For years I've relied on direct contact with the hotel Dating back to the days of telex - long before email. Recently, I booked the Poseiden in Pattaya by email with a quick response from Heiko ( never been there but I've read him mentioned hear ) ; however, I'm staying three nights in Bankok to shake off jet lag a bit and see some old sites. I emailed the Tarntawan directly and have had no response for three days. Is this normal for them? Is this no longer the best way to book, should I rely on booking sites? In may day the hotel was delighted to book direct and save the commission, even offering the better rate. Has all this changed?