Metro Apartments

[kuranda_bagman 135]

THE VACANCY

 

Having spent the whole of March staying at the Metro Apartments, I thought of doing an independent review of the hotel on my return to Australia, but then selfish interests got the better of me as I was hoping to return in June for a three month stay and didn't want to enhance it's already good reputation, thus lessening my chance of getting a booking !!!

 

So a couple of weeks ago I made a successful booking and then last Friday everything turned to shit and I've had to cancel my trip and my booking - It's not only in Thailand that things don't go according to plan

 

Dennis the owner, has been most gracious in allowing me to cancel the booking and therefore some other lucky board member now has the opportunity of staying at what, IMHO, is one of the best guesthouses in Pattaya and represents exceptional value for money.

 

The booking was from mid June to mid September, so for anyone interested, get in quickly and send Dennis an e-mail at info@metro-apartments-pattaya.com as I'm sure this vacancy wont last long.

 

THE REVIEW

 

As a long time Pattaya monger, previously I have always stayed in 1k to 2k hotels from soi 8 to soi 13, but after checking out the LK Metro area on my last trip I decided to give the soi a go and to be completely honest, I was very pleased with the decision. I had read a couple of very positive reviews about Metro Apartments and was fortunate to secure a booking.

 

The establishment is a four story building, with reception and bar on street level and three floors of accommodation. The bar and reception area is now air-conditioned (done towards the end of my stay) and with 3 free pool tables, TV's everywhere and all the sports channels you could wish for, it's a great place to spend many an hour playing pool and catching up with friends. Dennis also has a great bunch of ladies working in the bar, who are more than happy to play pool with you if you're on your own, but watch out, some of them are pretty bloody good

 

Accommodation wise, all rooms are air-conditioned and have ceiling fans as well. There are 3 superior rooms and 9 standard rooms, which are all well maintained, cleaned daily, towels changed daily and bed linen every second day. They are well furnished, have a mini bar, large fridge, an in-room safe, DVD player, cable TV, cups and saucers, electric jug and plenty of storage space. The bathroom is the basic Thai style with a wall mounted hot water heater and shower, but they are big enough to ensure the toilet doesn't get wet when you use the shower.

 

Free broadband WiFi internet is also available throughout the building and there is a terminal in the bar downstairs for guest use. The mini bar prices are very reasonable and they have an excellent laundry service. You just put your laundry in the net bag provided and the housemaid takes it when she cleans the room. The next evening your laundry is available at reception for collection and the prices are not much more than taking it to the laundry yourself - really brilliant service. Electricity to the room is turned on by inserting your key card into the slot provided, however for those wanting to charge electronic items when absent from the room, there is now a separate power point which is isolated from the key card slot - The fridge also runs from this circuit, so your beer will always be cold On the first floor there is also a good selection of DVD's and paperbacks, which are available free of charge for guests to use.

 

I found the staff genuinely friendly and Dennis, the owner very approachable. Any minor problems were addressed immediately and although he doesn't live on the premises, he certainly spends a lot of time there - must be something to do with his liking for a drink But then again, show me an Irishman who doesn't The establishment doesn't serve food but within 20 yards in any direction there were enough food establishments to satisfy most guests tastes and I found the Drunken Duck next door to be good quality and fair value - In fact my TGF for the last few weeks also commented on how good the Thai meals were.

 

The bar and reception officially close at 2:00 am but on numerous occasions when staggering home around 3:00 am the place was still open. However, when closed you have a key to the side door to let yourself in, so 24 hour access isn't a problem, unless you forget your key and then you'll have to wait until the place opens around 9 am. The establishment is extremely girl friendly and ID's are not required, however reception will take a copy for you if they are open. The only rule with ladies is that you are responsible for their behavior whilst on the premises and if they are leaving before the bar and reception is open you should escort them downstairs and ensure the door is closed behind them. However, something to keep in mind is that access to the accommodation is at the back of the bar, so when you are bringing a guest home and the bar is open, just remember every lady in the bar will see you .

 

As with any accommodation establishment, there were a few things some might class as negatives, although I must be honest, none of them caused me any hassles and after discussing them with Dennis he said he was also aware of them and where possible they were on the improvement planning schedule. I might add that mentioning these things is by no means a criticism of the establishment, but more as a guide to board members, as if they would annoy you, look somewhere else instead of making a booking and then complaining. Specifically they were:

 

1: Like many places in Pattaya, water pressure is not the greatest in the shower, but I found it sufficient to have a reasonable shower and none of my companions complained.

 

2: The curtains, whilst adequate are by no means blackout ones and the room does tend to lighten as the sun comes up, however for me this was no great drama as I tend to wake up early, or I'm knackered from the night before and sleep like a log.

 

3: The mattresses are firm and the older style inner spring type. For me this wasn't a problem as I have a hard one at home, but if you like a nice soft bed then this probably wouldn't be the place for you.

 

4: Finally, and probably the most important thing, anybody with a walking type disability or very unfit may find the stairs an inconvenience, as there is no lift. Once again, I didn't find this a problem and as I was on the the top floor (3rd) the three sets of stairs certainly kept me fit, although I must say there were a few nights when I crawled up them in a drunken haze and wished there was a lift

 

As far as the location is concerned, I found it to be really convenient. Transport wise it’s still easy to get around. Baht busses will take you to walking street via soi bukhow without the traffic chaos of beach road and it’s only a short walk down soi Diana to 2nd Road. Facility wise everything you could possibly want from currency exchanges, 7/11 and pharmacies to eating places, laundries and travel agents is genuinely just a stones throw away.

 

The soi is not a busy traffic thoroughfare and you can casually walk through it without having to watch your back all the time for speeding vehicles or side step the hordes of holiday makers. Most of the business in the soi have rooms for rent, many providing free wireless internet and restaurants are plentiful. Noise wise I didn’t encountered any problems late at night or early morning and sleeping was not a problem, even though I had a room that fronts the soi.

 

I’ve had a drink in a number of bars and have to say the ladies are great. Whilst I concede you don’t see many 9 & 10’s there is an ample supply of 6 to 8’s, with all tastes being catered for. I must say however, the one exception is the Hell club ladies who I watched every day from my balcony across the road – They are HOT!

 

In conclusion, all I can say is that at 500bt a night (for a one month stay), IMHO Metro Apartments is without a doubt the best value accommodation establishment in Pattaya, particularly when you consider all the extras you get for no additional charge. I concede it may not be everybody's cup of tea, particularly if you want a swimming pool, however the solid occupancy rates and consistently good reviews really do speak for themselves.

 

Finally, I might also add that all the ladies I took back to the room commented on how nice it was - More details and current rates are available on their web site at www.metro-apartments-pattaya.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[stevoman 2]

Yet a further example of the excellent cheap accomodation to be found both on this Soi and all over the Buckoa area!

[Tengotodo 52]

This is the best review I"ve ever read. I stayed there recently and found everything the OP said to be very true.

 

[THE_DRUID 21]

This is the best review I"ve ever read. I stayed there recently and found everything the OP said to be very true.

 

 

I'll second that.I stayed at Metro in June and mine host Dennis is a great guy,staff are really friendly,I thoroughly recommend the place to anyone.

[Dr Mick 111]

Great review ,glad im booked in for 25th Sep for 5 nights ,I tried in June but was fully booked

 

Sorry I missed you in June ,was only in Patts for 3 days ,hope we can meet up again soon.

[nemesea 0]

Have stayed there myself in march also.

The OP is absolutely correct in all his comments.

Dennis and his wonderful staff know how to run the place.

 

Will stay there in october once more (booked already) and probably again in march next year.

 

Roomrates have risen (200 baht), but its still a good deal.

 

One thing for Dennis: Isn't it time you give your website an update ??

[kuranda_bagman 135]

Hi Mick

 

Your certain to catch up with me in September as I'm in town for 3 months, starting at the begining of September and already booked in at the Metro. I intend to watch every rugby world cup match from the comfort of a bar stool in Pattaya.

nemesea

 

I don't think Dennis has put his prices up as your rate for October will be 200 bt more than June as Metro rates go up for high season from 1 October. I could be wrong but I'm sure Dennis will correct me if am.

[Dr Mick 111]

Hi Mick

 

Your certain to catch up with me in September as I'm in town for 3 months, starting at the begining of September and already booked in at the Metro. I intend to watch every rugby world cup match from the comfort of a bar stool in Pattaya.

nemesea

 

I don't think Dennis has put his prices up as your rate for October will be 200 bt more than June as Metro rates go up for high season from 1 October. I could be wrong but I'm sure Dennis will correct me if am.

 

John its great we can meet again ,found a good friend to watch the rugby ,I remember 4 years ago when we lifted the cup when I was there in your land

Sure this year will not be the same may be your year,i will write to you about my plans as no BG discussion here.

Edited July 20, 2007 by manracer402003

[ricklev 0]

I'm not complaining about this hotel, but I truly don't understand hotel owners who don't want to spend the money for black out curtains. I will never stay in a room without them and I know others who feel the same. One or two nights rent pays for them.

[Cerberus 97]

We have had several guys in who have been staying at the Metro Apartments, and they have all echoed Bagmans report. I guess the fact that they are consistently full, even in the low season speaks for itself.

[ricklev 0]

Of course!

[Tengotodo 52]

I'm returning for 3 weeks in high season and for about 1/2 the price of the Areca (right around the block), you really can't beat it. Another low-cost option to consider is the Rock House.

[weldermike 0]

I'm not complaining about this hotel, but I truly don't understand hotel owners who don't want to spend the money for black out curtains. I will never stay in a room without them and I know others who feel the same. One or two nights rent pays for them.

Was staying there about a week and half ago and they just started putting black out curtains in.Room 6 for sure

[Montydog 135]

Booked for my 3rd stay in October so can only agree with the OP, fantastic place to stay.

[kuranda_bagman 135]

Was staying there about a week and half ago and they just started putting black out curtains in.Room 6 for sure

 

That’s great news – Unfortunately though, it will just make it even harder to get a booking !!! However, on a serious note, it just goes to show that when hotel owners listen to what their customers want, they reap the rewards big time. The Metro is now one of the hardest places to get a booking at any time of the year and it’s down to a simple concept – give the customer what they want – good clean accommodation, wifi internet, room safe and cable tv at a budget price. Dennis’s commitment in giving us what we want has certainly made his business successful and with the repeat business he now gets, I’m sure this will continue for a long time to come. Only 35 days to go

[Dennis M 0]

Fellas,

Blackout curtains throughout now. Repainting throughout - almost complete - can't get into some rooms or can't get my painter when I need him!

Aircon, several DVD players replaced. Still some things to do - but it is a labour of love! You guys have the girls - I have the Metro!! Would I swap??

Some rooms made bigger and additional aircon added to cope with the extra space.

Further amendments/improvements pending.

 

France - Ireland tonight

[Montydog 135]

Fellas,

Blackout curtains throughout now. Repainting throughout - almost complete - can't get into some rooms or can't get my painter when I need him!

Aircon, several DVD players replaced. Still some things to do - but it is a labour of love! You guys have the girls - I have the Metro!! Would I swap??

Some rooms made bigger and additional aircon added to cope with the extra space.

Further amendments/improvements pending.

 

France - Ireland tonight

 

Top stuff Dennis looking forward to checking out the further improvements in 21 day’s.

 

Hope Ireland do it for you tonight.

 

P.S Are Joom and Nok still on the day shift?

[marcortez 0]

Top stuff Dennis looking forward to checking out the further improvements in 21 day's.

 

Hope Ireland do it for you tonight.

 

P.S Are Joom and Nok still on the day shift?

 

 

 

Jum and Took are on the reception day shift.......both of them are super great ladies.

 

Both are very friendly and will do most anything for you.

 

Jum is a shark at pool........she whupped up on me 3 games in a row.

[SteveB 1]

Great review.

Never stayed in hotel part but have been to the bar and had a great time.

[nemesea 0]

Top stuff Dennis looking forward to checking out the further improvements in 21 day’s.

 

I will beat you by 1 day.

I will be there in 20 days

[Montydog 135]

I will beat you by 1 day.

I will be there in 20 days

 

then you can get he beers in

[axel2230 2]

I was in Pattaya and did meet Dennis the owner or Metro Apartments. He told me that he had vacancy from mid of June until at least August. I did try to get a room in May but it was full. So now there is a change to try out this popular place for those of you that are on your way to Pattaya.

[ozijeff 9]

I had a great time at the Metro last year and if I can get in, I hope to re-visit this August!

 

Great people, great value!

[todder 0]

i am booked in at the metro for my june/july trip, cant wait, it looks great.

[sabaidii2 171]

Question to Kuranda Bagman (or Dennis):

 

I travel with a laptop computer and it is important that I can safely store it. So... is the in-room safe large enough to accommodate a 13" x 10-1/2" laptop? In Kuranda's photo, it looks like the laptop didn't fit, but I couldn't tell what its size is.