Thanks BKKLEE. This sounds teribbly discouraging. While I had high hopes, I also agree that it probably is not going to be on my list--at least immediately upon opening. If I have to be "exiled" to some place within easy distance of BKK I think that I will stick with the gulag that Pattaya has become rather than being imprisoned at a not so great property at Rayong. Based on your review the prop simply does not have that much appeal.

I really have not had a bad experience with the Russians in Pattaya. I encounter very few Russians at the Marriott. It is pretty much over run by middle eastern and Japanese types, but they have never interferred with a nice stay there.

My 5th visit there a couple of weeks ago was thorougly enjoyable with a nice room upgrade; a great comp breakfast buffet; a lounge (minimal at best but nontheless a lounge); a very cordial staff (many of whom I know by now and vice versa); and easy accessability to shopping and a wide variety of off site restaurants, plus the beach right across the street.

Phuket properties are preferable to Pattaya in my book, but you still need to factor in the air fare BKK-->HKT which is pretty pricy for a one hour flight.

I guess we will see how the reviews of actual guests come in once Rayong is open next year.