Has Anyone Stayed At The...

[bellfunk 1]

SEASIDE GUESTHOUSE

102/7 Pattaya Soi 3, Moo 9,

Pattaya City, Nongprue,

 

Looks cheap and cheerfull, wondered if anyone had a view ?

[CheshireTom 1,377]

SEASIDE GUESTHOUSE

102/7 Pattaya Soi 3, Moo 9,

Pattaya City, Nongprue,

 

Looks cheap and cheerfull, wondered if anyone had a view ?

 

 

http://www.pattayatalk.com/forums/index.ph...73&hl=north

[bellfunk 1]

can't read it Tom as i don't have full access yet.

Wouldn't care to cut & paste would you please pal?

[CheshireTom 1,377]

can't read it Tom as i don't have full access yet.

Wouldn't care to cut & paste would you please pal?

 

Here you go ..... apologies if the links to the pics don't work.

 

The review was done a year ago but the comments are still pretty much valid.

 

 

I know this should go in the hotels section but I can only link photos in that particular area rather than embed them in the actual post.

 

Anyway, a fellow board member requested a review of the SkyTop Guesthouse in North Pattaya. Having a bit of time on my hands I took the time to have a look at it and compare it with another similarly priced guesthouse in the general area, the Seaside Guesthouse on Soi 3. The reason I chose the Seaside was that both properties are reported to have been fully refurbished recently and were similarly priced so it was a case of comparing like for like.

 

I started another thread to find out what priorities other BMs had when booking hotels and from the responses managed to put together a reasonable scoring system that I've included in the comparison of the two properties. You may disagree with the number of possible points I allocated to each item (based on the BMs responses), and my opinions of how the two properties scored but it was as good a system as I could come up with to establish some sort of "value for money" rating.

 

If you are disinclined to read the nitty gritty ........... overall Skytop scored 47% and Seaside scored 69%. I'm on a bit of a crap connection so I'll get the text in and add the photos later.

 

 

Price (8)

 

The best room at Skytop was offered at 850 Baht per night whereas the best room at Seaside was 800 Baht per night. Skytop does not advertise any discounts for long stays other than that they are negotiable in low season. Seaside’s published monthly rate is 20,000 Baht inclusive of all facilities incorporated in the daily rate.

Score (8) – Skytop 5, Seaside 7

 

Location (8)

 

Both hotels are located in North Pattaya, Skytop on 2nd Road (100m south of Soi 6) and Seaside on Soi 3 (80m from 2nd Road). There are a handful of bars adjacent to Skytop and the bars/restaurants of Soi 6 are 100m away). Tops supermarket is about 500m to the south from Skytop and Big C a similar distance to the north. The bar complexes of Soi 2/3/4 are 80m from the Seaside as are the 3 Sabai soapies and Big C is on the opposite side of 2nd Road.

Score (9) – Skytop 4, Seaside 6

 

Access to transport (9)

 

Northbound baht buses pass outside Skytop and southbound ones on Beach Road, some 300m away via Soi 6/1. From Seaside, northbound baht buses are on 2nd Road (80m away) and southbound on Beach Road (120m away).

Score (9) – Skytop 6, Seaside 7

 

Proximity of 7-11/Family Mart (7)

 

There is a 7/11 100m to the south of SkyTop. There is a Family Mart 60m from Seaside and a 7/11 a further 15m away.

Score (7) – Skytop 6, Seaside 7

 

Pool (5)

 

Neither property has a pool.

Score (5) – Skytop 0, Seaside 0

 

Restaurant (2)

 

Neither property has a restaurant although there are several in the proximity to both properties.

Score (2) – Skytop 0, Seaside 0

 

Bar (3)

 

Both properties advertise as having bars (or at least selling drink). The seaside bar is a modern purpose-built structure outside the entrance to the property. Other than a shelf holding some spirit bottles, I couldn’t identify any bar at SkyTop.

Score (3) – Skytop 1, Seaside 3

 

Room Service (2)

 

Room service is not sdvertised at either property.

Score (2) – Skytop 0, Seaside 0

 

Joiner Fees (9)

 

Neither property charges Joiner Fees.

Score (9) – Skytop 9, Seaside 9

 

Quality of fittings/furnishings (7)

 

The furnishings at SkyTop appear old and worn and the curtains provide no barrier to either light or heat. The furnishings at Seaside appear to be relatively new and of a higher quality. The double-lined curtains provide a barrier against light and are reflective to deflect heat.

Score (7) – Skytop 3, Seaside 7

 

Physical security (8)

 

There is a 24 hour presence at the entrance to the Seaside. There is no physical presence at SkyTop between 2-7 a.m. which means that the guests must carry their room keys with them if they expect to return during that period.

Score (8) – Skytop 5, Seaside 7

 

Safety standards (9)

 

Seaside has smoke detectors, fire alarms and secondary-circuit emergency lighting in place. The electrical system appears to be modern. SkyTop has no safety systems in place and the electrical system serving the shower is not of a standard that a guest would reasonably expect in any hotel. Both properties have metal handrails in their stairwells.

Score (9) – Skytop 0, Seaside 8

 

Ease of booking (7)

 

The owner of SkyTop was not available at the property to advise on rates/availability when I telephoned, nor when I visited the property. I booked the Seaside by telephone and met the reservations manager within 2 minutes of arriving at the property. Neither property has an online booking facility but both accept bookings by e-mail.

Score (8) – Skytop 3, Seaside 6

 

Payment terms (6)

 

Payment is up-front at both hotels. The Seaside accepts both cash and credit cards and it is up to the guest how far in advance he pays (one day up to the full length of his stay). Full refunds are offered for cancellations either before or during the guest’s stay (given 24 hours minimum notice). Credit is made in the same manner as the original payment i.e. cash for cash or credit card refund for credit card payment. I was unable to fully ascertain the payment terms at the SkyTop although a previous poster indicated that it was full cash payment up front and no refunds.

Score (8) – Skytop 3, Seaside 6

 

Integrity of management/staff (0)

 

I didn’t stay at either property long enough to make any judgement either way. However, all the staff at Seaside are uniformed whereas at the SkyTop it was impossible to tell who was a customer in the internet café and who was a member of staff.

Score (0) – Skytop 0, Seaside 0

 

Safety deposit boxes (7)

 

SkyTop has in-room safety boxes although they are not bolted to any anchor point. Seaside has safety deposit boxes ar reception and three lockable cupboards/drawers (with keys) in the rooms as part of the furnishings.

Score (8) – Skytop 5, Seaside 4

 

TV (8)

 

Both properties had what appeared to be 23” TVs in the rooms.

Score (8) – Skytop 6, Seaside 6

 

Cable/satellite (6)

 

Both properties claimed to have Sophon cable in the rooms.

Score (6) – Skytop 3, Seaside 3

 

In-room internet access (7)

 

I saw no evidence whatsoever of wi-fi cabling or routers at SkyTop. When I asked about connecting to the internet from the room I was advised to connect my laptop to the redundant telephone socket next to the bed. However, there is an internet café within the premises that offers one hour’s free net access to guests. Seaside has wi-fi routers cabled in to the 1st and 3rd floors. I was able to obtain a good signal/connection on the 3rd floor but the manager advised that the signal is not so strong on the 2nd floor. The wi-fi at Seaside is free to guests.

Score (7) – Skytop 3, Seaside 6

 

Aircon (10)

 

Both properties have remote controlled aircon.

Score (10) – Skytop 10, Seaside 10

 

Elevator if more than two floors (6)

 

Neither property has elevators.

Score (6) – Skytop 0, Seaside 0

 

Leisure facilities (2)

 

Seaside has a full sized, lit pool table in its own dedicated area and a widescreen TV (with satellite channels) and lounge area. No leisure facilities were evident at SkyTop.

Score (2) – Skytop 0, Seaside 2

 

Mini-bar or fridge (8)

 

Both properties have fridges in the rooms. Seaside includes 2 bottles of water daily, SkyTop does not.

Score (8) – Skytop 5, Seaside 6

 

Size/Quality of bed and/or bedding (9)

 

Both properties have double beds and, in addition, SkyTop has an extra single bed. The pillows and sheets at Seaside are white cotton (as are the towels) and they are professionally laundered. The duvet cover is cotton and colour coordinated with the rest of the soft furnishings. The bedding at SkyTop appeared to be of an inferior quality (synthetic or mixed cotton/polyester).

Score (9) – Skytop 4, Seaside 7

 

Laundry facilities (3)

 

SkyTop has an in-house laundry. SAeaside guests use one of the two outside laundries that are directly adjacent to the guesthouse.

Score (3) – Skytop 3, Seaside 2

 

Cleanliness (10)

 

 

The SkyTop appears from the outside to suffer from neglect and a lack of general maintenance as can be evidenced from the ripped and torn canopies that grace the building. Inside, it is a bit of a chaotic mess. It has been painted throughout in magnolia but its years of previously serving as a public building (Tourist Police Station) is apparent. The Seaside has been totally renovated in the last six months and painted in bright pastel colours.

Score (10) – Skytop 5, Seaside 9

 

Telephone (2)

 

Seaside has in-room telephones, SkyTop does not.

Score (2) – Skytop 0, Seaside 2

 

No Smoking Rooms (3)

 

Neither property offers no-smoking rooms.

Score (3) – Skytop 0, Seaside 0

 

Balcony (2)

 

A proportion of the rooms at both properties have balconies.

Score (2) – Skytop 1, Seaside 1

 

Cooking Facilities (2)

 

Neither property includes cooking facilities although the SkyTop did have a “push-top” type water heater.

Score (2) – Skytop 1, Seaside 0

 

Quiet Surroundings (9)

 

Being directly on a main thoroughfare the SkyTop suffers from a fair amount of traffic noise as well as from the adjacent beer bars until 2 a.m. However, much of the intrusive noise is down to the poor quality wooden-framed windows and thin curtains. Seaside did not appear to be adversely afftected to the same extent by surrounding noise.

Score (9) – Skytop 4, Seaside 7

 

Parking Space (3)

 

There is space to the front of SkyTop for the off-road parking of motorcycles. There is parking space opposite and to the rear of Seaside for parking. None of the areas are secured.

Score (3) – Skytop 2, Seaside 1

 

Hot Water (5)

Both properties have hot water feeds in their showers. I chose not to test the system at SkyTop due to the obvious poor electrical wiring in place.

Score (5) – Skytop 1, Seaside 5

 

Overall Score (Maximum 200) Skytop 94 (47%), Seaside 138 (69%)

[bellfunk 1]

Thanks for that, looking good for Seaside

[BigDUSA 71]

Since the above review was posted by CheshireTom and all in all a reasonable review the following has been upgraded by the owner of Sky-Top.

 

Payment policy has been changed to one day or as far in advance as the guest is willing to pay. If the guest decides to leave early all prepayments are returned in full.

 

Rooms have been repainted.

 

Electrical outlet had been relocated from the shower area.

 

Fire alarms installed in all the rooms.

 

New mattresses in all the rooms.

 

Room darkening blinds.

 

Wired in room internet available free 24/7.

 

Microwave oven and hot water kettle.

 

Outside bar with big flat screen TV hooked up to satellite service.

 

Free pool table outside in the bar area.

 

Bar is owned and operated by the owners wife's sister and she's a solid stunner in the looks department and she's married.

Edited March 29, 2009 by BigDUSA

[torrenova 644]

I emailed them once and they said the larger room was one of a kind and the others were smaller. Quick response to email.

 

Didn't stay there because, like many in Thailand, they couldn't be bothered to go to Carrefour and spend Bt1000 on the cheapest electronic room safe and bold it somewhere secure.

 

Of course, lots of other places are as stupid as they are and fail to offer this most basic of amenities.

[Obsession 571]

Since the above review was posted by CheshireTom and all in all a reasonable review the following has been upgraded by the owner of Sky-Top.

 

Payment policy has been changed to one day or as far in advance as the guest is willing to pay. If the guest decides to leave early all prepayments are returned in full.

 

Rooms have been repainted.

 

Electrical outlet had been relocated from the shower area.

 

Fire alarms installed in all the rooms.

 

New mattresses in all the rooms.

 

Room darkening blinds.

 

Wired in room internet available free 24/7.

 

Microwave oven and hot water kettle.

 

Outside bar with big flat screen TV hooked up to satellite service.

 

Free pool table outside in the bar area.

 

Bar is owned and operated by the owners wife's sister and she's a solid stunner in the looks department and she's married.

 

Why should we believe anything you say? You previously claimed it had been repainted and it hadnt been for two years. Same refurb and many other claims you made which were proven online to be untrue.

[BigDUSA 71]

Why should we believe anything you say? You previously claimed it had been repainted and it hadnt been for two years. Same refurb and many other claims you made which were proven online to be untrue.

 

Stop in and see for yourself.

[Mr.Dream Transport 0]

Sounds like a solid deal. Look at it this way, it seems a good value for the money, so its worth a try in my book. Worst case scenario, if its not what you were hoping for, have a backup in place in case you have to change hotels. I think many people pass up on some diamonds in the rough out of fear of just not having many reviews online. If we all did that, we would never find any new places that none of us have tried before. Just my opinion though.

[stevoman 2]

Stop in and see for yourself.

 

Denny,

The OP questioned members regarding the SEASIDE Guesthouse and not your favourite 2nd road dosshouse,try to stay on topic and stop spamming!

[BigDUSA 71]

Denny,

The OP questioned members regarding the SEASIDE Guesthouse and not your favourite 2nd road dosshouse,try to stay on topic and stop spamming!

 

I agree BUT CheshireTom reposted Sky-Top vs Seaside and I give an update on the many positive changes at Sky-Top. Spamming no just an update.

[Obsession 571]

I agree BUT CheshireTom reposted Sky-Top vs Seaside and I give an update on the many positive changes at Sky-Top. Spamming no just an update.

 

Yes, but as I said, why would you think anyone would be willing to believe a word you say about the place. Im pretty astonished you think your say so would hold any credence whatsoever after all the photos etc proving you lied about the place time and again.

[BigDUSA 71]

Yes, but as I said, why would you think anyone would be willing to believe a word you say about the place. Im pretty astonished you think your say so would hold any credence whatsoever after all the photos etc proving you lied about the place time and again.

 

I tried to be nice when I told you to stop in and see for yourself but YOU insist on going on and on about me lieing. BULLSHIT, I've told the truth about Sky-Top and unfortunately you on the other hand who I've admitted had a couple of legitimate gripes about the place ran out of the truth long ago then moved on to misrepresentations till finally I caught you in a out and out lie.

 

How about the both of us give this a rest and let guys determine on their own if Sky-Top has been repainted, new mattresses, microwave, hot water kettle installed since Tom did his review?

[stevoman 2]

I agree BUT CheshireTom reposted Sky-Top vs Seaside and I give an update on the many positive changes at Sky-Top. Spamming no just an update.

 

What a crock,"Tom's" post included many valuable points regarding the "SEASIDE GUESTHOUSE",I repeat your post was simply yet ANOTHER spamming ramble for your mates dosshouse, and not what the OP requested!

[BigDUSA 71]

What a crock,"Tom's" post included many valuable points regarding the "SEASIDE GUESTHOUSE",I repeat your post was simply yet ANOTHER spamming ramble for your mates dosshouse, and not what the OP requested!

 

If you don't like what I post don't read it. Skip over it and save yourself a shit load of aggro.

[Obsession 571]

I tried to be nice when I told you to stop in and see for yourself but YOU insist on going on and on about me lieing. BULLSHIT, I've told the truth about Sky-Top and unfortunately you on the other hand who I've admitted had a couple of legitimate gripes about the place ran out of the truth long ago then moved on to misrepresentations till finally I caught you in a out and out lie.

 

How about the both of us give this a rest and let guys determine on their own if Sky-Top has been repainted, new mattresses, microwave, hot water kettle installed since Tom did his review?

 

Fuck off. Your not being nice at all. I would have gladly stopped talking about the place a year ago if you didnt constantly lie about it, but theres no chance while your calling me a liar and wont explain why. I have asked you at least four fucking times.

 

Anyway, your little list is fuck all. What about lights and wiring? Window gaps for the mozzies?

[CheshireTom 1,377]

Since the above review was posted by CheshireTom and all in all a reasonable review the following has been upgraded by the owner of Sky-Top.

 

Of course, if I was to update the review, I would point out that the bar, pool table, flat screen TV and satellite service have bugger all to do with the owner of the Skytop. I would also point out that he, the owner of SkyTops, has introduced a 5 baht charge for patrons of the bar to use the Skytops toilets.

[Obsession 571]

Of course, if I was to update the review, I would point out that the bar, pool table, flat screen TV and satellite service have bugger all to do with the owner of the Skytop. I would also point out that he, the owner of SkyTops, has introduced a 5 baht charge for patrons of the bar to use the Skytops toilets.

 

No wonder they get on so well. Thats a pure BigD cheap charlie special move. Charging for the toilet That back alley will be minging of piss as theres no way BigD will shell out 5 bht for a pee

[Arno 0]

That back alley will be minging of piss ....

Skyslops?

[bellfunk 1]

Just had a reply from the Seaside, 11,500bht for 21 nights, Standard room.

[BigDUSA 71]

Of course, if I was to update the review, I would point out that the bar, pool table, flat screen TV and satellite service have bugger all to do with the owner of the Skytop. I would also point out that he, the owner of SkyTops, has introduced a 5 baht charge for patrons of the bar to use the Skytops toilets.

 

Once again tommie likes to nitpick. The owner of Sky-Top rents the space to his wife's sister and there is a 5 Baht fee to use the toilet in Sky-Top. Since I'm a guest at Sky-top, I don't have to pay to use the toilet nor does any other guest. There's a large number of bars where you have to pay to use a off site toilet.

 

Fuck off. Your not being nice at all. I would have gladly stopped talking about the place a year ago if you didnt constantly lie about it, but theres no chance while your calling me a liar and wont explain why. I have asked you at least four fucking times.

 

Anyway, your little list is fuck all. What about lights and wiring? Window gaps for the mozzies?

 

I've already explained to you why your a liar and see no need to explain it to you again and again.

Edited March 31, 2009 by BigDUSA

[BigDUSA 71]

Just had a reply from the Seaside, 11,500bht for 21 nights, Standard room.

 

Good price but you should be able to do better. Make sure cleaning, electric and water is included in the price. Seaside looks to be a good value for the Baht. Enjoy your stay and write up a review when you leave.

[bellfunk 1]

Will do pal.

still looking around and waiting for the rock bar to get back to me.

[rainsberger 0]

Also, showing an interest in stopping at Seaside Guest House but does anyone know

what the difference is between the Standard rooms and the Superior rooms please.