The newly opened Kantary Hotel in Ayutthaya is ideal for longstaying expats as well as for tourists wanting all the comforts of home
For those searching for accommodation that goes beyond the traditional Thai-style wooden guesthouse in the old town of Ayutthaya, Kantary Hotel is an ideal choice. Already popular with tourists and expatriates, especially those in the town for extended stays, if offers comfort, convenience and privacy in a homey ambience.
The hotel, which had its grand opening in August, is the latest addition to the Kantary Group, which has been successfully running serviced apartments and hotels for more than three decades and now has properties in Bangkok, Rayong, Sri Racha and Phuket. The studios and small apartments mainly target the expatriate community and executives working on Thailand's industrial estates.
Situated on Rojana Road, the 17storey Ayutthaya Kantary has 169 spacious rooms and four penthouses, all decorated in a contemporary-style and tastefully furnished with natural oak furniture.
Facilities include a fitness centre and sauna room, an outdoor swimming pool with Jacuzzi, as well as an executive lounge designed with the businessman in mind, plus three large meeting rooms with hightech equipment and a reading room stocked with magazines, books, cartoons and DVDs for rent as free tea, coffee and snacks. Restaurant California Steak serves up a wide selection of steaks, Japanese and local food.
There're four types of rooms studio, one-bed-room suite, two bedroom suite and penthouse, varying in size from 41 to 110 square-metres. All room have a pantry equipped with tableware and kitchenware.
"We are mainly targeting long-staying guests so the hotel places emphasis on convenience with full facilities," says sales manager Sudawadee Rerksujarit.
Each room has an ensuite bathroom with a separate bathtub and shower. The living room is furnished with a LCD television, comfy sofa and a dining table that seats six. The two bedroom suites come complete with oven and washing machine, perfect for those staying for extended periods.
My room is a 41-square-metre studio with comfy twin beds. Though the smallest the hotel has to offer, it's spacious and has all the facilities I could possible need including an Internet connection. The living area is equipped with a sofa bed with pillows, an LCD television with cable and satellite programs, stereo with DVD player, as well as a big wardrobe, dressing table and a twos-eat dining table.
The kitchen has a small electric stove, kettle, toaster, microwave and fridge while a bathroom has a separate shower with a wide selection of toiletries.
Those with a head for heights will find a comfortable home on the 17th floor, where they can settle down in one of the four penthouses. These 110sqm duplex apartments each feature a spacious bedroom with a comfy king-size bed, living room and pantry - and, of course, a view to die for.
AT A GLANCEHigh Point: Rooms are spacious and convenient with full facilities.
Low Point: The air-conditioning unit in my room was far too warm and failed to respond to adjustments.
Pay for it: Bt2,400 per night for Studio room, Bt2,800 for one-bed-room suite, Bt4,800 for two-bed-room suite and Bt4,000 to Bt6,000 for Penthouse.
Find it: 168 Moo 1, Rojana Road, UThai district, Ayutthaya.
Book it: Call (035) 337 177, (035) 229 955 or reservations@kantaryhotelayutthaya.com
Browse it: www.KantaryGroup.com