No Latin...no... I would never wish my worst enemy to clutch Leila....you've gone beyond the pale this time!
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I stayed at the Tarntawan a number of times for all the obvious reasons but stopped because the place was to put it bluntly becoming shabby. Whoever the new owners are I hope they give the place a thorough refurbishment including the bathrooms and the common areas. I would love to stay there again because like so many contributors it was almost an integral part of the Bangkok experience.
Just back from three weeks in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Vientiane, and Luang Prabang. Because of Air Asia schedules, I was in Bangkok at the beginning (2 nights), middle (one night), and two nights at the end before flying home. Each time in Bangkok I stayed at the Tarntawan. The new management group is in place, no familiars behind the desk. Some confusion as the prior records of guests left with the old management company. The registration form asks if you have stayed at the hotel before.
Rates seemed somewhat less than in the past. I asked for and was placed in room 555 as it is located next to the wireless router and has a strong internet signal. The night bellman who greeted me on the first visit wasn't there on the subsequent visit. The security guard took on the duties of the bellman.
When I came down the first morning it was early and I had a quick breakfast, breakfast lady still there and still great. I checked at the desk about my upcoming reservation made through Agoda and was told they didn't have it yet. I showed them my paperwork and the desk staff asked a manager (female) what to do. She entered the information and noted my room preference. Staff dress at the desk is eclectic, mostly polo shirts.
Next morning when I came down with my overnight guest, we were both astounded to see that there were no available tables for breakfast, all were occupied by a members (male/female) of a tour group from Malaysia. The security guard who was also helping to clear tables told me that the staff was happy (suspect that the increased business indicated to them that their jobs were o.k.?). The breakfast buffet this morning had disappeared and been replaced by a large tray of friend rice with a meat. The menu was still available for ordering but the group was the first priority.
Left after breakfast, returning several days later. Desk had my reservation, 555, all in order. New faces behind the desk. I'd been thinking about moving somewhere else for the next visit, but, instead asked for two more nights. Booked and left for Laos. Returned after the passing of the king. Large portrait of HM with a condolence book in the lobby. Noticed that what was Lukas' office is now the business center/library. What had been the business center and the travel agency are now empty. Looks like something is planned for the space but no one knew/wanted to talk. Saw a few of the regulars who were there when I last visited when Lukas was there. They were (like me) just rolling with the situation.
Because they are helping with multiple duties (i.e. being the night bellman) the security guard was often hard to find when wanting to drop off/pick up identification. The breakfast on my final morning was back to the regular buffet. I left at 3am the next morning and the two clerks on duty took a long time to check me out...major problem being that the credit card machine didn't seem to like any of the three cards I had. I offered USD but they wanted THB. My guest who was departing when I was, gave me TNB to cover what I didn't have in my wallet. I gave him the USD to replace and thank him for his unprompted generosity.
So will I go back? I have the names of few other places and have been looking at AirBNB. Coming from the SF Bay area I fly United which gets me in close to midnight, so AirBNB doesn't work for arrival night, so maybe Tarntawan will be a one night thing in the future. It's hard to change the routine after so many visits...but the hotel has changed and is changing and other than the three security guards and the breakfast lady, there is little to hold my loyalty.
There must be several other gay or gay very friendly hotels in BKK....this place looks like it is changing
so guys in the know,,should post other hotels worth checking out...
Some have mentioned The Raya Surawong which is just near soi Twilight (same side and is new) and one that did stay there recommended it. No idea on their guest policy though but their pricing looks either similar or better than Tarntawan. I will be looking at this place on my next visit.
Looks like I'll be going back to the Rose Hotel. Anyone stayed there lately?
Not "lately" but about 2 years ago now and I found it to be fine. The room was small but that was more due to the small room I'd booked ( funny that eh) so I think if taking one of their even slightly larger rooms that would have cured that problem. They also have the added bonus of the swimming pool and joiners were no problem whatsoever as per in the TW.
ggobob, Thanks for your report. Much info.
The Raya Surawong looks nice. Wonder what their guest policy is?
Rose Hotel. Several years ago I booked in for two weeks only to find my whole room the same size as the bathroom at the Tarntawan! Left the next morning and back to the Tarntawan. Additionally the women at the front desk did not seem to know how to smile and there was an aged witch sitting at the elevator making comments!
Last 2 times we stayed in the Rose we had Aircon units that didn't work
Multiple appeals to change room or fix aircon were ignored on our last (and final ever) visit
Best they could do was offer us a fan for the room
If you like to sleep in a relatively cool room do not stay in the Rose