When to book a hotel?

[smb]

Hi everyone,
I'm excited about my upcoming trip in November. These forums really do contain a lot of very valuable information and it's really helped me.

The one thing I cannot find anywhere is how far in advance do you have to book a hotel room. The few that I have tried say they are already full (for example Areca and Residence Garden.) I've never had a problem with domestic travel here even up to booking the day before I fly out. I'm starting to get a bit nervous about not finding a room for this vacation.

Since this is my first trip to Pattaya I will probably not plan everything correctly. Practice make perfect... I will just have to continue coming back...

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This is my plan (hopefully)
Pattaya - Nov 5-15, someplace else - Nov 16-22 - I want to leave the last few days open to either spend in Angkor, Bangkok, Hong Kong, or Chiang Mai. Basically, what I'm looking for is a nicer room/suite under $100 USD (the further under the better!!!), no-or-low joiner-fee, internet in the room, and within a reasonable(?) distance from the action for a Pattaya-newbie.

[Caerphilly]

If the 2 hotels that were top of your list are fully booked it seems logical to find another "wanted" hotel that fits your criteria and book it ASAP for your November trip?

I assume you keep an active watch on the Pattaya section here for BMs hotel views?

One posted yesterday on LK Mansion which looks very good to me maybe you should check it out

[slinggalin]

Check the search on this forum guy, you should find alot of hotels in that price range. But just a heads up, you can find great hotels that will give you all of those things you want in Thailand for under 60 USD, not sure about Hong Kong though. Never been there. I hear the hotels there are pretty pricey.

BTW: when in Pattaya, check out the Sawadee on the beach. They have very nice rooms for under 50 USD. Ask to see them first

[smb]

I created a list mostly from info from this forum and have been visiting the hotels websites to get additional info (features, price, pics, etc). Haven't had any luck reserving a room so far. The only responses I have received so far is that they are already full.

I'm just curious to know whether people reserve their hotels 2, 3, 6, 12 months in advance or if they just wait until they get to LOS and figure it all out from there. I'm sure it depends on the season and any events that are going on.

I plan to check out various places on this trip so I have a better feel for what and where I want to stay next time - and when I need to reserve a room...

[Mustang]

Hi smb.I usually book less than two months in advance and haven't had too many problems but if you're looking for a specific level of room(poolside,seaview,etc) for November or December,less than a month might be pushing your luck.Really depends on the popularity of the hotel.

I just booked a seaview suite at Sandy Springs in Pattaya for early December at 2800 baht.(about 75 bucks US)Deluxe rooms quoted at 1500baht.This is my second visit.

Search Sandy Springs and you'll find a lot of positive comments and very few negative comments here.It's a popular BM's choice. Good location(soi13),guest friendly,and a fairly new building.

There are many good choices in Pattaya,but you can't go too wrong with this one!

[Bello Uomo]

Originally Posted by smb

Hi everyone,
I'm excited about my upcoming trip in November.

The one thing I cannot find anywhere is how far in advance do you have to book a hotel room. The few that I have tried say they are already full (for example Areca and Residence Garden.)

Pattaya - Nov 5-15, someplace else - Nov 16-22 - I want to leave the last few days open to either spend in Angkor, Bangkok, Hong Kong, or Chiang Mai.

This is odd, because I was able to book Areca Lodge for late November just yesterday. Give this online service a try if you haven't already: Pattaya hotels and resorts - THAILAND as it is what I used.

As to where to go from November 16-22, how about Phuket? Funnily enough, it comes well recommended on this site!