Just back from our stint in Patong Beach 8 fanatstic days. Hot very hot, now freezin me %^#@ off in Melbourne. 23 of us rolled up to Horizon Beach Hotel only to be told that they were booked out, this is after us paying in advance 3 months and confirmed. But as is with Thailand no use arguing and we were bussed off to Gracelands a 5 star resort at the end of the Beach Road. We weren't happy as we always stay at Horizon Beach where it is central and we know the bars and restaurants. The people at Horizon kept saying how lucky we were that we were upgraded to this 5 star resort at no extra cost, you had to laugh, its the only thing to do as someone put it Buddhism "if **** happens its not really ****"
The place was huge with a great pool /pool bar and opposite the beach. Staff were friendly and the breakfast great. Happy hour was buy one get one free and it was cocktails every day. Rooms were big.
They also have a 10 lane Bowling Alley & pool room, which we used quite often.
The walk into town or Bangla Rd was a bit of a trek it took 20 minutes and you had the Tailors and massages to contend with. Some time we walked along the beach just to get away from them. Tuk Tuk was 150bht and between 6 of you it was dirt cheap.
Had our mates bucks turn down bangla rd great night and we finished around 3 in the morning or some of us did, plenty of pole dancing games and falling in love. He left for Chaing Mi next day to marry his fiancee who comes from there. He was pretty crook. Bangla Rd pretty quiet and it was easy to bargain for beer prices especially when there is a dozen of you. Had 2 great games of golf at Loch Palm. Golf is not cheap in Thailand and you dont come out with much change from $150AUD after the caddy tip and a few beers.
Got a couple of pair of shorts made and 2 great silk shirts for around $100AUD 3000bht. The 1st Tailor i went to see wanted 3200 bht for 2 pair of shorts and of course i said no way and walked out he followed me for 100metres and finally said 1200bht i said "too late you done your dash ^$%# off". He wasn't happy but now i knew how much to pay. We ate in some great restaurants and our old favorite 'Song Pee Nong" just up from the Horizon beach. Unfortunately our old bar has closed "the Bungy Bar" where we had great times.
It was a sad affair when we all left and we spoke a lot of our next visit. 10 hours in KL airport AAAGH however we found a Lounge where you pay 80Ringgit and you can stay for 5 hours eat and drink all you like. We overstayed and there was a few sore heads by the time the plane took off. Still recovering and the body clock is at the wrong time.

Lifes Good

Glad you had a good time, we too are booked into Horizon in September and our bookings have been confirmed (and paid in full) for months - hope everything is okay there, but then we are going in Low Season so should be okay. Stayed at Horizon two years ago and loved, so central and a really nice hotel to boot! Will be on our honeymoon so maybe they will upgrade us!!!

Thanks for the report. Good to hear i love reading them.

__________________
Kiss
God laughs at people who make plans.