Luxurious and yet inexpensive, the Sheraton Hua Hin gives guests what they want
In recent days, while the red shirts were boosting the temperature in the capital, the airy lobby of the Sheraton Hua Hin Resort and Spa has bustled with happy refugees of all ages.
“They’re drawn here by the promise of a big dose of holiday,” says executive assistant manager Sitthirat Hothongkam. “They can leave their hectic routines behind and enjoy a really hedonistic break.
“Our occupancy is 100 per cent – and we’re always fully booked on weekends.”
If any hotel imparts a pride of its hometown, it’s the Sheraton Hua Hin Resort. It lounges on the curvy shore halfway between Hua Hin and Cha Am Beaches, a very affordable seaside dream.
Unlike the small boutique hotels that so often please the eye rather than the spirit, the Sheraton Hua Hin has the “old world” kind of luxury. It’s got a grand ballroom, a kid’s club, a fitness centre, several restaurants and, of course, the spa.
The spacious lobby welcomes guests with sea breezes, and a huge lagoon-like pool stretches out from its doorstep all the way to the waves, flanked by clusters of low building.
There are 240 guestrooms – garden terraces, pool access, deluxe and suites.
Our deluxe room, No 2113, is in the north wing, a delightfully short hop to the lagoon. I like that, but my girlfriend is wary about people poking their heads over our transparent wall. Privacy or fast access to the pool – there’s your decision.
The room brims with warm, bright colours and wood tones, pairing contemporary design with the bliss of a true getaway.
The Sheraton’s signature Sweet Sleeper Bed holds centre stage, while a desk and television rest against one wall. There’s also a comfy couch to authenticate the living room, but the designers clearly didn’t consider couples cuddling on it. It’s absolutely too small for two.
The bathroom, though, is vast, with full-length mirrors and separate oversized bathtub and shower. The toiletries are Shrine by Bliss, a line created exclusively for Sheraton.
The wireless Internet is fast and the mini-bar cloisters cans of beer and small bottles of red and white wine – though their prices will put you off. If you enjoy a private tipple, get your booze at the hotel’s mini-mart.
“We used to have guests running out to the convenience store and coming back with plastic bags full of drinks and snacks,” says Sitthirat, so the defeated mini-bars were augmented with an in-house whatever-you-need shop.
“We appreciate people staying at the Sheraton and we can't blame them for looking for cheaper goods, especially during the economic crunch,” he adds.
“So now they can save time and gas. The mini-mart offers wine, beer and snacks at reasonable prices.”
But let’s not forget the food and drinks prepared on the premises. The resort serves large portions for breakfast and lunch at one restaurant, The Deck, and we have a lovely dinner at the award-winning InAzia – very good Asian food, especially the Indian.
The Luna Lanai Beach Bar is ideal for easy dining and a little romance, especially if the moon is bulging.
“The Luna Lanai is best place to gaze at the moon when it poses dramatically over the sea” says the resort’s Chumpunuch Chulanuka. “It’s a great place to propose!”
Spa lovers will be in their element at Aspadeva, where the treatment of choice is the Aspadeva Massage, a wonderful mix of traditional Thai rubbing and aromatherapy.
The Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa, bottom line, is a family-friendly seaside escape with plenty of space and a great pool where you can thrive in the summer heat.
On weekdays you share the breakfast buffet with Europeans who’ve been toasted to a turn out on the sun deck, and on weekends the city folk descend from Bangkok.
Currently the resort’s website offers Garden View rooms starting at Bt3,500 and Lagoon Views at Bt4,300 through the week. That is luxury you can afford.
AT A GLANCE
High points: With a wonderful lagoon pool and affordable prices, this is a great place for family vacations. It’s a five-minute drive to Marukhathaiyawan Palace and downtown Hua Hin is only 15 minutes away.
Low point: The beach isn’t as good as the fine strip in Hua Hin itself.
Find it: Halfway between Cha Am and Hua Hin
Pay for it: See the website for the best deals.
Browse it: www.StarwoodHotels.com/sheraton
Phone it: (032) 708 000
