Cha-am in a couple of days... where to stay?

[Bettyboo]

^ yep. I agree. For those prices it looks good.

Over the years spending 50 to 150 pounds (2500 to 7500 baht) has been my norm, and when I want to relax, I want to do just that... Having a shite hotel is not very enjoyable when you want quality relaxing time.

Nowadays, my salary is around 10% of what it used to be, but more important than that is that I can't get the missus to stay in 'expensive' places, so I've got used to 1,000 baht per night or less. It's not really the way I prefer to go, but it is the norm now for her.

You can find okay places at okay prices, the hotel in this thread is an example, but of course... the hot shower didn't work, the walls were thin and the people in the next room came back late and noisily, the central location meant that the music was thumping loud... I could've got a similar hotel away from the noise at similar money 1km or so up the beach, but generally you gets what you pays for...

[Stumpy]

Its actually a nice place and I would never pay those outrageous prices. Like you I am on a controlled budget as well. Before moving to Cha-am we used to stay in around the area in various places. Like you we had all that you mentioned and my GF said why put up with it to save a few hundred baht. She said she would pass on other things rather then drive 2-3 hrs and be bummed out. She is very tight with money but there are some things she said are not worth it.

Anyway we are on same page. Glad you had a good time. We simply love the area. We like looking at it from the other way, Its only a 2 hour drive into BKK and then we can turn around and come back home. Much better that way.

[Bettyboo]

^ yep. I think you're lucky the gf is willing to spend a bit more at the right time; mine isn't...

On the up side, living on Rama 2, it only takes me 1:30 to 1:45 to get their, with options in Phetchaburi at around an hour and Hua Hin in under 2 hours, so it's a very easy trip. I think I'll go more often, just an overnighter lets you get away from Bangkok (especially if I go by meself).

JPPR2 said: "Its only a 2 hour drive into BKK and then we can turn around and come back home. Much better that way." - that's a nice way of looking at it.

[Bangyai]

When the missus enters a room and you get that "Look" you know it is gonna be a long night.

Yea, ' Sorry, I'm too tired right now ' look is a killer.

After that its a night of tossing and turning with emphasis on the former.

[Bettyboo]

^ I wait in the car or just follow like a lap dog, brain turned off; let her choose the room, etc. Still, I get the blame when things don't turn out right... obviously... Actually, I much prefer going by meself for a short trip.

[Stumpy]

^ Its funny. I have found now that I care as much about accommodations as my GF does. Up to a few years ago I would have slept on a park bench if I had to but now....Not gonna happen. I have found when my accommodations are good I enjoy the trip or excursion better and being I am paying for them they should meet some sort of expectation. I used to try and find the cheapest places to stay but I would get the look and eye roll and thought OK better change my approach.

My Gf will find deals and spend the time to negotiate better prices on accommodations to stay a better place. In fact she has negotiated deals where they will throw in the continental buffet breakfast. She drives a hard bargain. We are both extremely comfortable eating food at the local markets in the areas we visit(actually we both prefer it)then spending big money at a restaurant for dinner so that's our trade off. I never eat western food and have little desire for it so that always saves a lot of money.

It is clearly a preference of the individual(s). For us the trade off is we will pay more for a nicer resort or hotel with amenities and eat cheaper or spend less elsewhere.

I do highly recommend to anyone wanting to travel around Thailand to attend those travel expo's that frequent every 3 months or so in BKK. It was how we found Cher in Cha-Am, Dewa on Koh Chang, Montra on Koh Tao, and a host of others. They set aside rooms at significantly reduced costs to use as marketing. They have awesome deals and are open to negotiating. We have gone to many places and stayed for 2/3rds less then listing room prices. We just recently went to the travel expo in BKK and booked a private beach front bungalow on the island of Koh Mak called the Makathanee resort for week for what most would have had to pay for a few nights not including ferry costs. They even threw in free island transpo and breakfast every morning. There are great deals to be had. They have awesome deals up North as well. Its a very well organized event. They also have airfare deals, trips to other countries etc.

[Bettyboo]

I do highly recommend to anyone wanting to travel around Thailand to attend those travel expo's that frequent every 3 months or so in BKK. It was how we found Cher in Cha-Am, Dewa on Koh Chang, Montra on Koh Tao, and a host of others. They set aside rooms at significantly reduced costs to use as marketing. They have awesome deals and are open to negotiating. We have gone to many places and stayed for 2/3rds less then listing room prices. We just recently went to the travel expo in BKK and booked a private beach front bungalow on the island of Koh Mak called the Makathanee resort for week for what most would have had to pay for a few nights not including ferry costs. They even threw in free island transpo and breakfast every morning. There are great deals to be had. They have awesome deals up North as well. Its a very well organized event. They also have airfare deals, trips to other countries etc.

This does sound interesting.

I've never been to one, but I'll follow your advice and visit the next one I see advertised. Thanks.

[rickschoppers]

^^
JP, I may have you book me a room at the Cher in the near future.

[Bettyboo]

^ is that a come on, Rick???

[Stumpy]

JP, I may have you book me a room at the Cher in the near future.

Just let me know. I will ask my GF to call and see what kind of deals are on. Weekdays are best of course, more room to negotiate. It is definitely off the beaten path and a very quiet place. We have never seen a foreigner at the place in our 3 or 4 stays. The huge pool and jacuzzi tubs are very nice at night.

[rickschoppers]

^
Sounds like my lady would enjoy that a lot more than going to Phuket or Pattaya which she hates.

[Stumpy]

^
Sounds like my lady would enjoy that a lot more than going to Phuket or Pattaya which she hates.

^ RC, I suspect your wife would enjoy it and the area. My Gf loves the very relaxed, quiet environment. The beaches are not Phuket looking but empty nonetheless. What we really enjoyed is watching the sunset and the fishing boats leaving the harbor. I bring my own special Mojito fixings and make them up and we sit and enjoy. If anyone from the Royal family is staying at the Palace up the road the Military has their 5 naval boats and they are lit up at night. Pretty neat.