Originally Posted by estnet

There is also an (inexpensive) bus directly to Hua Hin from BKK about 6 times a day - you can buy tickets online. Then it is another 100 baht from the bus station to the hotel (price may be different to different hotels)
However, as for this hotel - which used to be my favorite - since Marriott took over they have taken away too many benefits away (but not the warmth and kindness of the staff ) even tho IMO they have the best pool and lots of chairs with great views of the ocean (being not on the beach but a bit higher up is sort of an advantage. The amount of the "beach" varies from none to 100's of feet depending on the season and tides -but not great for swimming (even tho the water is usually quite warm) b/c there are huge buried boulders all along and LOTS of garbage (maybe thrown off the fishing boats and brought from the other side by tides). I think this is because the (now) many hotels along this stretch were allowed to build too close to the ocean.
SHH usually posts in the info when there are Indian weddings (which often have beautiful flower decorations, etc) so you can know in advance and avoid if you prefer.
Beaches in town are usually wider - but then u have to contend with all the hawkers and lots of crowds on the beach.
Hua Hin is no longer the beautiful sleepy fishing town it was years ago - more like Miami Beach these days ;(
MG - I know u said you'd crossed it off but posting it for others