wbill

Yes, I will inquire as to the "new wing" (6 floors) at Sabai Lodge...likely when I arrive, I'll ask to have a look at all the rooms...see what's best...but do like the idea of being around the frequented main pool/bar area...we'll see. I'll certainly report on my trip (adventure) to paradise, and report relavent info. to this site...counting the days

Thanks again, Ya, I'm reading all the info about places to stay. Especially, the debate on Sandy Spring/Sunshine Vista/RG/Roof Garden, Sabai Lodge, ...Dusit, Pig & Whistle, Welcome Plaza...ect...all are obviously great choices...comes down to what you want... My first trip in Pattaya, I spent a lot of time at Sois 1-4 (even though I stayed at the Marriott)...liked the relaxed beer bars...and company was real nice there. Looking for a place that is off the beaten path (quiet at night/not a lot of road noise), but just a short walk to a Baht Bus route...close to beer bars...and a few go-gos...good pool and bar atmosphere for hanging out/friendly staff...golf accomodations...room service not important, prefer to eat out...regular bath is fine... The more I go over what I want, it all matches the Sabai Lodge...has all of these criteria...I see it's important to get room off the road and understand it may look a little worn (with exception of the new rooms)....but the price for a Deluxe room looks great (as I'm going to be there 20-30 days cost is becoming a consideration), good pool area with bar, have golf packages, close to my favorite beer bars, just 100 meters to Baht bus ride to Soi 8 and WS, cheap/good food close...and all of the hotel reviews are pretty much positive. So, this is where I'm leaning now... But the RG and SS are still good considerations....decisions...decisions... I'm thinking that since I'll be going in Low Season, Sept, I'll initially book for 4-5 nights...then take one of my first few days to check out SS, SV, RG, Roof Garden Dusit, PW...and other pads... See something I like...will go there! Cheers

Book as soon as you know you can go for sure...considering spot price increases and decreases. Can get better seats...and with the current gas problems...I'm thinking sooner is better than later...will get my ticket for Sept. this weekend... Goodluck.

Ya, fares about $100 more than usual. I'm travelling Sep 2nd to Sept 30th from San Diego. Can't wait I'll be getting my ticket very soon. You can wait for a dip in prices, and there likely will be one, but $700's from Boston isn't too bad...considering the gas situation. I recommend booking little ahead (however you do it) as you will have the opportunity to score a "good assigned seat" both ways (review seating plan for plane/where TV sets are located/get seat on window side on isle, 3 rows back from tv, ect...you know.... Makes a 24 hr. flight much more bearable, and beats being crammed in the middle of an 8 seat row because those were the only seats left. Anyway, something to consider. Goodluck.

Thanks Leotex, Appreciate the info...

Thanks Dingo, Appreciate the gouge on the Dusit. Decisions...Decisions... The only thing I've heard about the Amari is that it is very nice, a luxury outfit... but, they do charge for guests... Have a good one.

Why does my profile have a warning bar on it...how do I get rid of it? Is this because I am still a newbie?

Thanks to all, for the replies! After further review, I think that the e-mails concerning the guest hastles were outdated, think that they were from before I visited the first time. I just didn't remember seeing any problems with guests...glad to see that is the way it still is. Yes, the Marriott is a bit overpriced (albeit, an enjoyable stay), and I am considering a more moderate stay this time. A lot of people seem to think the Residence Garden is good...off the beaten path, homey...looks nice...may give it a shot. Plus it looks like a regular stay for many with my same mindset, and have better chance meeting people to hang with, as I may end up going alone this round - buddies work schedules won't permit. But, I'm not putting paradise off! Any other hotel recommendations are welcome...Cheers

I stayed for 2.5 weeks at the Marriott in May 2002. Very nice hotel. Hotel staff neat, friendly, and attentive. I had no problem at all with bringing guests back to my room during that stay. Perhaps, I was just new, but I strolled right on in each night with my guest, and no problems...wasn't even aware this was an issue... Upon reviewing the "hotel review" portion of this web site, I see that people who have recently stayed at the Marriott have been forced to pay a joiner fee of 800-1000B for guests, with horror stories of security and desk personnel tracking them down and demanding payment. The exception being if you register your guest ahead of booking, which isn't going to happen. Does anyone know if this is true? I will be visiting Pattaya (paradise) this September for 3 weeks...counting the days I want to stay at the Marriott again, but not if this is an issue. Also, any personal hotel recommendations in the S. Central Pattaya area with good GF policy would be appreciated...in case I decide to book in another hotel. Thanks!

Thanks for the tat info Changman. Counting the days to September

Dough boy, I'm heading to Pattaya this fall...looking for a good tat. I have the same problem trying to get on the member's only forum. Please, pass on any good parlors that you learn about in Pattaya or Bangkok. Thanks.

Thanks all for the info...

Phil, Do you still have the business class ticket for sale? I'm intersted in the restrictions on it...i.e., the reference code. Bill

Ya, I'm trying to get ther for NYE also...something like 27 DEC to 7 JAN ...all looking like $2,200. Probably looking at late January, can get flights in low $600's. If you come across anything let me know. Bill

Vox and kj, Thanks, for the info! Bill

Ya, After spending 2 days with her, she started pestering me to buy her a "teleeephone" (translation: cell phone)...apparently she never had one before...what the heck...so I did...fancy face plate and charged with minutes... Back at the bar, I watched her figure-out all the buttons then proceed to call every other bar girl and cousin in Thailand to tell them about her new phone - ha. Day after day... The rest of my time there I had to watch her talk on this thing, but she was happy about it...and with me for buying it, and made sure I knew it...so, it all worked out for the best.

1. Her good friend's Farang is sending her friend $100 a month, I should do the same for her.

Hello, My name is Bill, from the United States. I visited Pattaya in June 2002, as a military member with Cobra Gold, and had a wonderful time. I've been looking for a website that provides good information about Pattaya, and this site looks good. I am planning a trip to Pattaya, and may bring an interested pal. I will likely stay at the Residence Garden Hotel ($32 a night -great deal). And will definitely spend time in the FLB Bar. I can plan my trip between late December 2003 and May 2004. I am still learning about Pattaya. Is there a "good time" or "not so good time" to visit Pattaya. I heard that Songkran in April can be a wet, and that some tourists don't like it. Are there any holidays/celebrations in the Spring that I should try to be in Pattaya for, or is Pattaya "always" as good a time as it was when I visited in June 2002? Any information you can provide would be great. Sincerely, Bill