Jomtien- EastSuites v The Venue

[gregvc]

no one has mentioned the sauna at Ganymede and the website no longer indicates different times for men and women so I guess only San Suk remains for guys who want to meet Thais (rather than buy Thais)

[thaiguest]

Seems like there is a lot of confusion out there about the character of the New Ganymede Resort, so let's clear things up.
Over the last two years we have been making intensive improvements and upgrades to the resort, starting form what once was the Ganymede bar with a few basic rooms above it to the soon to be completed 74 rooms resort, including spa, outdoor swimming pool, elevator access to all rooms and 24 hours reception/concierge. Facilities include pool bar, gym, spa, karaoke, coffee shop/restaurant. Needless to say these changes also changed the character of the Ganymede drastically. And while some prefer the cozy basic and exclusively gay feel the original Ganymede had, we have been very encouraged by the amount of regular returning guests and new guests opting to extend their stays. Don't get me wrong we cherish and value our many returning gay guests who have stood by us through all the changes, we have listened to them and taken all comments on board. The conversion into the Ganymede resort has not been an easy one, and we work hard every day to improve on and implement the highest standards we have set upon ourselves. New systems and procedures have been set in place and unfortunately along the way there have been problems with regards to late replies and lack of communication, which off course we regret deeply. We realise that we are not there yet, but we will continue working towards that goal. It is impossible to please everybody , because different people have different ideas and priorities with regards to their perfect holiday, but if we can ensure people enjoy their stay and we can offer the best possible quality in service and comfort surely we must be moving in the right direction?

We pride ourselves and having a great mix of gay and straight guests from all walks of life . Being the size of resort we have become we are in no position( nor do we have any inclination to) discriminate against any form of race, nationality, conviction or gender. We want the Ganymede to be a place where people can be comfortable with who they are and simply enjoy their stay. We do not tolerate and form of verbal of physical abuse between guests.
With regards to the comment that we are over run by eastern european guests firstly I would like to once more point out that we welcome every nationality, regardless of how their political leaders feel about gay life style(lets face it none of us are quite accurately represented by our own governments actions). Secondly if you want to go into demographics the Russian and northern european guests amount for a small part of the total of guests staying at Ganymede over the last year (under 15% of total occupancy). The biggest chunk of our guest originate from Asian countries, with Korea, Thailand and Japan leading the way in the Asian segment, with a strong following of returning guests from Western countries. Personally I find it refreshing to be surrounded by a mix of nationalities and cultures, all brought together here to enjoy the best Jomtien and Thailand have to offer.

We at Ganymede will keep working hard to ensure a good service in quality surroundings and sincerely apologise to anybody feeling let down by our change in direction.

Ward - GM The Ganymede

You know, the feelings of political leaders re. gays is not the issue- I doubt if a shirtless Putin or Mr. Dinnerjacket from Iran will be in residence in Ganymede anytime soon.
The issue is that mixing people from an extremely hostile, anti-gay culture with unsuspecting gay guests is fraught with risk-even risk of physical attack...and in this regard I wouldn't invest too much confidence in thai security acting in the face of a drunk and crazed bear or two.
A gay english guy was physically attacked as he alighted from a song tiew in Jomtien with his boyfriend last June. Amazingly his petite thai friend took on the two bears and even more amazingly a group of motor taxi drivers went to the aid of the kid leaving the the two assailants in a pretty poor state.
So I think it's better to stick to a 'straight' mode and forget about the 'gay friendly' bit.
The poster 'newlaan2' asked for suggestions re. staying in Jomtien and I felt I should mention what everyknows about the 'new' Ganymede and indeed much of Jomtien/Pratunak districts vis.a.vis gay people and 'others'.
Good luck to the Ganymede owners-it's a top class venue and it deserves to succeed.

[newalaan2]

Jomtien Complex is also a pleasant, laid back kind of gay area which I prefer to anything in Pattaya, and much more comfortable for an evening of sipping beer, conversation with friends or the Thai guys there, or playing some snooker.

Yep I do enjoy late afternoon/early evening bar hopping around Jomtien, it's just a different vibe from South Pattaya areas. If Miss Neurotic Undaunted thinks Sunee is quiet she would have a seizure visiting Jomtien Complex, esp low season which nowadays covers most of the year. But again, like sunee, most of the bars have been operating under these conditions for years and are still there. Not only these established one's but two new bars I noticed on this trip, so there are a lot of bars for the seemingly small customer base. Bondi, Bamboo, Dicks, Festival, 2 bars on the way to the Complex I dont know names, Ganymede, Pour House, The Venue, Question Mark, Dolce Vita, L&N, Two Faces, a new one called 4T bar?, the other new one had no sign I could see.

I don't know how I would get on living in Pattaya permanently and visiting BT, sunee and Jomtien night after night, couldn't do it, but for a regular visitor like me coming from the Northern part of Scotland where there is nothing like Jomtien, Sunee or BT to experience, very simple pleasures like just being able to stroll around Jomtien Complex until midnight in shirt sleeves visiting bars all with plenty of young, friendly Thai guys is a treat.

Not quite sure what you mean by 'poky', but the deluxe and superior rooms are quite large (good value for the 900 baht a night you can get them for at this time of year ... at least that was the price 10 or so days ago) and very nicely turned out. Huge big comfy kingsize beds, and the bathroom, far from being a hole-in-the-wall is quite luxurious, with all fixtures being first quality.

The 'poky' comment was based purely on the 24sq/m room size described on their website for standard room, with a 'suite' at 33 sq/m, it seems Mosaik has spoiled me in terms of room size. January when I will be visiting is high season rates and they quote Bt1250-1500 for 22-27sqm rooms, whereas EastSuites are Bt1350 for 50sqm, cheaper for almost double the size and I do like roomy accommodation. I also have a preference for big balconies with sliding doors which gives a room a further feeling of size and the Venue room photos don't really show the whole size of the rooms. But thanks for feedback and detail, off peak it might be a reasonable choice.

[davidsobe]

My only problem with East Suites is the lack of a lift. I do not want to walk up stairs, period. I am impressed by the renovations taking place at Ganymede, including the elevator, which will have access to ALL wings in the hotel. I do like Ganymede's suites with a balcony, overlooking the soi. I love to entertain on balconies. However, if straight loud Russians are in strong presence, I will definitely pass !!! I will follow postings regarding places to stay in Jomtiem Beach.

While I had avoided Pattaya last season, I am always thinking about POSSIBLY returning, which would be February 2014. Since I own a large penthouse in South Beach FL, that provides a great escape from my Manhattan flat. -- during the winter. If I do return to Pattaya, where I have visited 8 times since 2004, I would only consider staying in Jomtiem Beach area. Previously, I had stayed in BoyzTown (and a couple of times at the old Howard's Hotel near Sunee), where I do not want to stay anymore due to comments on loud street parties in BoyzTown and uncertainties over Le Cafe Royale's direction. Also, I want to be able to walk to the gay beach.

Any comments on where to stay in Jomtien Beach would be appreciated. Thanks.

[newalaan2]

My only problem with East Suites is the lack of a lift. I do not want to walk up stairs, period. I

I see you say you 'do not want' rather than are 'unable' to use stairs, obviously that's your personal choice, but for me the lack of a lift is one of the very last requirements of a hotel 4 stories or less as I prefer to use stairs wherever I can, a life habit now after I had to stop playing football/soccer and sport, staff can see to luggage.

Any comments on where to stay in Jomtien Beach would be appreciated. Thanks.

Poseidon has a lift, and the rooms seem very spacious and well furnished at about 50 sq/m (from Bt2600), however East-Suites at Bt1350 for same size will do for me this time and I'll see how I get on there. On having a look round the various Jomtien hotels and guesthouses the Poseidon did look enticing if their website pictures are accurate.

[thaiguest]

My only problem with East Suites is the lack of a lift. I do not want to walk up stairs, period. I am impressed by the renovations taking place at Ganymede, including the elevator, which will have access to ALL wings in the hotel. I do like Ganymede's suites with a balcony, overlooking the soi. I love to entertain on balconies. However, if straight loud Russians are in strong presence, I will definitely pass !!! I will follow postings regarding places to stay in Jomtiem Beach.

While I had avoided Pattaya last season, I am always thinking about POSSIBLY returning, which would be February 2014. Since I own a large penthouse in South Beach FL, that provides a great escape from my Manhattan flat. -- during the winter. If I do return to Pattaya, where I have visited 8 times since 2004, I would only consider staying in Jomtiem Beach area. Previously, I had stayed in BoyzTown (and a couple of times at the old Howard's Hotel near Sunee), where I do not want to stay anymore due to comments on loud street parties in BoyzTown and uncertainties over Le Cafe Royale's direction. Also, I want to be able to walk to the gay beach.

Any comments on where to stay in Jomtien Beach would be appreciated. Thanks.

I'm sorry to report that 'straight loud Russians' is the least you may have to worry about. How about straight, loud gay-hating Russians? and/or little kids running around and splashing in the pool and maybe even in the sauna fathered and mothered by these same gay-hating Russians?
The spokesperson from Ganymede posted to clear up 'confusion' re the present policy and future direction of Ganymede. The 'confusion' is entirely homemade so now Ganymede management is gone into default mode i.e. taking in anyone and everyone that turns up. Witness Newlaan2's failed effort to register as a guest online.

[davidsobe]

I took a look at the Venue's web site. They have balcony rooms on the top floor, with a lift. Certainly something for me to consider should I return to Pattaya in February 2014. I want to treat myself to a balcony room overlooking the soi. Pity that East Suites lacks a lift, as their rooms/suites are exquisitely furnished in the modern style that I like.

[EdASD]

I have stayed at EastSuites and I can ony say they offer superb quality rooms/apartments! The rooms are very well decorated, it is very clean, safe and no problem to bring an overnight guest. It is deffinatly a pleasure to stay there!