Not joiner friendly

[Havran]

I’ve read numerous posts where BMs ask if this hotel or that are joiner friendly. Sometimes another BM will answer with their experience. Other times OP will be encouraged to RTFF or ask the hotel or review their policies. Until now I hadn’t found anything in a hotel’s policy that more/less directly prohibits joiners. So, I thought I’d post it here so those of you like me, who are researching accommodations for future trips will have an idea of what such policy may look like. 

This is from the Holiday Inn Resort in Kamala.

As I read through the description and details of the property and looked through the photos it was easy to see this is a more family-oriented resort in which one of our ilk would likely attract uncomfortable attention regardless of policy. I hope this is helpful. 

[Billy Shears]

If you pick up a girl and show her ID at reception doesn't that make her registered guest?

I'd be more worried about why no cash accepted, are thefts common there?

[schnytzal]

1 minute ago, Billy Shears said:

I'd be more worried about why no cash accepted, are thefts common there?

i suspect a lot of Thai business owners are paranoid about staff dipping into the till. cashless is becoming more and more common among various businesses in Thailand, especially coffee shops and fast food.

i don't mind cashless, i usually pay by scanning QR code given the opportunity, but.. pay people a decent wage, make their job tolerable and not a living hell, and they're a lot less likely to steal. a lot or Thai business owners/managers have their head firmly squeezed between their butt cheeks.

[Billy Shears]

2 minutes ago, schnytzal said:

i suspect a lot of Thai business owners are paranoid about staff dipping into the till. cashless is becoming more and more common among various businesses in Thailand, especially coffee shops and fast food.

i don't mind cashless, i usually pay by scanning QR code given the opportunity, but.. pay people a decent wage, make their job tolerable and not a living hell, and they're a lot less likely to steal. a lot or Thai business owners/managers have their head firmly squeezed between their butt cheeks.

Ok, so if it's the staff that are potentially thiefs, better not leave anything valuable in the room safe. 

Maybe I'm too old school but a cashless hotel in Thailand raises too many red flags.

[schnytzal]

34 minutes ago, Billy Shears said:

Ok, so if it's the staff that are potentially thiefs, better not leave anything valuable in the room safe. 

Maybe I'm too old school but a cashless hotel in Thailand raises too many red flags.

didn't say it made any damn sense LOL

definitely wouldn't stay at a place where i saw such a sign. it's more likely that owner is an asshole, a puckery sphincter, the very archetype of said orifice than the staff went gangster.

[Spaz-505]

Very first time I came to Pattaya over 20 years ago, I stayed at the Siam Bayview hotel. I ran into some issues when trying to bring a guest to the room. Since then, I have not had any issues, the majority of the hotels and residences are guest friendly. 

It is standard policy when bringing a guest into the hotel, that they leave their ID card at the front desk. The girls are well aware of this and they have no issues doing that. I've even had the front desk call me when the girl is picking up her ID card, to make sure that everything is okay. That was quite refreshing knowing that the staff is ensuring no problems. 

Some exceptions to that can be found, like some of the larger resorts and higher end places that are more family oriented. 

I would be interested in knowing if any of you have had issues recently. This is something I've not heard in so many years, from my perspective it's no longer an issue.  Please post a comment if you or anyone you know had issues recently. 

Edited Friday at 13:10 by Spaz-505
Spelling correction, add more info

[Jinxedlad]

Faced the same situation with Avani resort. They were not allowing my female companions stating that only registered guests are allowed. On probing further they said I need to pay 1000 baht per companion. The 1000 baht is non refundable. Ended up bringing the ladies from the beach road side entrance rather than from the second road entrance where the reception is. But it felt a bit unsafe initially because the ladies weren’t depositing their ID cards. I guess it’s the norm for family oriented resorts. 

[momo5]

1 hour ago, Jinxedlad said:

Faced the same situation with Avani resort. They were not allowing my female companions stating that only registered guests are allowed. On probing further they said I need to pay 1000 baht per companion. The 1000 baht is non refundable. Ended up bringing the ladies from the beach road side entrance rather than from the second road entrance where the reception is. But it felt a bit unsafe initially because the ladies weren’t depositing their ID cards. I guess it’s the norm for family oriented resorts. 

Stayed at Avani probably 200 nights or so since it’s Marriott days … three nights this past September … never once been asked a joiner fee; request for lady’s ID probably only 25% of the time.   Just saunter in and go my way; most of the staff know are familiar with me.  Yes, entrance from Beach Road is nice, especially when staying in the terrace suites. 

[momo5]

To expand a bit further, I’ve never been asked a joiner fee anywhere in the world.  I always book the room for two and typically stay at top notch properties, mainly Marriott or IHG hotels … business hotels and family resorts for the most part.  I find that top tier hotels/resorts are far more tolerant and discrete than others.  Of course, when I monger I appreciate the girls dressing and behaving appropriately and  discretely; and if I’m with an escort she will definitely dress and behave the part as she’s often accompanying me on a business function.

With that said, there are certain areas in the world this can be a bit of a problem and better avoided; some areas of the Middle East in particular.  

Edited Friday at 14:59 by momo5

[Speakbottle]

I always stay at one of the big western chains. There are many families and other non-monger tourists. I am constantly bringing girls, sometimes 2 or 3 at a time. Some have very questionable outfits. Regardless of their attire, it's quite obvious what I'm doing. I see others in the hotel doing the same thing in pattaya of course, but we're in the minority. Sometimes I feel a little embarassment. But usually I don't care and sometimes I will chit chat to the family on my way up the elevator with the girls becuase I think it's hilarious...hey they chose to bring their kids to pattaya for holiday. Anyway, to get to my point, the staff are completely indifferent. They know me well. I tip them before going home. They will either ignore me, say sawatdee, ask me how I am, sometimes hustle and get the elevator for me. They ask for ID 0% of the time. Sometimes a girl will just give it to them. 

Edited Friday at 15:09 by Speakbottle

[Joeleg]

I too have never encountered joiner fee anywhere in the World. Most places require guest registration free. Sometimes just ID checks. But aware of joiner fee in Thailand in the past from others. But I thought it has gone away a while back. 

[ccrider]

They have joiner fees in Kenya in some hotels.

[Wiley Coyote]

6 hours ago, Joeleg said:

I too have never encountered joiner fee anywhere in the World. Most places require guest registration free. Sometimes just ID checks. But aware of joiner fee in Thailand in the past from others. But I thought it has gone away a while back. 

I agree it is coming back !

I had to pay it when the Avani was originally The Royal Garden Resort !