PattayaMale

I enjoyed Lavender so much I booked rooms for their Grand opening Nov 20-22. The pool and steam room were not open when I was there. I think it opened the day after I left. But I saw the layout and it is nice. I am looking forward to that weekend. I hope some other Pattayans can make it there that weekend. It should be fun

Just coming back from Chiang Mai I think this is a good question. A very good question, and here is why I think that. I was at a club and thought ok maybe I would ask about paying the bar fine to take someone off. The fine was 200 baht, not bad. Then in talking with the guy he said, "In Chiang Mai more expensive." He felt that for a short time all the guys were getting 3000 baht! I sort of thought he was joking. The next guy I ask was a bit more reasonable, he said usually 3000 baht but now it is low season, not many customers, so he would discount to 1500 for short time. I thought, wow it is more expensive here. I said that I would pay the same as I pay in Pattaya. He asked how much. I said short time 500 baht, but since it is low season I want to help because no customers, so I give 1000 for a good guy. He said he was a good guy!

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I think it was just a mistake. They are training several guys and it seemed that someone put me in the wrong room or a room they thought had been fully restored. The 3 days I was there the occupancy was over 70% I was told (Rama V holiday). What you might do if you are in Thailand is make a reservation through their web site, and a few days before you travel there, call and make sure. It had been years since I had been to Chiang Mai and have decided to go up for their Grand Opening scheduled for Nov. 20 - 22 since I had such a great time....this time with my Thai friend however.

I have a friend that is now living in Chiang Mai and thought I would go see him and take advantage of the Lavender Hotel since I am seen much written about it. The Lavender had a special rate of about 1000 baht including all taxes. I have not been to CM for at least 7 years and was looking forward to the trip When I arrived at the CM airport a rep from the Lavender was waiting to take me to the hotel. Th car I was picked up in was a new black Honda City. The driver spoke very good English. It seemed that the trip to the hotel lasted less than 10 minutes. The transportation was free. On entering the lobby, I was impressed with the decor. It was nice appointed, bright, comfortable seating, and had lots of flowers. As I approached the reception desk I was greeted by 3 smiling young men. One might have been new as he had a little problem working the credit card machine, but in a few minutes my bags and I were off to the room on the 10th floor. I noticed that workers were trying to finish some work in the hall way which led up to the roof where the "rooftop restaurant" would be opening soon. I went into the room and truthfully was a bit, no very disappointed. It did not appear to be what I saw in their ads. I thought that maybe a mistake was made, so I decided to go back to the desk and inquire. There I met Tommy, the reservation/front desk manager. I asked him if he would accompany me up to see my room, which he was happy to do. When we entered I told him this is not what I thought the rooms advertised looked like. His eyes widened and he said, "Sorry, Sorry, mistake." I had already booked a welcoming "stress release" (I like how the hotel named it) massage which was originally scheduled for the room. Tommy suggested that maybe I would rather have it in the massage spa while he gets my "correct room" sorted out. He was nice enough to escort me there. The spa/massage is very attractive. You enter a big room and sit down so you can choose your victim. The guys actually sit behind a glass wall. At first I thought it might be a one way mirror. I waved to see if anyone could see me and since they all waved back I figured it was a glass wall. The guy I chose to do my "stress release" was very nice looking I thought, but did not speak any English. We went to the massage room which also was very nicely decorated and had mood lighting, candles, mood music, and a bathroom. I did enjoy the massage but truthfully at least the person I chose needed a little more massage training. After the "stress release" I went back to see if Tommy had solved the room problem. My new room was on the 7th floor and what a difference. Large flat screen TV, nice new sofa, new furnishings, a table and 2 chairs and a desk or make-up area. The bed was very comfortable and the room had a new air conditioner. It over looked the pool while my first room over looked the walled city. Both were nice views. I liked to pool view because it had 2 handsome workers finishing up the pool bar area. They were very playful with each other... Very satisfied with my room and massage, I went back to the lobby to wait for my farang friend to show up. While waiting, I went over to the lobby bar and had a coffee. Another handsome waiter/bar tender made the coffee and was nice to talk with. My friend showed up on his motorbike and almost across the street from the hotel is "Buddy's Internet" where they rent motorbikes. The bike was fairly new and only 200 baht a day. Close to there is a gay open air bar called "Soho" where we had a drink..Popy one of the bar tenders speaks very good English and is fun to talk with. Then we went to Riverwalk for dinner and then Adams Apple for the show. Many will like their erotic show. Handsome men who show you all. At the end of the night I went back to the Lavender and since it still before midnight I walked down the steps to the Power Boys Club. WOW! I only caught the last part of the cabaret show, but the male dancers did a great job. It was very uplifting, well done, and the lip syncing was right on. The bar waiters were very handsome attentive but not pushy at all. They were fun though. They put me in a good mood, so I thought I would buy a bottle to share with the go-go boys. I realized that there were too many dancers for one bottle, but I did not want to buy 2 or 3. The head waiter suggested that I use their VIP room and just select the guys I want to join me for a drink. The VIP room is also well decorated and right at the rear of the club. I selected 7 guys to drink with me. They danced and laughed with each other while drinking. Then 2 of the show dancers can by to see if they could have a drink. I said NO!..........unless you just wear your underwear. So 2 more very handsome well built show dancers joined us. I am not like this in Pattaya, buy had a great time. A little later I thought it was time to go so gave each of the guys a nice tip and went back to my room. I want to add that the Lavender is having some teething problems. I guess that is why they have the soft opening rate. I do believe they have most of it worked out. I have seen other posts where some concerns are still not completely addressed. Like the breakfast buffet. It is basically Asian food; fried eggs, fruit, rice soap, a chicken and peppers dish, fried rice, toast and tea or coffee. I enjoyed it the first morning, but other mornings ordered the American breakfast for 120 baht and just supplemented it with extra coffee from the free buffet. I read where some complained that Thai families where staying at the hotel. This does not bother me at all as I am used to staying at hotels where families stay all the time. Even the Golden Banana in Siem Reap, the Tarntawan in Bangkok and many many others where I might take a date back to my room have families there. This is a 110 room hotel with venues on premise that cater to the gay market, but not a 100% gay hotel. But it was no problem at all. For me it was a good choice in a great location. Jay the owner is a very nice guy. I enjoyed talking to him and hearing some of his future plans. I have to hand it to him, he has put together a wonderful staff. They all seem to care about making me feel welcomed.

Boy am I happy that when I tried to book a first class compartment to Chiang Mai the rail tickets were sold out! I would have left tonight.... I have never taken a train in Thailand so when my Thai friend decided to go fishing for a few days with some of his friends, I decided to take my own mini vacation which included and overnight train to Chiang Mai and then a stay at the new Lavender Hotel. Flying Bangkok Air instead

You would think so, remembering what happened in Atlanta! But it maybe the efficiency part they were questioning and the ability to get visas. I am not sure.

I read that such strict airport security was one of the reasons Chicago did not get the Olympics. Apparently President Obama was asked by several members of the IOC about what they considered problems with strict airport security.

[quote name='fountainhall' date='04 October 2009 - 07:26 PM' timestamp='1254659216' post='30640' To try and show I am not biased, I was going to contribute to the 'pattaya street kids' charity by sending a cheque next week. However, having checked the website, I note this is a UK-based charity. I will therefore find a local charity with similar objectives. So perhaps the discussion on this Board will not be just hot air! I encourage other to do likewise. I promise to do the same. Thanks for the suggestion and encouragement.

Thank you

How does one use the multiquote button?

May I suggest that those that took exception to soi10Tom's comment missed the point. Maybe if the suggestion would be read without a bias, a good point is made. Remember that a poster suggested that "if you can't afford to pay" 1270 baht, do go and give 500 baht donation directly to PFG. Soi10Tom suggested to us that instead of arguing over a 770 roast chicken dinner we could forgo the 770 baht and contribute to a charity that has no "middleman". In other words donate 500 directly to PGF and 770 directly to "your" child. That way a child who has to pay 20 baht a day for lunch at school would be able to get almost 40 lunches at school. I am at a loss as to why paulg and fountainhall object so strongly to a suggestion of helping a charity and passing up the "middleman", unless they did not understand the post. Also, why would a poster assume that the child soi10Tom said he was helping is the only charity he supports? Was it a need to say "I am better than you."??? I am sure that those that will attend the up coming dinner at Amor will have a good time and help raise a lot of money for a very worthy charity. Maybe someone will win the ruby and diamond ring and donate its value to the street kids project or back to PGF. But I would like to suggest a function that the PGF puts on. That is the "street party". For a small entry fee, which includes a drink, you can get great entertainment. You also give whatever you want directly to the PGF charity by buying raffle tickets. For me it is fun to buy several thousand baht worth of tickets and give them to some of the guys working the different venues.

Since I was the one who started the post, my objection seems to be getting a little twisted. As to the statement "if you can't afford to go" and "would not attend if the price was half with a lower donation" was never part of the discussion. This had nothing to do with "if you can't afford to go". As for me, I can easily afford it and over the years have attended several dinners and functions and bought many raffle tickets. That was NOT the point. My objection was based on a simple principle that a charity event should not be used as a price gouge. I agree a fair profit should be made by the host holding the event. I mentioned the price for this event only because in my opinion 770 for the menu of that night is too high. If the menu for the night was more labor intensive to cook with higher priced ingredients, I would have applauded. And truly if this was not a charity night, I doubt many would rush to the restaurant to pay 770 baht($24)for roast chicken with all the fixings. However, maybe some would. In low season, many restaurants are lucky to have 30% of the tables taken the entire night. Manhatan's had 3 customers when I was there a few weeks back from 7:30 - 9:30. I know this event will be packed. And as I said in my original post, I am pleased about the money the charity will raise. It is a worthwhile cause

GB knows Richard very well. I do not. But I believe that any discussion would lead to nothing but animosity. Soi10Tom has it exactly right. It is the % of the 1270 going to charity that is small. I know the price of chicken. I can get a wonderful roasted chicken dinner including soup, salad, Roasted chicken, potatoes, cooked vegetable, and desert any Monday at Kaz for about 300 baht. If they can do it and make a profit I think other places can do. And remember at a banquet, many people have a few cocktails which adds greatly to a owners profit. So a 1270 ticket with 900 baht to PGF would be able to be done. But it is ok as the tickets will sell out and I am happy that it will. I would just prefer PGF to get 100% more from each ticket. If that were the case I would certainly go. It is not being a penny pincher. But offended that a restaurant profits so greatly for a charity event.

I really support the mission of the PGF. It has raised a very large fund of money over the past 7 years. When I saw the price to attend the dinner at Amor was 1270 baht I thought it must be an exotic menu. Then I read that the main course was roasted chicken and dressing....for 1270! True, 500 goes to PGF off the top, meaning 770 for the roast chicken dinner. But I think that must be the highest menu price for chicken in Pattaya! At Cherry's all-you can eat menus through the week you get a Amuse Boche, all you can eat salad bar, all you can eat main which could include all of the following and as much as you want: large shrimp kebab, salmon, strip steak, beef fillet, chicken, 2 kinds of pork, cooked vegetable, roasted potatoes, choice of desert, coffee or tea for 295 baht. Now I imagine that the dinner will be sold out and I hope it is. But gosh, why such a premium for a dinner at Amor? Who are we really raising money for people with HIV or Amor Restaurant? If the event was held at Cherry's, PGF could get 1000 baht instead of 500 and people would get a wonderfully cooked all you can eat dinner for almost the same price!

I noticed that the latency test is pretty high, over 200ms. Now you are the computer guy GT not me but I believe this is the delay between packets sent. What is your latency in Thailand? It is probably much lower maybe 30 - 45ms. I think this is one of the keys. Maybe you could ask one of your tech buddies. I would appreciate knowing so I have some ammunition when I talk to CAT again

I used Nation Phone and TV. Their customer and technical service department is fantastic! After you pay for setup and the first month, if you are not satisfied, they will refund the money you paid. I received my refund within 10 days of canceling. The idea is brilliant. Once setup, you use the online remote to change channels or to record up coming episodes (just like Tivo). You can pause, rewind, freeze the picture. It also comes with a TV Guide online. It is exactly like you were sitting in the US in front of the TV. Since they are based in Milwaukee, the local news is from that area. You can not ask for local channels from NY or LA if you want to keep up with news from a different hometown. There is a Thailand problem however (which caused me to cancel. To get optimum picture and sound, your ISP must have a download spreed of 1MB. Many people (Including me) thought that by buying a speed of 4, 6 or 8MB from TOT, Maxnet, etc. they certainly even at peak usage times would get 1MB. Not so. In fact according to CAT, no public account (for less than 20,000 baht a month) will get over 950KB of INTERNATIONAL SPEED and usually that will be 750KB or less during peak times. Those advertised 4,6, and 8MG speeds are domestic speed. CAT did tell me that some of the providers are no longer getting their bandwidth through CAT. They are or will buy it internationally on their own, which CAT said is very expensive. I understand only enough about computers to understand that this international speed bottleneck is a Thai business problem. They could open up the speed connection, but feel it is too expensive to do so. Now if you wish to pay 20,000 a month, they do have a package that will guarantee a speed over 1MB.........I decided to wait. Is this anyone else's understanding?? maybe I have this wrong.

I guess you will also be required to check for expired visas, farang motorbike drivers licenses and collection of ATM to insure farangs have money in the bank.....don't forget to ask for the pin!

I am happy for you and glad that you feel you were treated fairly. Will you now check id's at the door?

I am not sure if this is what you are looking for, but may I suggest you ask soi10tom. I am not sure if he only takes long term, but his units are really nice.

I did not mean to volunteer anyone, just trying to be......a troublemaker! So as you can see from that, I have the utter most problem even moderating ME!

It is easy to sit on the sidelines and mouth off when you don't have to be responsible. GayButton is a responsible man. May I suggest that Gay Thailand would add HeyGay as a moderator since HeyGay seems to profess knowing so much. How about it GT?

Very good question, and a clever answer. LOL I have been "forced" to read several articles about Tattoos. My Thai friend believes in the power of the tattoo as well as other things I would call superstitions (only from ignorance possibly). To him these temple tats are important and give him protection. (Obviously it did not protect him from me but...) So an invisible tattoo is really a tattoo without ink. It still has the same magical powers as an ink tattoo. Some "masters" are more important than others and I guess that is because they protect you better. I guess it might be a bit like the rabbit foot, four leaf clover or belief in Jesus Christ and him dying for "your" sins.

Rainwalker's memory has not failed him. My Thai friend made me promise that he could get two tattoo's from Sompong Kanphai to get him to go to the United States with me. I had read that "invisible" tattoos have the same power as ink tattoos so I agreed. It is not cheap at all from this "master" as my friend calls him. Sompong does temple tattoos as well as fashion ones. After the invisible tattoo which cost 30,000 baht, he talked me into two ink tattoos. We had some restrictions like it could not be seen with his shirt on, and would be covered on the arm in a short sleeve shirt. He did get 2 temple tattoos. Sompong does not use a tattoo gun. Just the old fashioned stick. Even though I am not a tattoo fan, I admit these are beautiful in an artistic sense. Sompong has others that work for him that will do tattoos. They are much cheaper. A tiger one like Angelina Jolie has is now 75,000 and up by the master. I was telling my friend what I was writing and he said to tell GT that he will take you and your Boy Friend there AND he will pay for the gas, if you get him another tattoo from the master...........My friend is a bit crazy now I think.

I use AIS. Is this the same as DTAC? I pay by monthly bill at Carrefor in a shop next to the TT&T office. The service is in my name, so many years ago I guess they let me get it on my visa. I want to start taking my computer to my Thai friends village. I know there is a DTAC cell tower right next door. I was thinking about getting a wi-fi card for my laptop (is that what they call the card you put into your laptop to receive the internet???). Does anyone use on and what service is best around Korat? Thanks