Quote:
Originally Posted by Wombat
Quote:
Originally Posted by nevada64
Lucky devil. Let us know how it is. Where do you plan on staying. I've never been to Phuket. Is your hotel guest friendly? Have a blast mate. I know you will.
Cheers. :lol:
In Patong beach 98% of the hotels are guest friendly, for a price...
i have worked in the Thai hotel industry for a very, very, very long time and i may be able to give you a pointer or two on this subject that may or may not work for you.
a "guest" (of the service provider status) is known here in the industry as a
joiner. a joiner is anyone who stays in your room, uses towels, water and services. many times there is a fee, some times there is not, ASK. ask if there is a joiner fee and ask if it includes breakfast. (if your room rate does the joiner’s fee probably does, too. if yours doesn’t, odds are the joiner rate will not also.) also ask if a joiner may use other hotel facilities like the pool or spa, some hotels allow it, some do not. you may meet someone you choose to hang with and you may want to use the pool, etc.
double occupant or
guest is
anyone who books in with you initially and is registered along with you. not the same thing. then, all is inclusive. some hotels charge the same for a single or a double occupancy stay. ASK. if it is the same rate, ask if joiner is allowed without an additional fee. in ALL the hotels
where I have worked, and this includes BKK, Pattaya and Phuket, if you request joiner
upon making the reservation, or registering, it is free, as those hotels only have a double occupancy rate per room and no single stay rate. (check it, all hotels have differing policies. and, any reservations staff in Thailand is used to these questions, and policies are in place and usually posted.)
a joiner is required, in many places, to show and copy, or give up their Thai ID card to reception or security upon entering the hotel.
they are used to this and if a joiner balks at this, time to wonder why. this is for your protection, not to harass you. they need to know how many people are in the hotel in case of a fire, and more importantly, if that joiner rips you off, they know who they are and how to find them. it also helps keep them in line if they are the type to think they may be able to rip you off. also, if there is a theft in your hotel, your joiner can not be accused (and you are not implicated/hassled) because they followed the policy and registered upon arrival. it also is a good way to check the age of the joiner, no need to get busted for pedophilia now is there?
so, in closing, ask a lot of questions about joiners upon making your reservation, or when booking in upon arrival. then you will know the score before hand, and you will also know if joiners/service providers are forbidden. some hotels will not allow a joiner ever (regardless of gender or sexual orientation), but these are usually uptight 5 and 6 star places, or “family” places. guest houses and very small hotels may have no concern at all, and it is all included.
have fun.
but this is only my opinion, of course ... :D
