I did not see a thread on this property so started a new one. If I missed it, please merge.
My wife has family in Khao Yai and wanted to visit. I found this property and it looked pretty interesting. We brought my mother and brother in-law as well. We have no status with this hotel group so unfortunately have nothing to offer in the way of status benefits etc.
Arrival - We got into BKK about 6.45AM and had a car booked to Bangkok Taxi24 for about 2,900THB. This put us in way early, like 10.30AM. We had booked two rooms, both Ozone 2 Bedroom Suites. Given the specific room type, it was no surprise that they were not ready yet. They took our info and said they would call when the rooms were ready. The rooms were not ready until after 4PM. Saw a large group leave about 1pm or so, guessing they stayed in their rooms until the last minute and caused a delay.
The Property - Given that we had so much time between when our rooms were ready and arrival, we got time to check it out. It is a very interesting place. It has a majestic appearance as you approach it with absolutely expansive space. It felt like a mixture of castle and villas as far as the buildings and the setup and you definitely know you are in a remote area. This is an Instagrammer's paradise as far as photo ops. They actually have a charge for people what want to come there just to take photos and not guests. You have a golf course, I check and it was about 2600THB for 18 holes, club rental, cart and caddy. The course looked average but pleasant enough. There is also "mini zoo" of sorts, nothing exotic, goats and chickens kind of thing. I am guessing this place is mostly for Bangkok city folk to get out in the country for a weekend.
Location - You kind of need a car here in you are leaving the property. I would definitely have transportation too and from secured. Bolt and Grab did show as available but the hotel was shocked that I had a Bolt vehicle scheduled to take me to Bangkok on the day of departure. They said it was pretty difficult to get those in the area. After that, I was a little worried, luckily my car showed up as scheduled in Bolt. I got the best deal I ever had on any car ride deal, 1333THB from the hotel to the Conrad in Bangkok.
Room - As mentioned, we booked two Ozone suites which are basically a little two bedroom suites. The two bedrooms are identical with their own full bath that is also identical. There is then a kitchen area and living area in between the two one bed rooms which had kind beds in them. Our suite had a huge full length balcony with patio doors in each bedroom and the living area. The in-laws room only had a balcony about half that size but the room was similar. It was a very comfortable room overall with just a few annoyances. Very poor shower drain, shower hot water was sporadic and the lack of plugs near the beds. They have a golf cart service to take you around the property if you need it.
Food and Beverage - There are three outlets, main restaurant serving Thai and Western, an Italian Restaurant and a garden cafe. I was not impressed by any of them, they got the job done but barely. Unfortunate as you are really kind of trapped here. The service was a mixed bag of nice but not really that competent servers. They got it right....eventually. Breakfast was not included in our room and was 450THB which I found pretty cheap for a hotel restaurant. While the offering had all the right items, it was a very low quality. They do have some discounts of like 30% based on Accor status I believe but the server wasnt really able to explain it.
Conclusion - Well, it worked for what we needed it for. A lot of Thai people love coming here in the winter time for the cool weather and remote nature and to visit the national forest. I dont come to Thailand for a European castle/property vibe to be honest but my in-laws loved it as well as the Tuscan Valley complex nearby. I guess if you want to switch it up a bit and get int a laid back state of mind, it is a good place. If I return, I will definitely plan on playing golf.
