Unavowed

https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3257580/thailand-ends-60day-visafree-stay?tbref=hp Not law just yet but expect the changes to go through soon

Hotel rates will depend on the season. In Bangkok I will spend most of my stay at the Mecure on Soi 11 and rates have varied between AUD$140 in the low season to $210 over New Year. The Hyatt Regency and Sofitel seem to be anywhere from AUD$240 to $300+ for a basic room (more if you want lounge access). In Pattaya I'm more than happy with the Holiday Inn Express which can range between AUD$65 to $85 a night. Personally, I do like the extra luxury at the end of a trip, but as a minimum I do want a modern, quiet and clean room with decent bedding, towels, good cleaning service and air conditioning - and all in a good location too. A good gym and pool is nice too. I won't compromise much as I'm past the age where I'm out all night and day and being able to have a comfortable space to rest and relax is important to me. But everyone has their own priorities and budgets.

With my frequent visits to Thailand to see the temples and eat street food (*cough*) it has made sense for me to sign up to the Accor+ program as it more than pays for itself. One of the main benefits is the free nights offer and I used this recently to stay at the Sofitel. I usually stay in mid-level hotels like the Mercure on Soi 11 and the Holiday Inn Express in Pattaya but often like a nicer hotel to finish my trip when the rates are good in the off-season. My usual go-to is the Hyatt Regency which I very much like, and this was my first time at the Sofitel where I spent 4-nights. I booked a 'luxury' room with club access so I could compare it to the Hyatt, but I was upgraded to a junior suite which makes it an unfair to compare rooms. What I will say is that the size of the bed, its comfort and the quality of the bedding is on par with the Hyatt. The bathroom amenities are similar as is the quality and responsiveness of the cleaning services. The main difference was the rooftop bar area, lounge, gym, and overall quality of service. Spectrum at the Hyatt is a more 'showy' place, it's got spectacular views and its where tourist like to visit for the skyline and the vibe. Belga at the Sofitel is really an outside terrace and lower key with a discreet service sort of vibe. I've taken LB guests to both and they enjoyed it and the staff treated them with respect. Also, you can get a 30% discount on food and drink at Sofitel with Accor+ which is a good benefit. I have been given a couple of free drink vouchers at the Hyatt but not always. The lounge at the Hyatt is small and can get busy, but the lounge at the Sofitel is one can get lost in and takes up an entire floor, but most people congregate near the food area. Food and drink offerings are broadly on par, maybe the wine is better at the Sofitel The gym at both hotels are good, but the Sofitel is far better for my needs. Unfortunately the pool at the Sofitel was closed for refurbishment so can't compare those. Service standards are very good at both hotels, but I would put Sofitel ahead here. Its just that bit more attentive and personalised. You can also walk direct from Nana BTS to the Hyatt under the covered skywalk, and from Asok to the Sofitel using the footbridge but the Sofitel access is covered all the way so you won't get caught out if its raining (although not sure if that access is 24/7). I will still be using Hyatt as part of my points collection strategy and to maintain my current status but the main driver when deciding between either will be the cost, including club access. Hyatt is usually cheaper but using Accor+ benefits and reward points can balance this out. Overall, both are very good hotels that you can spend all day in especially if you have lounge access, and of course its very guest friendly! It's a case of give each one a try and see which one gives you the best value. Either way I don't think you will go to far wrong if you want a better standard of accommodation near the action.

It’s scary how good it’s getting. Still a lot of contextual clues give it away, but no doubt it will get better and better. With that video it reminds me of a joke: My son told me he’s dating a model. You can imagine how disappointed I was when I found out he meant AI [emoji38]

Always original@SAGuy - keep up the tradition! I was only suspicious because of the AI image and the sign is not even written in Thai. …anyone want to open a ladyboy themed cafe with me? [emoji38]

If you're a regular traveller and like Accor hotels then the Accor Plus membership is a good option. It's been refreshed recently and the main benefit is if you book two nights or more, you can get one night free (the most expensive night). You get two of these, plus 15% off above your usual member rate, discounts on dining (never used) and higher status which can give you late check-out options. I've used it to book a few nights at the Sofitel for the first time to end my upcoming trip (I'm curious to see how it compares to the Hyatt). I've found that Accor Plus has more than paid for itself, but of course you need to run your own numbers to see if it benefits you.

Unless you have history of overstaying you will be fine. I've been asked once or twice when I'm leaving Thailand and have showed them my (genuine) return flight booking in an app. They're not going to get it forensically analysed, all they want to know is if you're a genuine tourist and not going to overstay. If you're really worried then book the cheapest flight you can find to Cambodia, Malaysia or Indonesia.

Try this: https://onwardticket.com/en

In the last year I’ve used Nam’s taxis several times and it cost 1500 between Sukhumvit to Pattaya, and 1200 between Suvarnabhumi and Pattaya. I’m pretty sure that on one occasion the cost was slightly higher because they didn’t have a small car available.

Thanks for the review@Denbosch1971 Asking for a 1k deposit per day is ridiculous. You mentioned that you used loyalty points so assume you use Accor hotels regularly in which case I can only guess the deposit request is due to the location and perhaps some ‘difficult’ guests! I’ve stayed at the Novotel in Soi 22 (or was it 24) and find this brand to be a solid choice.

I had a Thai doctor prescribe Norfloxacin 400 some years ago and when I asked a pharmacist for this time ago he recommended Ciprofloxacin as this was a more potent antibiotic for more persistent cases. With the changes in time zone, more boozing, different food etc stomach issues are not uncommon but avoid antibiotics unless it really is persistent. Another good option are charcoal tablets you can pick up from 7/11 which is helpful to settle your stomach after a rough night!

Strictly three days before. Same for Singapore and Malaysia too

The Ban Rak area is also great to visit. Short walk to Talat Noi and then up to China Town. It’s good to have these reviews as I like to take a break from lower Suk. One of my favourite spots even though focused on tourists is Jacks Bar which is not far away. Just a great spot if you want a few relaxed afternoon beers by the river. Cheap prices, decent food and opposite Icon Siam where you can watch the comings and goings on the Chai Phraya.

A vaguely related question since the OP asked about travel, but is the (supposed) crackdown on not wearing helmets on moto taxis being enforced or has this gone back to normal now? If I go to Thonglo I usually take the BTS and then a moto from the corner and don’t fancy a 2,000 baht fine!

I stayed at both the Soi 11 and then Soi 8 locations for around 3-4 nights each recently. I would say you get good value for money, and if I had to choose I would go for the Soi 11 location despite the street noise simply because I found the Soi 8 location too far down the way (and I couldn't get the tuk tuk to collect me using Line!). The gym at each location was pretty basic, but good enough for a decent workout. That said, it's unlikely that I would book either of these again as I think there are better options for the same or marginally higher prices that make up for either the street noise (Soi 11) or distance to the action (Soi 8). For Soi 11 I would go for the Mercure every time, especially as they always put me at the back of the building where its quiet. But as @Denbosch1971 points out in the review above, for a long stay you get a big room for a reasonable price, but don't expect 5 star quality.

Just to add to this, I stayed here for five nights at the end of my recent trip. It was my first stay at this particular Hyatt hotel and it was very good. I had a standard room and found it to be a good size and well laid out; the fixtures and fittings were in good condition; big and comfortable bed with nice bedding, and for they also took account of my request for plenty of towels (I just need to shower more in the heat and I also have guests!). The room service team were responsive and excellent too. I didn't bother with breakfast or go to the restaurant area with all the options available locally, but they had a pretty decent gym, but could do with dumbells heavier than 20kgs but at least you can load the machines up more. The pool area is nice to chill, especially in the evening and I even spotted a video games corner if you're into that too. I went up to the rooftop bar twice. The first on my own where I used a discount voucher I was given when I checked in. The staff gave me an extra discount on a second drink without asking, and the second time with a LB guest. The staff there were nothing but polite, respectful and always helpful. Front desk and concierge were excellent, and of course absolutely no issue with bringing back guests. Sure its pricey, but its in a great location and while it wouldn't be my 'primary' hotel its definitely somewhere I would go if I wanted a bit more luxury.

Maybe so but it’s free and I don’t imagine the mods make a baht giving up their time to give us a space to share our ‘unique’ interests!

They’ve finally finished the terrace at the Landmark. I walked past earlier and seems to be a few bars and restaurants. The Landmark is at least quieter if you’re a light sleeper but the Adelphi is not if you get a room facing the Soi. I also remember the water temperature and pressure being temperamental at the Adelphi. But the rooms are bigger and better laid out in the Adelphi. At a push I’d go for the Adelphi and hope for a quieter room

I was surprised there weren't any direct flights from the US. It must have been a pain getting to Thailand especially with most US companies offering so little personal leave. I'm glad that it's "only" a 9 hour flight from Australia. The daytime Thai airways flights are fine, but I'm definitely getting to the point that I need to book business class or a stopover for anything longer than that or when it involves an overnight leg.

It can happen. Even though they are ‘working’ LBs get horny and sometimes test the boundaries or maybe just drunk. It’s happened to me and it’s about maintaining your boundaries. If it’s consensual then that’s up to you to weigh the risk. I expect most do take PrEP but of course that doesn’t prevent other STDs. Despite always using condoms I will get checked when I arrive home. I have had one situation where she told me that the condom broke (this can happen) and I was happy that she was honest with me about it.

I had a good deal on this hotel when I booked early, about a 20% discount compared to the other Marriot hotels that I stay in. It is of course in a great location, especially to CIB and an easy walk to Cindy's too. The room was spacious with a good layout, the bed and the bedding very comfortable (and a good size for company) with decent storage and a desk area too. No additional sofa like you find at the Mercure on Soi 11 though. The bathroom had a bath but nothing supplied to add to it, the shower was small and awkward to get into and with a fixed head which was annoying. The sink plug didn't work either. The gym was basic, but not the worst (dumbells only and up to 50lbs) and the swimming pool small. I didn't bother with breakfast or go to the bar. It does have a good cut through out the back to Asok station which was useful. Overall, I think this is a pretty average hotel for the price and compared to other (comparable) Marriot hotels. I didn't really take advantage of the location to bring LBs back (only twice) so others might value the location more, but I think you can get better value elsewhere. I won't be back and will stick with Phrom Phong or Chit Lom in the future.

We need a regular @SAGuy food column! I expect that place will be popular with the older ex-pats. But you next challenge is to take a date there and documenting her reaction. That could be very entertaining ..."I don't like!!"

No problem with the cleanliness and getting a good sleep at the Mercure if that important. But do ask for a room at the back of the hotel to avoid the noise from Soi 11. The Hyatt is more central in terms of being close to CIB, Cindy's and WN. Mercure is barely 60-seconds from Cindy's and still an easy walk to the other bars. I've not stayed at the Hyatt Regency to given an opinion (I did stay at the Grand Hyatt Erawan), but it's your money and while you can expect better quality at the Hyatt, I would say its for you to decide if $150 a night is better spent on accommodation or entertainment.

People will argue all day about what makes a ‘real’ English breakfast. The only answer you need is whatever combination of fatty and carb heavy food helps with your hangover :-) Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I stayed at the Adelphi Suites on Soi 8 for most of my recent visit (with a few nights in the Ambassador and Mercure on Soi 11) and thought I should do a quick review. I had a room on the fifth floor at the front of the building. It's pretty big with a comfortable bed and a work area plus a small sofa. Loads of storage space. The bathroom is a decent size too. The only down sides for me was the lack of consistent hot water and sometimes noise from the small bar across the street (one night a couple of guys were there drinking until around 6am). Luckily I always pack ear plugs. The front desk staff were always helpful including one time where the battery on my door swipe failed and the maintenance guy fixed it in less than 15-minutes. The cleaning was always good and usually done mid-morning to early afternoon. If you felt lazy there's a restaurant and bar downstairs and I only had breakfast there one time - all pretty standard. I did see a FL LB sat at the bar for several mid-week evenings. I guess she started there before heading to Soi 4? I paid roughly AUD $150/night, so cheaper than the Mercure on Soi 11 and a step up from the Ambassador. No issue bringing back guests either :-) Definitely a good option in a very convenient location at a decent price.