I have been visiting Babylon for a number of years. During the last few visits though, it seems a different place. Restaurant downstairs is closed (for renovation, they say). And one sauna plus steam room closed, and several cruising areas closed. It is probably due to the economic downturn.

What follows is a reduced number of visitors - very few during the weekdays. And, I don't mind older guys, but last time it seemed the majority was of the grandfather generation.

Perhaps things will change when the economy picks up?
Or, not..

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Dont get this kind of remarks. Not a top fan of BBL but ;

Restaurant downstairs is closed (for renovation, they say)

They not only say but u can see the painters doing the ceiling and airco men putting up new machines!

And one sauna plus steam room closed,

Yes one is closed at 5pm and the other is opened . Always has been like this.

What follows is a reduced number of visitors - very few during the weekdays. And, I don't mind older guys, but last time it seemed the majority was of the grandfather generation.

Really? It was packed when I went there last week- yes grandpa's but also twinks and imports from korea, hkg and japan. and tons of hard thai bodie's

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It's been a long time since the international sauna has been a senior's haunt.Some,no doubt,but don't forget this is a legitimate taste type too.Check the popularity of Silver Daddies site and once you reach this age you'll find your market (sorry) is smaller but life remains busy.Even away from money boy territory.

After November the young circuit crowd arrive and if last years Babylon anniversary is an indication the over-45's are less represented.

Renovations are always slow there.The smaller coffee shop seemed to be finished on a lay by scheme.

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-- After a long absence I went to BABYLON SAUNA y'day., (13th.),.
- ETA.: approx. 15.15.hrs..
- Adm'n.: 260.Bh..
- I arr'd. just before a small coachload of Ch. visitors - most of them middle-aged & plumpish looking.
- I'd judge that most of the younger Thais arr'd. after 17.oo.hrs..
- The main & GF. restaurant is CLOSED still; from looking-in it seems as though most of the internal painting has been completed, but still quite an amount to be done before re-opening.
- The Sound Shaft was OPEN, v. few customers therein, but the maze was CLOSED.
- There was no IN-house e'tainemnt. in the Inner Courtyard by dancers, musicians, singers etc..
- I thought that possibly some prices in the upstairs' rest't. have been INCREASED? Coffee is now 60.Bh. a cup and a glass of IN-House wine is 130.Bh..

-- WEF. 01 nov. there will be revised hours of business: 10.30.-22.30.hrs., with a possible staying OPEN later on high days & holidays?

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I have just stayed at Babylon again and I think it is really good value overall. The restaurant downstairs has re-opened but the same tired old menu is still on offer. Had a massage again and it was excellent, just like last time. Don't believe that 'no sex' policy during massage. It is part of the routine even though the masseurs make it look like they are doing you a favour - always checking over their shoulder to see if anyone is watching.

This time I stayed in Room 1001 - a garden suite - which at 4000 baht per night all inclusive is the best choice there. It is located in the gardens adjacent to Babylon and is actually two adjoining bedrooms upstairs in a self contained flat called Flat B with its own living room, kitchen, and private garden terrace all of which are shared with two other bed rooms 1002 and 1003.

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-- BABYLON's management claims that it listens to its customers' suggestions - as the forthcoming change in opening hours would have us believe.
- There is, or used to be, a Suggestions' Box to ones' LEFT on going-OUT; maybe if enough patrons suggested that the menu should be changed to reflect the refurbishments in the GF. rest't. the mngmnt. might take notice in time for the new Visitors' Season?

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-- Today, (06th.), morning I was chatting with a mature American who takes good care of himself both mentally & physically and who spends half of his time here in the Kingdom and the other half back in the USofA..
- Y'day. he went to B'LON.SAUNA and, in his own words, 'It was lined wall-to-wall with farangs.'.

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Went to Bab yesterday, on a Thursday, and it's surely picking up again. Back to its old self soon, I hope :-)

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New hours, 10:30am to 10:30 pm including weekends. I was told it was by popular demand to get the noon days sun at the pool. Not by the Thais, I assume. Great, catering to the Farangs (mad dogs and Englishmen), just what we need, more farangs at Babylon.

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without farang, there would be no Babylon

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With a (w)hole lot LESS there'd be a BETTER Babylon!!

Ha Ha Ha

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Reminds me of the hoity toity attitude of the novel and film set in Thaiand "The Beach".Nobody wants those others on their exclusive island.

Glad the locals get a broader choice of farang one time a year.

Babylon is still very up and down for this time of the year even.Last Tuesday a manager invaded the change room to advise all departing that there was a show about to start.Seemed they needed to make up the numbers in the audience and sell booze in the courtyard.For the sake of staff hope they have a solid summer.Should pick up now.

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Ok, yes the farangs also spend money there. Massage, lunch, dinner and drinks. I sometimes see farangs checking out with bills over 1000B. Many Thais check out with no charges.

It's OK that farangs go but I wish they would keep their hands off me and butt out when a Thai or an Asian guy is showing me some attention.

Some farangs showing a sexual interest in me have been so aggressive I have had to leave. Others so smelly I gagged. Every now and then there's a group of loud and arrogant farangs congregating at the pool. And, there's a core group of resident farangs that's looks and behavior can only be described as bizarre.

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Yeah we oldish farangs are a jealous, envious, rapacious lot wanting it all to ourselves.

LOL. Was rather pleased with the financial crisis and troubles in LOS when it put off large tour groups with fat women and straight men. By the way my tongue is firmly planted in my cheek for a change. I know where I would rather have it... HPV notwithstanding.

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Babylon has its moments. While I don't think it is anywhere close to being the best gay sauna in the world like I had been led to believe, I have had some great experiences and met my current Thai boyfriend there (9 months ago).

Sometimes, the energy there is amazing and at other times it is just awful. Like any gay sauna I guess....

But where Babylon excels is that it offers more than just a gay sauna. It is certainly a great place for accommodation - check out those garden suites. Wow!

I hope the owners continue to upgrade the place (e.g. the gym could do with an overhaul) to attract more well heeled clientele - then you will see the place overflowing with gorgeous locals.....

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