Ash101

Can you now use these services from the airport ? In the past they were not allowed. I’ve always just used the metered taxi service but it would be great if I could use the apps and save on using cash.

I’ve used Airbnb extensively in Thailand and the Philippines. My experience has always been great. Only one bad experience in Pattaya with a bait and switch room. Airbnb gave me a full refund and made sure the host gave me the correct apartment. For me, the peace and quiet of my own apartment far trumps a hotel. Daily cleaning can also be had. Having a local host to advise on restaurants , day trips etc is also a benefit. I have never had any issue bringing different woman or multiple women back to the apartments. Do your homework. Look at the reviews and pictures and you will be fine in an Airbnb apartment or room.

Used to be plenty of stalls on Soi 1, especially further down away from Sukhumvit road Sorry. That should read Soi 11

The issue I’ve had with Grab is the availability of cars. For local journeys within Sukhumvit area, I’ve waited 10-15 minutes for someone to accept my job but often have had to resort to the cowboy motor bike riders, whilst quicker and cheaper (with negotiation), are not exactly the safest. Uber was better in that you could pre book fixed price journeys to the airport. Could not do that with theGrab app

I look at the queues at the first immigration point and if it seems rather large just move on to the next one. Have never waited more than 30 minutes for immigration no matter what time I’ve landed. More often than not, I’m through immigration and have to wait at the carousel for my luggage. I’ve never been tempted to pay for the fast service for this reason

Just look at the listings on Airbnb. Plenty offer free daily cleaning and towel change. Otherwise pay for this service as the cost compared to a hotel still works out cheaper. I like Airbnb for the fact that it’s private and generally in a residential complex with little or no noise from drunken guests. Only downside is no room service or breakfast but with services like Uber eats, this is easily solved and you can have a variety of food not offered by most hotels. Just need to be more security conscious though as the is only a watch person on the outside of the building who I not sure would be if much help if you get into trouble

Just book the cheapest hotel you are comfortable staying in for one night on the day/night of your arrival. It will give you a chance to freshen up or catch up on some shut eye. I often use smart suites on soi 11 just fir one day before transferring to a better hotel. You can do this also if you have a late night/early morning flight out as well

Used to be my go to hotel before the advent of Airbnb. Staff were really great and the security manager used to sit in the lobby after 9 and take the girls ID cards and also call the room when the girl left. Breakfast was also great with a great spread. Last time I was there, the rooms looked a little dated and the price was rising gradually but steadily. The pool was also more of a splash pool, than a proper one to swim any kind of lap. The staff made the hotel great and they always remembered me on each of my visits. Will definitely go back and check it out next month

Does anyone know if the above hotel is girl friendly or do they have a joiners fee ?

Have you ever tried to get a SIM in India as a tourist ? Neigh on impossible. I tried when I visited last year and the hoops you have to jump though. You need a local person to verify who you are with their own contact details. As a tourist how are you supposed to know a local person well enough to verify that you are not dodgy? I just gave up and used wi fi wherever I could. Hotels turn off your access the minute you leave, and often times I would have to go back to reception to ask for access to get an Uber to my next destination. So for me, the compromise of being tracked rather than no access at all is a no brainer. I’m sure the authorities know why guys come alone to a Bangkok. Lol

Yes. Keep it covered and you should be safe