Unavowed

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!!" 

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!!" 

Pies2U (www.pies2u.co)
@Terry Tibbs had given me the heads-up on this new pie shop that had opened up between sois 28 and 30 and I had mentioned it a few weeks back. As I was in the area it would be a shame not to go and have a 'butchers' (excuse the pun). 
Pies2U is quite easy to find. It is about 6-8 minutes from the Phrom Phong BTS station and the nearest landmark is the Address condo building. 
The shop is quite easy to identify as it is painted in a royal blue:


There's a large selection of on-premises baked pies and the owner is a professional chef and he runs it with his Thai wife.

They also run daily specials:

It is not just a pie takeaway shop, they also have a nicely laid out cafe, with chandeliers!

Before ordering I made sure that they had all of the essential condiments: HP sauce, malt vinegar, English mustard. I'll leave the Ketchup for the heathens.

I also ordered a coffee, which came with something quite eccentric. I'll refer to this as a Yorkshireman's take on biscotti:

When it comes to food, I am a 'back to basics' type of bloke, so I ordered the meat pie set, which included mashed potatoes, mushy peas and strong thick gravy.

I also ordered a meat pie and sausage rolls to take away. The main set was very filling and I couldn't manage anything else.

The sausage roll pastry had a croissant texture to it and I am sure I could taste butter.

Interestingly, they provide suggestions as to how to get the best from their pies:

The Menu





Summary
Excellent quality pies. The pricing is premium and I spent THB 1,000 on 1 meat pie set, (very filling!) 1 meat pie, 2 sausage rolls and 1 Americano.
WIR? Yes definitely.
I would rate the meat pies as a 9/10 and the sausage roll as an 8/10 (I marked it down as it was the type that is more like a croissant than a standard sausage roll).
The cafe and kitchen looked spotless and you could tell that the chef takes great pride in his work. There were 5 staff and the service was also friendly and prompt.
The place was full of ex-pats, so I guess it has passed the acid test of authenticity and quality. 
Thanks very much for the heads-up @Terry Tibbs
SAG

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.

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.

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.

Great recommendation. I'm a big fan of Southern Thai food and like to try these restaurants out whenever possible even if my stomach (and lower area) hates me for it afterwards so I'll put this on my list, thanks.
Out of interest, have you tried many other Southern Thai restaurants too? My favourite is probably Beer Hima Seafood but that's way out in Chatuchak. Some dishes there are ridiculously spicy so while it's bit of a pain getting there from Nana there's potentially more pain afterwards but it's worth it, perhaps like discusses in the bottoming thread here.
I've been considering doing a little guide for the forum on the various regional Thai cuisines and some good places to try them. As food is a massive part of Thai life it can be a great way to spend a night out with a LB if you try their authentic food with them. Obviously that's mostly going to be Isaan/Lao with bargirls but I've had some excellent meals with LBs from Southern Thailand that are very proud of their regional food.

I was never in Royal Suites, but stayed both in Citrus Suites and Adelphi Suites. I always book a larger room: One Bedroom Suite in Adelphi and One Bedroom Executive Suite in Citrus. Both are approximately at the same price: 3200-3300 baht per night now (it was at 2500 before). Both are large (50-60 sq meters) and good for taking photos (important for me), since the walls are painted white and the furniture is in light colors. Both hotels are in the same category: 4 star hotels.
Adelphi is on Soi 8 and more easily accessible for taxis. Taxi drivers do not like to go to the Soi 6 hotels, as Citrus Suites of Park Royal, because they get stuck in the Soi 4 mess in front of Nana. Citrus and Park Royal are closer to Why Not and Nana Plaza, but the walk through Soi 6 from Adelphi is not very longer. Adelphi is closer to Check-In and Cindy's Secrets.
When you book a room in Citrus Suites, ask for a NON-LEAKING shower. Many of them are leaking and create a flood on the floor of the bathroom.
Both Adelphi and Citrus are frequented by the same clientele: half of them are families, the other half are mongers, many of them taking ladyboys. Unless you come with a ladyboy in the afternoon or early evening, you do not cross the families anyway and if it sometimes happens, you do not need to worry about it. The staff in both hotels is ladyboy-friendly and they have seen it all. However, if you had an ass-penetration accident in your room (shit happens  ), do not forget to give the housekeeping a tip. They are paid for standard cleaning of your room, not for cleaning of this kind of mess.
Both hotels do not enforce the LB to leave her ID / passport at the reception. However, it is for your own protection. If something happens, you have much better options if your misbehaving LB left his ID downstairs.
You have more good options for dinner on Soi 8, therefore Adelphi is a better choice in this category. Also ladyboys, at least those from Check-In and Cindy's, prefer going to Adelphi Suites.
Before I prefered to stay in Landmark, which is a 5-star upscale hotel, but they started to ask silly prices, therefore I changed to Citrus and later to Adelphi. If you want to impress your LB and you have the money, definitely go for Landmark. 
Do not compare Adelphi Suites in Bangkok with Adelphi Suites in Pattaya. Adelphi Suites in Pattaya is hardly a 3-star hotel. I would consider it a 2-star hotel. I was there once and considered that I made a booking blunder. Book a room in Adelphi Suites in Pattaya ONLY IF you are on a tight budget.

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 :-)


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Used to be my default hotel in BKK up until Covid. Since then I've found the prices have gone a lot higher and I prefer Citrus Suites / ParkRoyal Suites on Soi 6. They're comparable in quality and while Soi 8 is closer to the BTS, the extra cost of Adelphi means I'm happy to have an additonal 4 minute walk. Personally, I think Adelphi is overpriced, but it's often fully booked out, so I'm obviously in a minority.

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.

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.

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.

It depends on you and the ladyboy but skybars are always a hit. Tribe is the newer hottest pool sky bar and they love it. Tichuca has been mentioned. I would add Tulum. Sit up at the bar. Bartenders friendly. Very chill place though whereas Tribe and Tichuca have a more Bros and Hoe's vibe.

Belga rooftop is cosy understated and always impresses.

Obviously anywhere on Soi 11.

If LB is a little more urban and speaks good English I will also take them to Smalls in Sathorn, or Bar Sathorn in W Hotel (old building and LB on staff)around corner from Mahanakhon or venture out to soi Nana Chinatown. TEP bar is especially fun and always hopping with a Thai tradional/rock fusion band. Really good. All these places can set you back a few baht though.

Also, there are the cabarets. House of Heals in the Renaissance is a riot and my favorite.

I've been to a few places in On Nut but you'd have to be pretty adventurous and at times content to be the only one who speaks English. I can't remember the names and would have to check my diary to pull up the names and locations.

I'm not a fan of either Khao San Rd or Thonglor and cannot recommend velvet rope places as I avoid them like the plague.

And one more bar that makes great cocktails is Sugar Ray in Suk Soi 24. Make sure when you enter main building you avoid the bar on the right and steer left. It's slightly hidden.

So many good cocktail bars in Bangkok, could go on but will stop here.

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I've never found that "up to you" place

I'm not sure if this will apply to anyone on the forum but as someone who has shown some interest to becoming a remote worker in Thailand, this is a welcome change.

Though I'm not planning to take advantage of this now, I'm glad that the Thai government has considered this for digital nomads or remote workers. 
What prevented me for becoming a digital nomad was having to do 'visa runs' 
 
https://nomadsembassy.com/thailand-multiple-entry-visa-for-digital-nomads/

@Unavowed Nice one! Thanks for sharing your thoughts in Grand Hyatt. I used to stay there (been maybe 5 years since last time). It is definitely a Grand hotel and only 1 stop on the BTS down to Nana so not too far from the action.
 

Just a follow up on this topic. I stayed here for 6 nights in March. One of the best hotels I have stayed in. Service was top class, as in genuine 5 Star hotel responsiveness and attention to detail you would expect in a European 5 star hotel.

Rooms were great, big and good layout and facilities excellent. Quality gym and really nice pool area. The basement has a very nice wine bar, bakery and mid range Thai restaurant too. The Gaysorn Centre and Central world are across the road and Chit Lon station a few minutes away.

As you would expect it’s not cheap, but a good option if you want a place to hang out and relax in comfort for a few days. I didn’t bring anyone back, but it wouldn’t have been any issue if I had. I would definitely stay again but would be looking at off-season rates.


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That’s a great resource! Better than my suggestion to book a cheap flight and not turn up or a flexible flight with arefundable fare


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I use Booking.com to compare options, but also check other aggregator websites and with the shortlisted hotels direct to. Remember that hotels use dynamic pricing based on season and how far out you book. Sometimes it pays to book late as sometimes prices will drop if they don’t meet their booking quota. But your approach is sound if you book in advance with free cancellation so you can check prices closer to the time.

Same issue with airlines and they are ripping us off in Aus. But Thai are starting twice daily flights from Sydney and Melbourne and also a flight from Perth. I hope that will push down prices as Qantas is overpriced but I’ve managed to get some business awards flights from them for the past 3 years.


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Spasso?  The Italian restaurant by day and freelance spot by night, is that the place?
If so sorry to say it’s no longer there.  They have redone the lower section of the hotel, just restaurants and a bottle shop now.  You do have Mixx across the road and the after hours club “Lucky” bar is around the area as well.

It's been a long time since I stayed there. I liked the hotel itself. Good rooms and facilities. When I stayed there they had a dance club that attracted freelancers (all gg as far as I could tell), and they all asked premium prices.

Yes, stayed there years ago ... when Why Not was still in Soi 20. Never had an issue with ladyboy guests!!

I know this adds very little to the conversation - but my method of madness is the value i get from the lounge access. Hilton on 22 is approx. £120 per night but with status i get lounge access. I estimate i drink (mainly) and eat £50 per session. So i got ‘the flavour’ before i go out-out.. That brings it down in my head to £70 a night,  bargain! 
 
i also like the Park Plaza on 18, for £75 a night you can grt one of their 3 suites (vv large). The sofa/sitting area, office area and walk in shower just allows for more ‘diverse action’ and the option to keep the  bed ‘sleepable’. 

For Soi 11 you can’t go past Mercure. Decent sized rooms and good layout, good amenities, the breakfast is OK, the bar is a good spot for people watching, and Cindy’s is directly opposite!


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