First Visit to Pattaya in 19 months

[RhinoTusk 4,901]

No reason to come to town with the bars closed, but I stopped in for a few days to check the current status.  Stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel, where I've never stayed before.

 

 

It's not guest friendly, lots of families stay there for the same reason I did, the massive pool.

 

 

I even shot a few hoops

 

 

There was a buy-1-get-1-free happy hour at the pool bar but drinks weren't very good.

 

 

Room was a decent standard.  There was a sound system but with a CD player.  No bluetooth support to use my Apple Music subscription.  How about upgrading the sound system if is the Hard Rock Hotel?

 

 

Not much of a view, I didn't care to pay extra for the sea view.

 

 

The Lobby was a comfortable place to hang out, some nice furniture and iconic memorabilia.

 

 

There was a wall of fender guitars.  You could borrow one and they would set it up in your room so you could jam.  Fortunately, none of my neighbors did.

 

 

I ran into these guys at a zebra crossing

 

 

JOURNEY TO THE KISS ARCADE

 

I like to dine at Patricks when in town, so I wandered over there, walking through the Soi 7/8 area

 

 

I think this used to be the Eagle Bar, which had the lowest prices for bottled beer on the Soi. 

 

 

The connecting road over to Soi 8

 

 

I used to frequently have breakfast at the Big & Whistle and Rosies

 

 

On second road, and past View Talay 6, where I lived for two years.

 

 

I used to get my cigars here at the Tripp Plaza

 

 

Finally, arrive at the Kiss Arcade.  I notice there's a new condo building next door.

 

 

At Patricks, I had the 250 g Australian Rib eye with sauteed potatoes, blue cheese sauce, and a half liter of Chilean Merlot.  As usual, it was very good.

 

 

I was planning on Beefeaters the following day but they weren't open for dinner yet.  Not wanting to wait, I tried Longhorn Steakhouse.  I've never dined there before but they've been there for ages.  I tried the 400 g Australian T Bone, price was right at 699 baht but I think steaks are better at Patricks, although more expensive.

 

 

Spent the remainder of the evening at LK Metro, eating oysters upstairs at Kink.  Also visited Crystal Club and Showgirls but can't remember much from those visits.

 

 

NEXT: SOI BUKHAO AND TREE TOWN

[RhinoTusk 4,901]

I was anxious to check out this new Tree Town so headed over one late afternoon, mid-week.  I was thankful for overcast sky's and mild temperatures, recently had surgery for skin cancer.

 

 

I checked the price on Stella Artois and Hoegaarden at the Beer Hub, not much less than what I pay at Baccara on Soi Cowboy, where the scenery is much better.

 

 

There are signs with this leafy green stuff all over town.  I only smoke cigars.

 

 

This must be the way...

 

 

Pretty quiet at the moment, don't know about later.

 

 

There's a bar called Slutz

 

 

This one only comes out at night

 

 

I'd heard about the Beach Club

 

 

...nothing happening at the moment

 

 

I think The Prisoner lives here

 

 

So much for Tree Town

 

 

Then back to Soi Bukhao for some fine dining at the Hungry Hippo,  chef salad with lots of chicken and local cheese.

 

 

Tree Town has Slutz,and Bukhao has the Sick Buffalo

 

 

NEXT: WALKING STEET

 

[UnoKronkvist 2]

Amazing photos! Thank You for sharing. 

I like the photo Of ”good everything” Beer bar. Thats the bar Where I first fall in love with a thai woman. It was back in 2009 and I was just 21 years old at the time. Her nickname was ”Apple” a beauty from Nakon Ratchasima. Even paid get a visit on the country side! But a lot of water have run under the bridge since Then. 
 

another fun thing is the hotel behind   ”good everything” (Page 10) Thats Where I Will stay in month of June during my comeback in Pattaya. Not Been on Pattaya for 4 years so i Am very excited. Perhaps i find a New apple This time ?

 

Thanks for sharing photo ?

 

Uno 

[Odense 498]

When did the name "Pig & Whistle" become non PC?

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[tallguy 1,479]

26 minutes ago, Odense said:

When did the name "Pig & Whistle" become non PC?

Sendt fra min ANE-LX1 med Tapatalk
 

The business was bought by Indians a couple of years ago and in their wisdom they decided to change the name slightly. They did some marketing of the bar and their product on Facebook but came over as totally clueless.

[Odense 498]

Ahh - but the selling point WAS traditional English pub. What is the selling point now?

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[tallguy 1,479]

3 hours ago, Odense said:

Ahh - but the selling point WAS traditional English pub. What is the selling point now?

Sendt fra min ANE-LX1 med Tapatalk
 

The theme is the same. They just show pictures of an empty bar without the draft beer pumps on the counter. The pictures of the food they showed were terrible, think Kiss Good breakfast standard.

I'm sure it is currently closed.

Edited May 22, 2022 by tallguy

[forcebwithu 4,856]

7 hours ago, tallguy said:

The business was bought by Indians a couple of years ago and in their wisdom they decided to change the name slightly. They did some marketing of the bar and their product on Facebook but came over as totally clueless.

Thought it was because they bought the lease, but not the name, thus the slight change in name.

Same happened when Heaven Above moved out of their location on WS and to a new location on Soi Boomerang. The new business in HA old location dropped "Above" from the name and called itself Heaven Agogo.

[tallguy 1,479]

1 hour ago, forcebwithu said:

Thought it was because they bought the lease, but not the name, thus the slight change in name.

 

Could be, it's a couple of years ago now. Whatever the circumstances it is a ridiculous name.?

[RhinoTusk 4,901]

I arrived Walking Street around 6 PM and walked as far south as the Bay Shore hotel

 

 

More of this leafy green stuff

 

 

Road torn up, looks like they're finally going to bury the unsightly electrical lines

 

 

Nothing going on in Simon's

 

 

Fahrenheit, one of the most happening places

 

 

The action hasn't quite started yet at Pin-Up

 

 

Walked out to the water's edge

 

 

It's pretty dark south of Pin-Up

 

 

This was about the only bar open down there

 

 

Walk concluded at the Bay Shore Hotel, haven't stayed there in 20 years.  I believe it's the original Walking Street hotel.

 

 

Turned around and headed back to the lights

 

 

The food vendor at Soi Diamond

 

 

Didn't go into this new bar where Super Girls used to be

 

 

Started with a Jack & Coke at Le Pub

 

 

First GoGo I hit was Heavens, Chang Draft for 69 baht.  Then it was Sensations, Palace, Pin-Up, Baccara, Skyfall, and Fahrenheit.  I found a girl I wanted to bar fine,but bar fines are higher than in Bangkok, add a thousand baht joiner fee and the cost becomes prohibitive.  I put her on my "To Do" list, however.  I'll come back next month and book the Grand Hotel.

 

 

NEXT: THE WAVE HOTEL

 

[awesum4 2,333]

Thanks for the photos RT.

Its not surprising you don't remember the others after Kink, it's best to have that as your final destination of the night.

Treetown comes alive after dark.  The Buakhau and LK Metro are the area to visit. Walking St is a waste of time in my opinion.

[jacko 8,822]

On 5/22/2022 at 2:03 PM, RhinoTusk said:

Stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel, where I've never stayed before.

You caused me some mental grief.... I recall that building before it became Hard Rock, but for the life of me could not remember the old name. It opened as Hard Rock around 2001 or so after substantial renovation, but I had stayed there prior and had foolishly pre-paid in Bangkok for several nights there.... That was my early days and I was a bit green around the edges, and stupidly feared arriving in Pattaya and not being able to find a room..I used to be straight on the razz,  so used an agent near Nana. The hotel hit me with a joiner fee which I think was 500 baht... could have found an alternative hotel for that price and got change back then.

I actually woke up in the middle of the night trying to recall the old name....  mulling through the alphabet.

I have never since stayed at Hard Rock, I held a grudge!

The old name was Merlin Hotel. Just popped into my head. 

Thanks for your post. 

[RhinoTusk 4,901]

1 hour ago, jacko said:

You caused me some mental grief.... I recall that building before it became Hard Rock, but for the life of me could not remember the old name. It opened as Hard Rock around 2001 or so after substantial renovation, but I had stayed there prior and had foolishly pre-paid in Bangkok for several nights there.... That was my early days and I was a bit green around the edges, and stupidly feared arriving in Pattaya and not being able to find a room..I used to be straight on the razz,  so used an agent near Nana. The hotel hit me with a joiner fee which I think was 500 baht... could have found an alternative hotel for that price and got change back then.

I actually woke up in the middle of the night trying to recall the old name....  mulling through the alphabet.

I have never since stayed at Hard Rock, I held a grudge!

The old name was Merlin Hotel. Just popped into my head. 

Thanks for your post. 

I made the same mistake booking the Siam Bay Shore for a week.  The joiner fee was 800.  I tried sneaking girls in taking different paths through the grounds but they had their employees trained to catch you every time.  I never stayed there again, which was a shame because I really liked the resort.

[RhinoTusk 4,901]

I wasn't ready to return to Bangkok yet so booked a few nights at The Wave.  The Wave is a boutique hotel wedged between View Talay 6 and the Bay View Resort.  Some may be put off by the neon color scheme but I think it's pretty cool.  It's more expensive than the Hard Rock Hotel, nearly double.  Stopped at the food court in Central Festival for some lentil soup on the way over, used to eat lunch there frequently when I lived next door.

 

 

The Wave Hotel

 

 

This is the lobby

 

 

The room was very comfortable

 

 

Bathroom had bathtub and shower. My only complaint was it took a half hour to fill the tub, but it was a large tub.  I was disappointed not to have a tub at the Hard Rock Hotel, I only have a shower at home.

 

 

The Balcony overlooked beach road where I could watch the freelancers at night

 

 

Breakfast was a la carte, and it was awesome.  I ordered smoked salmon over scrambled eggs on a bagel, with a cheese plate, orange juice, and two cups of coffee.  Note the presentation, they roll the salmon like a rose.  I've never seen that before.

 

 

 

Followed with some fresh fruit and toast with jam, a delicious breakfast.

 

 

The reason I wanted to stay here was I watched the hotel being constructed from my condo on the 26th floor in View Talay 6.  Here's a photo from September 2011 where a bulldozer is clearing the lot.  It had rained all night and there was massive flooding that weekend, beach road was under a foot of water.  It was even worse on second road.

 

 

This photo dated December 29, 2012.  They got the building up quickly.  It's only four floors, including ground.

 

 

Six weeks later, putting the final touches on painting the exterior, and it opened a few months later.

 

 

SOI SIX

 

Naturally, no trip to Pattaya would be complete without a visit to Soi 6.

 

 

Quiet in the early afternoon.  As a pedestrian, you need to be very careful about being struck from behind by a vehicle.

 

 

The view from within Ruby Club, bottled beer for 90 baht.

 

 

A Pint of Becks lager with a Jägermeister at the Queen Vic.  I tried their Friday Chinese Buffet.  Eight items for only 340 baht, but I can't recommend it.

 

 

Street comes alive in the evening, must have been eight girls for every customer.

 

 

Another view from within Ruby Club

 

 

Next day was Election Day, time to head back to Bangkok.  Fortunately, there was election day there too, so I had an opportunity to dry out, but I really had a good time.  It was great to be back, I'll come again next month. Cheers.

 

[biggles 509]

RT, thanks for the update. Always like your TR, and much appreciated. 

[BigusDicus 9,881]

On 5/23/2022 at 4:36 PM, jacko said:

You caused me some mental grief.... I recall that building before it became Hard Rock, but for the life of me could not remember the old name. It opened as Hard Rock around 2001 or so after substantial renovation, but I had stayed there prior and had foolishly pre-paid in Bangkok for several nights there.... That was my early days and I was a bit green around the edges, and stupidly feared arriving in Pattaya and not being able to find a room..I used to be straight on the razz,  so used an agent near Nana. The hotel hit me with a joiner fee which I think was 500 baht... could have found an alternative hotel for that price and got change back then.

I actually woke up in the middle of the night trying to recall the old name....  mulling through the alphabet.

I have never since stayed at Hard Rock, I held a grudge!

The old name was Merlin Hotel. Just popped into my head. 

Thanks for your post. 

 

The Merlin was my first hotel when I began visiting Pattaya in late 96.  Stayed many times till they closed to become Hard Rock.  Was a nice place.  Decent pool area.  Affordable, I got the US Navy rate which was just over $20 including an awesome breakfast, all you can eat if memory serves me correctly.  They would usually give me an upper floor on the water side, nice views.  Awesome security staff who took pretty good care of us.  Almost got the pooh beat out of me by a Russian mobster once because in a drunken stupor I became infatuated with his incredibly beautiful Russian girlfriend at the pool.  Really missed it when they closed...believe I switched to the Flipper House around then for 2-3 years.....which of course brings back memories of the wild and crazy days of Soi 8.  The typical walk from the Flipper to 2nd was one of the loudest, most exhilarating strolls I have ever been on.  An ongoing kaleidoscope of random debauched imagery that boggled ones mind....

Edited May 27, 2022 by BigusDicus

[jacko 8,822]

19 minutes ago, BigusDicus said:

 

The Merlin was my first hotel when I began visiting Pattaya in late 96.  Stayed many times till they closed to become Hard Rock.  Was a nice place.  Decent pool area.  Affordable, I got the US Navy rate which was just over $20 including an awesome breakfast, all you can eat if memory serves me correctly.  They would usually give me an upper floor on the water side, nice views.  Awesome security staff who took pretty good care of us.  Almost got the pooh beat out of me by a Russian mobster once because in a drunken stupor I became infatuated with his incredibly beautiful Russian girlfriend at the pool.  Really missed it when they closed...believe I switched to the Flipper House around then for 2-3 years.....which of course brings back memories of the wild and crazy days of Soi 8.  The typical walk from the Flipper to 2nd was one of the loudest, exhilarating stroll I have ever been on.  An ongoing kaleidoscope of random imagery that boggled you mind....

It's saving grace (The Merlin) was the large garden and pool  area, but as I said, having pre-paid they insisted on a joiner fee. The rooms were rather cramped too I recall. I was put onto a place further North near the International Hospital owned by PIC or PIH, or PIK, that had like bungalows that was more liberal. Thinking back, like RhinoTusk, it may have been 600 baht! I had a similar time when I stayed at that tower place at Pattaya Park, they had security knocking on my door at midday (I unplugged the phone) insisting I paid a new days joiner fee as I tried to sleep late. Threw away 3-4 days of pre-paid room booking there. The walk down Soi 8 is a depressing thing these days, but soi Buakhao has picked up a lot. 

[BigusDicus 9,881]

1 hour ago, jacko said:

It's saving grace (The Merlin) was the large garden and pool  area, but as I said, having pre-paid they insisted on a joiner fee. The rooms were rather cramped too I recall. I was put onto a place further North near the International Hospital owned by PIC or PIH, or PIK, that had like bungalows that was more liberal. Thinking back, like RhinoTusk, it may have been 600 baht! I had a similar time when I stayed at that tower place at Pattaya Park, they had security knocking on my door at midday (I unplugged the phone) insisting I paid a new days joiner fee as I tried to sleep late. Threw away 3-4 days of pre-paid room booking there. The walk down Soi 8 is a depressing thing these days, but soi Buakhao has picked up a lot. 

 

The Merlin charged you a joiner fee?  I missed that, thought you were referring to the Hard Rock.  Merlin never charged any of us a joiner fee (perhaps part of the Navy package).  One time when I showed up last moment and the Merlin was booked solid I stayed at the place just south, Montien perhaps?  They hit me with a joiner fee.  First I had heard of the term/concept.  Was quite incensed.  Fortunately was able to wiggle into the Merlin withing 2-3 days 

Edited May 27, 2022 by BigusDicus

[jacko 8,822]

29 minutes ago, BigusDicus said:

The Merlin charged you a joiner fee? 

Yes, the mistake being having pre-paid in Bangkok I believe. 

[RhinoTusk 4,901]

I came back to town again this month to collect social security.  What a difference a few months makes.  It seems every empty storefront has become a cannabis shop and with the renewed economic activity it doesn't look like a bombed-out disaster zone anymore.

 

 

Ganja Station, the new Believe It or Not exhibit at the Royal Garden Plaza

 

 

WTF? There are even cannabis vending machines. This one on Walking Street.

 

 

I stayed at the Hard Rock Resort again but the novelty has worn off after two visits.

 

 

A different mural on each floor

 

 

They have some nice memorabilia, but after you've seen it once I don't see the point unless your interested in the pool.

 

 

I booked the room with breakfast included, it was only 140 baht more.

 

 

For dinner, I went to Patricks again.  They're featuring a 250g grain-fed Nebraska tenderloin.

 

 

I enjoyed it so much, I went back again

 

 

On my way to Walking Street I stopped at TQ1, haven't been in there in a decade.  Six girls asked for a lady drink while I was having my beer, I think it'll be another decade before I go back.

 

 

Another place I hadn't been in for a decade was the Hops Microbrewery.  Don't know why it's been so long, food is good and so is the beer, although not inexpensive.  It didn't seem like the restaurant has changed since my last visit, even the same Tom Jones music videos were playing.

 

 

On Walking Street, I visited Baccara, Palace, Sensations, Pinup, and Fahrenheit

 

 

Street theater is back

 

 

Here's a guy firing off some rounds from a BB gun while another guy is rolling doobies

 

 

Took a break from the action. The best looker of the night was in Baccara

 

 

After the Hard Rock, I moved over to the LK President, a tower at the end of Soi Lenkee.  The building is only a few years old and a large room goes for less than half the price of the Hard Rock.  27 stories, don't know the tallest building in Pattaya, I lived in View Talay 6 which is 27 stories (minus 13th).  I'm on the 43rd floor in Bangkok.

 

 

A place I really like for breakfast is Kungs, homemade sausages. 

 

 

Here's the small breakfast, 109 baht including coffee, about all I want in the morning

 

 

For lunch, it's the Lamb roast at Robin's Nest

 

 

Soi Pothole, day and night

 

 

Soi Buakhao

 

 

Walking down Soi Honey, and a cutie says, "massage, 800 baht".  Well, she's a cutie, but 800 is too steep, then she says "includes blow job".  Can't pass that up.

 

 

The hottest girl at LK Metro was at Lady Love.  She was the only dancer not wearing a number, I assumed not bar fineable. Her legs were too hot ?to allow out of the bar. 

 

 

Made a visit to Soi 6 on my way to the bus station, always very quiet in the late morning and early afternoon

 

 

Breakfast at the Queen Vic

 

 

Pint of Becks and a Jägermeister

 

 

Just when I thought I'd found a place in Pattaya without cannabis, I came across this vending machine LOL

 

 

Ruby Club still my favorite on Soi 6

 

 

Off to the bus station and back home to Bangkok

 

 

A few more scenes from around town, hope you enjoyed this journal. Cheers

 

[sailingbill 1,039]

We love your journal.  Please keep your talents posting.    I hade the same disappointing experience at TQ.   Though one girl let me change her tampon at the irritation of those waiting to use the toilet. Interesting as I never did that before.  But not enough to return.

[RhinoTusk 4,901]

Came down to Pattaya for Christmas, been a long time since I spent Christmas ? in Pattaya.  I had to ditch the mask ? after a few hours, I was the only farang wearing one.  Most people are wearing masks in Bangkok, so I was accustomed to wearing one in public.  It felt like the first shave after a full beard.

 

Again, stayed at LK President on Third Road at Soi Pothole/Soi Lengkee.  It's beginning to be my GoTo place, based upon value and location.  Biggest problem is crossing Third Road, which can be very dangerous depending on time of day.  There's no median so it can seem like standing between high speed trains moving opposite directions. (I think there's a term to describe that but I can't think of it) ?. They really need a traffic light ?, but there won't be one until someone is run over ?.  My objective is to make sure it isn't me.

 

The view from Soi Lengkee

 

 

Nighttime view, looks like the hotel may be fully booked.

 

 

My view from the balcony, lower floor this time

 

 

That's not my Porsche SUV parked in front.

 

 

Buffalo Bar and Castle, I think that caters to S/M, were a block away but didn't go there.  Haven't been in Buffalo Bar ? in nearly twenty years and didn't even realize it was still around.

 

 

On the doorstep of Soi Pothole.

 

 

There may not be the best looking girls, but they're very polite.

 

 

High Rollers have a good happy hour, probably another ten years before I venture into Maggy May's again.

 

 

Triangle bar also had live music

 

 

Wide-angle view of the "Triangle" ?

 

 

Soi Bouchao very quiet in the early morning, gets progressively more busier as the day goes on.

 

 

I took a stroll down to Walking Street.  Road construction on Second Road make the hike easier.  ?

 

 

Walking Street looked great, lit up like a Christmas tree.  I visited Fahrenheit, Club Electric Blue, Sapphire, Pin-Up, Palace, Baccara, Sensations, Xs, Windmill Club , and Dollhouse.  Like old times, I was fortunate to get a seat in Palace at 9:30 on a weekday, and Pin-Up and Baccara each had a few stunners.

 

 

Looked like a massive mismatch in the Ring

 

 

On Soi LK Metro, I visited Kink, Lady Love, Showgirls, Crystal, Champagne, Pulse, Sugar Sugar, Queen, and Paradise.  The hottest girl I saw all week was #194 at Lady Love ?.  She told me her bar fine was 1700, and she only went short time.  Unfortunately I was too mao   to fully enjoy her talents so I passed, although I'll wager she was worth it.  Added her to my 2Do list.

 

Walk down to Kung's on Soi Lengkee for breakfast, the small one is just 109 baht. ?

 

 

Someone came by actively vlogging ? while I was having breakfast, I could hear his baritone voice from across the street, it was that chocolate ? man.

 

 

Healthy breakfast at Irish Rovers, fruit and yogurt with muesli  ?

 

 

Americanized version of the baht buster, 129 baht

 

 

Dinner at Patrick's in the Kiss Arcade, 250 g Nebraska tenderloin. ?

 

 

I enjoyed it so much I went back and had another, this time with baked potato. ?

 

 

Topped off with Creme Brulee and sobered-up with Irish Coffee ☘️☕

 

 

Took a walk through the Made In Thailand market, looked like newly tiled floors. 

 

 

A visit to Pattaya wouldn't be complete without Soi 6

 

 

Perched out at Ruby Club

 

 

There were lots of sweet, young things to play with and the short-time rooms were still 350.  Later I found out Santa put coal in my stocking.

 

 

Some lunch at Terminal 21 before heading back home to Bangkok for NYE. 

 

 

I could tell how much things were back to full swing by the long lines at the Bus Station ?

 

 

Happy Holidays! ⛄

 

[jacko 8,822]

Much enjoyed as usual......

[RhinoTusk 4,901]

LK President represents good value in an accommodation IMHO.  The building is only a couple years old, you get a large room with a nice view, HBO and two Cinemax channels, they do have a pool (I haven’t tried it), and the room rate is one-half of the Hard Rock Hotel and one-third of the Wave Hotel, the other two properties reviewed in this thread.  I’ll probably stay there again my next visit, I think it’s better than Areca Lodge, for a slightly lower rate.

[forcebwithu 4,856]

12 minutes ago, RhinoTusk said:

LK President represents good value in an accommodation IMHO.  The building is only a couple years old, you get a large room with a nice view, HBO and two Cinemax channels, they do have a pool (I haven’t tried it), and the room rate is one-half of the Hard Rock Hotel and one-third of the Wave Hotel, the other two properties reviewed in this thread.  I’ll probably stay there again my next visit, I think it’s better than Areca Lodge, for a slightly lower rate.

You might have lucked out with low occupancy. IIRC, there were reports pre-pandemic that with more people staying there it caused long waits for an elevator.