Originally Posted by
CJKatl
I'm thinking of tagging a couple days onto the end of a BKK visit to hit the beach, despite once swearing to myself I wouldn't go back to Pattaya. A couple questions...
Any recent reports about the Pattaya FS? Is it still the better choice, over the CY? Upgrades? Lounge Access?
My flight out is at 10:00 am. Is the first bus of the morning at 6:00 am reliable enough to get me to the airport by 8:00 am? Or should I arrange a car/taxi? I actually find the bus more comfortable, like being able to sit in the seat with my headphones as opposed to being just me with the driver, and it's much cheaper, but I'm worried about making my flight. Advice?
I stayed at the FS Marriott Pattaya late last year. No real impressive room upgrade, but I was staying a lot of nights and on points, so I wasn't really expecting a significant room upgrade.
As a Plat, full breakfast at restaurant. Large buffet including omelet station, etc. Lounge open in the evenings for complimentary drinks and substantial appetizers, and then desserts later in the night. Friendly staff and generous pours
Depending on your needs, the FS is in a much better location over the new CY. The FS is next door to Royal Garden mall (not Central Festival as I originally posted) , sits right on beach road, and is on a baht bus route.
If you are going for a beach, definitely avoid Pattaya beach (alongside Beach Road). Either take the baht bus to Jomtien, or even better, take the ferry from Pattaya pier (
http://www.kohlarn.com/schedule.htm) over to Koh Larn (island). Koh Larn has much cleaner water, but is a bit more expensive for chair rental, drinks, food, etc.
I know you said you prefer the bus seating over a taxi. For the cost (900 baht or so), I would still go with a taxi back to BKK. Takes much less time and alleviates the multiple boardings, etc.