I think the general rule is like many if not most of the places on Orient you pay for your chairs regardless of if you eat there or not. I am sure there will be exceptions to that rule for some regulars or some other relationship with the place, staff or owners. I would go there with the assumption taht you will be paying for your chairs.

I will say that after not going to Orient last year and not much the previous recent years La Playa was at a level at our recent visit that has me looking forward to going back. I was very happy with everything about the place and I know it will get better after talking to Bruno.

Cheers!
Todd