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Emil Thanks for the reply. It was around 9PM when we had the drinks in the Mercure. We then walked down the Soi to Second Road. Your right about it being dimly lit and very little activity. (Apart from rabid Soi dogs appearing out of the gloom and going ape shit.) Personally I don't find Pattaya an intimidating place but I would not want to walk along that particular Soi after dark. IMO it is a prime spot to be attacked. My mates intend going to the same bars as when staying at the Areca and intend starting from the Areca Beer Garden. I haven't discussed it with them as they can stay where they like just seems to me that whatever baht they may save on accommodation will be spent on moto taxis etc. especially after dark. I think it was Rocco Forte who when asked what was the strategy for his successful worldwide hotel empire quipped "Location, Location, Location". Agree that once that new building is up and open, allowing a direct route from the hotel to Second Road, then the Mercure's location will be markedly improved. But until then I will give it a miss. Just remembered. The hotel location on the Mercure website, last time I looked, is incorrect. Deliberate faux pas peut etre? Mais non. Chok dee kap. Top_Cat

Another question Cowboy. I will be staying at the Areca Lodge for the 6th time on my 6th trip so obviously I like it and don't want to change. A couple of my mates have booked in at the Mercure. On our last trip, when it had just opened they went over there, saw the manager and negotiated a daily rate of 1300 baht not including breakfast. They booked me in as well but I have since cancelled. Sent an e-mail to the hotel but didn't receive a reply. I have been there for a drink in the Jazz bar and it all looks nice and new. In the bar we were drinking whisky. We asked for Thai whisky but they served us JW Black Label instead. Not being dedicated whisky drinkers we didn't know the difference. Slight price difference though. The cock-up in the bar and the hotels absolutely crap location (no bars, no laundries, no restaurants etc. nearby) convinced me to stay at the Areca again. Although the Areca does have a Gala dinner and imposes a surcharge over the Xmas/New Year period. The drink prices at the Mercure seemed to be a lot higher than the Areca, so I would imagine the food prices are too. My mates tactics are they don't usually go to breakfast so don't want to pay. Instead they get up in the afternoon and eat poolside, Falang food only. Personally I think they will get shafted for the food and as there is nothing nearby they will have to either put up with it or get on a taxi just to have a snack. Have you any thoughts on this Cowboy as in Areca Lodge v. Mercure? Chok dee kap. Top_Cat

LOL Pattaya IS the place for both of you. (Its something like Blackpool/Benidorm but but not like that at all) Up to YOU. Chok dee kap Top_Cat

Val You are correct. Their website has the hotel in the wrong location. I cancelled a room booking there a couple of weeks ago and have not had an acknowledgement. Did it by e-mail and not the website cancellation system. Up to them. Chok dee kap. Top_Cat

Red When the full mileage hasn't been credited (normally from AMS) I have faxed copies of the ticket and boarding pass to China Airlines in London on 020-72919233. Always got sorted but can take 3 to 6 weeks. Don't know if you have already tried this? Chok dee kap. Top_Cat

Fit that on one tray? Your comments appreciated TURBO. Chok dee kap. Top_Cat

Makavelli Like you I am based in the North East and have flown NCL-AMS-BGK with China Airlines on five occasions. Three in economy and the last two in Dynasty (Business). I am 6'1" and find economy cramped to say the least. This means on the outward leg in economy I get no sleep at all as I cannot stretch my legs out and relax. Return not too bad but as the flight leaves at around 2.30AM I am ready for a kip anyway. In December last year I flew Dynasty for the first time. Now I would not return to economy as by comparison its a nightmare. Obviously there is more leg room in Dynasty. On my June trip the outward flight had the new Dynasty seat configuration. This results in massive legroom. When I sat in my seat and stretched my foot out horizontally I could just touch the seat in front with my toe. Other benefits of Dynasty are that you are allowed to board before the economy hoards start to pile on. At AMS, whilst economy are being boarded, you are being served wine/champagne/ beer and canapés prior to take off. Outward once airborne you are served a five course meal with more wine etc. For in-flight entertainment you have your own monitor with a choice of movies etc. IMO the price difference between economy and Dynasty does not do justice to the difference between the quality of service and comfort. Chok dee kap. Top_Cat

I book China Airlines with Courtney Airsavers based in Newcastle. Tel 0191 232 2777. According to my travel document wallet they also have a branch at 209 St. Johns Road, Corstorphine, Edinburgh Tel. 0131 334 9227. Maybe thats closer to you. Chok dee kap. Top_Cat

Me and a couple of mates are supposed to be staying at the Mercure Dec. 05/Jan. 06. Had a drink in their jazz bar last trip and the hotel seems very nice and stylish. But don't know if that is good or bad if you are not booking in with an established girlfriend. Read in the Pattaya Mail that they were installing bunk beds in a few rooms to target the family market. It is located on a remote Soi though but will probably come into its own once the development on Second Road is finished. No doubt prices will be jacked up once that happens. As Atlanta Joe points out they may have vague rules regarding dress etc. which if enforced in the twilight hours when "one could possibly be tired and emotional" could be very irritating. Another mate has just booked into the Mercure for a trip that will shortly occur. So should be able to give an update in a few weeks. Chok dee kap. Top_Cat

Harsh words Kev? Didn't know you Ozzies were of the "New Age Sensitive Man Type". There again that would explain Gillespie's hippy tree hugger appearance. Still you may have considered my comments as harsh but you didn't disagree with them. The whole point is that the Ozzies were making their mouths go, as usual, about how wide the winning margin would be. Fact is you now cannot win the series and can only, at best, draw it. So much for all the mouthing off and how hard it was to get a decent bet on Oz to win it. Worst of all the writing was on the wall (admittedly in Urdu or whatever they speak in Bangladesh) before the tests began. So to all you Banana Benders, South Australian Wine Drinking Poofs and Bludgers blow your nose and wipe those tears from your eyes. Chok dee kap. Top_Cat

Where are ALL THE AUSSIE GOBSHITES now. Probably like Gillespie the Gypsy wanker you have fucked off back to the wilderness. I told you he was now SHITE. HEY..........SMOKINJOE HOW MANY DOLLARS? YOU LOST HA HA HA. Oh I forgot you set of twats never cough up when you lose. Are there actually any bookies in Oz? The very best you set of well past it wankers can do now is draw the series. BUT you all mouthed off by how you many you would win it by. McGrath predicted 5-0. Typical Ozzie fuck wit. Even now you can only retain the Ashes by default. Thing is the Oval is a fast track and you only have one fast bowler. Of course being the MUGS you are McGrath will replace Tait. Either way makes no difference unfit old cunt replaces the apprentice. "Pricky" Ponting epitomes you set of wankers. Short arsed whining, gobshite, dimwitted, arsehole. Couldnt captain the fucking Starship Enterprise. Smokinjoe you wanted to know why me and Ferocious were quiet? We responded. SMOKINJOE WHERE THE FUCK ARE YOU AND YOUR GOBSHITE CONVICT MATES NOW. Probably having a beer with EXTRAS who is one of your top run scorers. Top_Cat

Apologies OBVIOUSLY septic timing 01/01/06 - 01/10/06 = a 9 day stay!!!!!!! and not a 9 month job.!!! What calendar are you on. No wonder the Thais don't like you cant/wont understand you. Ba ba bo. Mai pen lai kap Top_Cat

I have stayed at the Areca 5 times and am paying web site prices at 1490 bhat per night for a standard room from 28th Dec. 2005 inc. etc. for three weeks. You are paying, granted for a pool view, 1695 BHAT PER NIGHT FOR A 9 MONTH STAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! During PEAK season. WHAT PEAK SEASON!!!!!!!!

I have been in Pattaya from 27/06/05 to 14/07/05 so have taken my eye "off the red ball" and concentrated on more important matters. It now seems that the Green and Yellow clad mob have won the one day series. Well like you Ozzie's said when you were getting twatted by Bangladesh its the Ashes that count. Not much coverage of cricket in the Bangkok Post or on Cable T.V. in the hotel I was staying at. So not really up to date. But from what I can gather despite plenty of match practice the "Gypsy" is well past it and bowling almost as badly as he looks. On another point why do Ozzie's refer to U.K. citizens as Poms? I was told by a Kiwi that the word "Pom" was derived from P.O.H.M. (Prisoner of His/Her Majesty) the prison uniform badge worn by convicts that were deported from the U.K. to Oz. Presumably the descendants of these convicts (or P.O.H.M.'s) form the bulk of the current Oz citizenship. Therefore, logically speaking, when an Oz citizen of U.K. ancestry is referring to a Pom then they are actually referring to their own parentage. These being the convicts that landed in Oz and were forced to settle there. So when an Ozzie refers to a "Pom" then they surely must be referring to themselves. Seems like you have been taking the piss out of yourselves for quite a while. Sounds like Sir Les Patterson needs to sort this one out. Chok dee kap. Top_Cat

Sorry Ashie I used to play a bit of League cricket myself and would NEVER miss a chance to sledge an Ozzie ESPECIALLY when on top. OK you lost to a supposed "combined" England team. Your LOSERS excuse probably runs along the lines of "Syyyimmonns" had been on the piss like a good Ozzie and was suspended. No doubts he is a good one day player. Yet he was born in BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND. WHY did he pick the losers colours of YELLOW and green? PLUS most of the Aussie side spend that much time in England that they could be classed as UK citizens. Except we don't want over the hill gob shite wankers!! Face facts mate your days of domination are over. LOVED Gillespies 11 ball opening over, the long hair, the crowd pulling the piss, (which he couldn't acknowledge and take the heat off) WHAT A FUCKING LONG HAIRED GYPSY WANKER!!! Beaten by BANGLAFUCKINDESH. HA HA HA HA HA Scotland could roll them. I am from Harmi/Colli country. Damien Martyn was pro at my club when he was 19 errrr he was alright ......Hussey is captain at Durham......he's OKish....... We will see what happens in the Ashes mate. You might have Lee and Warney then but Harmi or Freddie will probably put them out of action. As has already happened to Lee in the 20/20. Which your MACHO wanker squad over here want to ignore. R U Ozzies up for it?? I fuckin doubt it. Buy you a bottle of Dog if I see you Ashie. None of that VB/Fosters/XXXX shite mate. You Ozzies call that "beer". Its called LAGER and its for tarts better known as PONTING. Well batted............now............FUCK OFF...... Chok dee kap Top_Cat

NO. However they can be strict about girls I.D. cards. But this just depends on the staff that are working the night shift. So, sometimes they are insistent regarding cards, other times they don't bother. T.I.T. Based on my last trip Dec. 2004 you had to sign a little chitty confirming the girl was residing in your room. (Your room rate includes breakfast for two next day.) Other than the above there are no problems. Enjoy. (you will ) Chok dee kap. Top_Cat

Ashie As a former Catholic altar boy I find your remarks relating to the very sad demise of the Holy Father extremely upsetting.......... Thats why my belly is aching from laughing. Must add that Pope John Paul at least had the balls to stand up for what He thought was right especially in relation to the freedom of Poland. Cannot say I would back him on issues relating to contraception etc. But as for Catholicisim............... Chok dee kaaaaaaaaap Top_Cat

Tom If I can just emphasis your point. Last trip arrived at Don Muang and did not book the usual hotel pick up as my mate said on the previous trip it was too expensive at 2000 baht. (Of course soon as we got there he said "Take it the Hotel are picking us up.") Arrived around 7AM on China and got ambushed by the usual cheap suited taxi tout guys. (They are pushy but not too intimidating.) One quoted 2500 baht to Pattaya. So my cheap Charlie mate says "What do you think". I said to the "suit" that for 2500 baht expected that the fare was to Pattaya via Chiang Mai. Anyway the fare ended up at 1600 baht including tolls. The "suit" climbed down from 2500 baht very quick. Had a wait of about 10 mins. at some car park entrance. The taxi driver went at the speed of light down to Pattaya. BUT we never felt unsafe as he just drove very fast on the expressway/toll way where there was very little traffic. Funnily enough in Bangkok EVERY junction he came to had traffic lights and he ALWAYS turned left no matter what colour the lights were on. (Usually red.) Moral of the tale is that fares are negotiable. Seems IMHO that a reasonable "fare" from the airport is between 1000 baht and 2000 baht. But this will depend on the level of "service" involved. For instance a Mercedes Benz driven by the Thai equivalent of Michael Schumacher including Thai stunner's "taking good care of falang" then a fare of in excess of 2000 baht must be anticipated. Chok dee kaaaaap Top_Cat

We book through Courtney Airsavers who are based in Newcastle. Tel. 0870 770 5500. Gazelle also sell China seats and are also based in Newcastle but we have never used them. From what I can gather the prices are about the same. Chok dee kap. Top_Cat

I am flying on the 28/12/05 and paid the same fare of 799.00p. Chok dee kap. Top_Cat

Pen I can vouch that the safe boxes at the Areca reception are OK. But you canot fit a lap top in. To give you an idea the safes are more shoe box size than lap top. Chok dee kap Top_Cat

Emirates? Give China Airlines a go mate. When you arrive at Pattaya I recommend you stay at the Areca Lodge. (Sorry Mart couldn't resist. ) Top_Cat

Got quoted 880 baht per night as a monthly rate for June/July 2005. Was told this had to be paid up front. Sadly I cannot stay for a full month so will be paying 990 baht per night for a Standard Room. This compares well with the Dec./Jan. rate which was 1380 baht per night and was subject to a 500 baht surcharge from Xmas Eve to New Years Day of 500 baht per night. Also compulsory 1500 baht for New Years Eve Gala Dinner. I think that last years June/July rate was also around the 990 baht mark. So this rate represents good value for money IMO. I know that the Areca did have a discount for frequent stayers but I don't know if that still applies. At the time a frequent stayer would be someone who stayed for say around 3 weeks 3 times a year. Never applied to us so never benefited from it. :crying Also, if you joined the Pattaya Sporting Club then you could get discounts from various outlets with the Areca being one. Thing is you cannot apply to join over the Net so have to go there in person. Never made it to the Club yet. Will do on my next trip. Chok dee kap. Top_Cat

Me and my mates have stayed at the Areca four times. I have just confirmed my booking for June/July 2005 today. The hotel is 100% guest friendly. The reception staff can be strict with the ID card rule. Just depends who is working that particular shift. Generally ID cards are taken, occasionally they are not asked for. I have taken a "guest" back who did not have an ID card, this was pointed out to me by the staff and it was "up to me" whether the "guest" stayed or not. Guess what I did. On another occasion a mate had a "guest" refused admission as they had no ID card. Inconsistent? Of course, this is LOS. On the deposit thing. We have never paid a deposit. The first time we went was during the SARS crisis (?) and they wanted my credit card details which I faxed through. Never had any problems with card cloning etc. Since then we just e-mail and book, no deposit and no details asked for. Should point out that we have always turned up and have never canceled. Apart from the usual dickheads who want to make their first trip and then back out once the flight has to be paid for. Seems to me that once you have booked and stayed there then it becomes straight forward no deposits etc. Although there have been some management changes since we first stayed so maybe their booking policies have been reviewed. The Areca is a good hotel IMO equivalent to 4 star in UK. If anybody stays there have a drink at the hotel's beer garden bar before going on the prowl. You will meet either Venis or Chan two lads (or ladies maybe) that work there. After having a right laugh, at some point, you will have to question your own sexuality and maybe make that trip to Boyztown. Cant say I've been tempted. Well not yet anyway! Chok dee kap Top_Cat

Too true. Begs maybe you should try Thai Visa. Oh.........your banned from there. Wonder why. Mai pen lai. Top_Cat