Stayed at the Hua Hin Hilton a couple of times. Since there has been a lot of discussion on the board, I will just hit a couple of points.

The beach is pretty poor quality. It tends to be dirty with trash and horse manure. The manure comes from the horses which are used to give tourists rides. The hotel itself is on the beach but does not have much beach in front of it. Instead people tend to hang about the large pool area and walk down to have a swim. The swimming is ok but few would call the water sparkling clean. The Sofitel, just next door, has a much bigger and nicer beach.

There tends to be a competition to get up early and grab one of the pool side chairs. The procedure followed by some of the European tourists is to get down to the pool by seven and stake their claim to their set of chairs. In turn these chairs will not be ‘released’ until the evening. Not my style, but as an early riser it was easy to play the game once I caught on.

The hotel is very nice and they treat Diamonds VERY well. On the two stays during peak season, I was given a corner room for a rate of around $90. In one case it was a one bedroom corner suite and in the other case it was a very large corner room with a gigantic bathroom. (I have stayed in hotel rooms which were smaller than the bathroom.) The suite was the corner of the hotel by the water and the large bedroom was the corner room closer to town. Both rooms had water views with the one on the water simply phenomenal. Breakfast, water, fruit, and welcome chocolates were all provided. Late checkout (4pm) was also allowed.

When I was there the Thai Navy was in town because a member of the royal family was staying in their residence in the town. At night, the navel vessels have stings of bright lights burning … not exactly stealthy.

The hotel is located right in the center of town which is a big advantage for food and shopping. Dinner is a treat … there are a couple restaurants with piers extending into the sea and they seem to be generally good. I am partial to the one closest to the hotel (they are all next to each other). Unfortunately, don’t remember the name but the entrance and insides are all painted white. Note the unusual opening hours (something like 11:35 am). Lunch can be had outside of the hotel for a few bucks .. .pizza, Thai food, and even a Burger King are within a short walk.

I have done the train from the city each time. It’s an adventure the first time, but the ride is just too long (about 4+ hours on the ‘sprinter’ … the local takes just 20 – 30 minutes more). As there is only one track running south, you end up waiting for one or another train to pass. The entertainment (if you like trains) and price can’t be beat. However, for repeat visitors, or those just wanting to get to Hua Hin, take a cab (negotiated to about 2000 baht).

Overall, a nice location more because its close to Bangkok than a premier beach resort. Those looking for better beach could consider Chai Am or something away from town. I have seen some nice reviews (but never been) to non-US chain locations. The Marriott, just down the beach, would be unlikely fit that bill.