but you'll be in the thick of it and not have to worry about skytrains etc.

No details available on Google, have you some information ? Unless great hotel, the price seems high for way up there.

Pattaya Marriott does not charge for guests whether registered or not. That policy does not change with the seasons either. Other possibilities are the Siam Bayshore or the Hard Rock. I was particularly impressed with the junior suites at the Hard Rock for around Bt6,000 per day. However, I don't think anywhere beats the ambiance of the pool area at the Marriott. For me, I'll pay and stay in the JW or the Marriott Spa or similar in Bangkok but I just don't think the price difference between say circa Bt1500 hotels and those mentioned above is justified. There's plenty in the circa Bt1,000 to Bt1,500 with nice pools and clean rooms. Near Walking Street, the Welcome Plaza springs to mind with a junior suite at Bt950 (can sometimes be had for Bt850).

If you frequent the Morning Night on Soi 4 (Nana) in Bangkok, ask Helen, one of the mamasans, to get her brother to drive you to Pattaya. He'll turn up on time with his (not rented) Toyota and wait if you want. I kept the poor sod waiting 6 hours once but I explained to him, bought him some food and paid him for his time. Can't remember his name but all the girls know Helen. If they ask how you know, just say the guys who stays in the JW Marriott and uses him gave you a recommendation.

It really depends upon where you want to stay. The RG is a little out of the way and can be a bit of a pain to get back to especially at night but it is usually quiet. You often have to hire a bus or change and thats a pain in the arse if you want to go and come back a few times a day. The SS is on Soi 13 and on the baht bus route either way so no travel issues. I thought the suites overpriced compared to the RG but location somewhat better. Some rooms just look at neighbouring buildings though. The SV is way down on Soi 3 so transport is easy but takes time, especially if you want to frequent the area around Walking Street. That said, there is plenty to do in that part of town. Of the three, I haven't stayed at this one and that has only been because of location. If I was looking as a tourist, I would give the SV a go for a few days if out of peak season, then change if I found it inconvenient or didn't like it. Thats purely because it would allow me to focus on the surrounding area.

Sorry to piss on your bonfire but you're not going to get 2 for GBP 600 or GBP 300 each direct on TG this summer unless something major happens and the moon spins into the earth or something. If you want and / or need to go at that time, what is already posted will be about the best deal available. If you want to go before, say on 18th or 19th June, then Qantas / BA can get you there and back for GBP 388.40 direct. Prices go up for outward travel on 20th June. Ask Eva if you want, but Thai are not matching the price. As stated before, try an IT fare inclusive of accommodation if you want. TG may have some of those.

Totally girl friendly. Many will have their partner stay over and have a dip in the pool and no problems. Multiple guests not a problem also. One negative though is that there have been occassions when a previous girl has wandered into the hotel at night and taken up residence outside your door, or is waiting for you at reception when you arrive back from a night out on the town. They don't take IDs although I suppose they would if you wanted them to.

Maybe you got Paul just after he dropped me off to catch my flight to LHR ! I've never known him or those working for him to let anyone down.

One of the American budget airlines does indeed charge fatties for two seats but reimburses them if the plane is not full. After a light aircraft crashed (can't remember where now - airsafe.com), the cause happened to be incorrect loading due to the high percentage of overweight people on board. Airlines have an ancient calculation for average weight based on male / female and summer / winter clothing. People are heavier now and if they ever tried to introduce economy seating now for the first time, I am sure it would be banned. That said, airlines do owe you a duty of care and on a flight from Hong Kong to Tokyo some time ago, I insisted on moving, stating that very cause. They had little option but to upgrade. On a flight recently from BKK-LHR, I had a fat guy and his skinny girlfriend sit next to me. I asked the fat guy to move away from next to me and he kindly did. If he had not, I would have called the attentant. ONe final thought. If a skinny guy wants to take on board extra luggage they charge him - yes ? So charge fatties more as well.

I would be wary of Phuket Air as if it is a charter, their legroom will be crap and at an absolute minimum. They may also pass on costs for meals, drinks etc. For Thai Airways July 3rd to 28th: Expedia GBP 990 Ebookers GBP 577 Netflights GBP 588 I'd say snap up the Ebookers fare ASAP as I cannot see it coming much cheaper, only more expensive. Just might be worth a call to Westeast Travel (www.westeasttravel.com) to see about their prices and any multiple ticket discounts.

Current flight availability Eva GBP 472 www.ebookers.com Qantas GBP 588.20 www.opodo.co.uk I'd suggest trying Trailfinders (www.trailfinders.com) and asking about "IT" (Inclusive Tour) fares. You have to book a couple of days accommodation which you can either use or just dump but they should be able to get you one this far in advance. Good if you want a couple of days in Bangkok as they "hide" the actual cost of the plane ticket in the overall cost. You can of course work it out by asking for the price for 2 days and then the price for 3 days etc. Late deals may be possible but it depends upon whether you will have the flexibility. Alternatively, call Westeast Travel (www.westeasttravel.com)

Some bars open past 2am, some never shut but the bigger places and go-gos are closed at 2am.

Guys, I'm trying to get hold of a couple of mobile numbers in LOS. They both begin with 791 xxxxx. I'm not making any silly mistakes but cannot SMS through Orange in the UK, cannot call using BT or Tiscali and I know that the phones are not "out of time" money wise as this has happened to both phones 8 days ago on 9th March. Any ideas or anyone else experiencing similar problems ? Thanks

Here's the hotel website: http://www.montien.com/pattaya/default.asp Don't know the hotel personally so cannot comment. Just a thought though but why would you want to bring your wife and kid to Pattaya ? Surely they'll both come up with numerous "awkward" questions when you go looking for the "BUZZ" ?

SlipSlopSlap, I've been a big fan of the RG for the last 9 months or so but I do get a little frustrated with the nightly baht bus debate. Also, its a bit of a pain in the arse if you just want to get a quick shower as you've got to make the baht bus trip. That said, it is nearer Walking Street than Soi 2 for instance. On the plus side, the RG is relaxing. Its nice to drop in the pool and spend a lazy afternoon in the company of a TG. It has an electronic in room safe which I like and as stated above, there is a laundry over the road and an internet cafe next door. No hassles with whoever you bring back and nice clean rooms with balconies. All in all, still a hard package to beat. It really is all about whether you want a hotel next to where you most often drink at night or you want a bit of luxury for very reasonable baht.

Guys, Just booked a great fare on TG for 23rd March to LOS. Checked around dates and its available for 17th as well and perhaps before. Coming back on 5th April but also available for 30th and 31st March and perhaps others. Total cost GBP 404.70 - complete bargain. Website www.opodo.co.uk

Thanks for the info guys. I am a seasoned campaigner and have hotels I use but this will be the first time when I will be staying in one place for over a month. Potentially, it will be a number of months and ongoing. So, I have a couple of hotel options by the month but to be honest, I hanker after a "decent" hotel or an apartment. The problem is that I have to adjust from tourist with no financial considerations to having to pay for a place on a permanent basis. Whilst the RG has been a favoured place of late on holiday, at a discount of around Bt30,000 per month, it is a little too high for my needs. As for location, it really does have to be central. Appreciate any and all ideas, keep them coming.

Lloydie, I've looked at their website (www.leestravel.com) but cannot see the offer you quote - was it in a paper or something ? Cheers

I took two guys to see the place 2 weeks ago. They were staying in the Hard Rock and I grabbed Dudley and introduced them. They wanted the 2 best rooms for a 10 day stay in late March. I wanted to show them the rooms but he couldn't be bothered. So I apologised to the lads and Dud did a swift about turn, until one guy just told him that if he couldn't be arsed then he could f*ck off.

No problems with joiners at the JW Marriott, Westin, Sheraton, Marriott Spa or Shangri-La

Guys, As I'll be moving out to Pattaya for a while in a couple of months, I'll need some long term accommodation. Ideally, it'll be near Walking Street (north end near the boxing / police box) and reasonably priced. It can be a hotel or a condo but it must be month by month. Any and all ideas welcome. Thanks

As I mostly use Sabailand, I can comment on that establishment. They have 2 forms of operation. Bt1500 up front all in and up to you if you tip the girl. Or, they want Bt600 for the room and you negotiate with the girl. In example 1, the girl would get Bt900 but in example 2, she may start negotiating when you are in a weak position so to speak. When you go in, the papasan will come up to you at your table while you choose. Let him say something or you voice "Bt1500 all inclusive ?". That way, you know where you stand. Just make sure that before you go in, you have some change for the tip.