Camille's Thailand Hotel recommendations

Links for 2012-05-29 [del.icio.us]

Wed, 30 May 2012 00:00:00 PDT

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 30th May, 2012
Daily weather updates for tropical island destination Koh Samui in Thailand by long term resident Camille Lemmens

Links for 2012-05-28 [del.icio.us]

Tue, 29 May 2012 00:00:00 PDT

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 29th May, 2012
Daily weather updates for tropical island destination Koh Samui in Thailand by long term resident Camille Lemmens

Links for 2012-05-27 [del.icio.us]

Mon, 28 May 2012 00:00:00 PDT

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 28th May, 2012
Daily weather updates for tropical island destination Koh Samui in Thailand by long term resident Camille Lemmens

Links for 2012-05-26 [del.icio.us]

Sun, 27 May 2012 00:00:00 PDT

Registration for the Hat Yai marathon's 13km run
Today is the registration for tomorrows 6th Hat Yai marathon. I'm running the 13km distance, starting at 5.45am. Signed; Camille Lemmens, long term Thailand resident.
Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 27th May, 2012
Daily weather updates for tropical island destination Koh Samui in Thailand by long term resident Camille Lemmens

Links for 2012-05-25 [del.icio.us]

Sat, 26 May 2012 00:00:00 PDT

PADI, diving and Instructor Development (IDC) around Thailand: Combined animals?
Combined animals? A surprising view on a different and new breed of underwater animals, combined with land based animals. A photo collection brought to you by award winning and 6 time Platinum PADI Course Director Camille Lemmens
Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 26th May, 2012
Daily weather updates for tropical island destination Koh Samui in Thailand by long term resident Camille Lemmens

Links for 2012-05-24 [del.icio.us]

Fri, 25 May 2012 00:00:00 PDT

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 25th May, 2012
Daily weather updates for tropical island destination Koh Samui in Thailand by long term resident Camille Lemmens

Links for 2012-05-23 [del.icio.us]

Thu, 24 May 2012 00:00:00 PDT

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 24th May, 2012
Daily weather updates for tropical island destination Koh Samui in Thailand by long term resident Camille Lemmens

Hilton Hotel, Pattaya

noreply@blogger.com (Camille Lemmens) — Fri, 18 May 2012 04:04:00 +0000

Hilton Hotel, Pattaya

The Hilton chain just opened a new hotel in Pattaya and they did it in grand style. This hotel is found on top of the Central Festival Pattaya Beach complex, a big shopping mall that houses among others over 300 international shops and restaurants, a 10-screen cinema, and a bowling alley. Staying here is quite convenient!

You're absolutely in the middle of Pattaya city and the view over the bay is spectacular. The spacious and contemporary one bedroom suites offer floor-to-ceiling windows and the latest in-room multimedia technology and all suites feature a separate living area.

With Edge, Shore, Flare and Drift the hotel also offers 4 excellent restaurant and bar choices, in case one of the many options in the shopping mall don't meet requirements.

If you would like an upscale and luxurious experience in Pattaya, the Hilton offers just what you're looking for.

Booking by Agoda

Booking by Hotels Combined

Deluxe plus

Ocean view suite

Lobby

Drift restaurant

Infinity pool at night

The Andaburi Resort, Khao Lak

noreply@blogger.com (Camille Lemmens) — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 01:22:00 +0000

The Andaburi Resort, Khao Lak

This resort is in the middle of Khao Lak, near all places of interest and just an hour way from Phuket International airport. Tourist attractions like James Bond island, Khao Sok national park, the Similan islands and Surin islands are all within easy access.

The hotel boasts 39 Superior rooms, 24 Villas and 5 Deluxe Villas at very reasonable prices. A drawback may be that there's no direct access to the beach, although the beach is not far away, maybe a 10 minute walk.

A nice and relaxed location at good prices, the Andaburi in Khao Lak may be your choice.

Booking by Agoda

Booking by Hotels Combined

Room

Guest room

Lobby

Hotel exterior

Pool

Feung Nakorn Balcony, Bangkok

noreply@blogger.com (Camille Lemmens) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 05:13:00 +0000

Feung Nakorn Balcony, Bangkok

As big cities go, they have all kind of special, weird and/or different things to offer in many ways. On the hotel scene, the Feung Nakorn Balcony hotel in Bangkok is special indeed!

This medium sized hotel is family run and the hotel is divided in to two sections, The front section is a five story building that boasts a mix of Thai and western designs. Here you’ll find 3 gorgeous suites named after famous gem stones and the hotel's New Road Café, all of which offers stunning views of the famous Rajchabophit Temple across the road. From the rooftop, you can even view the magnificence of the famous Grand Palace and Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), two of Bangkok’s most famous temples.

The second section is located a few more steps in from the road and hosts a much larger 4 story building, which has been converted from a local elementary school but retains many of its classic structure and design. Here you can find the main reception area, a cozy open-air restaurant and a peaceful landscaped outdoor garden. There are 4 suites, 30 standard rooms and even 4 shared dorm rooms to accommodate.

Feung Nakorn Balcony is the first and only boutique hotel situated on Feung Nakorn Road, which is one of Thailand’s first roads built during the reign of King Rama 5th. From the past until today, this charming, classic Bangkok road remains unchanged with its abundant jewelry shops, many of which have been in business for over 4 generations. And because many old buildings still remain after all these years, Feung Nakorn Balcony is perfect for tourists searching for a nostalgic experience in old Bangkok. Moreover, it is just a few steps away from many major historical attraction.

These attraction include The Grande Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, National Museum, Khao San Road and Chinatown, all withing 20 or less minutes walk from the hotel.

Nostalgic and looking for that little bit different in a nice price range, the Feung Nakorn Balcony may exactly offer what you're looking for.

Booking by Agoda

Booking by Hotels Combined

Suite room

Deluxe room

Grande suite room

Dormitory room

Exterior

Castle Howchow Beach Resort Hotel, Khon Kaen

noreply@blogger.com (Camille Lemmens) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:25:00 +0000

Castle Howchow Beach Resort Hotel, Khon Kaen

This is a special place. A beach resort in Khon Kaen? Yes indeed, the owners of this family style resort have build their own beach near Khon Kaen.

The resort is located in the tranquil countryside of Amphur Kranuan in the District of Khon Kaen, in North East Thailand, or possibly better known as Isaan.

What makes this resort so special is that they have divided the resort in three main areas;

Garden 1. -5 rai, represents the South of Thailand with a beautiful man made beach and a big saltwater chlorinated swimming pool, surrounded by 16 new Luxury Bungalows.

Garden 2. -10 rai represents Central Thailand with its (Klongs) Waterways in its fully matured landscaped surrounding, bridges leading to a lake with , walkways bridges and salas to sit in and relax.

Garden3. -5 rai represents Isaan with its orchard and mature trees. There is also housing in this garden for another 66 persons.

In total the resort boasts 39 Luxury Bungalows in total, plus 4 Suite Rooms and a new block of rooms in Garden 3 with solar heated hot and solar pumped cold water, cable TV, broadband internet connection in every room and air-conditioning.

If you're in for a country side holiday and are looking for something else, this may be exactly what you're looking for. This place is special in many different ways.

Booking by Agoda

Suite chalet

Deluxe chalet

Guest room

Superior pool

Pool

Ocean Breeze Resort, Khao Lak

noreply@blogger.com (Camille Lemmens) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 02:13:00 +0000

Ocean Breeze Resort, Khao Lak

This resort is straight on the beach in Khao Lak and during my recent, December PADI IDC which I conducted in Khao Lak, I had the opportunity to visit this lovely resort.

The resort has recently been renovated and it makes it even more enjoyable to sit at the secluded and pristine beach in front of the hotel, looking at a sunset!

The resort is family friendly and has a good restaurant on the premises but nearby plenty of other options can be found.

31 wonderfully designed private bungalows and 14 superior rooms are available. The resort embraced a beautiful contemporary Thai style, featuring both finest cultural and natural elements of Thai design, making your stay very comfy and memorable.

Booking by Agoda

Deluxe beachfront bungalow

Deluxe room

Swimming pool

Pristine beach

Sunset

Tinidee Hotel Phuket

noreply@blogger.com (Camille Lemmens) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 13:20:00 +0000

Tinidee Hotel Phuket

Whilst teaching a PADI IDC in Khao Lak in December 2011, I noticed that there was an 11km run in Kathu during a day off of said IDC. This was an event that I would like to participate in but now I needed a place to stay. A quick search on internet delivered a great deal on rooms at the Tinidee at Agoda.

It was well worth the money! Located in-between two golf courts, the Loch Plam Golf Club and the Red Mountain Golf Course, it's idyllic and quiet. The rooms are nice, 32 superior rooms measuring 36 square meters and 15 deluxe rooms measuring 44 meters, divided over four buildings. There's no pool (I guess that's not the reason for visiting here) but therefor you're right in the middle of a beautiful gold course, still within 15 minutes of all the hassle that Patong has to offer or 10 minutes from Central festival shopping mall.

If you arrive by car, the hotel is located inside the golf course premises!

Especially if you're a golf buff, this is very convenient and nicely priced.

Booking by Agoda

Booking by Hotels Combined

Entrance sign

Superior room

Deluxe room

View from the balcony in each room

Club house/restaurant with the golf court in the background

Airport Resort & Spa Phuket, Airport

noreply@blogger.com (Camille Lemmens) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 01:04:00 +0000

Airport Resort & Spa Phuket, Airport

This hotel is located within 5 minutes of Phuket airport and is ideal for spending a night in transit or transferring. Don't confuse this hotel with the Phuket Airport Hotel, where I stayed previously. The latter raised their price to the same level as the Airport Resort & Spa and to be honest, the Airport Resort & Spa wins that contest easily, hands down!

Once you pass the village near Phuket airport, you immediately reach this resort and that's immediately the only downside, if you would like to stray from the resort, you have about a 5 minute walk into the village where there are plenty of other restaurant options besides the resorts restaurants.

Other than that the resort is just fine, nice rooms, friendly staff, free transfers between the airport and the resort, the only real minus I could find is that wifi is only available for free next to the pool.

Booking by Agoda

Booking by Hotels Combined

My room

Bedroom

Suite

Swimming Pool

Windsor Suites hotel, Sukhumvit, Soi 20, Bangkok

noreply@blogger.com (Camille Lemmens) — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 03:03:00 +0000

Windsor Suites hotel, Sukhumvit, Soi 20, Bangkok

We're staying here with the whole family for 5 nights in October 2011 and we enjoy it. It's an older style hotel but it's big, there are 460 suites which suits our family just fine. The kids can sleep on an expandable couch and this all at a decent rate. Two TV's, wi-fi in the room is a good start. It's not modern but all works and the staff is very friendly and helpful.

There's a fitness room, a nice swimming pool that the kids enjoy and various restaurants inside and near the hotel, from simple street food to excellent diner options.

The location is also excellent, within walking distance to Asoke Sky train and Subway station which makes it easy to get around Bangkok.

A good deal can be had here and for future reference we might find ourselves back at this hotel.

Booking by Agoda

Booking by Hotels Combined

Diplomat one bedroom suite

Counselor one bedroom suite

Family two bedroom suite

Swimming pool

Hotel exterior

Haad Son Resort, Haad Son, Koh Phangan

noreply@blogger.com (Camille Lemmens) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 00:34:00 +0000

Haad Son Resort, Haad Son, Koh Phangan

This resort is located on Koh Phangan in it's 'own' exclusive bay; Haad Son. Nicely nestled between Haad Chao Phao and Haad Yao, just North of Thong Sala.

The resort boosts a great variety of accommodation, from relatively cheap bungalows to an exclusive penthouse suite with private pool. It's a family run resort and Haad Son is one of the few undeveloped bays. Although small, the beach is some 300 meters long it's a lovely setting with some spectacular sun sets.

There are 3 restaurants and 2 bars on the premises to cater to all your needs.

A quiet and relaxing area on Koh Phangan with a lovely location, catering to various budgets.

Booking by Agoda

Booking by Hotels Combined

At the entrance

Deluxe Ocean Villa

Deluxe Beach Front Hotel

Standard Garden Villa

The beach

Swimming Pool

Convenient Resort, Bang Na/Suvarnabhumi Airport

noreply@blogger.com (Camille Lemmens) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 04:25:00 +0000

Convenient Resort, Bang Na/Suvarnabhumi Airport

Once more a hotel near Suvarnabhumi airport. This hotel is just a 5 minute ride away from the airport and is very cheap. They offer free transfers but be careful with these transfers since they most likely run just once per hour and if you just missed it by a few minutes you will have to wait. A taxi that has been waiting in line for a long time and is hoping for a ride downtown Bangkok will not be happy or plain refuse to bring you to this hotel.

The hotel offers free wifi and there's an outdoor restaurant offering Thai and Western dishes until 5am. Ideal for later arrivals! There's also a Thai massage place in the hotel which offer 24 hours in room service.

Convenient Resort is a modern four store building which opened in 2006), the hotel offers 67 en-suit bedrooms, and for comfort and safety aspects it's completely non smoking, which is pretty unique in Asia!

For short or longer stop overs near Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport, an ideal choice at amazing rates.

Booking by Agoda

Booking by Hotels Combined

Superior room

Deluxe room

Deluxe corner room

Exterior

View by night of the airport from the hotel

B52 Beach Resort, Thongsala/Bantai, Koh Phangan

noreply@blogger.com (Camille Lemmens) — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 07:23:00 +0000

B52 Beach Resort, Thongsala/Bantai, Koh Phangan

The B52 had nice and clean rooms and bungalows, conveniently located near Thongsala and it's shopping opportunities and restaurants. If you're on Phangan for the full moon party, Haad Rin is about 20 minutes away by taxi, the black moon party is about 10 minutes away and the half moon just a few minutes.

It's still a nice and quiet area with all rooms and bungalows having sea view, however, the beach isn't a sandy beach and for real beach life, you will need to travel. The infinity pool will make up however!

For what you pay, the rooms are very nicely priced, have a look and check it out and most importantly, enjoy!

Booking by Agoda

Booking by Hotels Combined

Standard bungalow

Deluxe Bungalow

Villa room

Pool

Kasalong Phuket Resort, Nai Yan Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Camille Lemmens) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 14:05:00 +0000

Kasalong Phuket Resort, Nai Yan Beach

During our stay in Phuket during the Laguna Phuket International Marathon in which I participated, we stayed at the Kasalong and enjoyed it a lot.

The rooms are all suites with a living room which holds a fridge and a microwave and a bed room with connecting bathroom. There's a nice pool and the staff is very friendly and accommodating.

The Nai Yan area is also very nice and makes for a nice change compared to Kata, Karon and let alone Patong! The surrounding scenery is lush and very green with the ocean nearby. It's also near the airport, which is less than 10 minutes away.

The downside may be that it is relatively far away from any kind of shopping, like Central Festival. The upside is that the a newly opened water park is very nearby again.

The rooms are very nicely priced and I can recommend staying here.

Booking by Agoda

Booking by Hotels Combined

Bed room

Bungalow exterior

Resort complex

Reception area

Swimming pool

Kaew Samui Resort, Surat Thani

noreply@blogger.com (Camille Lemmens) — Mon, 30 May 2011 14:32:00 +0000

Kaew Samui Resort, Surat Thani

Is located on the 401 ring road that leads around the city and is a good choice if you're 'stuck' in Surat Thani on your way to the islands or on your way to Bangkok coming from the South. Shopping malls are nearby, the city is nearby and the ferries in Donsak to Koh Samui and the other islands are just under an hour away. The hotel (it's really not a resort!) is located in an industrial area though and is mainly catering to Thai business people.

The restaurant is nice and free wifi is available, ask at check in and it's a newly build hotel.

Low prices are a plus, it's convenient and just what you need for a night's stay in Surat!

Booking by Agoda

Guest room

Reception

Restaurant

S31 Sukhumvit Hotel, Sukhumvit, Soi 31, Bangkok

noreply@blogger.com (Camille Lemmens) — Mon, 09 May 2011 02:41:00 +0000

S31 Sukhumvit Hotel, Sukhumvit, Soi 31, Bangkok

Looking for convenience, central location and that little touch of luxury, S31 has it for the tourist and the business person.

Designed by by award winning architect Sumej Jumsai, he really put in the 'works', including a roof top restaurant with a great view over Bangkok and a nice swimming pool using the latest eco friendly salt system.

Located in-between two BTS stations, Asoke and Prom Phong, near the Emporium luxury shopping mall and the Queen Sirikit Convention Center, just 2 km's away from the Bangkok Cityair Terminal “Makkasan Station” (airport link) or a 30 minute drive from Suvarnabhumi airport and near to the vibrating night life of Bangkok, it's hard to beat this location.

The rooms feature; 8 foot beds, full-frame windows for glorious unobstructed city views and lots of delightful natural lights, double-door refrigerator, in keeping with the in-room catering possibilities implicit in the pantry, 42” wide screen digital-format LCD TV (in all suites) and best of all; show bathrooms with special glazing system that allows you to enjoy the view while you bathe without being seen! How exciting can it get?

More pictures are posted of my stay at the S31 on my Samui info blog.

More than five star, better than Boutique, according to a review in the Bangkok Post (Thailand's biggest English newspaper), this pretty much sums it up! Currently special deals are available so get them whilst they last!

Booking by Agoda

Booking by Hotels Combined

Deluxe room with 8 foot bed

Executive Suite

Duplex suite

Swimming pool

Lobby

Phuket Airport Hotel, Airport

noreply@blogger.com (Camille Lemmens) — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 14:33:00 +0000

Phuket Airport Hotel, Airport

It's location is excellent, within about 600 meters of the entrance of Phuket Airport, almost walking distance. Yeah right, not very appealing with a lot of luggage. The staff however is very friendly and accommodating and they offer pick ups at the airport for 100,-THB and free transfers in the morning to the airport. Easy peasy.

The hotel itself is rather small with just 12 rooms, a pool and a restaurant. Around the corner is a 7-11 and a few restaurants but why bother if you can eat on location? The beach is just 600 meters away but for most travelers; transit passengers, layovers and short-stay guests the hotel is just for a night or a day room and it fulfills this purpose excellently. There's free wifi but make sure you check the rooms near the restaurant where the router is. I had bad reception in my room and was offered an alternative room.

Looking for a fair price near Phuket airport, this may be just it, convenient, simple yet effective and easy, as long as you don't expect luxury. Very nice staff, did I mention that yet?

Booking by Agoda

Booking by Hotels Combined

Room with king size and single bed

Room exterior

Restaurant

Pool

Mystic Place, Bangkok

noreply@blogger.com (Camille Lemmens) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 08:00:00 +0000

Mystic Place, Bangkok

This is at last a hotel that gives meaning to the word 'boutique hotel'. Located in the Saphan Kwai area of Bangkok, near the Chatuchak weekend market and near the Saphan Kwai BTS Station, Mystic Place is a perfect hotspot for guests who love Art and Fantasy, and desire a different out-of-the-ordinary experience when staying in Bangkok. Forget those "ordinary" hotels; Mystic Place is definitely one-of-a-kind destination.

Each of the 36 rooms have been uniquely designed centering around a theme by Thailand's most talented artists and gives this hotel a uniqueness that hasn't been matched yet in Bangkok.

There's a free Shuttle Tuk Tuk to BTS, MRT and Chatuchak Market for the guests which makes it convenient and easy to get around.

Although I haven't stayed here myself, it's high on my list of places to stay at during a next trip to Bangkok. This hotel was brought under my attention by a fellow blogger, Talen of Thailand Land of Smiles and during his stay he had a great time. One of the nice features of the hotel is that when you book on line, where you can see pictures of all 36 rooms, but you don't like the room upon, you can change rooms daily for a 200,-THB surcharge, unless you stay for more than 3 nights and the surcharge is dropped.

If in Bangkok and you're in for something different within a very reasonable price range, Mystic Place is your stop!

Booking by Agoda

Booking by Hotels Combined

Superior room

Deluxe room

Superior double bed

Lobby

Front desk

The Heart Inn, Saladan, Koh Lanta

noreply@blogger.com (Camille Lemmens) — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 07:02:00 +0000

The Heart Inn, Saladan, Koh Lanta

The Heart Inn is one of those places that reminds me why travelling around Thailand can be so nice, clean and cheap rooms with all mod cons! During my last IDC that I conducted on Koh Lanta, during February/March 2011 I stayed here and for the up and coming IDC for March/April 2011 I will stay here again!

The room I stayed in had a/c, a mini fridge, cable TV, wifi and a shower with hot and cold water for well under 1.000,-THB per night!

The reception/lobby area also offers internet service.

Fair enough, it's not on the beach, although walk out the reception, hang a left and walk 500 meters and you're on a beach! The Heart doesn't have a pool neither, which I never use during when stay somewhere during work, so this comes at no big loss to me. The bathroom was interesting and funny though, some real creativity was used, have a look here.

One other real benefit of this Inn is that you're within walking distance of pretty much all restaurants, banks and shopping in Saladan and the motorbike taxis take you for a few Baht to the nearby Long Beach where there are even more restaurant options. The Inn's location is also in a very quiet small street off the main road pretty much in 'downtown' Saladan.

For people leaving with the ferries, it's also within walking distance of said ferries, location is everything!

All in all, great location and excellent value, what else can I say?

Booking by Agoda

Booking by Hotels Combined

Guest room

Reception/lobby area

Ananda Lanta Resort, Klong Dao, Koh Lanta

noreply@blogger.com (Camille Lemmens) — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 01:36:00 +0000

Ananda Lanta Resort, Klong Dao, Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is becoming a hot spot during my current travels and it's easy to check out the hotels on this lovely island. One of my current March 2011 IDC candidates is staying at this hotel and he's pleased with it.

Good to know is that resort is not at the beach side of the road, however, within 3 minutes you can be at the beach if you just cross the road. On the up side, the hotel boosts one of the bigger pools on the island.

All 48 rooms have their own balcony and the resort is located near Saladan, the busiest part of the island. Restaurants are plenty full near the hotel, combining a quiet and relaxed environment with plenty of things to do and see very nearby.

Booking with Agoda

Booking with Hotels Combined

Superior room

Superior seview

Deluxe seaview

Swimming pool

Exterior

Four Seasons Resort, Chiang Mai

noreply@blogger.com (Camille Lemmens) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 15:11:00 +0000

Four Seasons Resort, Chiang Mai

This typical Four Seasons luxury style resort with it's 80 rooms is located in the middle of rice fields and paddies and the hotel has spacious Lanna-style pavilions that overlook those terraced rice fields and the mountains of the beautiful Mae Rim Valley. How relaxing can it get?

It's a few minutes by car though to the hustle and bustle of Chiang Mai.

You can savour the unique flavours of northern and vegetarian Thai specialties at Sala Mae Rim restaurant, renowned for its sumptuous Thai and Western cuisine. A high teak wood ceiling complements Northern Thai artifacts and sweeping views of the Mae Rim Valley.

Located beside the Resort's main swimming pool, Terraces offers a stunning open air setting with an expansive view of the surrounding rice paddies and the distant Doi Suthep mountain range. Complementing the traditional Lanna-style architecture of the Resort, Terraces features international cuisine inspired by the region's abundant natural produce and showcases sensational dishes from Asia and beyond

From the Thai cooking school to the acclaimed spa and flawless service, this is a signature Four Seasons experience.

For a real relaxing experience in the middle of the country side, with prices that go along with the Four Seasons experience, this hotel comes highly recommended!

Booking by Agoda

Booking by Hotels Combined

Guest room

Villa

Exterior

View

Swimming pool

Royal Lanta Resort & Spa, Klong Dao

noreply@blogger.com (Camille Lemmens) — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 05:37:00 +0000

Royal Lanta Resort & Spa, Klong Dao

Located near Koh Lanta's main town of Saladan at the very popular beach of Klong Dao, the Royal Lanta Resort caters with just 48 rooms to guests looking for rest and relaxation on a white powdered beach!

Being near Saladan is convenient of you want some nearby day and night time activities and there are plenty of bars and restaurants within walking distance.

They have two swimming pools and on top of that they're located on the beach as well. For a fairly moderate priced ranged holiday this hotel will suit you well on Koh Lanta.

Booking by Agoda

Booking by Hotels Combined

Superior room

Deluxe room

Suite room

Villas

Swimming pool

Salad Buri Resort & Spa, Haad Salad, Koh Phangan

noreply@blogger.com (Camille Lemmens) — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 08:55:00 +0000

Salad Buri Resort & Spa, Haad Salad, Koh Phangan

Haad Salad is arguably one of the coziest beaches on Koh Phangan. It's definitely a very intimate beach and offers some amazing sunsets!

There's not much space here due to the size of the bay but there are a few options available and Salad Buri is at the higher end of your options and with 52 rooms they're not doing bad at all.

The resort is not too far away from the main port in Thong Sala and (luckily!) far enough away from Haad Rin and it's full moon madness in the very South of the island.

Enjoy a relaxing stay at one of Phangan's best bays in a medium ranged price bracket.

Booking by Agoda

Booking by Hotels Combined

Guest room

Superior room

Villa

Balcony

Swimming Pool

Tharathip Resort, Thongsala, Koh Phangan

noreply@blogger.com (Camille Lemmens) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 14:10:00 +0000

Tharathip Resort, Thongsala, Koh Phangan

The Tharathip is located in Wok Tom Bay about 5 minutes by bike or car from Thongsala, the main city on Koh Phangan and is easily accessible from the main pier which is located in Thongsala.

The resort is used a lot for people visiting the full moon party but who still want a quiet place to retreat withing a reasonable distance from the party. Haad Rin is about 20 to 30 minutes away by car and/or bike.

The 36 rooms are convenient and have the basic amenities including wifi. Fairly priced, a good choice for a few nights when you also want that quiet retreat from the Full Moon Party aka FMP.

Booking by Agoda

Booking by Hotels Combined

Superior Villa

Deluxe Seaview

Family Suite

Ocean view

Swimming pool

The Paragon Inn, Bang Na/Suvarnabhumi Airport

noreply@blogger.com (Camille Lemmens) — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 12:59:00 +0000

The Paragon Inn, Bang Na/Suvarnabhumi Airport

This family owned and run hotel is near Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport, just a 10 minute ride away. Having just stayed at the Silver Gold Garden hotel near the Paragon Inn, the Inn is slightly more upscale but still in a very price friendly range.

The hotel provides 25 spacious rooms and the hotel is surrounded by beautiful nature and decorated in a contemporary style.

It's traditional Thai style offers a clean, cozy atmosphere for you to admire and enjoy. The on-site swimming pool in a garden setting makes the Paragon Inn different from any other airport area hotel experience and adds just that little bit extra. Be aware that their may be an extra charge for using the pool though but on the other hand, it may be possible to upgrade the room for just a very small amount, pending on availability. Free wifi is available throughout the hotel.
It is also conveniently located near the Paseo Shopping Complex with a night market and restaurants and room service continues until 2am.

The Paragon Inn only offers one way transfers, from the hotel to the airport and they come at a marginal extra charge.

A very nice option in case you need a stop over between flights.

Booking by Agoda

Booking by Hotels Combined

Deluxe room

Lobby

Exterior

Breakfast area

Swimming pool

Silver Gold Garden Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel, Bang Na/Suvarnabhumi Airport

noreply@blogger.com (Camille Lemmens) — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 07:27:00 +0000

Silver Gold Garden Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel, Bang Na/Suvarnabhumi Airport

This is a very convenient located hotel within 10 to 15 minutes from Suvarnabhumi Airport and it offers a free round trip transfer to/from the airport and it's very affordable. What else can you ask for.

I will use it tonight for a late arrival from Samui and an early departure from the airport, just perfect for my purpose this 4 story property with 67 rooms and suites.

The transfers from the hotel to the airport are every hour on the half hour and upon arriving at the airport, you may have to wait a bit before the transfer takes off. All in all worthwhile considering it's included in the rate.

There's a 24 hours Tesco Lotus branch opposite the hotel, a night market and the hotel itself offers babysitting, business center, family room, hotel/airport transfer, laundry service/dry cleaning, meeting facilities , restaurant, room service, safety deposit boxes and WiFi (at a small surcharge). The hotel also has ample parking space available. Sounds about ideal to me!

The room amenities are also well taken care of; air conditioning, balcony/terrace, bathrobes, complimentary bottled water, desk, hair dryer, mini bar, non smoking rooms, satellite/cable TV, shower, television, television LCD/plasma screen and there's a small massage parlor attached to the hotel.

Can't beat this in my humble opinion for this price. An absolute winner at low cost! The rooms are small but do the job for a night and the reception staff was very efficient during my stay. I got a room at the ground floor, which was very convenient, be aware that the hotel does not have an elevator, getting to the room will be easy with staff help but getting out of a room might be more tricky unless you get staff involved.

Booking by Agoda

Booking by Hotels Combined

Superior double bedroom

Superior twin bedroom

Superior suite room

24 hour free round trip airport transfer

Exterior

JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa, Khuk Kak Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Camille Lemmens) — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 12:57:00 +0000

JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa, Khuk Kak Beach

This Marriott resort has a dream location, along the white, almost untouched beaches of Khao Lak. The resort offers all the 5 star amenities one can and should expect for very reasonable prices. Special offers are on a regular base available.

The nearby Similan Islands undoubtedly provide the best dive sites in Thailand, while the three national parks (Khao Lak Lam Ru, Khao Sok, Sri Phang Nga) are perfect for treks-on foot and on elephants, rafting and canoeing. The nearby Takuapa Old Town has several Sino-Portuguese designed buildings. The resort also organizes games, and non-motorized sports such as kayaking are on offer. Additionally there are mountain bikes available to explore the nearby villages.

The resort is slightly away from all activities, a good 10km, transportation may come in handy.

Free high-speed Internet access, business center, early check-in/ late check out lounge, kids club and last but not least; the longest swimming pool in southeast Asia.

Luxury at a 5 star level for affordable rates, enjoy as long as it lasts before Khao Lak will be discovered by 'the masses' and special offers will be no longer available.

Booking by Agoda

Booking by Hotels Combined

One bed room studio

Bathroom

Exterior

Beach

Sunset