Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa - Amphur Cha-Am, Thailand [Master Thread]
#31
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Manhattan Beach, California
Programs: BMI Diamond Club Gold forever
Posts: 6,367
OK- back to the main topic...
(1) transport options-- they all kind of leave something to be desired! There is the Benz for 4000 Baht each way(!) which is what we took. It was only(?) 2 hours 30 minutes down (we left by 2 on friday and missed traffic). But it took us about 3 hours 20 minutes to get back to BKK tonight (ouch, still have a 2 hour ride down to Singapore now and it's a school night, so it will be a tough Monday!). There is a shuttle at the Hyatt (500 Baht each way), but the Sheraton does not have this option. I found places that would do the car for 3000 Baht, I'm guessing someone here will know the lowest rate you can get, but for almost 4 hours in start/stop traffic the extra 1000 Baht to be in the Benz was worth it. There is also a flight between Hua Hin and the old airport in Bangkok, and it's roughly the same price for two RT tix on this as for the roundtrip Benz. the problem is that you then have to get to BKK, which is never as easy as it sounds, and by the time you get to BKK you could have just been sitting in the Benz the whole time. Bottom line, this is not an easy weekend place, as we had hoped. I grew up doing the 2+ hour trip out of NYC to the end of Long Island most weekends and I found myself dreaming for the LI Expressway.
(2) Breakfast---- not advertised or told in advance but this was free. It's a nice buffet, but was chaotic this morning. They only seemed about 50-60% full in the hotel, so I think the staff has a way to go until they are ready for a full house weekend breakfast.
(3) What to do-- There seemed to be more beach activities down toward the south end of Hua Hin where the Hyatt is located. I didn't see much around the Sheraton, there is definitely no tennis court. I usually just look for the spa and gym, other than beach and restaurants so I'm not the best source on this.
(4) the crowd-- There is a bit of the low end euro crowd here, but it was much more Thai families down from Bangkok for the weekend. There were only 2 couples left in the pan asian restaurant when we got there at 8:30pm. We closed the place and when we left went for a drink at the beach front bar and closed that too.
(5) Final comments-- Food in the pan asia restaurant was good, although they were clearly still learning the menu, but to be understood this early on. The restaurants are sharp and well designed. The bar above the beach is really great for evening cocktails. There were clearly quality control problems with the construction- the drywall contractor did some terrible work and not all of it has been corrected. Whether poor quality workers or being rushed, there are lots of problems that my amateur builder's eye spotted. Plat treatment- very good. The drive- this is not a weekend getaway unless you really like the car! Hua Hin- really nice beach and sand, lots of huge (16 inches+) jellyfish this weekend and as one of my good friends said when we accidentally ventured into Cabo Wabo as adults "I'm not impressed with the clientelle" Spending more than a weekend here would fix the back and forth drive grind, but I'm not sure I'd want to spend more than a weekend here!
I'll post some pix on my livespaces page and come back here and edit in a link at some point later in the week.
(1) transport options-- they all kind of leave something to be desired! There is the Benz for 4000 Baht each way(!) which is what we took. It was only(?) 2 hours 30 minutes down (we left by 2 on friday and missed traffic). But it took us about 3 hours 20 minutes to get back to BKK tonight (ouch, still have a 2 hour ride down to Singapore now and it's a school night, so it will be a tough Monday!). There is a shuttle at the Hyatt (500 Baht each way), but the Sheraton does not have this option. I found places that would do the car for 3000 Baht, I'm guessing someone here will know the lowest rate you can get, but for almost 4 hours in start/stop traffic the extra 1000 Baht to be in the Benz was worth it. There is also a flight between Hua Hin and the old airport in Bangkok, and it's roughly the same price for two RT tix on this as for the roundtrip Benz. the problem is that you then have to get to BKK, which is never as easy as it sounds, and by the time you get to BKK you could have just been sitting in the Benz the whole time. Bottom line, this is not an easy weekend place, as we had hoped. I grew up doing the 2+ hour trip out of NYC to the end of Long Island most weekends and I found myself dreaming for the LI Expressway.
(2) Breakfast---- not advertised or told in advance but this was free. It's a nice buffet, but was chaotic this morning. They only seemed about 50-60% full in the hotel, so I think the staff has a way to go until they are ready for a full house weekend breakfast.
(3) What to do-- There seemed to be more beach activities down toward the south end of Hua Hin where the Hyatt is located. I didn't see much around the Sheraton, there is definitely no tennis court. I usually just look for the spa and gym, other than beach and restaurants so I'm not the best source on this.
(4) the crowd-- There is a bit of the low end euro crowd here, but it was much more Thai families down from Bangkok for the weekend. There were only 2 couples left in the pan asian restaurant when we got there at 8:30pm. We closed the place and when we left went for a drink at the beach front bar and closed that too.
(5) Final comments-- Food in the pan asia restaurant was good, although they were clearly still learning the menu, but to be understood this early on. The restaurants are sharp and well designed. The bar above the beach is really great for evening cocktails. There were clearly quality control problems with the construction- the drywall contractor did some terrible work and not all of it has been corrected. Whether poor quality workers or being rushed, there are lots of problems that my amateur builder's eye spotted. Plat treatment- very good. The drive- this is not a weekend getaway unless you really like the car! Hua Hin- really nice beach and sand, lots of huge (16 inches+) jellyfish this weekend and as one of my good friends said when we accidentally ventured into Cabo Wabo as adults "I'm not impressed with the clientelle" Spending more than a weekend here would fix the back and forth drive grind, but I'm not sure I'd want to spend more than a weekend here!
I'll post some pix on my livespaces page and come back here and edit in a link at some point later in the week.
#33
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: San Rafael, CA
Programs: Life SPG Plat, 7X NH DIA
Posts: 2,840
I went ahead last week and booked into the Ocean Front Suite for 4 nights at 7K+7K per night.
I'd appreciate any additional details about the suite.
My nights are mid-week but during the run up to Christmas and I really want a suite. I just think that sinking 14K per night to lock in the suite for a beach/pool/spa/resort intensive getaway is a good choice for me.
If travel is personal to a destination of one's choice. The difference in value between a Cat3 Suite in Hua Hin, a Cat5 Suite in San Francisco, or a Cat4 Suite in Whistler is marginal. Of course my 14K would be on the low end of the above thus I can still feel as if I'm getting a good value.
Would you redeem 14K for that Ocean Suite?
I just feel like I need to be burning points this trip especially because I've requalified already.
Thanks,
Scho
I'd appreciate any additional details about the suite.
My nights are mid-week but during the run up to Christmas and I really want a suite. I just think that sinking 14K per night to lock in the suite for a beach/pool/spa/resort intensive getaway is a good choice for me.
If travel is personal to a destination of one's choice. The difference in value between a Cat3 Suite in Hua Hin, a Cat5 Suite in San Francisco, or a Cat4 Suite in Whistler is marginal. Of course my 14K would be on the low end of the above thus I can still feel as if I'm getting a good value.
Would you redeem 14K for that Ocean Suite?
I just feel like I need to be burning points this trip especially because I've requalified already.
Thanks,
Scho
#34
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Santa Monica CA
Programs: UA LT 1K HYglob Marr LT Titanium
Posts: 881
Thanks Schoflyer for your helpful report,
On your comments might book a few midweek nights in Nov.
Figure out transport myself.Stay at Hyatt 1 night (FFN)Use there shuttle to get down there,Then move to Sheraton after 1 night.and stay for few days to get a feel of the place.
Thanks again
On your comments might book a few midweek nights in Nov.
Figure out transport myself.Stay at Hyatt 1 night (FFN)Use there shuttle to get down there,Then move to Sheraton after 1 night.and stay for few days to get a feel of the place.
Thanks again
#35
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: San Rafael, CA
Programs: Life SPG Plat, 7X NH DIA
Posts: 2,840
Not me. It was Stephem's report.
I'm just dying for current info about
Ocean Suite Details...Should I request upper floor or ground floor?
Are their lounge chairs and umbrellas on the beach or just by the pool?
Is the only beach beverage/snack service hotel related? Or locally serviced like the Sheraton in Phuket was the last time I was there.
Thanks,
Scho
I'm just dying for current info about
Ocean Suite Details...Should I request upper floor or ground floor?
Are their lounge chairs and umbrellas on the beach or just by the pool?
Is the only beach beverage/snack service hotel related? Or locally serviced like the Sheraton in Phuket was the last time I was there.
Thanks,
Scho
#36
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Manhattan Beach, California
Programs: BMI Diamond Club Gold forever
Posts: 6,367
I'd spend the points for the suite if you are there for 4 nights. I've posted some pics here that show the two rooms of the suite and a bit of the property. Toward the end of the photos is a night time shot of the second floor corner suite that we had from outside. I seem to have forgot pics of the bathroom, it's a large one with separate shower/bath and two sinks. I'd request one of the upper floor suites if I were you, more privacy. No chairs on the beach, tons around pools (on the patios of the rooms that face the pool, as well as tucked around the pool) and then in a large grassy area right up from the beach. There is no beach service, only service up by the pool and that is all done from one of the two bars.
I went ahead last week and booked into the Ocean Front Suite for 4 nights at 7K+7K per night.
I'd appreciate any additional details about the suite.
My nights are mid-week but during the run up to Christmas and I really want a suite. I just think that sinking 14K per night to lock in the suite for a beach/pool/spa/resort intensive getaway is a good choice for me.
If travel is personal to a destination of one's choice. The difference in value between a Cat3 Suite in Hua Hin, a Cat5 Suite in San Francisco, or a Cat4 Suite in Whistler is marginal. Of course my 14K would be on the low end of the above thus I can still feel as if I'm getting a good value.
Would you redeem 14K for that Ocean Suite?
I just feel like I need to be burning points this trip especially because I've requalified already.
Thanks,
Scho
I'd appreciate any additional details about the suite.
My nights are mid-week but during the run up to Christmas and I really want a suite. I just think that sinking 14K per night to lock in the suite for a beach/pool/spa/resort intensive getaway is a good choice for me.
If travel is personal to a destination of one's choice. The difference in value between a Cat3 Suite in Hua Hin, a Cat5 Suite in San Francisco, or a Cat4 Suite in Whistler is marginal. Of course my 14K would be on the low end of the above thus I can still feel as if I'm getting a good value.
Would you redeem 14K for that Ocean Suite?
I just feel like I need to be burning points this trip especially because I've requalified already.
Thanks,
Scho
#37
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: San Rafael, CA
Programs: Life SPG Plat, 7X NH DIA
Posts: 2,840
I'd spend the points for the suite if you are there for 4 nights. I've posted some pics here that show the two rooms of the suite and a bit of the property. Toward the end of the photos is a night time shot of the second floor corner suite that we had from outside. I seem to have forgot pics of the bathroom, it's a large one with separate shower/bath and two sinks. I'd request one of the upper floor suites if I were you, more privacy. No chairs on the beach, tons around pools (on the patios of the rooms that face the pool, as well as tucked around the pool) and then in a large grassy area right up from the beach. There is no beach service, only service up by the pool and that is all done from one of the two bars.
#38
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
Anyone Plats stayed on points yet?
How do you book the Benz transfer?
How is the spa?
And what is a Garden Terrace room like? They are saying that is a level up from a standard room.
How do you book the Benz transfer?
How is the spa?
And what is a Garden Terrace room like? They are saying that is a level up from a standard room.
#40
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: San Rafael, CA
Programs: Life SPG Plat, 7X NH DIA
Posts: 2,840
Well in terms of "getting there"...
The 4000 THB on the Benz was a promotional rate according to SHH.
Now the rate is 5500 each way.
AOT quoted me 5000.
I think I'm going to book through my TA who is promising a new Camry for 3100 each way. I guess I will book this one.
Sure in the grand scheme of things with 7 nights of award accomodation between SGS and SHH paying the extra $140 RT (difference between hotel Benz and TA Camry) for the transfer is a small charge. But the object for this trip is spending points not cash. That $140 will cover breakfast for my stay at SHH if it turns out not to be comped to Plats.
I'm looking for a driver that...
1)Will be waiting for me when I arrive.
2)Will be easy to find at BKK.
3)Will NOT get lost or go the "wrong" way to the SHH.
4)Will not be falling asleep at the wheel.
5)Will be driving a car that comes up to the AOT Camry standards.
Look I know TIT but I don't think I'm asking for too much. It seems to me that on my list above 1-4 should be pretty much included in the cost of any transfer.
Regards,
Scho
The 4000 THB on the Benz was a promotional rate according to SHH.
Now the rate is 5500 each way.
AOT quoted me 5000.
I think I'm going to book through my TA who is promising a new Camry for 3100 each way. I guess I will book this one.
Sure in the grand scheme of things with 7 nights of award accomodation between SGS and SHH paying the extra $140 RT (difference between hotel Benz and TA Camry) for the transfer is a small charge. But the object for this trip is spending points not cash. That $140 will cover breakfast for my stay at SHH if it turns out not to be comped to Plats.
I'm looking for a driver that...
1)Will be waiting for me when I arrive.
2)Will be easy to find at BKK.
3)Will NOT get lost or go the "wrong" way to the SHH.
4)Will not be falling asleep at the wheel.
5)Will be driving a car that comes up to the AOT Camry standards.
Look I know TIT but I don't think I'm asking for too much. It seems to me that on my list above 1-4 should be pretty much included in the cost of any transfer.
Regards,
Scho
#41
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Worldwide
Posts: 12,949
They appear to be pretty responsive and wrote back that all their cars "are less than 3 years old, [..] fleet contains Honda Civic, Mitsubishi Lancer, Chevrolet, all are air conditioned".
#43
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: San Rafael, CA
Programs: Life SPG Plat, 7X NH DIA
Posts: 2,840
I'm here. It's good. Got Questions? Ask now!
Going to do a full report this week.
Ocean Front Suite is awesome.
Taking lots of pics.
I'm soooo happy.
Some minor constructoin still going on. Handrailings here and there. One of the Oceanfront suites seemed to me down as I heard a nail gun yesterday.
Really worth every point for the additional suite confirmation. Really think about it. If you have the points why risk it? It's not like you're coming here on business where the suite will likely be underutilized. Considering it costs 28K to confirm a suite for 5 nights, I spent more miles on the transpac upgrade to get here on my than I did to guarantee 5 nights in the suite.
Posting now via hotel wifi 15m from the Gulf of Thailand under an umbrella. No, not free wifi here, but they have a free spot it in the lobby. Otherwise 600THB per day or 2000THB per week. If you can expense it it's a no brainer. Stay on top of time-sensitive e-mail and surf FT all week as a bonus!
Cheers,
Scho
Going to do a full report this week.
Ocean Front Suite is awesome.
Taking lots of pics.
I'm soooo happy.
Some minor constructoin still going on. Handrailings here and there. One of the Oceanfront suites seemed to me down as I heard a nail gun yesterday.
Really worth every point for the additional suite confirmation. Really think about it. If you have the points why risk it? It's not like you're coming here on business where the suite will likely be underutilized. Considering it costs 28K to confirm a suite for 5 nights, I spent more miles on the transpac upgrade to get here on my than I did to guarantee 5 nights in the suite.
Posting now via hotel wifi 15m from the Gulf of Thailand under an umbrella. No, not free wifi here, but they have a free spot it in the lobby. Otherwise 600THB per day or 2000THB per week. If you can expense it it's a no brainer. Stay on top of time-sensitive e-mail and surf FT all week as a bonus!
Cheers,
Scho
Last edited by schoflyer; Dec 17, 2007 at 11:24 pm
#44
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: San Rafael, CA
Programs: Life SPG Plat, 7X NH DIA
Posts: 2,840
I have submitted a review to starwoodlobby and it has been posted with my photos here:
http://www.starwoodlobby.com/archive...on_hua_hi.html
Enjoy.
http://www.starwoodlobby.com/archive...on_hua_hi.html
Enjoy.
#45
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: MAN and LON
Programs: Mucci, BAEC LT Gold, HH Dia, MR LT Plat, IHG Diamond Amb, Amex Plat
Posts: 13,765
Mrs LoM and I stayed on a 5 night award stay here from the 9th to 14th January and then spent a further 3 days at the Sheraton Pattaya which was an interesting contrast.
I will post a fuller review in time, but I would say now in addition to schoflyers detailed review that SPG Plat is not well recognised here. The property has no standard suites so the best upgrade you can hope for is a lagoon access room. I did eventually (after some argument and a night in a lagoon access room, but then we arrived at 3 am anyway) secure an upgrade to an oceanview suite, but it was made clear that this should not be expected. Other Plats seem to have followed the same course.
No additional status benefits were forthcoming at this property.
The suites whilst nice are essentially only 2 regular rooms (all rooms are the same apart from the suites, ignoring their position) put together, but sold at more than 4 times the price.
I will post more detail later but I thought that other FT'ers should be aware of the upgrade policy at this property.
I will post a fuller review in time, but I would say now in addition to schoflyers detailed review that SPG Plat is not well recognised here. The property has no standard suites so the best upgrade you can hope for is a lagoon access room. I did eventually (after some argument and a night in a lagoon access room, but then we arrived at 3 am anyway) secure an upgrade to an oceanview suite, but it was made clear that this should not be expected. Other Plats seem to have followed the same course.
No additional status benefits were forthcoming at this property.
The suites whilst nice are essentially only 2 regular rooms (all rooms are the same apart from the suites, ignoring their position) put together, but sold at more than 4 times the price.
I will post more detail later but I thought that other FT'ers should be aware of the upgrade policy at this property.