At the property now, and the grounds are stunning + amazing breakfast buffet, but I’ve found the service to lack finesse. Admittedly I just came from the park hyatt and Waldorf BKK where we were spoiled.
We visited the
pattaya elephant sanctuary
which was a really cool experience and only 20 min away. The animals on-site seemed well cared for, and there is no riding / other visible abuse.
And as others said there’s nothing in the immediate vicinity. The hotel can call you a free ride to LEK Seafood down the road though which is a local seafood spot that was good - highly recommend the stir-fried crab.
Things I don’t like:
- Nickel and dime-ing for water in restaurants and even in the lobby. They wouldn’t provide me a to go water bottle for the tour in the lobby and directed me to go to my room to grab one. Only acqua panna and pelligrino for sale in the restaurants at lunch / dinner. I’m used to it in Italy but usually not my experience at upscale hotels in Thailand.
- Wanted to get an early morning latte for a beach walk, but only buffet was open. Required a hereculean effort to get one and was threatened to be charged for a full buffet rate. Coffee was average / standard machine.
- Pool side service was non-existent by the kids pool / water slide
- Wife liked some decor in the room but concierge said nothing was available for sale and couldn’t advise where to purchase
- We were excited for some Thai sweets they left in our room on the table, and before breaking into them they were taken away at turndown on day 1
All first world problems! Overall, we’re enjoying our time here. It’s a lovely property for a weekend getaway from Bangkok and a solid redemption, but not a place I’d make an effort to revisit.