I used my same driver from the Villa to take me to Bangkok. I already had reservations for a 1 bedroom Penthouse at the President Solitaire. I heard a lot about this new hotel and decided to give it a try. After my stay, I can highly recommend this hotel. Very nice!
I know a lot of people like Bangkok better than Pattaya, but I just couldn't get into the groove of this city. To be honest, I do not think I gave Bangkok a chance. Maybe....if I would hit Bangkok first, I would appreciated it a little more. So basically....don't let me spoil anybody plans to go to Bangkok, as I was not in the right mood to judge it. I believe I already hit the wall in Pattaya....so it was going to take stunners to move me at this point.
There is, however, obvious differences between the Cities. Pattaya, in my opinion, is laid back. I enjoy the beaches and walking along the beaches at nite. I really enjoyed renting a motorbike in Pattaya. Going to Bangkok....was like moving to the big city. It was more traffic, smoke, no beaches....wouldn't even think of renting a motorbike. (Even it was any rental places for bikes, I was not aware of it.) I guess I am not too much into the city life. I used to live downtown Chicago and later moved to a suburb, called Evanston, just to get away from the hustle of city life.
Nevertheless, everyone's taste is different. I just preferred Pattaya.
After arriving at the President Solitaire, I was very impressed with the layout. The lobby was all marble. I went straight to the reception area to check in and then Murphy's law kicks in. Since I'm already in a so-so mood....I really didn't need to hear any bad news. I was already looking for any excuse to return to Pattaya.
The receptionist advises that my Penthouse suite was not available due to repairs, but they can temporaily put me in a Platinum Suite until it is ready in a day or two. Great....whatever...give me my keys. After I checked out the room, I felt a little better. It was actually pretty nice. It even made me more curious as to how the Penthouse suites looked. I know we have a few pictures of these suites posted....but for those who haven't seen this place. Here it is:
The prices were very competitive. I can't recall the exact prices, as I was quoted rates for a Penthouse suite, which was about $200 US dollars a nite. I believe the Platinum suite were about $60 US dollars a nite. I lot of people get this place confused with the Grand President....which is about a block down the street. I believe both hotels are part of the President Park Group, but the Solitaire is a newer hotel.
