Splendour on the beach

Dusit Thani Hua Hin offers old world luxury with all the mod cons

Built back in 1990 as the fourth hotel in the Dusit group, the Dusit Thani Hua Hin is a spacious beachfront resort that combines classic style with luxurious comfort and first class service.

Long known under its old name Dusit Resort and Polo Club, the resort has recently undergone a major facelift that has changed the mood from British club to intricate Summer Palace, fitting given its proximity to the Mareukhataiwan Summer Palace. The dark panelling and furniture have been replaced by an ivory lobby, a huge teardrop- tiered crystal chandelier, a soothing fountain, Thai-patterned panels and intricate plaster works by Phetchaburi masons.

Dusit Thani Hua Hin's spacious and well-adorned rooms charm guests with soft floral patterns on Thai silk and cotton upholstery. The plush sofa exudes luxury but there's no stinting on modern amenities like a flat-screen television, WiFi Internet connection, a comfy working desk, an electronic safe, a large balcony where one can enjoy the sunrise and a small kitchenette with coffee maker and a sink. The 296-room resort has seven types of rooms, from superior to presidential suite. For extra indulgence, pick one on the Dusit Club floor where guests can lounge and read in the exclusive Dusit Club with complimentary snacks, drinks and aperitifs, rise and shine with champagne breakfast at an exclusive corner and enjoy the early check-in and late check-out.

Dusit Thani Hua Hin's three large swimming pools make the resort a stand out. While the main Olympic-sized is fantastic for lap-swimming, it separated Jacuzzi pool and kid's pools are family's favourites as is the salted water pool at the northern wing of the hotel.

The hotel also takes food and drinks very seriously, making it a tasty haven for any food maniac. Their famously scrumptious arrays of breakfast are probably the best in town with huge buffet lines comprising of wide arrays of top-quality selections. The large western corner offers eggs of all styles, selections of sausages, hams, bacon, baked beans, waffles, pancakes and vegetables; the Asian counterpart tempts with their mouth-watering congees, rice soups with daily changing savouries, sun-dried beef, sun-dried seafood, shredded pork, soya milk, fried dough, stir-fried noodles and much more. You can even opt for a salad bar and selections of sushi and cheese, plus there are plenty of fruits, bread and pastries also on offer.

Weekday themed buffet dinners are another bonus. The 'Carvery' night on Monday is all about prime cuts and traditional trimmings, Pasta Factory on Wednesday night at San Marco Italian outlet offers freshly made pastas and Mediterranean fare while the Friday Thai Market night serenades guests at Ban Benjarong restaurant with Thai classical live band and dance as well as wonderful food from all over Thailand.

Dusit Thani Hua Hin is now offering a special two night, three days package until the end of the year starting at Bt6,999 including breakfast for two with complimentary daily breakfast and one BBQ dinner. Visa cardholders get special daily rate and complimentary breakfast for two. And if you plan to spend New Year in Hua Hin, book early for their 2 nights/3 days New Year package starting at Bt29,999 that includes New Year's Night Gala Dinner.

At A Glance

High Points: Grand and classic place to stay with beautiful lush landscape adorned and shaded with huge gorgeous trees, vast clean private beach, Olympicsized swimming pool, wonderful food selections and spacious areas to walk and lounge around.

Low Points: They can use some improvement on their audio and stereo systems by adding, for instance, an iPOD dock.

Pay for it: From about Bt6,999 for a 2 nights/3 days package during weekdays, and Bt9,999 during weekends.

Find it: 1349 Petchkasem Road, Chaam, Petchburi

Browse it: www.dusit.com

Phone it: (02) 6363333