ricknroll

I met 3 ladies from Germany on the beach on Sunday. They asked me if I knew of a cheap place to stay. So I Itook them to Rick and Roll. They where closed. I told them they must be closed on Sundays. I took them back today ( Monday) and the they where closed again. What the F!!! I know it is the start of 3 days of Buddha but every bar and hotel is open! I looked like an Arse!

Some people on TV think I have a problem with Rick so I was trying to bring him some business . That will be the last time I do that!

Wow... Thanks Milanman,

As you have seen by the above recent posts I have personally posted the Bar / Restaurant is closed until tomorrow Wednesday afternoon the 18th of May.

We do have a tour booth check in right in the front on the street and this tour booth (Cabana) is open on my property everyday. The lady in charge is Khun Phet and she takes care of all motorbike rentals, tour bookings and in your case hostel check ins. Please see: R N' R Trip N' Tours

Sorry you take our closing personal and next time for anyone that is also kind as Milanman...Please understand we will continue to respect Thai holidays & elections and we will post them on our web site :R N' R Hostel @ Rick N' Roll Music Cafe

Thank you

Thanks Rick,

both days sound great to me!

I totally forgot about that Buddha day but in some areas they are open

When we are coming I will ask for you(not because of a free drink!).

Gerd

Look forward to it... Just tell the girls at the front bar you came to do some Sticky Fingers with Ricky... See you soon!

post# 64, closed for Thai Buddha Holiday until Mai 18th.

Serving alcohol is strictly forbidden from this midnight until 17th midnight

Thanks a lot!!! :jap:

We will have a party on Wednesday and Taco Tuesday Tacos on Thursday to make up for the miss on Tuesday... Let me buy you a drink and tell you all about why not

See you soon.

I was there a couple weeks ago, and was talking with some girls that loved the idea, and were going to check out of their hotel and relocate to Rick N Rolls.

I don't understand all the negativity about the place, 350 baht is not an absurd amount and the place looks great.

All I can say is good luck Rick, I hope it all works out for you.

And see you in the future for more of your "Sticky Fingers" shooters.

Thanks BaliHai,

We are enjoying our Hostel, Restaurant and Bar. It will be no gold mine ...However, It is a way to work through and appreciate the low season of Thailand.

If you had our Sticky Finger Shooters then for sure we had a good time with you.

I am sure you and our guests understand that we respect the Thai Buddha Holidays and that is why we will be closed until Wednesday afternoon... There is a sign posted out front and we hope our friends and customers can appreciate we will using this down time to upgrade Rick N' Roll and the Hostels.

Don't forget Taco Tuesdays and because of the Holiday... we will move it to Thursday night this week. Plus, Wednesday Night we have Party Night Specials

Thank you for the positive and kind comment and we do hope to see you soon for more Sticky Fingers !

I was there Friday night and the place looks great and the food was ok.

But.......

In any business, just because you work hard and spend more money than everyone else does not make you successful. You can work 24/7 but if you have no experience and no idea what you are doing you will Fail.

Pouring money into a business that does not make a profit is like using chewing gum to plug the hole in the Titanic!

I agree that Rick N' Roll's Restaurant, Bar and Hostel has many more amenities than most and and that investment needs to be monitored and cared for... However, It should help the overall reputation of the entire business and that is a step in the right direction.

There are no formulas in Thailand that are 100% full proof... I would hope that by becoming a sponsor of Thai Visa and posting our Events, Parties and Hostel Info has created an awareness of who we are and what we hope to do in the near future.

Sponsoring Thai Visa has however, helped us make new friends and that in itself has true value.

Please say hello next time you stop in... It would be nice to meet you in person.

Can we have a veggie option? Sorry I missed it do post if you are having it again. I was ill but had really planned to go.

Hello Mister Man, We will and are having Taco tonight and every Tuesday night in May and most likely through the low season. Tex Mex Southern Cali Mexican Style Tacos with and amazing Salsa and we have an additional Thai Taco treat you just have to try... Let me know if you are coming by so I can look up some special wine..Hope to see you

Choice Foods gets fresh meat every Friday from Aus.

They were situated next to the sandwich shoppe in Chalong but they have moved to Kata, near Rick & Roll's place.

Choice Foods is right on my road The Kata New Road or better know as the Market Road in Kata and is the best I have found... I use their Beef and Cheese exclusively for our Burgers and our Cali Tex Mex Tacos and the Steaks are awesome as well.

They work with and supply many Hotel Groups such as Evason, Centara and Amari. You will pay a bit more but it's worth the taste, texture and compliments! Don't give away our secret

Please see this link for a mapChoice Foods in front of the Beach Center

I hope this helps?

I know I went crazy on this TV area and the entire Restaurant / Bar / Hostel.... However, It is awesome and I am sure the guest will appreciate it 100%

Plus we have great food!

I don't know you personally Rick, as a lot of people seem to, but I admire your work ethic. So many people expect just to sit back and watch the money roll in. This isn't the case anywhere in the world anymore, and certainly not Phuket. You however, seem to be constantly at it, trying to change things and make things happen. I believe your business falls in to the minority of businesses on Phuket, that will br around for as long as you want tit to be.

As for the female dorm?? The jury's out for me. I think it would be a great idea at a different location, but being part of you restaurant set up, seems a bit of a contridiction. You have a reasonably high end establishment downstairs, but are catering to poeple on a budget upstairs. would have thought just a couple of expensive rooms would fit the overall image better. I'm also a bit confused by the combination of budget hostel and all the gadgets and gizmos, flat screens TV's etc. It seems as if it's having an identity crisis, neither one thing or the other.

Having said that. There is no question that women will seek out a place, where they will be free from all the leering, annoying pervs. Somewhere they can relax, feel safe and comfortable, in the presence of other woman and meet new friends. It kind of brings to mind a grown up slumber party! This attraction may well be enough to make it a very well known place on the island once word gets around. If it doesn't work, I'm sure you will just adapt, move on and try something elses, good luck with it.

@ SB. I understand you two are friends, but Rick is a big boy, I don't think you need to come jumping to his rescuse every time he gets a negative comment. If you come on to a forum like this, you have to take everything that's thrown at you, Rick knows that, and I'm sure he can take it on the chin without your knight in shining armour routine.

Thanks BangTaoBoy, I agree and that is why I will target what is called the flashpaker market..., I personally like to go were there is a vibe and things are happening and gladly will pay the difference when I am traveling... We will target people that literally want a FUN SLUMBER PARTY ( great expression...Thanks ) rather than just a budgeted pit stop... As mentioned before our guests will get what they pay for and I hope more. This of course will take time and patience to target and touch that market for those that want to meet & make new friend.. This is a destination for those that need a " Social Soul Travelers...Solution". Link for: Social Soul Travelers

I think they give group rates so if you have a group of friends or family that want to go... I can check into that as well.

Joe is a personal friend and so far things look good for the opening... He stops in R N' R on occasion so I will ask him later today for an update.

Hmmmmm......do backpackers typically splash out 170 Bt for a "great cocktail"?

You can see by my web site you that you can even buy a Margarita Cocktail & get a FREE refill at: Phuket RNR Hostel.com

Ladies Night Every Night Promotions as you can see by this sign board and this is after Happy Hour has finished

Just check out the web site and you will see 50 Baht Leo Happy Hours Plus Plus.

All my New Thai Visa Buddies should come by and see for yourselves

It is not only Backpackers that want to save a Satang i had a Guesthouse from 2007 for three years and come to the conclusion that Phuket is full of cheap charlies you think they worry about your overheads, it sounds that Rick has a good plan but will it work only time will tell one of the problems he will have there is many new small hotels and guesthouse have opened up in Patong etc who are giving very cheap prices in the low season and hope to recover in the high season and then realise they where too cheap just have a look in the Phuket Gazette and you can see how many are there for Sale or rent now and i dont see much change in the future but of course there is places that will make a living so good luck to him it looks like he is having a good try at it.

I agree, I have been coming to Phuket for 13 years started business here over 8 years ago and if I wasn't knee deep I would rethink the whole stargedy ... However, I have personally met great people at Rick N' Roll and believe me they tell all about their nightmares and their dreams. They seem to like our concept of a Flashpackers Club Med type hostel on a budget. We can not be compared to a hotel room because we provide clean secure boutique accommodation, Tour Service with a Locals Honest Advice, Great Cocktails, Thai Food. Tex Mex & Western BBQ and most off all Entertainment. I do realize we are in low season however, we might as well attempt to have fun with our tourist like the Club Med Team...Only time will tell.

I would say all girls hostel is an good idea, provided it's good quality. Even if the price is a bit higher. Why?

1) Backpacking can be tiering after an while. There is a place for pampering. Heck, I still remember the few hot shower places while I backpacked in South- and Central America.

2) Girls can bond to each other and find new friends.

3) This place has an bar likely filled with girls from the hostel.. if you have honey, there will be the bees as well. Sounds like an good receipt for an place of life.

Rick: How many customers ask for TV? Would it be possible to skip the stupidbox altogether and use the TV-area as relax and meetup room? Some quiet Enya style music. Information about Phuket's and surrounding areas best attractions on the walls. Couple of hidden secrets added. At least for me, the best hostels were without TV. Just a place to meetup share information with each other. Few hammocks call for relaxation as well.

So far the guests spend very little time in the rooms and do enjoy the plush Sofa and 42 inch Flat Screen TV downstairs in the Bar... There are outdoor Cabanas were they like to chill out.

Hammocks are a great Idea... I was thinking of putting a private sun deck on the roof with a small bar hammocks and jacuzzi...Let's see how this goes first. Thanks for the great Idea.

Rick is just advertising his business and he gets torn down.

There is a big market for this and it's not about the room.

Lots of young female backpackers want the experience, meet new people and not be holed up in a room in the middle of nowhere and no chance to meet others on their travels.

It's the social aspect and not the room that's important here.

Good luck with it.

I don't doubt people have a good time at Rick's. The price of 350 bath for a dorm in low season is way to much compared with the other options mentioned before.

Backpackers go for good deals and in my opinion this ain't one.

Have you traveled and stayed at any hostels like KhunHeineken and NamKangMan?

Do you own a Hotel, Guesthouse or Hostel? If you do... you know about the over head cost to run a single four bed room.

I know you understand that everyday you have to clean and maintain bed sheets, blankets, pillowcases, towels, hand towels and that isn't on the cheap... Plus the water bill and the Electric bill for four people per room heating water for showers, using lights, appliances and the big one AIR Conditioning...Yes, its a cost that must be considered.

Who will clean and maintain these rooms? You need to have qualified honest staff to make sure your accommodations are at their best and secure.

Then there is the True Vision Premier HD Satellite and Internet.

You have to pay for advertising such as web sites, signs, cards, printing and graphics... I have paid a fare fee for you and I to have this chat... I am a Thai Visa Sponsor and that is a cost.

Here is a big cost that some people forget... You have to invest in the Air Conditioners, Boutique Furniture, Bed Frames, Mattresses, Water Heaters, Linens Drapes, TV...Plus Plus ... Etc Etc.

We at R N' R cater to people that want Fun with Adventure, Quality / Safe Rooms, Food, Drinks and even Live Entertainment. So far our guests appreciate our sincere interest to make their holiday the best it could be. Many past guests are now good friends.

I have stated Rick N' Roll's business intent on Thai Visa and as a Thai Visa Sponsor I have been in my rights to do so.

We are a small business in Phuket with nothing but good intentions and the fare goal to pay our overheads and survive.

By the way to all the readers...Check out NamKangMan's and KhunHeineken's above post...They know their stuff... I am gonna go PM them now and incorporate some of their suggestion first thing in the AM...I will push the crew on the completion of the Mixed Dorms for the couples and males and then install more power outlet's in the bar and restaurant for charging personal electronics (Phones, iPod etc) and a power outlet right at the edge of each bed... Hmmm, maybe a personal reading light as well?

This is fun! Thanks Gentlemen :jap:

Rick, I'm not sure you've made the right decision here.

Not only have you turned away 50% of your potential market (male backpackers) but you have also turned away another significant demographic, backpacking couples. This is a huge market. So, take away all males and then males with their girlfriends and then girfriends with their boyfriends, or even guys and girls who have met each other on their travels and are now traveling together, and you have excluded a huge slice of the market.

The price is ok, but, as mentioned, you can get a "twin" for 600 baht which equals only 300 baht each. Not only is this a cheaper option, but, more private, no bathroom ques, less risk of theft by a fellow backpacker (this is a problem in hostels all around the world) and you don't have to worry about turning lights on, making noise, and waking people up in the dorm when you come home late and/or drunk.

Also, many female backpackers like to meet male backpackers on their travels. Not for sex, just for some attention from the opposite sex. So, they will now leave your bar to head to a bar where they can meet some young guys and party on because there will not be guys staying in your hostel.

Another point, due to discrimination laws, I am not sure you will be allowed to advertise "female only" on many hostel websites such as www.hostelworld.com but don't quote me on that. Most hostels offer male only, female only, and mixed dorms, so, they cover everyone. I am not sure if you have the room for that, but I would encourage you to consider it because your place could "crank" if you did. The best hostels are ones that have mixed dorms and a bar downstairs. They are the most social and have the best atmosphere.

Now, if the real idea behind this decision is to shag as many backpackers as you can, best of luck. You certainly have got rid of your competition, but that doesn't do much for profits. :) :)

Thank You NamKingMan ... as previously stated " I can appreciate any educated advice or corrective criticism" And I do appreciate your educated advice.

As far as the Dorms... Yes, We are Building another large room for a Mixed Dorm and that will include couples and of course men.

As far as keeping the girls to myself... hmmmm?? You do make a good point... However, There has been a few gents that have stopped by the bar to see what our occupancy has been. There will be some appreciated competition and that is good for the bar and restaurant as well. The best thing about a hostel is the fact that many of these travelers want to hook up with other adventures and so far our guests have shared taxi / tuk tuks and even change there travel agendas to match their brand new friends / roommates travel plans.

I am going to go on a holiday soon just to stay at some hostels myself and see how other places run... do you think they will let me stay in an all girl dorm for research purposes only

This is what Phuket has to offer at 350 a night? A Rickety Bunk Bed (how about that pun!).

Geez, that's what Grumpy slept in when he was a kid and had to share a room with the stinky older brother............

No offense Rick but I think at 350, in the low season, with a little effort and bargaining, people will find a better room than that.

For 500 bath you get your own room with airco / sat tv / fridge

Rickety Beds ? LOL...This custom bed would cost $700,00 - $1000,00 dollars at either Pier One imports USA or KoolBamboo (www.koolbamboo.com Florida U.S.A) Go check them out... Our Guests Love these Beds!

I can appreciate any educated advice or corrective criticism... I am always looking for way to improve R N' R (Rick N' Roll Music Cafe / Hostel). However, Go check out the other Hostels in Phuket.

These are boutique Hostel Rooms with clothe amoires, custom linens, towels, ironing boards, hair dryers, full length mirrors, air conditioners, hot water heaters, hair dryers, awesome large balconies with a view of the Kata hills and fish ponds, we do provide refrigerators and a common area with a 42 inch flat screen, three 32" flat inch TV's and a 100,000 baht (PA) sound system for satellite Tv, DVD movies. live music or even a Karaoke Sing a Long.

You surly are missing the point... We have Ladies Night Every Night with Tropical Drink Special and a Discounted Food Menu.. We provide FREE use of snorkels and towels for the beach which is only a short walk away from our property.

This is not just a room and key... This is a Package Deal and a fun experiences for single woman and or a group of girls on an adventure. We help them learn the Island and also get them the best tour rates and transportation... We provide at best a polite concierge-service.

Again we guarantee a safe and secure Hostel not a moldy old room with roaches and rusty water that stinks.

Remember...you do get what you pay for!

However, Thank you for your kind comment.

Hi Ricky what time do the festivities begin???

i was too late friday and all the tacos had gone

SAD.... but i did have some nice Thai food

plus i hope to join in and sing a song dont care if i dont win a prize

yes its an event worth coming to

Some thing on a tuesday--- has a ring to it Riley 76

We were so surprised at the turn out lat week so we will have more Tacos ( Beef, Chicken & Veggie )

Re-fried Beans and Rice tonight. The food fun and festivities start at 7:00 PM

Look forward to see you and more Thai Visa Friends... There will be some great singing competition and who knows you just may win a prize as well.

If anyone is planning to come just post it and I will save you Tacos as well.

Best, Ricky

Since last weeks awesome Taco/Tex Mex Contest people have stopped in almost daily asking for more Tacos... By popular demand we at Rick N' Roll have opted to go with a Taco Tuesday promotion for the month of May and this Tuesday Nights Feast will also include a Live & Hosted Sing a Long Contest with PRIZES!

We will feature 50 baht Tacos and 99 baht Frozen Margaritas, 99 shots of Tequila and more!

WWW.RICKNROLL.ASIA

WWW.PHUKETRNRHOSTEL.COM

We will be updating the web site with more pictures and details daily.

WWW.PHUKETRNRHOSTEL.COM

WWW.RICKNROLL.ASIA

Booking into a Hostel is a well known way to travel whether you are on a budget our just want a great way to meet new people... booking a bed at a hostel can be fun and save you money.

Phuket R N' R Hostel at Rick N' Roll Music Cafe in Kata Beach Phuket Thailand is gaining increased attention with it's Girls-Only Hostel – no snoring boys allowed!

On arrival ladies will receive a welcome Mai Tai, a gift pack containing skin and hair care products, a fluffy towel and face clothe. Guest are given a personal locker and our natural bamboo jungle themed rooms are equipped with a hairdryer a clothe iron and a movie star mirror for the ultimate pampering atmosphere. Ladies have access to a cozy plush sofa lounge complete with magazines, books, and multiple large Flat Screen TVs.. "Perfect for our Popcorn Movie nights / Live Satellite HD Sports Parties and Live Music DVD Concerts"

Travelers will find the free internet / Wi-Fi useful for staying in touch with family, friends and Facebook.

Located conveniently near great shopping or a short walk to the beach you can start your daily adventure by renting a motor bike or booking an excursion right outside from our local Travel & Tour Experts

A full Thai and Western Menu is available in the the Restaurant/Cafe and the Bar energy is fun & social... R N' R brews that perfect atmosphere where you can meet other travelers in a warm and vibrant setting, sing a song with our Live Musicians or chill out in our Tiki Garden Bamboo Cabanas.

Don't forget Ladies Night is Every Night featuring our Exotic Island Cocktail Promotions!

Phuket R N' R Hostel at Rick N' Roll Music Cafe is not just your typical sleepy hollow hostel... This your home away from home and the best way to enjoy your travels in Thailand.

Low season Special 350 baht a bed

Web Site: www.phuketrnrhostel.com

www.ricknroll.asia

Hadn't heard that. Nothing on Rick's website yet. http://www.ricknrollmusiccafe.com/ The gf happens to be online chatting with Bo, Rick's gf so I just asked. Bo says the new manager, Ryan, who is from California is planning a taco night tomorrow night (Friday) and that he wants to make it a regular thing. Bo says there is no band at the moment, but as the regulars know, it's a rare night that Ricky doesn't grab his guitar and jam.

Ricky has re-branded the guesthouse as a female oriented youth hostel, so there are often a lot of young female backpackers there now. Very smooth Rick.

Yes, Rick N' Roll Music Cafe is having a Southern California Vs Texas Tex Mex Taco Cook Off... Tomorrow Night! Two Chefs Two Flavors and you be the JUDGE.

Friday night the 29th at 6:30 the food and fun begins with 100 Baht Tacos, 100 Baht Drink Specials on Mexican Margaritas & 99 Baht Tequila Shooters.

There will be live music of course and a Fun Phuket's Got Talent Sing A Long Contest for those that want to win a free bottle of booze & T-Shirt !

I will also be posting our new Hostel Accommodation Information; With An All Female Hostel Dorm Room and a Mixed Dorm Room both are now available and starting at only 350 baht per bed per night. ( Just in case some of you party too much and need to stay the night

For those that love Thai Food ...Our New Thai Menu comes out tomorrow night including 50 Baht Thai Dishes and and awesome Moo-ka-taht ( Thai Table BBQ).

With all this new stuff low season will actually be fun... I hope to see you there tomorrow night !

Map : www.ricknroll.asia or www.phuketrnrhostel.com

I remember you Milanman at the TV Party...Thank you for genuine concern.

I was not at the TV Party. Because I did not meet the requirements(30 Post) set by You (Rick) to come to the Party.

I missed out meeting all 11 people who showed up!

Actually the TV Party was not my personal party. The event was set up by Thai Visa themselves... Why would I care about how many posts a person has?

I had nothing to do with the Thia Visa member requirements... You can confirm with the TV moderators who posted on the TV Party forum with their minimal requirements.

Sorry guys, but the money was spent on a concert, the proceeds of which were to be used charitable. Not the same as donating directly to a charity.

And when the concert is not held and there is no accountabikity for the money, i would also want it back.

That is my point.

The money would like to be returned so it can be given directly to the Rotary Club.

It would be great if Love Aide happens. Whether they raise 10K baht or 10M it would be great.

But until a new venue is found and a date is set a refund should be given.

No Ticket's were printed!

There were and are no outlets to sell tickets.

NO Tickets were SOLD!

You actually bought a ticket? If you really honestly bought a ticket...Then someone has misrepresented themselves and had no authorization to sell you a counterfeit Ticket!

Someone is a FRAUD!

To prove no Fraud on the part of the person or persons who so called purchased a non existent ticket...Simply post a scanned copy of that ticket and the receipt of purchase here so all members can see the proof.

I remember you Milanman at the TV Party...Thank you for genuine concern.

A benefit concert entitled “LOVE AID – To Japan From Phuket With Love”

http://www.loveaidphuket.org/

PHUKET: A benefit concert entitled “LOVE AID – To Japan From Phuket With Love” has been scheduled for April 2 on Karon Beach, with 100 per cent of proceeds going to help victims of the Japan earthquake, tsunami and subsequent explosions at a nuclear power plant.

“100 baht = 100 per cent donation and 100 per cent makes the difference. We are doing this to make as much money as we can for these people, so we keep it simple this way. They need this money now, so we must move quickly. Originally slated for March 31 we have now moved it forward to April 2, a Saturday, to attract more people” he added.

Many hotels and restaurants will donate food and drink and sponsor booths. Other businesses are expected to donate auction items.

Entertainment director of the event, Ricky Zen, has helped organize similar events in the past. He is confident that some of the island’s top musicians will be playing on the day.

If any Artists are available contact Ricky at: [email protected]

Many hotels and restaurants will donate food and drink and sponsor booths. Other businesses are expected to donate auction items.

Anyone wishing to donate or help can contact Edgardo at 080-9515056