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Land Of Sexkittens Thought everybody Knew that. Chok dee kap Top_Cat

jimimac I have stayed at the Areca a few times but never used the gym. Have been in the gym as you get towels for the pool from there. A mate of mine did use it last year and thought it was pretty good. From my basic observations I saw 2 treadmills and the usual machine type equipment for doing bench presses etc. Think I saw a few loose weights too. Seems to be enough to get a decent workout. Don't think there is any air-con though. Cannot comment on the difference in the rooms as I have only stayed in the Standard Rooms. They introduced the Superior etc. towards the end of last year but the Standard does me. Hope this helps. Held off from posting as I thought you may get a reply from someone who has actually used the gym. Obviously not many fitness fanatics use the Areca and I never saw more than 2 people in the gym. Chok_dee kap Top_Cat

Steffe Have stayed at the Areca Lodge 4 times. Just got back from latest trip on 13/01/05. Very nice hotel with friendly staff. Definitely 100% guest friendly. Cost for a double room includes 2 breakfasts. As for more than 1 guest? Never tried it but have stayed there when 1 guy had 2 guests staying with him. Didn't ask him if there were additional costs though. Hope this helps. Chok dee. Top_Cat

BigM Difficult to tell. There are five of us going to the Areca at different dates during Dec. 2004 leaving Jan. 2005. The standard room rate covering the time we will be there from Dec. 1st. 2004 - Jan. 15th 2005 is 1380 baht per night. However there is a supplementary charge of 500 baht per night from Dec. 24 to Jan 1st all nights inclusive. :crying Plus a 1500 baht charge for a Gala dinner on New Years Eve. When I heard about this we looked for some cheaper hotels with comparable facilities. Was a complete waste of time as most have not even replied. Wonder how good they would be at holding a room reservation during what is the busiest time of year. Have been to Pattaya 3 times and stayed at the Areca each time and even with the supplement it is good value for money. Areca Lodge Up to you. Top_Cat

I made enquiries with the Beach View about 2 months ago about staying in Dec 2004/Jan. 2005. It seems that the hotel is under going some refurbishment and a change in ownership, so things were cloudy. They did offer alternative accommodation at the Cozy Hotel at the same room rate that was never quoted in the first place. However. common sense has prevailed and we are staying at our usual haunt the Areca Lodge on Soi Dianna. No need to look anywhere else really. Cant think as to why I tried elsewhere in the first place. Top_Cat

Anyone stayed here lately? I have trawled through the site for info. on this hotel. Opinion seems to be that its basic but clean. Appears to be pretty cheap, but you get what you pay for. Was just wondering if anyone has stayed at the Siam Sawasdee over the past few weeks/months and can give an update on the hotels current condition etc? Seems they have other hotels in their chain which appear to be very cheap and (too) basic. Also there seems to have been an extension added to one of the hotels but the prices quoted are higher than those being considered at present. All comments welcome and appreciated. Top_Cat P.S. I previously asked for comments on the Beach View and apparently it is going to be taken over in the next few months. Bookings after Oct. 2004 have been put on hold.

Thanks for the replies lads. I have tried a few links on the Net but these seem to belong to agents and they are unable to obtain bookings for Dec. 2004/Jan. 2005 or mention paying up front. The Beach View hotel does have a web site but no direct e-mail address. The e-mail address is direct to Asia travel in Bangkok who do not have rooms for Dec. 2004/Jan. 2005 owing to the renovation works. Just looked again on hotel site and seems renovation works now due to start Sep. 2004. I have tried contacting the hotel via fax but have not received any response. We know a bloke who has stayed there fairly recently and recommends the place but thought a second opinion was advisable. Our regular hotel increases its rate by about 300 baht for the Dec./Jan. period and charge a 1500 baht fee for a Gala dinner on New Years Eve. However they are also adding a 500 baht per night surcharge from Xmas Eve to New Years Day all nights inclusive. All included this is an extra 6000 baht for the Xmas Eve to New Years Day period on top of the busy season charge. :crying Although in fairness it is a good hotel and if it was not for the surcharge we would be booking back in there. On reflection the comments from jimmac may have me swallowing the extra expense and heading back there. Thanks again for your help. Top_Cat

Have read the reviews on this hotel but has anyone stayed there lately? Considering this hotel for Dec. 2004/Jan. 2005 and it has been recommended but we would like a wider opinion. We have been to Pattaya 3 times and have no problem with the location. Seems the hotel will be subject to building works in Oct. Maybe some upgrading? Anyway comments from recent or regular guests are most welcome. Top_Cat

ERRRRRRRRRRR............... Thought Dwayne posted the question......and is therefore not part of the answer............maybe. Unless you know more info.... Top_Cat

Have flown with China twice. Both times economy. Flying again in June economy again . But have now joined the Dynasty Flyer Program so will upgrade for Dec. 2004. We fly NCL-AMS-BGK and it all fits nicely. No long waits. On board is OK. The trolley dolly's are pleasant and attentive. Most gripes on this board seem to moan around the grub. The 2 main meals (when I was awake) were omlette and chicken and rice. (not at the same time). Which I don't mind. Snacks revolve around (pot) noodle style. Personally I have no complaints. But I regard all airline travel as a job that has to be done rather than some luxurious experience. China has had some problems relating to safety!! However that revolves around old aircraft in SE Asia. As far as I am concerned on safety China fly AMS-BGK daily and nothing seems to happen. Same as KLM etc. IMHO cannot be beaten on price and you have a comfortable enough trip. At the end of the day you fly in a silver tube to your destination. It's never going to be good.!!!! Enjoy!! Top_Cat

Think you will have to post this one in the members section. Join up its not difficult and well worth it. Been to Pattaya twice trip no. 3 coming up. Most things can be achieved. Top_Cat

Nid I am sure that I have seen F.P. and B.S. gear in Mikes Shopping Centre. However there has been a clampdown on 'moody' gear. I am comparing June 2003 to Dec. 2003. But if you insist they've got it they will tell you to come back tomorrow. When they will go out the back, rummage in cupboards etc. In June I bought 5 Lacoste shirts of varying authenticity from a shop on Beach Road. Shirts still going strong. Went back Dec. none on display. :crying Must be part of the social order campaign. Top_Cat

I take it the receptionist doesn't work at a hotel on Soi Dianna? Cos I know of one girl there that's trying to reel an Aussie and a Welsh bloke in. So far the Welsh blokes in front as he has been to see her folks in Nakum Nowhere. But she still stays in touch with the Aussie. Don't want to put you off mate but the "good girls" sometimes aren't so good. Sorry to be like this but just a warning shot and hope your not blinded. For advice on what to do with the meeting e-mail Stickmans missus on the weekly column. Sticks a top bloke and responds to all e-mails usually within a day or two. Best of luck mate hope it all works out but most important of all let us know ALL ABOUT IT!!!! Top_Cat

I stayed there June and Dec. 2003 and will return June this year. (and Dec. of course) enough said. There are no in-room safes. A new block has been built but I would imagine that these rooms will not have in-room safes either. The arrangement when we stayed there was that at reception there is a room with safe boxes. It can only be accessed by a member of staff opening the door to it. The reception staff will only open the door once you have signed a register confirming that you have entered the safe box room. In June 2003 guests were supposed to buy padlocks and fix them to their safe box doors. Otherwise it would be difficult to prove that it was an "inside" (i.e. staff) job and management would not cover this aspect. But the locks were not mentioned Dec. 2003. Secure enough for us but we only kept small amounts of cash passports cameras etc. there. Up to you. 8) Top_Cat

Wiil do gp. 8) Top_Cat

Thanks for the info. Alan. Got address, tel. no. and fax no. so mate is now well chuffed and is compiling a letter/C.V. to send off. :) Basically he is a pro-golfer here but after two holidays in LOS he fancies plying his trade over there. (Who wouldn't.) ;D We will see what happens. Top_Cat

I read the 'bus' thing as 'free buses' along Second and Beach Roads on a circular route. 8) Don't know how that will apply on the Dual Pricing thing though. ;D What will the Bhat bus drivers do? Sounds like their fucked. And if they don't like it, well it seems the Police will take care of them. The closing time article is open to interpretation. Makes no fuckin' odds cos you can get a drink anytime anyway. Thats with a 1AM? closing time being enforced. No wuckin furries there. Top_Cat

A mate of mine is trying to contact the Thailand PGA. (Assuming it exists of course ::) ) He has rang the PGA here in the UK but they have no contact details. They even asked him to pass on the contact details if and when he obtains them. Can any of you chaps pass on any information relating to the PGA in Thailand? Also does anyone know what opportunities exist for PGA qualified Pro-Golfers in Thailand and how to take them up? I am a non-golfer myself and my mate is not computer literate. ::) Any assistance would be appreciated. Cheers. Top_Cat

Fair comment niagrejock (sic?) Good covering off report BUT the crash occurred 9 (almost 10 years ago.) Flying China today so can't agree. ;D Top_Cat

Hope the China Brit captain's are not one of BA or Virgins recently sacked alcoholic piss pots. ::) Top_Cat

Same as Fat Controller ( who I met at the Lodge u O.K. Mart ;D) IMHO the Areca Lodge is a very good venue. Stayed there June 2003 return 27th. Dec. Could try some where else. But what for? Laid back. Good staff. Nice pool. Nice restaurant. Manager Bussaba is excellent. If you go for the first time she will look you out and does not have a "Mai pen rai" attitude. (as in "well" shrug the shoulders what the f....) Crossing Second Road is an experience. The traffic flow is in one directiion (apart from motorbikes ;D) You can walk along to the traffic lights. But you can negotiate the traffic by taking one lane at a time. Up to you. Could go on for a while yet. IMHO the Areca Lodge is a great hotel. ;D Top_Cat

Thats the way to go Blender IMHO. ;D Wonder what the original poster simon916 is up to. ??? Probably too busy living the good life. 8) Top_Cat

On a similar theme. Past employer paid to have my eyes tested 3 years ago. Bird at "eye clinic" opticians did the full test?? Had to look into some sort of machine thing and had some sort of liquid shit squirted into the old eyes. End result vision very slightly deteriorated not worth bothering with glasses then etc. as no benefit would be gained. But now vision obviously starting to deterioarite to me. Fucking clueless on glasses etc. Is it worth having eye test done in Pattaya and buying gigs over there? ??? Basically is it same standard as U.K. and more important cheaper. 8) I am long sighted? (As in the farther away it is the better I can see it ???) Think thats the way it works. Basically I can see things clearly that are a long way off but small print close up? Fucked. So the closer I stand to the mirror the better looking I get. 8) This is backed up by all the BG's in Pattaya who always yell at me "Handsome sexy man you sit bar"? Bet not many have heard that one before? Any advice would be appreciated. Top_Cat

Maybe its the 100 baht thats the problem. ::) Take its 1000 baht. Or I need to know where the 100 baht girls are. ;D Up to you. Top Cat