Tryingitout

Well, I actually did get into a place through the sawadee.com website. Ended up booking in nana tai mansion(where I've stayed before) which isn't too bad, but there's definitely better. They have free tuk-tuk service to NEP every 5-10 minutes or so(it IS quite a long walk) and just look for their tuk-tuk when you are ready to come back, you can't miss it. Hours of operation are 8am-2am. I ended up getting a single for 1050b/night. The rooms are nothing to write home about, and there is no safe in the room(but free at front desk), but I was just happy to finally get some sleep...right after my ST left at 8am and now I write this 7 1/2 hours later. I heard that today is some kind of holiday, Buddha day(?), so I might be bored, but there is always the parking lot at Nana! Pattaya is 48 hours away!

Thanks cowboy, I might need to hit you up for that place on Soi 3 because I'm running out of options in BKK. I'm set for Pattaya, it's just July 21-24th I need in BKK thats becoming a pain in the ass.

Thanks guys, I'll take all the advice and put it to good use. I am partial to the BVP just because I need a nice place for the first night or two, then my room doesn't have to be as nice, but still like their general location. I'll check out the Sunshine Vista when I get there and see if I can work something out with them in person.

Why is it during low season the prices seem higher to me? It's also difficult to find a room! Maybe I'm just not calling the right places. I would have liked to stay at Bella Villa Prima, but they say they only have deluxe room for 1800 baht/night! Pass. I wrote to the BJ Holiday Lodge and they see to have no rooms under 1000 baht anymore. Any recommendations for quiet area like those two and the cleanliness for under 1000 B ? Also, does anyone have contact info for Nana Tai Mansion down from NEP in BKK? I stayed there last trip and it wasn't too bad for 800baht. Better than the Nana Hotel, but also a decent walk to the plaza.

Ok...I gotta know what this means now... "I merely spoke to them in Thai and when they replied, also in Thai, muttered, " Mai khow jai"."

Ok, last question concerning Thai airways. I see they have Royal Orchid First Class lounges and Royal Orchid Executive class lounges, but their website doesn't really distinguish who can use the Executive lounges? Silver and Gold maybe? Anyone have some insight? I'm going to have to do that JFK-BKK flight another time because they only fly on certain days that do not coincide with the time I already have off from work...and I'm maximizing that time!!

So how does one get into Premium Economy? Is it a waitlist only?

Ok, I already have plans tentatively set for my trip this month already. Wouldn't hurt to have a backup plan though as flying standby is sometimes shaky. So my questions are: 1) How is it in the back of the plane if you get on the sides of plane(the 2 seats instead of the 4) and not stuck in the middle? 2) I don't see a pricing structure for Premium Economy on Thai Air website...just Business and Economy selections. How do you get the seats in the middle of the plane that are spaced 2-3-2 instead of 2-4-2 ? 3) This is a newer plane right? Hopefully with great service on such a long flight?!?!? 4) I looked all over for the damn mileage chart on their website, found it once, and can't find the damn thing again that tells you distance travelled between cities. If someone could post the link or point me in right direction, that would be great!

What is the name of the two hotels on the left as you are walking away from the beach on Soi 4 right before BVP? There was construction on both when I was there in October, but they seemed to be partially open. I like the quiet area and just in case BVP is booked up, I was going to look into one of those.

Anyone have pics of the standard rooms? I made a reservation there for two rooms, but all they had left was the 1000 baht standards. Majestic Suites was booked as that was my first choice. I'd rather stay within walking distance and I gotta be on the cheap side as I'm limited on funds this trip. Only there for 2 nights as a friend of mine has never been to Thailand before and I figured that should be plenty before the weeklong stay in Pattaya. Any other recommendations within stumbling distance to NEP are welcome.

nothing new to report on the water shortage I take it?

First time I will be in Pattaya in a few days. I'm still in awe at the scene in Bangkok and haven't come to my senses yet. I've read good things about the queen vic, but only one review on BJ. Anyone else besides that one reviewer can give more insight/info?? Also, what is the most stress free and/or quickest way(less than 2.5 hours) to get there from bangkok? thanks to all as your T.R.'s and info have been of GREAT assistance on my trip in bangkok so far!