RhinoTusk

I renewed last summer at the Embassy on Wireless. Made an appointment on the web site, and was in and out in 30 minutes with the application. Picked it up 2 weeks later, they won't mail it to you, 10 minutes and out. Surprised how painless it was, but getting the visa transferred was another matter. Feel sorry for the Canadians who have to renew every 5 years. Great artwork on the new passports!

Grate 1. To rub roughly or harshly, as one body against another, causing a harsh sound; as, to grate the teeth; to produce (a harsh sound) by rubbing. 2. To reduce to small particles by rubbing with anything rough or indented; as, to grate a nutmeg. 3. To fret; to irritate; to offend. I've stayed at 6 of the 12. Bellagio and Venetian were pretty good, Paris and MGM Grand well above average, Luxor just OK, Circus-Circus is dated.

Shenanigans has to be the best sports bar in town. Can watch several sports concurrently, with all the monitors they have. Excellent breakfast as well, not to mention Sunday Carvery, but a pint of Guinness is a bit pricey. I won't be there because my school (Univ. of Wisconsin) really tanked this year Gullivers alternately, but they may not be open until later in the morning.

The elevators are near the front door and away from the front desk, and no one will hassle you.

I stayed in room 518, the Patpong Party Suite. Jacuzzi, dance podium, love swing, mirror over the bed, etc. It was fun to try out once, for about 2600/night, but don't think I'll ever stay there again.

Jasmine Hotel on Soi BJ, 600 baht. New hotel, been open about a year, free wifi, great location a block from Happy A GoGo. No pool, however. Also, get a lower floor because they don't have an elevator.

I stayed there a few years ago, and made the mistake of paying in advance before knowing about the 800 baht joiner fee (now up to 1000, from what I understand). Tried sneaking grils in different routes, but they had security people watching all over the grounds. Have never stayed there since. Otherwise, nicely landscaped grounds, decent pool, good breakfast buffet, but the room was just OK. I think I paid 2400, but they may have raised prices since they've remodeled. Actually one of the oldest resorts in town, but well maintained.

I'm with the OP on this one. Baywatch Cafe, for either an early breakfast or late dinner, and feel the breeze off the gulf, or Marine Seafood while the circus parades in front of you.

I've stayed at Diamond Beach Hotel many times. I much prefer the new Jasmine Hotel on Soi BJ, rooms are smaller but much cleaner. Usually stay at the Diamond because I can park my motorcycle in the parking lot underneath the hotel. My biggest complaint is that most of the rooms have roaches. Cost is 850/night and breakfast is no longer included. Great location, have taken many there from SuperBaby AGoGo

I frequently come into town late on short notice with no reservation and Majestic Suites and Nana Hotel are booked, (although I have stayed at each times) Instead of spending time searching for a room along Suk, I check into dependable Ruamchit Plaza above Thermae Coffee house. This place is such a dump it's always going to be the last hotel in town to sell out, but has great location at 1000/night, and no problem bringing girls up. In spite of all it's charm, my favorite hotel on Suk is still the Sheraton.

Brunos Fuji Pig & Whistle Nong Nual Savoey Seafood

I stayed in Room 518, the Patpong Party Suite for 3 days. I believe the room rate was about 2500/night. No bugs, as frequently reported in the cheaper rooms. The room has a dance podium, love swing, jacuzzi,and mirrored ceiling. The girls I brought up weren't exactly thrilled to see the podium, but YMMV. At least it was good to turn on it's flashing lights for an additional light source (the red room lights are very dim). Jacuzzi was nice for having a girl give you a bath. Awoke about 4 AM from thumping noises from the next room. In the morning, my bar girl said she couldn't sleep b

Check this whopper: a 646 pound catfish Record Catfish Catch in Northern Thailand

Saw him there last weekend. As Paul Simon used to sing, "He's still crazy, after all these years."

I've also stayed at the Orchard Hotel, and would recommend it. Rooms are small, but nicely appointed. Good location, very close to Thai Embassy makes it good for a visa run. Across from Orchard Towers made it very good for mongering. I booked via Priceline.com in Feb 05, and paid about $55 USD.

I stayed at View Talay for a few months on a month-by-month basis. Utility costs for one month in a studio ran about 1000 baht. I had to pay a 1 month deposit, which was refunded when I vacated. The monthy rent was 9000, and I had a nice view from the 14th floor.

I booked Siam Bayshore for a week about 2 years ago, and was very sorry. 800 baht joiner fee every night, tried to sneak girls in different ways, but they have workers patrolling the grounds everywhere. Otherwise a decent hotel, but would never stay there again because of the joiner fee.

Has anybody ever been asked by Thai Immigration to 'show me the money?'

Sat & Sunday. 1-4 PM at the Beefeater: ribs, chicken, and make your own tacos for 199. Montien has great buffets, but not cheap. Captain's corner also good, for 299++ Also. there's an Indian buffet across the street from Camelot hotel for 189

I paid about 1900 for the Sofitel. Excellent hotel, great value for the price, good location, micro-brewery, karaoke club, and cool disco in the basement level. Just google 'sofitel khon kaen'

I think there's a project to link up several reservoirs to relieve the severe water shortage, so much of the labor is diverted. Having water is a bit higher priority than filling holes. Pattaya is never going to be esthetically pleasing anyway. Just don't get too smashed and fall in

I believe JetStar Asia and ValueAir are merging. I've flown both JetStar Asia and AirAsia to Singapore, both for about 3200 RT, and JetStar was far better. New Airbus A318s (still had the 'new car smell', in fact). Backed by Quantis, so aircraft fleet is well maintained by competent mechanics. Conversely, AirAsia has a very poor on-time record, uses old 737s, and are independents. Unless a significant price difference, I would always choose JetStar Asia. I'm flying AirAsia to Udon later this month, for 99 baht each way (plus taxes), but I'll be keeping my fingers crossed.

I paid 800 baht joiner fee at the Siam Bayshore 2 years ago. Seem to recall that someone posted it's 1000 now.

Games are much better in person. Breaks are designed to allow for lots of inspection of cheerleaders on the sidelines. Besides, who wants to watch a 0-0 tie?

For a great steak, but at a price to match, try the New York Steakhouse at the JW Marriott on Sukhumvit in Bangkok.