Metro Apartments - Updated Review

[kuranda_bagman 135]

I first stayed at the Metro Apartments on soi LK Metro in March 2007 and posted the following review about the guesthouse in May of that year:

 

http://www.pattayatalk.com/forums/index.ph...tro+Appartments

 

Since that review I have stayed there a further 8 times and after my last trip in February of this year the realisation of why I am a regular return guest struck home with a vengeance.

 

As has been mentioned numerous times about the Metro Apartments, it is hard to get a booking at short notice due to it's popularity and on my February trip I encountered exactly that problem – Sorry no have loom!

 

Although disappointed at not being able to get in at my home away from home I ended up booking another guesthouse in the soi bukahow area for a similar price and upon checking in I encountered a stark reminder of why the Metro Apartments are in such demand.

 

Whilst the guesthouse I chose would probably be acceptable to many it sadly lacked the refinements that I had come to take for granted at the Metro. The standard of cleanness was woeful, the furniture was old and worn, the linen was stained and cheap and I gave up counting the number of things in the room that were either broken or didn't work. In addition the wi-fi internet sucked and was as slow as the proverbial snail and the lack of maintenance throughout was clearly evident.

 

So after one night I headed out in search of alternate accommodation and decided to call in at the Metro and jokingly give Liam the receptionist a hard time for "no hab loom". Well imagine my surprise when she said with a big smile "John we now hab from tomorrow – man cancel yesterday and loom 3 now empty for 2 week".

 

Bloody hell I was in 7th heaven. One of my favourite rooms at the Metro was available for the rest of my trip – Book me in baby !

 

As such, I thought this would be an opportune time to do an updated review of what the place is like 4 years down the track.

 

Below are some photos of room 3 taken last month and if you compare them to my previous review you will notice that if anything the standard has improved even more over the past 4 years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So what is it that makes the Metro Apartments special?

 

THE ROOMS: The attention to detail is still first class, the beds are king size and comfortable and the cleanliness without reproach. The linen is of good quality, the blackout curtains are a welcome addition, the furniture and fittings are well maintained, there is adequate storage space and the air-con works fine. The rooms also have ceiling fans above the beds for those that prefer not to sleep with the air-con on. All rooms have tea & coffee making facilities and in the superior rooms, tea & coffee is also supplied. Each room has cable TV and a DVD player and the Wi-Fi is fast and reliable. The fridges are large and the mini bar well stocked at reasonable prices. The in room safes are the small electronic type but will still fit a small notebook computer. Sliding doors lead out to the large balconies for those that prefer not to smoke in the room and in the front rooms, sliding windows allow for cross flow day time breezes.

 

THE BAR: If sport is your thing then I rate this bar as one of the best in Pattaya. There are numerous TV's around the bar that can individually show different events at the same time with the majority of sports catered for. One evening during my last trip I was able to watch the Rugby (Ireland v Scotland), Cricket (England v India) & Soccer (West Ham v ????) all at the same time! They also get a good expat crowd in for most of the major sporting events and at times the atmosphere can be awesome. My passion is Rugby and the guys that come to watch the games are always great blokes to chat with. They also have 3 pool tables which are free for customers and house guests and if you are on your own the ladies are always happy to shoot some pool with you. The other stand out feature of the bar is that unlike most guest house bars, the Metro is air-conditioned and non smoking, however for the smokers there are comfortable chairs out the front to relax in.

 

THE LOCATION: Soi LK Metro is not to everybody's taste but if you like a laid back, fairly hassle free location it may suit you. Everything you need is within easy walking distance and it's also easy to get to other areas of Pattaya without to much trouble. The soi now has 4 go-gos with a 5th due to open shortly, plenty of places to eat, a soi 6 style short time bar, the Devils Den for the ultimate threesome and Lolita's blow job bar for some quick relief !

 

THE STAFF: Staff can make or break any business and in the Metros case the friendly staff are without doubt one of the factors that contribute to its success. The day time ladies are always pleasant and helpful, whilst the night time ladies are a lot of fun, looking after the customers and playing pool when asked. Like any bar in Pattaya the Metro does suffer from staff turnover but the one thing I have noticed over the years is that replacement staff have to meet Annas exacting standards or they don't last long. Furthermore, they don't mooch for drinks, work hard and in most instance are happy to accept a barfine.

 

THE OWNER: The Metro Apartments are owned and run by an Irish gentlemen called Dennis and his Thai wife Somkit, who is a lovely lady and it's always a pleasure to sit and chat with her. As regards her husband I use the term gentleman loosely as really he's just a drunken Irish man (sorry Dennis – I couldn't resist) !! Seriously though, Dennis is an extraordinary mine host and in all honesty, the major reason for the Metros success and my continued patronage. His attention to detail as far as everything about the guest house is concerned is what makes it all work. He's very approachable, has a wealth of knowledge about Pattaya, Thailand and all things of a sporting nature. If you get the opportunity to sit down and have a chat with him you'll also find out that he's quite the raconteur. He also likes a drink or two so be warned if you come home around closing time and he's enjoying a bevy or two in the bar and invites you for a drink – you may well end up crawling up the stairs to your room as the sun comes up – Cheers Dennis!

 

In conclusion, I will again confirm my assessment of the Metro apartments – It's great value for money, a great place to stay and certainly one of the best guest houses in Pattaya. Also, as I mentioned previously, due to it's continued popularity, it is advisable to try and book 3 months in advance to secure a room. However, don't be put off making an enquiry at short notice. As evidenced by my latest trip, like most places in Pattaya, they do get cancellations.

 

The Metro Apartments web site address is: http://www.metro-apartments-pattaya.com/

 

The email address for bookings or enquiries is: info@metro-apartments-pattaya.com

 

DISCLAIMER:

 

I have no business association whatsoever with the Metro Apartments or the owners – I am simply a very satisfied guest who constantly returns to enjoy the amenity, comfort and friendliness of the establishment.

[spike 236]

Cheers :bag: for the review and photos....

 

I've stayed in room 3 as well...and if I'd known you had been shagging girls in the same bed....I would have asked for a discount

 

thanks to you....it's going to be even more difficult getting a room at the Metro Apts

[Montydog 135]

As a frequent guest at the Metro (and room 3) I can confirm all the OP’s post, bloody good place to stay and drink.

[jem23 0]

Thanks for the review...I fancy a change my next trip...this looks ideal for me

 

JEM

[Dr Mick 111]

John

you know the place is a shit hole haha

 

You have done it again ,now i will no longer be able to book at short notice .

 

I was looking for room sep and oct for wold cup rugby week ends

 

When you coming back for the rugby as i may now have to share your room haha

[ole 0]

Maybe it was me who cancelled. I stayed there for 10 days or so, but I cancelled am extension for 2 days. This was Feb 1. (???)

Anyway, great place, bar, location and staff. If I didn' book 2 trips at the same time at different apts, I would stay

at MA again. Definately recommended.

[LBJ 533]

I love the place and even though the beds are firmer than I like, I stay there every chance I get.

[Dennis M 0]

Thanks for the comments lads and especially John for the updated review. We try to keep things up to scratch but always appreciate feedback from returning guests who can compare standards to previous visits. We have a few minor modifications in mind for the future but will implement these slowly especially coming into the low season when income can be unpredictable.

 

I'm not sure John would appreciate Mick as a co-habitant during the Rugby though! Will do what I can for those weekends anyway!

 

Thanks again and cheers.

[golfer2426 0]

good things to hear,i'am booked in to stay their in nov.always stopped at rg before

[lespaul5000 15]

Thanks for the review...I fancy a change my next trip...this looks ideal for me

 

JEM

 

it's a great place, you won't be disappointed.

[bigdelta 46]

This doesn't fall into the catagory of "a room with a view".Otherwise acceptable.

[yorta2 693]

Stayed st Metro Apartments last year. Unfortunately the group I am travelling with this year has booked another hotel with a substantial discount, so will not be at Dennis's haven. The girls are all great people; the food is pretty good, with a great breakfast just around the corner (Robin's Nestaurant); but the stairs up to the 3rd floor (where I last stayed) get a bit difficult for someone (like me) who has dodgy knees). Bring a bottle of Jameson's Whisky with you to share with Dennis - he'll be a great drinking companion for you.

Edited April 3, 2011 by yorta2

[Alfred 26]

Been looking at staying here my next trip, reviews are a couple of years old so has anyone stayed here recently ?.

[Bushcraft 2,581]

I've never stayed at MA, and only darkened its doors once when with a group of chums, but I have to say that I've never, ever heard a bad word about either Dennis or his place. It seems that hard work, a good eye for staff and attention to detail - oh, and aircon, cut the mustard here as they do anywhere (hot) in the world. Good to know that, well done that man!

[Keen Punter 272]

Never stayed there as I always stay at The Vic, but the rooms are excellent and Dennis is a great host.

 

My favourite bar in Pattaya by a long way.

[Montydog 135]

Been looking at staying here my next trip, reviews are a couple of years old so has anyone stayed here recently ?.

 

He’s improved the bar and made changes to the rooms since those reviews mate. Dennis runs a good place always making sure the rooms are in good order and well maintained.

As others have said great place great staff great boss (Somkid) and Dennis is not a bad chap either

　

I’ve managed to book myself in for November, but not my first choice of rooms so if you do want a room book early

[js007 795]

I wonder how much of the noise rom the nearby go go bars can now be heard in the rooms? I've stayed there three or four times, but that was before they put a go go bar next door.

[Montydog 135]

I wonder how much of the noise rom the nearby go go bars can now be heard in the rooms? I've stayed there three or four times, but that was before they put a go go bar next door.

 

A concern I had as well. But asking guests last May when I just hung around there but didn’t stay, It was not an issue

[AW1 1]

Very good place on Metro, I've stayed there many times and always enjoyed it. China Gardens has superceded it now in terms on price/quality but it will always be my second choice in that area.

[pattaya_mad 208]

I wonder how much of the noise rom the nearby go go bars can now be heard in the rooms? I've stayed there three or four times, but that was before they put a go go bar next door.

 

I just home 3 weeks ago, i stayed on the 1st floor, the noise from the new GOGO right next door is noticable between the hours of 7pm and 3am, some night are louder than others, i was not usually in my room from 8pm so it didnt effect me too much.

Edited July 21, 2012 by pattaya_mad