I checked in on December 30th as a few of us planned to spend New Year's in Pattaya. On checking in I was informed that to stay in the hotel it was compulsory that I purchase New Year's eve dinner at BT 5,300.00 ($166.00). I had dinner plans elsewhere with friends but the receptionist refused to give me a room until I agreed to purchase. This was not informed earlier. Anyway, I purchased the dinner but did not attend.
My friends who were staying in another hotel had no problems each time we walked in and went to their room after an exhausting day. Anytime I came back to the hotel with one of my friends, I had to pay the hotel BT 1000.00 ($31.00) so that my friend could go upstairs. I explained to the receptionist that these were my friends, not prostitutes etc. but he was adamant that it was the hotel policy that I had to pay BT 1000.00 per person each time they went up.
Theft: Do not leave any valuable in your room! I did not leave any valuables and I locked my suitcases each time I left the room. However, each night I would come in and leave pocket change on the table (about BT30-50). I usually collect enough change and convert to notes as a habit. Each morning housekeeping stole my change. Human nature makes us feel embarrassed at times to complain about pocket change but theft is theft.
The hotel once probably was a great hotel. Location is excellent and the hotel has two exits; one in the front and the other in the rear leading to the beach.
One can easily notice the change; the hotel is going down. Signs are everywhere.
- Pattaya Montien Hotel
