Thailand (Lonely Planet, 13th Edition) - China Williams [465]
Sand Inn (0 3253 2060; www.sandinn-huahin.com; 38/1-4 Th Phunsuk; r 1000-1600B; ) The generic exterior belies the artsy interior, with the funkiest hallway lighting we’ve seen in a midrange joint. Some rooms come with huge balconies. The new pool looked promising but seemed rarely used when we visited.
Baan Oum-or Hotel (0 3251 5151; 77/18-19 Th Phetkasem, Soi 63; r from 1200B; ) The rooms are big and bright and there are only seven of them so book ahead.
ChaLeLarn (0 3253 1288; www.chalelarn.com; 11 Th Chomsin; r 1200-1300B; ) ChaLeLarn has a beautiful lobby with wooden floors, while big rooms are equipped with king-sized beds. Verandahs, breakfast and free wi-fi are all part of the perks.
Chomsin (0 3251 5348; www.chomsinhuahin.com; 130/4 Th Chomsin; r 1300B; ) Close to the beach and night market, the Chomsin has super comfortable, if somewhat bland, rooms with wood floors, clean bathrooms and cable TV. Some of the lower rooms face the neighbour’s wall.
Jed Pee Nong (0 3251 2381; www.jedpeenonghotel-huahin.com; 17 Th Damnoen Kasem; r 1500-1800B; ) Family-oriented, this place has a small kid–friendly pool (they’ll love the water slides) and larger three-bed family rooms to squeeze the whole clan into. Cartoon-character shower curtains make bath-time fun. It’s centrally located and within walking distance of the beach.
Araya Residence (0 3253 1130; www.araya-residence.com; 15/1 Th Chomsin; r 1500-2000B; ) At this new hotel, wood and concrete are combined to create a rustic yet modern feel. Double doors open to spacious and tiled bathrooms in rooms that have special touches such as writing desks and settees. Highly recommended.
About 1km south of Hua Hin is a small traveller’s enclave of midrange guesthouses. Prices (rooms from 600B to 900B July to September, from 1000B to 1350B October to June) and facilities (clean, comfortable, modern) are the same at almost every one. We recommend the following (both with pools, but the beach is just a short walk away).
Jinning Beach (0 3251 3950; www.jinningbeachguesthouse.com; r 800-1700B; )
Thipurai (0 3251 2210; www.thirupai.com; r 1350B; )
TOP END
Hua Hin has an impressive selection of luxury hotels. You’ll also find other top-end places just north or south of the town centre.
Baan Bayan (0 3253 3544; www.beachfronthotelhuahin.com; 119 Th Phetkasem; r 6000-11,000B; ) A colonial beach house built in the early 20th century, Baan Bayan is perfect for travellers seeking a luxury experience without the overkill of a big resort. The airy, high-ceilinged rooms are painted a relaxing buttery yellow, the staff are attentive and the location is absolute beachfront.
Sofitel Grand Resort and Villas (0 3251 2021, in Bangkok 0 2541 1125; www.sofitel.com; 1 Th Damnoen Kasem; r from 7000B; ) Formerly the Railway Hotel, this is a magnificent, two-storey colonial-style place with three pools, expansive grounds along the beach, a spa and sporting facilities. Rooms, either in the original colonial wing or in the new modern wing, are luxurious with old-world touches. Discounts of up to 40% may be possible during the week and in the low season, or if you book through the office in Bangkok. Also worth visiting is the lobby cafe, which doubles as a museum of the hotel’s fascinating history and was part of the set in the 1984 movie The Killing Fields.
Anantara Resort & Spa (0 3252 0205; www.anantara.com; r from 7500B; ) Located about 4.5km from town, and featuring exquisite Thai-style villas and suites on 5.5 landscaped hectares, this place pulls off the effortless trick of being low key and luxurious at the same time. Gorgeous teak bungalows conceal pampering spa facilities, and the more active traveller can choose between tennis, golf and a whole raft of water sports.
Chiva-Som International Health Resort (0 3253 6536; www.chivasom.com; 74/4