I booked the Anantara GT thru them and got an email saying that my reservation was confirmed and was being held under the name of Pacific World Travel at the hotel, and that they would give the hotel our names 3 days before arrival. It continued that if I check with the hotel, they will not have a reservation under my name. I have the voucher...anyone have this experience...or problems? I'm feeling very uncomfortable about this, but the rate is really excellent compared to everything else I've found.

I guess if it were me I would not feel uncomfortable with this. But I have worked with Asiarooms before and have had no problems. The fact that they are communicating to you all of the info on how the reservation is being handled is a good thing, I think. It is quite common for them to subcontract reservations through other agencies. The fact that you have a voucher should also give you some peace-of-mind.

As Craig says, this is very common. You have a voucher, I wouldn't be concerned.

this is the norm with them...it all works perfectly in the end

I had the same experience. The actual email says:

Your reservation will be held at the hotel in the name of "Pacific World Thailand".
The hotel will be given the name(s) of the guest(s) 3 days before the check-in date.
Therefore, if you contact the hotel before that time, the hotel will not be able to confirm that you have a reservation.
The voucher serves as your confirmation.

I would not worry, my reservation was fine.

Thanks, everyone, this is. One additional question: I was thinking about having the hotel arrange for transport from the airport. If they don't have our names until 3 days in advance, how would this work? Still undecided about whether to rent a car and self drive the area.

Let the hotel know you booked through asiarooms so your reservation is being held in the name of Pacific World Travel. I'm sure they will be happy to arrange your transfers.

I did book a room previously in Feb 2008 through Asiaroom in Bangkok. They wrote the same thing to me. I had no problems when I arrived at the hotel. If you are feeling uncomfortable, you may call the hotel 3 days before arrival and confirm the booking under your name.

I have used Asiarooms several times with no problems. The booking appears to be with another company because Asiarooms has agreements with companies that book blocks of rooms. That is how they get a good price.

why not rent a car...the driving is very easy in that part of thailand...budget or avis are the agencies at the CR airport....about the same cost as having a car pick-up/return and adds tons of flexibility....only about 3 turns from airport to hotel and it takes 1 hour..

Yes, Bob, thinking about renting a car - - have to convince DH since he'll be doing the driving. Maybe you can talk him into it at the GTG!

good idea....its really easy and carefree, but the best point is the flexibility it gives you up north....transportation is very limited and the hotel charges an arm and a leg...