TF_Heinz

These uniforms look GREAT. Hope to be there in October.

I will stay around the corner at sandy springs in 10 days, and plan to drop by. Hopefully also see you at bar crawl.chodeekaa: too bad I miss you - would have liked to say hello and maybe enjoy drinks together around the pool.

I usually stay at Sandy Springs. Their sea view rooms are really nice. But sometimes they claim that only Suites are available - too expensive for me. Are there any other hotels that offer sea view rooms? Other criteria would be guest friendly, and showers built such that they do not flood the whole bathroom.I very much enjoy the view - both alone and with my favorite companion. Thanks for any recommendations.

I am looking for a hotel in Jomtien that has Beach View. Guest friendly (discreetly, I am not planning to bring back more than 1 girl at a time). Is of similar or better quality than Sandy Springs in Pattaya. Does anybody have any recommendations? A suite with 2 rooms would be nice.Transportation is not that much of an issue as I will probably rent a vehicle. Ie stayed in Pattaya (Soi 8, Soi 12) in previous trips, and am looking for a change. Thanks

Call me crazy, but I usually rent a car and drive around myself: to the various minor sights, to a more recluded beach, to the train station to take photos of the (only) passenger train per day, watching the locals. Also, Koh Samet is an easy one-day trip. Budget has free trip maps with other suggestions. Sometimes I take a BG along: can be more fun, but don't count on them for directions...

Stayed in the new wing in March 05 for 8 nights. Hotel is OK, but nothing to write home about in my opinion. Wasn't too impresses with cleanliness. I was charged 1200 per day. No discount, because I could not commit for 8 nights from the beginning and pay up-front. When settling the bill, I was charged 35B each for unsuccessful phone calls (got busy signals) to local mobile phones. When I complaint, I was told that I should have informed the operator immediately, but as the charges were in the computer system by now, there would be no way to waive them. I did not like it a bit, but did not want to start a fight over a couple of Baht. Location is nice, but it is noisy these days due to the construction in the neighborhood. I appreciated their large parking lot easily accessible from Soi 13, as I had a rental car.

I have rented cars in Thailand many times, including Pattaya. Actually, last time in Pattaya was in March 05. Having a car at hand is very convenient for me, both in and around town. Last time I rented from Avis, and before several times from Budget. National is also in Pattaya. Consider making a booking from home: especially with Budget, the cheapest cars usually are not available on short-term, and you are forced to take a more expensive model. Never managed to get their (cheap) pick-up truck. Also, Budget has for free pamphlets called 'Great Drives' or similar: combination of maps and travel advice for their foreign renters. You can download them from the Budget Thailand web page, or pick them up in their office. You only need an International driver's license (sometimes your home license will do), and a credit card. I also rented from local operators. While cheaper, the cars tended to be more decrepit, and insurance conditions less clearly spelled out. And yes, it is completely possible, and a pleasant one-day drive, to go to Koh Samet from Pattaya. Somewhat more of a challenge is the drive back to Bangkok. I would not recommend to do it if you have to catch a flight. PM me if you would like further info. And stay away form those Suzuki Caribbeans (or other small Jeeps) if you plan to do any serious driving.

Is Alex still in business? I am asking because the last post about Alex apparently dates from fall 04. I need transportation on March 9, 05 at around 15:00h. Any alternatives to Alex? Or anyone wants to share a car?