Hotel questions (a bit lengthy)

[808pizza 0]

Here are a couple of hotel booking questions. First timer here. Let me start by apologizing, as I'm sure most of my questions have been asked before, however I am not the brightest bulb on the computer. I can't seem to find archived posts answering these questions. So for the other not so tech savvy members, here goes.

 

I've noticed posts saying that I shouldn't have to give a deposit to make a hotel reservation and to definitely not give a credit card # to them.

 

They've even said that if a deposit is required to go somewhere else.

 

I can get a low limit credit card from my bank that could be used exclusively for the reservation, but I don't know if that is wise either. I won't use a credit card for anything else. I have a separate debit card account for the trip set up.

 

Some of the hotels (seems most) say they only hold the reservation until 18:00. A deposit is required for late arrivals.

 

It seems most flights arrive later than that and then there is the travel to Pattaya making it even later. At least that is what is available from Hawaii. My flight gets in around 9PM and add at least a couple of hours to that before I get to the hotel. How should I handle this? (Room booking and transportation from the airport to Pattaya.)

 

Also,I am coming for three weeks. Should I book the initial reservation for two or three days, or the first week, not knowing the actual conditions and either extending or changing hotels when I arrive?

 

I see that some BMs say to stay around Soi 2, and others say to stay a little more central between Beach Rd and Second Rd. Some advise Soi 13.

 

I'm 56 (not one of the youngsters anymore although a young 56 J) and I don't necessarily need to step out the front door and be in the heart of it, but I like convenience though. (Bit of a knee problem) I also am able to afford nicer accommodations but do not need the fanciest.

 

I don't think I'd be freaked out by the craziness of the Soi 6 area, say the Queen Vic, as a recent lengthy TR described a fantastic stay there. Guest friendly, safe in room, good food, not to pricy, and he was usually out during most of the noisy hours, so, what doyou think/ recommend?

 

Are the Soi 13 places to much of a treck to get back and forth to? Another BM posted that his June stay on SOI 2 at Sabai Lodge was disturbing because of ongoing construction and (his description here) loud Indian folks.

 

Good, clean, safe, secure, and hassle free (joiner guests) accommodations are hoped for. Guess that's what we all want. Is it a big deal that the safe is not in the room? Although I would prefer it was, I'm not sure if that item should be a deciding factor.

 

Thank you ahead of time for your guidance here. What a great group of folks you are to share your knowledge and experience with us. I know this will be the best vacation ever.

 

I arrive Nov. 23rd thru Dec. 15th. Hope to connect with BMs and tip a few together. I'm sure this will be the start of some good friendships.

 

Aloha,

 

Bob

Edited July 9, 2011 by 808pizza

[Grandpollo 366]

Please check your keyboard as the space bar is not working right and the return key, too much. To search you type what you want to search up to the right there where it says search.

 

No credit card at all and you've never made a hotel reservation in the past many years?

 

Most hotels hold reservations to a certain hour then can release the room for no-shows and the reason for a deposit is they charge the card/use the deposit and you have rented the room whether you show up or not. There is no hard an fast rule to not stay in a hotel that wants a deposit - with a credit card they don't normally charge the deposit they charge the card when you haven't shown up by checkout the next day.

 

I have refused to pay a deposit in Pattaya at the Queen Vic because instead of one night for THB2,000 they wanted THB10,000 or five nights in advance. But when I travel (which is a lot) I always guarantee the room for late arrival with a credit card, that's how it works. Prepaying ONE night with Paypal or a credit card is not putting you in the poorhouse is it? $40?

 

You can stay at the RG for THB1,450 all in, tell them you're arriving late and they don't ask for a deposit nor a credit card. You cannot pay with a debit card there (or anywhere I bet) so I presume you plan to use it to obtain cash to pay.

 

I would not travel to the other side of the world with ONE debit card as my sole means of support if that's your plan. My last trip I had two debit cards, two credit cards (only one was used to pay the RG bill and my hotels in Bangkok and Hong Kong) $5,000 in traveller's cheques I didn't end up cashing and $1,000 each in US and Canadian cash, which I didn't change to Baht either.

 

I used the two bank cards AFTER letting both banks know I was going to use them in Thailand and Hong Kong. Credit card, too.

 

Regardless of where you stay you won't be asked to pay for all the days in advance. If someone wants that, tell them to screw themselves. But you are getting near high season so you may have fewer options when you decide not to stay but I am sure you'll find something before you give up the room.

 

I'd recommend the RG solving the credit card issue and the general quality issue as it is first rate. You didn't say your budget - if you are trying to do the $20 a night rate then good luck. The baht bus deals with your knee issue.

Edited July 9, 2011 by ricktoronto

[808pizza 0]

Please check your keyboard as the space bar is not working right and the return key, too much. To search you type what you want to search up to the right there where it says search.

 

No credit card at all and you've never made a hotel reservation in the past many years?

 

Most hotels hold reservations to a certain hour then can release the room for no-shows and the reason for a deposit is they charge the card/use the deposit and you have rented the room whether you show up or not. There is no hard an fast rule to not stay in a hotel that wants a deposit - with a credit card they don't normally charge the deposit they charge the card when you haven't shown up by checkout the next day.

 

I have refused to pay a deposit in Pattaya at the Queen Vic because instead of one night for THB2,000 they wanted THB10,000 or five nights in advance. But when I travel (which is a lot) I always guarantee the room for late arrival with a credit card, that's how it works. Prepaying ONE night with Paypal or a credit card is not putting you in the poorhouse is it? $40?

 

You can stay at the RG for THB1,450 all in, tell them you're arriving late and they don't ask for a deposit nor a credit card. You cannot pay with a debit card there (or anywhere I bet) so I presume you plan to use it to obtain cash to pay.

 

I would not travel to the other side of the world with ONE debit card as my sole means of support if that's your plan. My last trip I had two debit cards, two credit cards (only one was used to pay the RG bill and my hotels in Bangkok and Hong Kong) $5,000 in traveller's cheques I didn't end up cashing and $1,000 each in US and Canadian cash, which I didn't change to Baht either.

 

I used the two bank cards AFTER letting both banks know I was going to use them in Thailand and Hong Kong. Credit card, too.

 

Regardless of where you stay you won't be asked to pay for all the days in advance. If someone wants that, tell them to screw themselves. But you are getting near high season so you may have fewer options when you decide not to stay but I am sure you'll find something before you give up the room.

 

I'd recommend the RG solving the credit card issue and the general quality issue as it is first rate. You didn't say your budget - if you are trying to do the $20 a night rate then good luck. The baht bus deals with your knee issue.

 

Thank you Ricktoronto. I saw the errors with my space bar. Not sure what happened as I intentionally edited and re-edited the post. I will only use the debit card to get cash from the ATM and as recommended by others, I'll get an extra card in case of loss. Thanks for your recommendations here. The $40.+ does not put me in the poor house.

 

 

 

[Grandpollo 366]

Thank you Ricktoronto. I saw the errors with my space bar. Not sure what happened as I intentionally edited and re-edited the post. I will only use the debit card to get cash from the ATM and as recommended by others, I'll get an extra card in case of loss. Thanks for your recommendations here. The $40.+ does not put me in the poor house.

Got to be honest, I haven't seen a ton of hotels there, but based on the service and offer of the RG, the fact they handle English, the wi-fi, elevator and coffee shop and pools and for $45 with tax, I didn't hesitate to book there and I have booked there for three weeks more at the end of next month. I don't tamper with success. I really don't care about cost once I find good service and quality.

 

The fact the bedroom is separate from the living room was icing on the cake.

 

I found the location away from the noise to be a godsend. And it is 30 cents and 5 minutes by baht bus to all of the action.

[808pizza 0]

Got to be honest, I haven't seen a ton of hotels there, but based on the service and offer of the RG, the fact they handle English, the wi-fi, elevator and coffee shop and pools and for $45 with tax, I didn't hesitate to book there and I have booked there for three weeks more at the end of next month. I don't tamper with success. I really don't care about cost once I find good service and quality.

 

The fact the bedroom is separate from the living room was icing on the cake.

 

I found the location away from the noise to be a godsend. And it is 30 cents and 5 minutes by baht bus to all of the action.

 

I'm with you on the success thing. I don't care about the cost either. Just want the normal (if I can use that word here) comforts and convinces that would be expected. I'll check the RG out right now.

[Grandpollo 366]

I'm with you on the success thing. I don't care about the cost either. Just want the normal (if I can use that word here) comforts and convinces that would be expected. I'll check the RG out right now.

Forgot - there are 2 TV sets, one in the bedroom and one in the living room. Unless you want to watch Thai soap operas or hopeless variety shows (in Thai) you'll appreciate the TG in the bedroom using the one while you watch something better (note - ANYTHING is better) in the living room.

[teelack 9,357]

There is a lot of questions here so a couple of points.

 

I heve never been advised that the booking will lapse if I am late however I always estimate my ETA and add an hour to it. I was a day late last time but sent an email advising them and there was no penalty. I have stayed in dozens of places and the rules have always been the same.

 

As for paying in advance. Well if you choose to use say Sawadee or Agoda there is no option and I have used both of these and there was no issues with either.

 

I am ewell aware that a number of guest houses and hotels ask for credit card details so that they can charge you for a no show but its possibly easier than paying the whole lot up front with the travel agencies and having to battle to get it back if it all falls over.

 

One other point about rooms. Either you want a swimming pool or you dont. For me this is a great part of the trip and is non negotiable. Generally speaking its always going to cost less if you dont.

 

Finally, there is always construction going on in Pattaya. Holels will neither tell you or even advise that their pool is closed in most cases so you need to do some homework if this is not to become an issue.

[BigDUSA 71]

Given you have a bad knee. I'd recommend the Queen Vic for your first trip. You're in the middle of all the action and easy walk to Beach Road. Getting back in the middle of the night is no hassle.

[nus01 305]

Here are a couple of hotel booking questions. First timer here. Let me start by apologizing, as I'm sure most of my questions have been asked before, however I am not the brightest bulb on the computer. I can't seem to find archived posts answering these questions. So for the other not so tech savvy members, here goes.

 

I've noticed posts saying that I shouldn't have to give a deposit to make a hotel reservation and to definitely not give a credit card # to them.

Definatley do not give your credit card details to them via email or even over the phone, if they dont have a secure credit card payment facility i will not pay a deposit However if they have this like Agoda or Asia Rooms I have no problem putting down 1 0r 2 nights stay as a deposit

 

They've even said that if a deposit is required to go somewhere else.

Why?

Apart from the CC issue, why would anyone have a problem paying a small deposit.

 

I can get a low limit credit card from my bank that could be used exclusively for the reservation, but I don't know if that is wise either. I won't use a credit card for anything else. I have a separate debit card account for the trip set up.

 

Your the customer , you shouldn't be going out of the way to satisfy some two bob operation , if they havent go the correct facility they need to accommodate you, go elsewhere.

 

Some of the hotels (seems most) say they only hold the reservation until 18:00. A deposit is required for late arrivals.

 

Just communicate with your Hotel , i always arrive at around 11.00pm (unless its high season their is a very good chance the hotel will only be 60% full anyway). Tell them the time you expect to arrive and add a couple of hours they arent going to cancel your booking.

 

It seems most flights arrive later than that and then there is the travel to Pattaya making it even later. At least that is what is available from Hawaii. My flight gets in around 9PM and add at least a couple of hours to that before I get to the hotel. How should I handle this? (Room booking and transportation from the airport to Pattaya.)

You will be sleeping in the room the night you arrive so the full amount is owed that is unavoidable , anywhere in the world.

Just catch a cab straight to Pattaya, 11.00pm is still early in Pattaya

 

Also,I am coming for three weeks. Should I book the initial reservation for two or three days, or the first week, not knowing the actual conditions and either extending or changing hotels when I arrive?

Do your research choose a hotel that gets good reviews and book a week, you dont want to get to Pattaya at 11.00pm and by the time you get up the next day you need to find a hotel for the following day. If its your first time book a week and see if you a) like the hotel b ) see anything you like better

I stay at the same hotel everytime , as trying for the perfect hotel drives you insanse their is so many to choose from and so many different opionions.

 

I see that some BMs say to stay around Soi 2, and others say to stay a little more central between Beach Rd and Second Rd. Some advise Soi 13.

 

Transportation in Pattaya is better than anywhere i have ever encountered if you stay on the beach rd/second road circuit a baht bus will come along every 20 seconds. EventhoughSo soi 13 is more central to a lot of area's than soi 2 we are literately talking about a few minutes difference. I stay in Soi2

 

I'm 56 (not one of the youngsters anymore although a young 56 J) and I don't necessarily need to step out the front door and be in the heart of it, but I like convenience though. (Bit of a knee problem) I also am able to afford nicer accommodations but do not need the fanciest.

IMO Accommodation is very cheap , for $30-$50 you have a host of top class choices, that could be in the hundreds of dollars in other tourist resorts. Some guesthouses are ok but i dont see the value in them when a resort type hotel is $10 a night more.

 

I don't think I'd be freaked out by the craziness of the Soi 6 area, say the Queen Vic, as a recent lengthy TR described a fantastic stay there. Guest friendly, safe in room, good food, not to pricy, and he was usually out during most of the noisy hours, so, what do you think/ recommend?

 

Someone will confirm this but if you have a dodgy knee , at the Queen Vic coming back at night you have to climb a tricky little back staircase so it might not be the best option. Personally Soi 6 would be one of the last places id consider

 

Are the Soi 13 places to much of a treck to get back and forth to? Another BM posted that his June stay on SOI 2 at Sabai Lodge was disturbing because of ongoing construction and (his description here) loud Indian folks.

 

[color="#FF0000"]back and forth from where?, Soi 2 for example Big C shopping centre, all the Soapies, approx 30 bars and a couple of gogos are within 2 minutes walk, soi 6 is 5 minutes walk. Soi 7 & 8 is 5 minutes in a baht bus. If you were going to walking street everynight then it might be a slight inconveneince (hardly a trek) as i said the transportation is so good that anything more than 5 minutes away seems like its out of the way. Wherever you stay your going to have most things right on your doorstep or a few minutes wlak or baht bus ride away

[/color]

I just got an email from Sabai Lodge and they have some great deals ,

 

http://www.sabailodge.co.th/index1.html

 

The sabai wing pool view is for 1,250 is a good deal includes breakfast (which i would ask them to take off for a 100 baht discount) . However i did read that construction is going on so you would need to do a bit of homework

Any of the Sabai Group of Hotels are good same as LK Group , The Residence gardens looks very good although its on the wrong side of walking street for me , as i said lots of good hotels to choose from in the 1,000 to 1,500 baht range

Good, clean, safe, secure, and hassle free (joiner guests) accommodations are hoped for. Guess that's what we all want. Is it a big deal that the safe is not in the room? Although I would prefer it was, I'm not sure if that item should be a deciding factor.

To me a safe in the room is a big deal as in a joiner fee. I also make use of the pool so that is very important to mee

 

Thank you ahead of time for your guidance here. What a great group of folks you are to share your knowledge and experience with us. I know this will be the best vacation ever.

 

I arrive Nov. 23rd thru Dec. 15th. Hope to connect with BMs and tip a few together. I'm sure this will be the start of some good friendships.

 

Aloha,

 

Bob

Edited July 9, 2011 by nus01

[808pizza 0]

Wow, Great Info. Thank you very much for taking the time to go through this item by item.

[glynbuk 29]

Hi

 

First time i came to Pattaya i stayed at the Sabai lodge (soi 2) in a Dolphin pool cottage, nice room

with in room safe, good pool and good water pressure in the shower.

 

Next trip i stayed in the LK Metropole in Soi Bukhoaw, nice hotel, small pool, in room safe and very poor

water pressure in my room.

 

Last two trips i stayed in the Sandy Spring (soi 13) and loved it, booked it through scandibar who will book

you in without giving a credit card guarantee

 

http://www.scandibar.com/hotel/

 

Be aware in the Sandy only the suites have in room safes which is not great, water pressure perfect, ideal location

for me right in the centre of things.

 

Next trip(arriving 16th December) i have the Residence garden(booked through flb bar) http://www.pattayapages.com/residence/

which is further out of town but looks manageable and a lot cheaper than my sea view suite in the Sandy spring, so the savings

will pay for the extra transport and more.

 

The RG is here on the left http://www.pattayaphotoguide.com/?sMsRUDqnkc5C

 

Wherever you pick, have a great holiday

Edited July 9, 2011 by glynbuk

[N3RGT 118]

808pizza.I thoroughly endorse the comments by BM RickToronto. I would stay nowhere else other then The Residence Garden. Don't be taken in by any of the bullshit that it's way out of town; Yes it's away from the hustle, bustle and hubbub of Walking Street and the Booom Boom Boom(pardon the pun!) of late night early morning disco music. The reality is that it's a ten minute walk or a five minute Baht Bus trip to all the action. Funnily enough,on my last trip this April/May I was going up the steps to the Family Mart just across the road when I got my arse pinched by a very attractive young lady who asked me if I wanted Boom Boom ! .I was well spent from the previous night and declined but sometimes the action can probably nearer than you may think.

I have attached a few pictures of the place so you can get an idea of the accommodation, which in my opinion is just great, and the girls love it too. There are two swimming pools that are very rarely crowded, the staff are first class, rooms serviced daily and there is excellent food served, at very reasonable rates at the "Captain's Table" on site every evening. An electronic in room safe is a "must have" for me and there is one in every bedroom, behind the closet. The only negative comment I would make, and I think it's a fair one, is that the Food/Breakfast menu has become a bit "tired", and could do with an update !

..and I told you the girls like it didn't I

Edited July 9, 2011 by N3RGT

[lovedog100 1,372]

I don't like in room safes. They are convenient, but easily broken into. You can even find instructions how to do it on youtube. I prefer a behind the desk safe that takes two keys, one that I have, and one that people at the desk have. Even if someone gets your key, the people at the desk know it's not their box. I typically get the most out of the ATM that I can, to keep the ATM charges down. I'll pocket 10,000 Baht, and put 20,000 Baht in the safe along with my passport, and one credit card. I carry the cheapest cell phone I can find. No BG wants to steal it, because they have a much nicer one. That only leaves my laptop and camera to secure. The lap top will not fit in any safe, so I put it in my luggage and lock it. The camera, is not top of the line so I can afford to lose it. I also never bring freelancers back to my room. If I want a freelancer, I take her to a short time room. I've never had anything taken. I almost always take a lady from a bar that I have been in more than once, and know mamasan or the management.

 

As for your hotel, I have a couple of suggestions of places that I have stayed that fit what you are looking for. Since you have a hard time walking and want to be in the middle of the action, I can name three good places. First P72 hotel on walking street. It's nice, clean, great staff, has a good restaurant, and no extra charge for room service. Free wi-fi, and computers available. Big bathrooms, good air-con. You can't get any closer to the action, literally right out your front door. You will have to walk some to get off of walking street, but not to far. There is a loud disco across the street, so I would ask for a room in the back, also on the 3rd floor or above. They used to have a band of their own that played until 2AM. so the second floor wasn't good. They don't have a band now, but who knows, they could have one again tomorrow, http://www.tripadvis...i_Province.html and http://www.soidb.com/en/pattaya/stay/hotel/p72hotel.html

 

The second place, and what I think would suit you best, is the Dream hotel. It's owned by the same people that own P72, and is just like it, but cheaper. They have the same great service, it's clean, has the very good restaurant with no charge for room service. Good Wi-fi, and computers. Both the Dream and P72 have two key behind the desk safes. Ladies will have ID collected and not be allowed to leave unless you escort them out, or they call you to see that everything is OK. The Dream is a short walk from P72 up the same Soi but on 2nd road, not walking street. You will have a short walk to walking street, but any place else you go, you can literally step out the front door and catch a Baht bus for 10 baht. You can go the whole length of Pattaya from there. It's also the quietest hotel that I stayed in, in Pattaya. I also think the best value. It's kind of unknown, so under priced for what you get. Being unknown, I was able to walk in during high season and get a room with out a reservation. http://www.soidb.com...ream_hotel.html

 

Secrets hotel, is just off walking street. They have in room safes. A bar and restaurant. it's in the heart of the action also. The one big drawback for you, they don't have an elevator, and the stairs suck, it's a small stair case, and the stairs themselves aren't built to American size specification, so they are uncomfortable to walk up. They do have a very good reputation though. It's really a guest house not a hotel, even though they call themselves a hotel. Rooms and bathrooms are smaller than P72 and the Dream. Being small, they are typically full so you will need a reservation well in advance. You can google them.

 

The Sabi Lodge is a good choice, but it is on the other end of town. You will have to baht bus to walking street, however, it's a short walk to where you catch a baht bus. Not sure if there is still construction going on, but it is big. If it's not high season, and the place is not full, you should be able to move to a quieter room if your getting to much noise. High season, you may not have that option. If you feel the need for a pool, it's the better choice.

 

The others I listed do not have pools. To be honest, I never used any pool in any hotel I stayed in. I don't really want to swim alone, and to swim with your lady, you will end up going out to buy her a swimming suit. The few times I got really hot, and thought I would use it, I went to my room to change, took a shower, and got cooled off and thought, why should I step out side in the heat when I have an air con room? The ladies, would probably rather go to Koh Larn and sit on the beach rather than at the pool anyway. Once you go there, you will find it's a better option as well. Koh Larn is only a 30 baht boat ride from Bali High pier.

Edited July 9, 2011 by lovedog100

[808pizza 0]

Thank you Gents. Your points are well taken and I will do my booking in the next few days. I really appreciate your putting up with the ignorance on my part, you've all been very helpful. It will be great to sit with some of you as I am big on reciprocation.

 

LD101, Thank you for your considerations concerning my knee. I appreciate that. It's not to bad, but after a lot of walking it starts to ache. It's bearable, but annoying.

 

Aloha to you all.

 

Bob

[nkped 1,208]

808pizza.I thoroughly endorse the comments by BM RickToronto. I would stay nowhere else other then The Residence Garden.

The only negative comment I would make, and I think it's a fair one, is that the Food/Breakfast menu has become a bit "tired", and could do with an update !

Objectively, I have to agree about the breakfast menu, but the American breakfast at the RG, scrambled eggs, bacon, is a kind of Pattaya comfort food for me. One of those markers that I am really there.

[Grandpollo 366]

Objectively, I have to agree about the breakfast menu, but the American breakfast at the RG, scrambled eggs, bacon, is a kind of Pattaya comfort food for me. One of those markers that I am really there.

The fact it's four or five bacon, three eggs, half a plate of hash browns , toast , OJ and coffee for $4.25 CDN ($9,000 US) makes it a good deal tired, old, whatever, and they have enough Thai food and menus in Thai to keep your TG happy.

[nkped 1,208]

$4.25 CDN ($9,000 US)

Rick, please, the exchange rate isn't that bad (yet).

[MM 6,562]

Rick, please, the exchange rate isn't that bad (yet).

 

 

Try as I might, I can't come up with a way to get 4.25CDN to 9000 anything.

 

What were you thinking, Rick?

 

 

[Grandpollo 366]

Try as I might, I can't come up with a way to get 4.25CDN to 9000 anything.

 

What were you thinking, Rick?

The US dollar is a little weak lately. It's not really 9000 to 4 though.

 

Maybe 5000 to 4 when they default in August.

[js007 795]

I always book a room for a day or two in advance via Agoda, especially if I'll be arriving around midnight. That way, the room is bought and paid for, at least for the first few days.

On Agoda, you can use a credit card or a debit card. Sometimes, the hotel will also want a small deposit for the mini-bar when you arrive, so be aware of that.

[golfer2426 0]

i have stopped in the RG many times & will recomend to anybody.as paying deposit's best way i have found is using paypal

[Samsonite 181]

You cannot pay with a debit card there (or anywhere I bet) so I presume you plan to use it to obtain cash to pay....

Don't know why not if there is enough in the account and the transaction is ran as a credit card. The banks encourage this as they can then charge the merchant more in fees vs. if it had been ran as a debit card.

The debit/atm card does have to have the VISA or Mastercharge logo on it to be ran as a credit card.

Just this morning I saw some American Express prepaid VISA cards being sold at a major retail chain.

Edited July 17, 2011 by Samsonite