The_Fat_Controller

Being in the aviation industry, I much prefer sticking with the major European airlines, and although it means paying a bit more, at least you get the service. I am flying KLM all the way, so will not have the potential problem of EasyJet being late/cancelling flights etc and missing a connection in AMS. Please, KLM, don't let me down !

1.Marriott, formerly Royal Garden, awesome pool. 2.Siam Bayshore, the beach side, always has a nice breeze to cool things down a bit. I know these are not the usual places board members frequent, but the pools are great. I am staying at the Areca Lodge next visit, and the pool area was one of the reasons I chose it, and yes, I did have a real look at it, not just on their website !

I am in Scotland, and will be going to LOS late October. I am flying Glasgow-Amsterdam-Bangkok with KLM. After a lot of internet site searching, found that KLM fares were competitive and more importantly, AVAILABLE, unlike many of the deals that popped up. I booked at a Going Places travel agency as I get a small discount with them through a work-related scheme, but the fare was exactly the same as available on OPODO. I also booked my internal THAI flights at the same place, and the fare on the ticket is exactly that shown on the Thai Airways website, in Thai Baht along with the exchange rate prevailing at the time of issue.

Have booked Areca Lodge for November, faxed CC details and received confirmation by e-mail, nothing taken on the card. As has been said above, they seem to be well organised and already building up a good reputation.

Just about to book the Areca Lodge myself, all they have asked for is a fax of my credit card details, and they say they do not charge a deposit to the card. I believe that they charge a 5 percent fee for paying by CC, so may be better to settle the final bill in cash. I am sure if there was any naughtiness at any major hotel in Pattaya regarding credit cards, it would soon be known via this and other boards. I stayed at the Diana Inn in June, they asked for a 2000 Baht deposit, and send my CC details to them on their booking form as an attachment to an e-mail, not the most secure option I know, but all was handled properly and got a reservation deposit number to quote when I checked in. The Residence Garden require faxed CC details, and their cancellation policy is clearly stated on their website. Have a good holiday !

Pete, Unfortunately won't be in LOS for that party, but when trying to "click here for details" on Pluto John's Beach Party Banner, nothing happens. I'm using AOL7 which itself uses IE5.5, get the little "hand" saying there is something to click on, but no result ! Thought you should know in case anyone else is having trouble accessing details of a party ! Regards, Martin. Cold and depressed, Troon, Scotland.

On my recent return from Pattaya 10 days ago, someone recommended the following Taxi service to me, and I found them great. The driver had a relatively new Toyota, spoke good English and told me that he was often hired by the day, and sometimes for a week at a time. The office seemed well organised, and all the arrangements worked well. The name of the firm is :- "Mr.T" and they can be found 2/3 of the way up Soi Diana Inn, on the left hand side as you head inland from 2nd Road. Telephone Numbers :- Office 038 720318 Mobile 01 258 7716 Fax 038 720318 Hope this is some help, Regards, Martin Swain,Troon,Scotland