paulfort

Interesting feedback guys, especially the video, room size sounds a worry at Ibis Styles, my normal "Grand Deluxe" in Raya is massive but maybe a little dated and no balcony or pool hence trying a chance! I have booked their Premium Balcony deluxe, looks a bit larger so happy to share my feedback on here!

I would fully agree with Vinapu, as mentioned I have enjoyed the excellent Raya countless times and very easy access, their Grand Deluxe rooms are more like a spacious suite without the normal price tag, however this time fancied a change and whilst conscious rooms not so big at Ibis styles, fancied a balcony and use of a pool!

Thanks Guys, I have cancelled the Raya and rebooked at the Ibis for my visit next month, will let you know how it goes. Aware most hotels are fine now, but about 22 years ago - first time I visited I naively (or Stupidly!) stayed at the Holiday Inn Silom Road, as fair bit out of the main Silom bar area. Whilst I paid for a double room every time I went back with "company" it was like a game to try and discreetly get to the lifts without security nicely advising me "are ....you bring a guest back tonight..." and marching me to reception to pay from memory about 800 THB, got away without sometimes but it was more the embarrassment for me back then, especially not being experienced with Thailand! Second visit moved to Tarntawan Place for countless subsequent trips and for about the last dozen or so times the Raya, both are which are excellent but think now time for a change😀!

I am returning to Bangkok next month, for as long time I have stayed at the Raya which I find excellent, however I noticed the Ibis Styles has a pool, (a Gym handy for some of my guests...) and some rooms with balconies which appeal to me. Has anyone any idea what they are like with bring in a guest, do they have to register etc which I find a bit uncomfortable or is it no issue? Any guidance from previous experience mega welcome?

I agree with Vinapu need to try and keep a focus, I loved Tawan for many years in its former larger premises and also current location and checked regularly when last in Bangkok in March, always hopeful when I noticed someone had maybe entered the sadly closed bar at that time that it might re open during my stay - sadly didn't! I am back in Bangkok next month after an initial week in Pattaya and will certainly check it out and feedback with my humble opinion to anyone interested on this board

Sounds concerning, I have visited new smaller premises and previous over the the road countless times and often great fun and happy memories! I arrive back in Bangkok on Friday for a couple of weeks holiday and will certainly check it out and let you know what I can find out but fingers crossed they will sort it out

I have returned to Thailand with Eva from London , used my miles to upgrade from their premium economy to royal laurel business class well worth it in my opinion. Staying at Baan Souy again which I suggest is excellent, great rooms, decent location between boys town and jomtien, no problem returning with "company" almost expected, lovely pool and gym and fantastic hosts and team at the hotel, I cant recommend enough! On first evening met a boy from Toy boys I met before, the bar had maybe 30 boys in pants and good mix, I think a drink was about 280 THB but a good bar we had some food at nearby Fra Pattaya always excellent! On Sunday bars all closed for holiday I met my friend from Saturday again, had stacked up the fridge in my room from nearby 7/11 so we enjoyed the amazing pool a few beers at hotel, then walked to nearby market at Jomtien near entrance to jomtien park. If you like excellent Thai food an amazing selection, all good and very cheap, they were also "turning a blind eye" to drink restrictions! So Monday night went to explain little..... Dream boys - maybe 15 boys all in jeans but no shirt and a fair mix but other than one of the slimmer style x boys - again maybe 15 all in pants but more slim type so nothing that appealed to me! New bar site of old Cupid next to panorama maybe 12 boys with a bit of a mix, all in just pants. BOYZ Boyz..... Probably 40 plus but all pretty fully dressed ...... In the main Aimed to be catering for Chinese lady cliental all be it Very welcoming to me! I met a boy from the old Cupid, nice evening but early night as hopefully a friend from Bangkok is arriving Tuesday and joining me for a few days in Pattaya before we both return to Bangkok!

I am on my way back from London for a week in Pattaya then a week in Bangkok, I probably like similar to you! Tawan is super friendly, just go in pay entrance fee which includes first drink, chat to any guy you like and enjoy, just agree what you want should you decide to off one but most are really decent! Worth also checking Jupiter, ( suggest sit to LHS of stage opposite where you enter as boys congregate there between their stage walk!) Moonlight, Dream boys and probably any of them as all have a good mix and most have some with a bit of ripped muscle! Also Arena massage very good and I think Prince has re opened, was closed on my last couple of visits post COVID but always used to have a great selection! I can't wait to escape Heathrow shortly for my flight to Bangkok, hope you have fun!

When I initially started visiting Thailand often many years ago I used to always use the ATMs then as their fees increased, coupled with my own UK bank fees, I looked after a holiday and realised just what this small benefit was actually costing me - and it was a fortune! I now simply take sufficient UK notes, pack them in to a couple of envelopes, place in buttoned trouser pockets for my flight then straight in to the room safe on arrival, I then exchange with the best rates (defiantly I think in Bangkok Super Rich Silom road and larger notes give the best rates, but always a long wait!) however other than a rip of sudden emergency ATM saves me a fortune! Additionally more Thai establishments accept credit or debit cards, some such as Chase don't charge a currency conversation fee and the rates their rates seem to normally reflect the acceptable rates from change places, so I increasingly use plastic!

Going back to the initial theme of this post, I have enjoyed many fantastic experiences with boys from Jupiter over the years and hope to meet one from my last holiday several times on my next escape. Your best bet if you want to engage with their boys is ignore where the mamasan tries to place you, head over to the opposite end to the entrance, so near LHS of the stage, get a seat there at the edge, which is where the boys chill between their appearances and much easier to engage and progress!

As Vinapu rightly says they are normally defiantly "off able", just engage in conversation, by him a drink and if positive vibes ask and agree what you want, they will advise the "off fee" probably circa 500 THB, I find it more real and fun than the normal mega commercial looking at boys on a stage and using the mamasan! . I met Pey several times on my last visit in March and hope to spend time with him again on my next return early November, really nice genuine guy!

I am returning to Thailand for the first time in three years, my last regular six monthly escape was cancelled in March 2020 when EVA finally pulled my flight and we all went headlong in to lock-downs! In Pattaya I used to always find the "Black & Yellow think T exchanges booths doted around the time, the tow either side of second road next to Boys Town normally had the most competitive rates, but looking at recent Youtube clips in the area they appear to be closed. Does any one know if they are still operating and if so as competitive as before or if not what are the best exchanges now in the area? After a week in Pattaya I head for a week in Bangkok, take it "Super Rich" on Silom is still there as again usually used to be about the best unless any more up to date advise? Unfortunately for me I am changing UK pounds which are plummeting so keen to ensure I at least get the best deals available, any advise greatly appreciated!

I love the Raya and other than a bit of noise from there never ending refurbishment cant fault the place. However as mentioned earlier on this thread I am nervous that as the redevelopment of Soi Twighlight starts demolition and construction noise will be a problem and during my holiday I am certainly not an early riser! Does anyone have any experience of the Tawana Hotel as thought I might try that in my next trip in October and in the main is there any issue in taking a boy back there?

I am perhaps fortunate (in some respects!) living very close to Heathrow Airport, so for me now the EVA flight is ideal to avoid Jet Lag, the 21.30 departure means if as normal I have enjoyed quite a few drinks first, then a meal fairly soon after take off it is not that hard to then get circa 7 hours sleep and wake up for the second meal, relitivly adjusted to Thai time. I have always traveled in their Premium Economy so a fair bit more space or more recently in Business class on my outbound flight, which defiantly makes a good sleep easier! On my return the 13.00 departure means I try to stay awake for the flight, watch a load of films and enjoy the wine, meaning once home at about 22.00 GMT but circa 05.00 the following day much easier to crash out for the night!

Not sure if this has gone a little of the original topic but in my opinion I would suggest .... Gs on Soi 4 - I love the place, on the RHS as you enter the Soi, Michael is an amazing friendly owner/mine host complemented by his excellent team, , brilliant German but also excellent Thai food and cant beat the people watching from the terrace! Coffee Club - two minutes walk if you turn right out of the Raya so very near Soi Twighlight for great breakfasts and casual light lunches, Eggs Benedict and Mango shakes to die for!. Happy Garden just opposite Soi Twighlight - wouldn't say amazing but pretty decent Thai food, very friendly and easy location! Ruen Urai in the Rose Hotel, not been for a bit but excellent higher end Thai food, lovely setting and a fair price given the quality Mango Tree - just past Tawan bar, great outdoor setting the Duck in Pineapple is amazing, bit westernised but still a nice place for a higher end meal. & my newest discovery (not relay Silom but an easy trip away...) on my trip a few weeks ago was the excellent outdoor terrace at the Baijoke tower, where I always felt they just catered for Chinese bus parties but they have two excellent terrace restaurants at the top with a really impressive circa about 1,500 THB probably about 8 course Thai fine dinning tasting menu and views to die for! will definitely be back!