torrenova

I can't comment on other countries but the "free" insurance offered by many UK based credit cards is actually not travel insurance at all, but merely covers some of the less likely events which might occur. In addition, some cards which may offer comprehensive insurance, may only do so if the purchase of flight / holiday etc. was made with the said credit card. As more and more agencies are charging fees for using credit cards, guys should remember that not using the right card might invalidate the insurance policy.

For you guys booking the Sunshine Vista, what medium (website or other) did you use and what rates did you get the rooms for ?

Usually when you redeem points for rooms then that is everything except any additional costs you incur. I suppose it is theoretically possible for them to request any government tax but where this is a percentage, "x" percentage of zero would still be zero. Always confirm to be sure though. make sure whether breakfast is included too as both Marriotts do splendid breakfasts.

I understand the Cherry Hotel (don't know quality I must admit) will do long term deals around the Bt300 per day mark out of high season. Location on 2nd Road, South Pattaya, right on the baht bus routes to North Pattaya and Jomtien. As for hotels over condos, well I reckon the cost benefits of condos are probably better when renting for 6mths plus. For 6 weeks, I'd get an hotel and have a look around if you didn't like it. Maybe take a week and tell them that if you like it you'll stay if the rate is right.

For sure easier to use BA / Qantas as they are the only ones flying BKK-LHR-GLA. Perhaps you could get on a carrier like KLM who might fly through their hub direct from Glasgow. Then again, is LHR easier for immigration - but if held up, will you miss your connection ? Don't know about BKK agents but I use NPK in Pattayland 1 (http://www.npkpattaya.com/index.htm) Tel. +66 38 429528 Fax +66 38 710934, next to Lewinskis and opposite the Sugar Shack. Good for email info as well.

Try trading her in for a better looking model. These's thousands out there. Sorry, couldn't resist that one. Whilst the numbers can stack up for buying in LOS, you are usually talking about a depreciating, rather than an appreciating asset. Poor management with perhaps your having little or no imput, could also damage your investment. Could you retain a property in the west, on part mortgage if need be. Then rent it out, cover your outgoings and have it pay or contribute to your LOS rent. Also, Toxin et al could take away or change your rights for the worse leaving your condo or house worth less or bugger all. Some property very poorly priced also. In stages, stay in hotel, move to condo, move to better / cheaper condo, move to condo in right area , buy or settle.

DSBones Pity you didn't get the rate through the FLB. On a side note, you mentioned long term stays. I seem to remember one guy who posted (here or elsewhere) about the RG in mid 2003. He had 2 or 3 stays of 30 days in 2003 and he could not get any reduction from the Bt1350 rate. Don't know if thats useful. Whilst I like the hotel and I think Bt1350 is good for a holiday stay, it equates to over Bt40k per month. For a long term stay, Bt40k buys a lot of condo or serviced apartment.

Never been up north on a train but did the overnight (16 hours) from Bangkok to Trang in the south. Supposed to leave Bangkok around 5pm, eventually on our way at 6pm. It got dark soon after we left and we didn't see anything of the country really. Saved a night's accommodation cost but even in 1st class (the trains are 30 year old Japanese rolling stock), it was no more than bearable.

Its down to the airline. With Thai, BA, Cathay, JAL etc. you don't have to. Perhaps with some other carriers you still have to but it seems to have died off with the big companies.

Stayed in a suite at SS. Too noisy due to building work. That was back in October 2003. Maybe OK now but no in room safe. Dynasty has small rooms and a little dark IMHO. At Bt 990 for the room, better value to be had elsewhere.

I told you muppets that I wasn't a merchant banker, rather an investment banker. If you wish to insult me, at least get your facts correct. "my arse" - no thank you.

Well done guys, seems like we all don't have "crackpot" thinking.

No connection with Ib or the RG except as happy multiple repeat guest. No discounts received nor requested. So no story. I have even been known to criticise their food and location in previous posts. As for Crackpot's "or else", well that was explained in my post. If selfish and discourteous people book numerous rooms at various hotels, or fail to cancel with sufficient notice, then we will all suffer as rates will rise to cover the loss. As for paying deposits or paying up front etc. well this is just the first step along this road. There have been many favourable reports about the RG (29 reviews with an 8.17 rating) so my commenting on the fact that I like it is hardly going against the common trend is it ? As for FLT's "dont try denying it cos it just wont wash" well what can I say. You and the others who think I have multiple board IDs and business interests in all and sundry have been reading too many conspirosy books recently.

China Airlines better safety record of late but I'm with Flash2034 on this one. Give me main airlines all the way. Food, toilets, stewardesses and all that have jack shit to do with whether the big metal bird will get you there safely or at all. Paranoid - maybe but the stats stack up.

As this is coming from the horse's mouth (Ib owns the Residence Garden amongst others), some of the guys who like to stay there (myself included) may want to think twice about making reservations and not turning up. Not only do you upset the owners / managers but you also take a room "out of supply" which could be used by other guests. You could be victim of this policy so if there are any "multiple room bookers" reading, please cut it out.

Just like most places that take your cash in LOS. Still killing the goose that lays the golden eggs.

The man in the street goes to work, saves a little (lent out on the overnight market), buys a house (funded retail then wholesale then securitised and traded), invests in a pension (largely collective equity investment, traded, placed with custodians and re-lent to the market) and then purchases an annuity (aggregated through actuarial tables). Its not rocket science but just as I can't repair a broken telly or perform brain surgery, the general public only wants to see and can really only cope with the simple picture - fixed telly and patched up head. Just a small glimpse into one area of the thousands in which the banking sector is involved in the everyday transactions affecting all of us. Its not about understanding how "it works" as there isn't an "it".

You'll be fine. You have time on the ground to get it sorted. The problem at that time of year is largely associated with just turning up and having nowhere to stay that night.

Don't forget that the Marriott uses promotional codes very often. Sign up for their Membership Rewards programme and they will email you. Usual things are reduced prices, upgrades etc.

Yeah, thats all we do. Airport runs with suitcases of gold, cash, precious stones etc. Off to Switzerland and Luxembourg to deposit it all. Even the neanderthals that live in the sticks and make a few bob don't want to part with it. Without the City, the UK would come to a full stop. Without banking, the fucking lights would go out and the country would return to the dark ages. Don't worry, you're not alone in not understanding how the economy, business and banking works.

Not only that but you have a whole world of hurt trying to prove that it has been bug sprayed, and no risk to the UK. Then it is likely not kiln dried and will thus split / contract in the UK's dry atmosphere. I know some who do bring it in from asia but not from LOS, rather from Indonesia.

Only you will know how much of a problem it is when you have tried to rescedule your flight and re-arrange your room. I would suggest doing that asap if you really need to change the dates. I would also get availability information from other hotels, if you can change your flight.

The reality is that I have more of a life than to spend endless hours plugging away at this website. General amusement it is, a way of life it certainly is not.

I think a lot of guys arriving will see the "double whammy" effect of price rises this year end. Due to SARS and Gulf War 2, many hotels (and bars) had really bad times this summer. I know as I was there for quite a lot of it and they could hardly give rooms away. So, this year, the'll not only increase for the seasonal influx of visitors but also perhaps look to recoup some of the losses from earlier in the year. How these prices are adjusted downards next year will be interesting.

Judging from what I have seen of the UK in the couple of months I have been back here after years away, I feel that the the British Isles would easily qualify for assistance from the developed world. Given that nothing works properly, it is dirty, trains fall off the tracks, it pisses down for weeks but still there is a water shortage, etc., then I am sure it would qualify. Of course, my experiences relate only to London, but then London is all that really matters financially anyway.