BigDUSA

If I remember correctly there is AC. If there isn't Tropical Bert's will see a lot of one night stays.

I met a guy who was going to buy a studio condo and wanted to rent it out. If I remember correctly, I offered him 5 or 6K per month and I'd pay a year in advance. He was shocked at the price I offered. I told him on Soi Bukow (s) I could rent a room for 5K per month and that guys who are interested in long term rentals know about this area. He was not a happy camper when he finished talking to me. Sometimes reality can really suck but that's the rental business for you.

Alamo is one of my favorite afternoon hang out bar. I was there last week and talked to Gary. He's doing OK.

I've used the car service located just past the currency exchange in the arrival hall with no problem. If you have travel insurance your covered because this is a licensed car service as the other guys are not. Cost 2K plus toll. Newish Toyota and your out of the airport very quick.

Check out the hotel section. I'm almost downright giddy in my review on Tropical Bert's new guest house. BTW condo's over priced. Damn there I go again being negative. I can't help myself.

New 6 room guest house and bar on 2nd Road near soi 6.1. Bert who used to manage the Queen Vic has gone and had a purpose built guest house. Just opened recently and I had the opportunity to take a look at the rooms. Very nice for the price and that's 700 per night, guest friendly, 20" TV with DVD player. Small compact fridge and the two room suite has a shower and toilet combo. I was impressed but the two room "suite" is small and no in room safe. Lock box is available in the bar from 8AM to 1AM. Bert offers the usual pub grub. I had breakfast there many times and it's very good for the price. Never had lunch or dinner. www.tropicalberts.com

My definition: "chump of the month club" member. Guy who stays with a Thai whore for two weeks and then when he goes home sends her money each month. My definition: "cheap Charley" doesn't over pay for pussy, over tip for services rendered and damn well doesn't take the BG shopping.

If you want to over pay, no problem on my end. I find a 5 to 10% tip is more then sufficient. Thailand is a non tipping country, I just try and fit in. What do I care if I'm called a cheap Charley by the girls? One thing they don't call me, chump of the month club member.

I was in Pattaya for almost three weeks and not once did any of the expat's mention having a problem with crime. Personally, I was ripped off by a baht bus driver. He drove away owning me five baht. From now on I will maintain a "death grip" on my twenty until I get change.

Every time a guy asks about the pro's and con's of buying a condo in Pattaya, I'm gonna mention the on going water shortage problems especially with all the condo development going on. I assume the guys close to retirement and will be investing a substantial % of his retirement capital in a potentially worthless investment. The market is way over built already with numerous empty condo's in older buildings. Don't buy a condo unless you've lived in Pattaya for at least a year.

Once again an owner looking for a "sucker" to over pay.

It's truly amazing how guys love to overpay for damn near everything they buy. Ten baht tip or at the most twenty is more then fine for a straight massage.

These rules have been in place since WWII and we had the same during my service 40 years ago and were universally ignored by all ranks.

Check out www.skytoppattaya.com Clean guest friendly AC,TV, fridge and in room safe. Soi 6 around the corner.

The new Sheraton may have what our looking for. Also check the Marriott Royal Garden. Another possibility is the Residence Garden.

Guys wonder why the hotels have started demanding pre payment by credit card because of guys like this who book two hotel rooms and will damn sure stiff one of them. Queen Vic is VERY reliable. About a week before you arrive let them know your still coming and there will be no problem with your reservation.

Bottled water is very cheap and readily available everywhere.

Around the corner from Nana Hotel is soi 5 & 7. Gulliver's Tavern is on soi 5 and the Beer Garden is on soi 7. Great place to meet freelancers. I've always had a good time in BKK.

I can recommend Yensabai Condo about a 12 minute walk from Walking Street. Huge studio room with AC, 25" TV and kitchenette. Big bathroom with shower big enough for or more. In room safe. I don't know about UBC. Cost 500 per night. www.pattayarentaroom.com I've stayed there a few times and liked it.

If your that homophobic you should not come to LOS. Yes there are loads of lady boys and yes many are hard to tell. Go somewheres else. You won't like it here.

Emil, I've been a 1K you get the same 100% mileage bonus plus six free system wide upgrade certificates. They used to have a private phone number to reservations and a 1K desk at the major airport clubs. During my 1K days I was always upgraded to first class on domestic unless they were sold out with high paying customers. Not bad for a retired guy who always paid for my own flights.

I always book a double at the Sheraton and Westin when I'm in BKK. Never had a question on bringing a BG back to the loom. Same with the Marriott in Pattaya. BTW Marriott is spelled with two t not one.

I'll be heading down that way this week assuming the BG on soi two haven't chased me away with pitchforks. I'll get back to you with some info. I like the sound of this week in Pattaya. This will be my second trip this year. Not bad for a guy whose retired on a fully funded series of public and private pensions. In case I don't make it down that way during the almost three weeks, I'm in Pattaya, I'm already planning my next trip for September.

I plan on keeping 95%+ of my money in a US Bank. Easy to access by ATM and I have US Banking laws on my side versus Thai Banking laws.

Check out the Yensabai Condo www.pattayarentaroom.com I've stayed there and liked what they had to offer. Huge studio with kitchenette, 25"TV, big bathroom with shower big enough for 3 or 4 "friends". I paid 500 per night. About a 12 minute walk to 2nd Road and Walking Street.