Phuket Thailand - better to book online or walk-in?

WildOnE · #1 30-06-2005, 21:52

I have been searching this site and also bkktonight and also other sites for reviews of hotels and such for the HIGH SEASON (PEAK SEASON) December through January. Man I cannot believe how much they mark it up from like low season, its about 80% mark up for certain hotels. I mean come on, this is ridiculous. Well my question is should I just book a certain hotel for one day and then just go about asking for rates by just walking around? I forget how I did it before that is why I am asking. Would I get better rates on the internet or if I go there in person?

Any good sites for making cheap reservations at good/superior hotels (4 stars)? I am still trying to absorb this whole booking situation. Because my g/f left it on me to handle everything since I have been there twice now. !!!!! What an excuse to get out of booking or handling anything! I hate this!

Thanks for you help fellas,

teerakinlos · #2 30-06-2005, 22:38

www.latestays.com i have booked a few times with it and it works perfect

aussie dollar · #3 01-07-2005, 04:56

I always book online get good deal normally.
but guess may get better rate if walk in of street and hotel is quiet.
some BMs book first night then have a look around at hotels.

Nicke · #4 01-07-2005, 16:05

Please use the booking facility on this website if you can, the rates are usually among the best ones and you support me by doing so.

Allybabba22 · #5 01-07-2005, 16:35

Another good one is www.asiahotels.com

WildOnE · #6 01-07-2005, 19:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nicke

Please use the booking facility on this website if you can, the rates are usually among the best ones and you support me by doing so.

of course nicke... that hotel guide is very useful, but certain hotels have not posted their high season rates yet. e.g. Patong villa, Tony's Resort.

Denver · #7 23-07-2005, 20:42

I think thier prices are posted now for high season (Bit high IMHO!) Anyway, I am taking a suite there again for 1400 baht as I want a decent holiday! I can't be arsed worrying about saving a fiver a night here or there, it's my holiday, sod the expense! I booked using thier on-line page that can be found through any of the suggested sites listed above and got a printable return confirmation the same day.

I am going back there because many moons ago, I flew in to Phuket last minute from Penang, got dropped rather surprisingly by the taxi on the seafront (Taweewong) without visiting any other places on the way (commission paying hotels) and did a 'walk in' to Patong Villa (which is nicely tucked away behind the sea front road and therefore very quiet and still close to everything I want) Once I'm settled in, fridge stocked by GF, newly bought t-shirt on, then walk the 93 paces to the first bar on Bangla!

The staff was genuinely (not Baht) friendly, polite and organised. They showed me a couple of rooms and gave me a cracking room for 800 baht a night (I only had 6 days as I had to get back to Penang to re-join my ship)

I had none of the more common fast buck tricks, short change (1000 to 500, no 1000 note in the till!! Surprise, surprise!!) minibar fee etc Good room service, spotlessly clean, nothing stolen, no joiner fee and half decent security at night (well, they caught me a few times so must be good!) All I need really and good enough for me. I can chill out, relax, read my book, swim, listen to my music, drink my beer from my fridge and just get on with my break. So yes, book on line, never had any problems at all.

PS I'm not on any kickback from Patong Villa for any of the above, honest! I'll post any horror stories I may have after my visit, I am hoping there won't be any. Have a great break, you probably deserve it.

JFL · #8 28-07-2005, 02:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nicke

Please use the booking facility on this website if you can, the rates are usually among the best ones and you support me by doing so.

Ok Nicke i will do as you wish but i have a problem here i cant find C&N? (am i blind?)

If you dont have it what can you recommend?
I want a pool and if possible a balcony?
Price 1000-1500 Bath

Ps do you want some turkisk peppar and some snus

Nicke · #9 28-07-2005, 03:20

During what time do you plan to arrive?

C&N is a popular choice but I dont have that one, and if you want to book them you have to do that directly with the hotel. Dont worry, if you prefer them then go for them.

I also like Jintana Hotel, it was a good value for the money hotel before but I dont know for the period you plan to arrive. My parents and Dawsey among others liked that hotel.

Yes please, some turkish pepper and snus will be fine.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JFL

Ok Nicke i will do as you wish but i have a problem here i cant find C&N? (am i blind?)

If you dont have it what can you recommend?
I want a pool and if possible a balcony?
Price 1000-1500 Bath

Ps do you want some turkisk peppar and some snus

JFL · #10 28-07-2005, 15:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nicke

During what time do you plan to arrive?

C&N is a popular choice but I dont have that one, and if you want to book them you have to do that directly with the hotel. Dont worry, if you prefer them then go for them.

I also like Jintana Hotel, it was a good value for the money hotel before but I dont know for the period you plan to arrive. My parents and Dawsey among others liked that hotel.

Yes please, some turkish pepper and snus will be fine.

Ohh sorry!
I am in Patong 13-14 nov to 3 dec.I have some friends to visit in Bkk first

I will pm you before i go so you can make a list of what you want

seaton123 · #11 31-07-2005, 11:08

Hi There!

Much better to book online. Walk in will be their rack rate. Very high! Should get around big discounts with online agents like this one and others, especially in comparison with hotels own rates.

Regarding the mark up from low to high - the high is the real rate -the low is just a desperate attempt to get a few people in for the hotel to tick over.
A lot of these hotels in low are still empty despite the prices! It's just Supply & Demand!

Seaton123

bilston · #12 12-08-2005, 13:24

i agree with seaton

last march walked in 4 star - quoted 4500 baht - they would
not budge - also probably reception staff not authorised to
haggle

walked out - found internet - booked same place on latestays
for 2300 - fantastic resort - only about 10 rooms occupied

I have read others on here go for the walk ins. Maybe better
talkers than me.

Anyway always online for me.

barfly · #13 12-08-2005, 14:54

I've just asked a hotel for a rate which came back more expensive than the internet price so I asked the hotel directly if they would match the internet rate which they did.
I would rather deal direct with the hotel so that my money goes into Phuket rather than a BKK travel company. The hotel is also better off as they get all the money with no middle man deductions.