Herbie

I have never been Pataya - only to Bangkok for a few days - Where is it best to stay in the Pataya area? My friend Jim says stay in Jomteen or some such place while my other friend says I should stay in downtown Pattaya where the action is. Any suggestions for an American on a budget?

I just bought a large laptop a Compaq with a 15 inch wide screen. Do you think the hotel safes are big enough to hold a large laptop?