Bazle

BloodyHell I've posted this a few times before but I will continue to post it whenever I think a thread has reached the point where an explanation is required: I would urge everyone to not take part in a game with a psycho. - i.e. they should ignore any posts they think might be made by one. Bazle

I know nothing about Areca Lodge but have stayed at Inn House on my last 2 visits. Have negotiated rate of 860 baht for best rooms so its obviously cheaper than Areca. Very clean, very modern, very convenient. Right opposite the Sportsman (or is it Sports Bar?) which does excellent breakfasts and other meals. Only downside was that I had to ask to move room on my last stay because of the construction noise. But hotel has no control over that so can hardly be blamed. Will go back to Inn House provided construction work finished.

Per Pattaya at Night site:

It doesn't surprise me we haven't heard anything; it's not the sort of thing that gets much publicity. So you have to enquire. I did a quick Google search re Saudi and it appears they are giving $10m (report copied below). Relatively, it does not sound very much, but better than nothing. Four Countries to Benefit From Saudi Tsunami Aid Mohammed Rasooldeen • Arab News RIYADH, 3 January 2005 — The Kingdom will dispatch relief supplies to four countries affected by tsunamis that killed more than 150,000 people and rendered millions homeless. “The countries chosen for aid by the Kingdom include Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Maldives,” a spokesman at the Ministry of Finance told Arab News, adding that two planeloads of relief materials have already been sent to Colombo in the past two days. Of the two cargo flights to Thailand, one will leave for Bangkok today. He said Indonesia and Sri Lanka would receive at least five consignments, while Thailand and Maldives will get two and one flight load of relief aid respectively. “Currently, we are working out the flight schedules of these cargo planes in coordination with the respective countries,” the official added. On hearing the news of devastation, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd, Crown Prince Abdullah and Prince Sultan sent cables of condolences to the leaders of Indonesia, Thailand, India and Sri Lanka expressing shock over the casualties and damage caused by the earthquake-triggered tsunamis. On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia pledged a $10 million aid package to the victims of the disaster. Under the program, $5 million worth of supplies including food, tents and medicines will be airlifted and distributed through the Saudi Red Crescent to the four countries during the course of this week. Officials from the Ministries of Finance, Health, Information and the Saudi Red Crescent will accompany the cargo to the four destinations. “The aid will be handed over to the International Red Cross Society (ICRC) through the Saudi foreign missions in the respective countries,” the spokesman said. In addition to various relief supplies, each consignment comprises 1,500 tents, 7,000 blankets and 2,000 packages of dry rations which includes rice, sugar, oil, milk and infant foods. Thanking the Saudi government for its generous gesture, First Secretary at the Indonesian Embassy Arif Suyoko said the Saudi aid will reach Medan International Airport in the north of Sumatra island. “This airport is only 400 km away from the devastated area of Aceh and the supplies could reach the victims quickly,” the diplomat said. “To speed up transportation of relief materials by aid workers from donor countries, Indonesia has issued 50 flight clearances and the accompanying passengers have also been granted visa-on-arrival facility,” Suyoko added. “The Kingdom has been prompt in coming to the rescue of my country whenever there is a crisis,” said Mohammed Lootfi, the second secretary at the Thailand Embassy. He pointed out that some 4,500 people have been killed due to the monster waves and a large number have been left homeless.

Is "tiger" the collective noun for 3 pussies?

Well here's the answer to my own question. Yes, there is still a lot of noise in certain parts of Soi 13. I had room 602 and had to be moved to get away from the noise. My new room does not have a sea view but is very quiet (apart from the noise from the generator at AA Residence). Would recommend staying at Inn House (good rate - negotiated 850 Bt per night for 10 day stay but no breakfast, very clean and modern, friendly staff) but be careful if you have a low numbered room (1,2,3 or 4 on each floor) and are a light sleeper.

Provided the doc's clearance comes thru, I'll be arriving next Friday and am booked in to the Inn House for 10 days. Being the world's lightest sleeper, the posts about noise considerably alarm me. Could someone give me a real, very up-to-date assessment, please. Do I need to rethink my accommodation plans PDQ?

The Inn House in Soi 13 has (at least some) interconnecting rooms. There are lots of comments about it versus the Sandy Springs in this section, giving prices etc.

Your question will not be dignified with a reply. In the UK, it is required that there is a balance in news reporting. Turning a channel into one for propaganda would not be permitted. With so few English language channels available at the Inn House, it would have been better to have one broadcasting news rather than propaganda. I will leave it to others to judge who is the intolerant one around here. The end.

I found that watching Fox was a bit like watching the God Channel (yes, it really is called that!) here in the UK. It is curiously addictive. It is like watching a street salesman flogging off fake perfume. It is so fascinating seeing how people can be so gullible.

I think we must be living in different worlds!! I stayed in a deluxe room at the Inn House about 5 months ago. The tiled floor got washed, and the bed and towels got changed, every single day I was there. The room was not huge but most certainly not small. There was also a balcony looking down Soi 13 to the sea. The swimming pool was on the roof and had a good view out over the bay. The price was 850 Baht per night (negotiated rate but did not include breakfast). There was most certainly no charge for utilities of any sort. I really can't believe things have changed as much as you suggest in the last few months. Did you actually stay at the place or ask to see around it?

Stayed at the Inn House back in March. Excellent hotel. My room most certainly had a TV. Limited English language channels (which regrettably included the extreme right wing Fox News Network).

All being well, I shall be arriving in Pattaya on 28 October for 19 days. Have booked a hotel for the first 10 days but not the whole time as I might want to spend the last few days travelling, or perhaps go to Koh Samui. However, if I decide to spend the whole 19 days in Pattaya, how easy/difficult will it be to get a hotel of my choice (i.e. not a left-over s***hole) at just a few days notice for those last 9 days? Thanks.

I have just returned from 10 days in Pattaya and in that time made 2 calls on my mobile phone to a UK landline. The person I was calling did a 1471 check (which gives the number of the last caller) each time and got the message that the number was not available to be given. Still don't know what happens if I call another mobile number but I suspect my number would not show up.

Sadly I left Pattaya on Sunday (4th) and although building work is evidently ongoing, there is now no heavy machinery in place. It looks as though it might be hand-built from here on!!

If anyone is thinking of staying at the Dynasty on Soi 13, please be aware that the building work on the plot beside it has now started in earnest with heavy machinery etc in place. The other side of the plot is the Pattaya Beach Condo (some apartments affected) and across the road is The AA - some rooms affected. I'm staying at the Inn House (highly recommend it!) which seems unaffected and it seems unlikely that Sandy Spring Hotel will be either.

It didn't work out!! Alex completely overlooked the booking. Telephoned him - he asked if I could take a taxi!! Went to the departures floor and took a taxi for 1,200 baht (plus 100 baht tip). Only problem was that driver didn't know his way around Pattaya and eventually had to get a moped to lead him to Soi 13. The more recent reports of Alex's unreliability are confirmed, I regret to say. My advice: sort it out when you arrive - there are plenty of options.

Valentino Thanks. Looks like I'll have to check out the situation when I get there (Thursday ). If I get to the bottom of it, I'll post the answers when I return. Bazle

Valentino It's great to have recourse to someone obviously so knowledgeable in this area. Wonder if you can help on this one. Like a few other posters, I'd prefer that where I am when I make a call is not necessarily known to the person I am calling. Could you (or someone) please tell me what comes up on the 'phone of the person I am calling if I make an international call. I am from the UK and use the 02 network and am willing to put up with their exhorbitant call rate if I call the UK when I am in LOS (not going to make many calls - not worth getting 'phone unlocked, buying second 'phone etc). So, for example, when I call the UK, does just my regular 'phone number show or is there a LOS prefix shown as well? Similarly, if I dialled a landline in the UK and the person I called hit 1471 after the call, what number would they be told had just called them? And what is the position on SMS? Does dialling 141 before the number work in LOS? I need to know so that I can get the story right!! Thanks.

Thanks everyone for your tips. Have booked with Alex and so far so good - prompt replies to all emails. Bazle

Much obliged, Big D. There seems to be no sure-fire answer so I'll have to choose one service to book by Email and be prepared to operate the back-up plan of the regular taxi service outside the terminal. 17 days and counting! Baz

Help please!! I recall seeing in one of the threads mention of a reliable and cheap taxi service from Bangkok Airport to Pattaya (1,500 Baht, I think). Can't find it now. Can anyone recommend a service I can book over the internet, please. I have tried booking with a scuba diving school in Pattaya which was advertising such a taxi service (even for people not going to their school) but they have not replied to my email - so they do not fill me with confidence even if eventually they do reply. Thanks.

Gordon That's great. Thanks again. I have gone ahead and booked at the Inn House. Enjoy your stay. I'm looking forward to 25 March!! Bazle

Gordon Much appreciated. This board is just so useful when independent, on-the-spot info is provided like this. I'm planning on staying at the Inn House at the end of March/beginning of April. I don't need a pool. Is there anything you know of to suggest that that is not a wise choice? It is important to me that the place isn't noisy as I'm a light sleeper!! Thanks again. Bazle

Does anyone know if this will affect the Inn House?