[Thai_Landon]

I expect to go to Pattaya in a couple of weeks for the first time in maybe ten years. I would appreciate suggestions for hotel/guest house. I am basically cheap - in Bangkok I stay at the Malaysia, but might go a bit upmarket in Pattaya.

Also, what is the going tip rate in Pattaya - not stingy, not over generous. When I was last there, 500-600 baht seemed fine, but I assume it is more now (like everything else).

Thanks.

[Nalong]

Originally Posted by Thai_Landon

I expect to go to Pattaya in a couple of weeks for the first time in maybe ten years. I would appreciate suggestions for hotel/guest house. I am basically cheap - in Bangkok I stay at the Malaysia, but might go a bit upmarket in Pattaya.

Also, what is the going tip rate in Pattaya - not stingy, not over generous. When I was last there, 500-600 baht seemed fine, but I assume it is more now (like everything else).

Thanks.

There's a lot of possible responses to either question. Regarding accomodation, if you want inexpensive and near Sunnee, Howard's Guesthouse is reasonable: ::: Howards Pattaya :::

If you want slightly more expensive to decidely more expensive and in Boyztown, there are the traditional Ambiance: Ambiance, premier deluxe gay hotel in Pattaya, Thailand and Le Cafe Royale: Reservations - Le Café Royale Hotel Restaurant & Piano Bar Pattaya Thailand

There are many other possibilities, including staying in Jomtien.

As to tips, I would say the minimum is B1000 to B1500. Better service or overnight would be B1500 to B2000.

I'm sure the kee nieow will say that's too much.

[Gaijin]

My last visit there (in December) I stayed at the Poseidon in Jomtien and was more than satisfied. Not cheap, but not too expensive.

[biggles69]

Originally Posted by Nalong

As to tips, I would say the minimum is B1000 to B1500. Better service or overnight would be B1500 to B2000.

I'm sure the kee nieow will say that's too much.

Too right mate!! I am in Pattaya a lot! I have never paid more than 1,000 for an overnight stay and never had a hint of complaint. With the lack of customers at the moment I doubt 500 would be sniffed at, (especially for short time) but I think 1,000 is fair to both parties. I always offer them a feed as well, both before and in the morning, plus the contents of my "cocktail cabinet," use of internet etc. Treat them as friend and the money is a welcome bonus.

[Nalong]

Originally Posted by biggles69

Too right mate!! I am in Pattaya a lot! I have never paid more than 1,000 for an overnight stay ... Treat them as friend and the money is a welcome bonus.

I'm in Pattaya more or less permanently and don't want to take advantage of the economic slow down to exploit anyone... nor do I wish to get a bad reputation in my home town.

I've been with boys who have seen some familiar farang, which prompted either some contemptuous tales about their sticky-shittedness or favorable comments about how “good” he is. I even know someone who hasn’t worked in the bars for 5 years and still, if we are together at Jomtien and he spots a couple of old time regulars, he mutters “there sticky shit!”

I don’t go into the bars that often, but when I do I’d prefer to be thought of kindly and, considering the tough economic times, I’d prefer to be a little too generous to help these guys survive. They of course get fed and can watch TV or use the Internet if they are interested.

Treat them as friend and the money is a welcome bonus.

I try to be generous with friends. Paying them as little as possible and giving them a little food & booze seems an odd approach to friendship.

[biggles69]

Please don't tell me that Bt 1,000 in hand is not generous ! You also ignore the fact that for many UK and Ausse clients (whether tourists or retired ) the value of their $ or GBP is now worth 30% less than last year. Add on drinks, off fees, meals and often a little "shopping trip" for essentials like new jeans, T shirts, runners etc, and I am very comfortable with my treatment and respect for these boys. ... and they are invariably very happy to cum back for seconds whenever if I repeat.

[Nalong]

Originally Posted by biggles69

You also ignore the fact that for many UK and Ausse clients (whether tourists or retired ) the value of their $ or GBP is now worth 30% less than last year.

So these impoverished tourists are getting reduced prices at the hotels & restaurants? Or is stiffing the boys just the easiest way to save money?

If I can't afford something, I either go without or do with less, I don't expect businesses to adjust their prices based on my income of the moment.

... and they are invariably very happy to cum back for seconds whenever if I repeat.

Yes and I imagine they tell you they love you and you're sexy and their sister needs an operation.

Of course they act happy in the hopes they get a better tip. Behind your back they may feel otherwise.

[Nalong]

Originally Posted by biggles69

With the lack of customers at the moment ... Treat them as friend and the money is a welcome bonus.

Actually this isn't such a bad idea.

I'm just going down to the supermarket now. I plan to put about B 1500 to B2000 worth of things in my cart. When I get to the check-out, I'm going to tell the clerk that I want her to be my friend and that some of my investments haven't been doing so well recently.

I'm sure if I hand over B1000 she won't complain.Just the opportunity to be my friend should be enough, so the money will be a welcome bonus!

After all, why should they be shielded from the slow down.