Guys,
I was wrong on the $190 for beach wing at safari. That price was for seaview which is sold out. They are asking 3750bht ($120) for the regular room on beach wing. The only thing negative i did read on tripadvisor was there are no windows. The traveler said they moved to main building next night b/c it felt like a shoe box..
I got a response from Mercure today. The resrv. mgr listed room types and prices. I told him i would have guests on some nights and did not want to pay fee every time. He stated that the prices included taxes and was based on DOUBLE occupancy. I guess that means no fees. I will confirm via phone call tonight. Their regular rooms (35sqm) are $130 (high season). They have suites also for $170 and they are huge- 75sqm with jacuzzi baths etc. I will have my thai friend call tonight to book either safari or mercure. I will have a few beers and decide on - small, no windows, but on beach- or- large suite with balcony and jacuzzi but a few blocks back from beach. LIFE IS FULL OF TOUGH DECISIONS!!
