MC_Ldop

How about free upgrades? That's worth an extra $200 to me.

I did look at a few other rooms actually. They're pretty nice, which makes the lack of a monthly rate all the more annoying. Any of the larger rooms would be much better suited for a long stay. One thing I forgot to mention is the Internet access here. It's quite good. As far as I can see, there are two routers on every floor. The coverage is great. It's totally open access too. After going through the stupid purchase code system the LK hotels have implemented, the open access is nice--especially since I need Internet access for more than just my PC.

I've been staying at Pattaya Bay Resort for 10 days (out of 30) and wanted to report a few observations before writing a proper review. Overall, there's a lot more good than bad about the place. - The standard room is pretty nice. It's modern without being too fancy. The pillows are soft, but the beds are on the hard side (though not nearly as bad as many I've had in Pattaya). All the furniture, fixtures, and construction are sound. I haven't had any problems with cleaning, water pressure, etc. For 12,900 a month, it's a pretty good value. - The only room they offered for a monthy rate was the standard room. This was annoying because it's the least suited for a monthly stay. I would have preferred a larger room with an eating area, DVD player, and water heater, but they weren't giving any discounts for a monthly stay. I understand that they can make more money off of the larger rooms at the daily rate, but the small quarters would make me think twice about staying here again. - The Tuk Tuk service will take you to Second Road or Soi Buakhao during peak hours. Off peak, they'll go a bit further. It has been quite reliable. So far, they've only stood me up twice in ten days. Considering the usual Thai "efficiency", this is pretty damn amazing. - The restaurant by the pool is one of the better hotel restaurants in Pattaya. It's run by the same people from Cherry Restaurant on Third Road, which is one of my favorites. If you know the menu from Third Road, you can actually order things that aren't on the menu at the hotel restaurant. - The pool is small, but nice. The water is shallow (four feet, I believe), so Thai girls won't have problems in it. Unfortunately, the pool-side loungers don't have umbrellas. This might be a problem for your Thai girl if she's part of the 98% that fear the sun. - With Tuk Tuk access, it's really easy to get around. If you rent a motorbike, it's even better. At the Soi Buakhao drop off, there's a 7-11 and a bunch of food stalls for quick/cheap eats (try the kana moo grob). - The hotel staff is pretty courteous. The waiters at the restaurant are particularly fun. They actually came to Adam's party (after I got one of them pretty loaded during the day). - The gym is small, but adequate for what I need. There's a decent elliptical machine. - The Avenue (one of several new malls popping up) is partially open. When it's fully open, it'll make the location that much more desirable. As it stands, it looks like it has the nicest movie theater in Pattaya. The bowling alley, karaoke rooms, and McDonald's are currently open. They claim that the mall will be fully open by the end of September. It certainly looks that way, but these are also the same people claiming that they'd be open in January 2006. - There are quite a few Secrets boardies staying here. If you're bored, chances are you'll have someone to chat with if you head to the pool. - All in all I'm mostly happy with what I'm getting for the price. It's easy to get around. It's near a lot of the things I like on Soi Buakhao. And it's a pretty nice hotel. I just wish they offered monthly rates for the bigger rooms. I'd gladly pay more to snatch one up. As it is, I might shop around for a different place for high season. Though the next three weeks could change my mind.

I'm here now. I'm going to type up some observations before (or if) I write a full review.

I've stayed at Sandy Springs, Whitehouse Condotel, and Lek. Of those three, I'd only stay at Whitehouse Condotel again, but only if they offer a good discount.

It's a great place to take a lady for dinner. After dinner you can just go down the stairs and take a stroll on the beach.

What size room did you get for that price. The Metropole has a pretty large variety of room types/sizes.

Hmmmm, I've never been a fan of Kiss Food, but know a lot of farangs that like it. A few Thai girls have asked my why so many farangs like to eat there.

In his defense, at least he knows that there are, potentially, better places to stay. In keeping with the ribbing, this isn't anything new. He heaped praises on Areca Lodge before, but then he got over it.

Fathermojo is a big fan and stays there often. I've checked out the rooms and it looks like a nice place. I never stayed there myself though, as I found places that suited me better in that area.

I like the cheapie rooms at LK Royal Suites. For a month, it cost me 18K plus utilities. The rooms are above average and the beds are much softer than most you'll find in Pattaya. Best of all, you can use the pool, sauna, steam room, and gym in the "nice" building. Unlike the steam room and sauna at the Metropole, these are co-ed.

Finally, UAL's fares to BKK have started going down. For july, the average economy price was around $1,400. August fares are between $1,050 and $1,150. It's sure to go down as summer winds down.

Anyone know what the current monthly rate is for Residence Garden? I emailed them, but haven't heard back in two days.

When I stayed there last year, it did.

I miss buying a meal for two for $2 to $3 USD. It's fresher, healthier, and tastier than the sandwich and soda I bought for $10 today.

Tam is such a cutie!

You'll start five polls a day but you can't take the time to look at 20 pictures? Ha!

Nice to see Bam around! Was she just visiting or is she back on staff?

Can you still accrue FF miles with a consolidator?

The Continental Bakery has good hashbrowns. I like their breakfast choices a lot, but I'm also like FatherMojo in that breakfast is usually a hangover remedy for me.

The only Ploy I know works at Secrets. She was formerly Jame at FLB. I'm not sure about her legal expertise. Also, WHY ARE YOU SCREAMING?!?

Kevin Meacher, owner of Jasmine Mansion is holding a fun contest over at the Riff-Raffles web site. All you have to do is scour through four posts, check out 20 photos, and seperate the boys from the girls. Five winners will receive a copy of Kevin's book, Riff-Raffles. Here are the contest rules. Here are links to the photo posts: Photos 1 through 7 Photos 8 through 10 Photos 11 through 15 Photos 16 through 20 I hope you take some time out to play. Good luck to all!!!

It's not a very tall building, so I wouldn't bet on a great view. The bathrooms are fantastic, they have have king size beds, and I already mentioned that the pool is small. Some people claimed to have been hit with a joiner fee and some have claimed that they strolled in without one.

I've checked it out, but never stayed there. There are a wide variety of rooms and they're all very nice. The daily rates are a bit expensive, but there are decent monthly rates. The pool is rather small, but the beach is just down the road. It's a quick baht bus ride to Walking. What in particularl do you like in a hotel?

I like the Korat Fried Chicken stand on Soi Buakhao. If you're walking from Pattaya Klang to Pattaya Tai, it's right after the curve. The boneless breast is delicious and cheap. The price is by weight, but depending on how much you eat, you should be able to get chicken and rice for you and a TG for 40 to 60 baht.