Hua Hin is known for the its beautiful coast; for those who want a relaxing holiday away from the party islands, this is the place to visit. it's near enough Bangkok for a short stay, but still has everything you need, from convenience stores, restaurants of all types and a bustling market. During my stay in this part of Thailand, our group stayed in Centara Grand.
The Room
Centara Grand is an old soul, it has an old colonial facade, that will make you imagine the days of royalty. The room elicits the same nostalgia; the design, some of the appliances and furniture are like those you'd see in sepia tone photos shown by your grandparents. The ceiling fan and mosquito net are nice additions, adding to the ambiance of the room.
The bed was soft and comfortable, giving me a good night's rest throughout my stay.
For those who work online like me, having a table and desk is a definite plus.
The extra chair in the room was a plus as well, it's a good place to just kick back and relax while reading a good book.
The toilet and bath cover the essentials and is quite spacious.
The room came with a view of the garden, I got to relax here even just for a few minutes.
True to its old colonial charm, the garden is huge and well-maintained. You can easily wander around here and find a quiet spot to contemplate or plan your itinerary for the day. There's a maze-like section, plants in the shape of animals (big and small), and a big chess board.
After enjoying the beach, visitors can enjoy lounging in the pool area or swim. It's big enough for those inclined to take laps for exercise or just wade in the water. There are also shallow sections to take your kids in.
For those who want to squeak in a good workout, the hotel also has a gym that covers the basics.
Cap the night off (or get it going) by grabbing a drink or two at the bar. They have a good selection of drinks to wash down a meal, kick start the night or end it on a good note.
Lobby Area
True to the overall theme of the hotel, the lobby elicits nostalgia and everything good about decades past. This is a comfortable and welcoming area for guests that just arrived or those waiting for their transportation. There are also cafes and restaurants in this area for those who want to grab a bite.
Rating: 5/5
Dining
We had a busy day ahead, so I only got a chance to eat the buffet breakfast. The dining area was comfortable and well-designed for both indoor and outdoor dining.
I'm not a very picky eater, so let's just say I loved the food. There were plenty of choices for different kinds of tastes.If you like rice, you have a lot of choices for a viand and sides, if you like bread there are a lot of options as well.
The food is high quality and the cooks do their job well.
Like any other highly rated resort, what makes the difference is the customer service. The staff are always ready and willing to help with a smile on their face, they answer queries politely and they go the extra mile.
Rating: 4.5/5
What I like about Centara Grand is that the beach is just outside of it. Walk to the beach to catch the sunset or sunrise, or take a dip in the waters. It's also within walking distance to some restaurants and markets in Hua Hin.
Rating: 5/5
Pricing
The room rates aren't as expensive as you'd think based on what you would see and experience, the prices are competitive with other resorts of the same caliber. You get good value, if you are willing to spend for your vacation. This isn't a backpacker accommodation, so better be ready to pay more.
Rating: 4.5/5
Would I recommend Centara Grand?
Yes, if you're willing to spend more for better accommodation and if you're looking for an excellent place to stay. It's all about the details and little things once hotels start adding stars next to their name. Some establishments have the money, but the staff are poorly trained and aren't friendly, and some of the rooms and areas don't undergo regular cleaning and maintenance. Centara Grand at Hua Hin has the little things covered, from the old colonial design (with matching furniture) to the costumes/uniforms of the staff to the world-class service visitors get.
Contact Details
Address: 1 Damnernkasem Road, Hua Hin 77110, Thailand
Website: http://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centaragrand/chbr/
Phone: +66 (0) 3251 2021-38
Fax: +66 (0) 3251 1014
Email: [email protected]
