All you need to know about the land of silk and smiles
Sofitel Central Hua Hin
This is where it all began for seaside vacations in Hua Hin. The oldest and most famous hotel in Hua Hin the Sofitel was formally the Railway Hotel, built in 1924 by the Southern Railway. It retains its Victorian charm despite all its modern facilities. Sip afternoon tea in the museum or wander in the 40 acres of gardens amid well-manicured topiary. I have not stayed here but just walking around the grounds gives you an idea of the high quality maintained here. And a drink at the bar will give you a taste of the impeccable service throughout the property. 
It is amazingly quiet considering the crowds and street vendors beyond the hotel walls. Depending on the season, expect to pay from 5,000 to 7,100 Baht for one of the gorgeous high-ceilinged rooms. The resort is
Anantara Hotel
Set in 14 acres of landscaped gardens the luxurious Anantara Hotel has 162 rooms and suites, each with high ceilings and a balcony or terrace overlooking either the gardens or the beach. Amenities include Internet access, an iPod docking station, cable TV and tea and coffee making facilities. Rates vary widely depending on accom
modation and time of year. A garden view room costs 5,000 Baht and goes to 7.500 over the Christmas
Favorite spot for families and golfers this luxury resort with stunning Thai architecture has 220 rooms which either fa ce the sea, pool or landscaped tropical gardens. Sports facilities include volleyball and tennis courts, windsurfing, parasailing and waterskiing. The outdoor fitness center i
Mariott Reort And Spa
pictured on the right. It’s a 10 minutes walk to the center of Hua Hin, either along the road or the beach. The least expensive rooms are not as spacious as some Marriott resorts in
Cou
rtyard by Marriott Hua Hin at Cha-Am Beach
This is a new Marriott property in
There are five categories of rooms. All of them are air-conditioned and have a work area with high-speed Internet access. Other amenities include satellite television, a minibar, hairdryer and coffee and tea making facilities.
The hotel has two restaurants including one of the beach and an all-day restaurant, a lobby lounge and a pool bar. Amenities include a swimming pool and a children’s pool, an exercise room, games room and a large kids club and teen activity center. The hotel has a Grab & Go kiosk, a gift shop, a business center, and a concierge desk to help arrange local sightseeing tours. For social events and conferences, there is 850 square meters of function space. Contact details: 854/2 Burirom Road, Cha-Am, Petchburi, 76120
The Alila Cha-Am Latest luxury lodging on the shores of Cha-Am is the 79-room Alila, a contemporary retreat with futuristic design and lavish surroundings. The hotel is a member of Design Hotels, a group of eight upmarket resorts. If you pick your time and check Internet rates, you could spend a night here for as little as 6,000 Baht. Remember the prices quoted are plus tax and service, which can add around 20 percent to the total.
Thai architect Duangrit Bunnag designed the Cha-Am resort. Th
ve 297 square meters of luxury that includes a private garden, pool and terrace.
You will be impressed on arrival at this resort. A majestic stairway leads to the large open-air lobby with views across a rooftop reflection pool towards the ocean.
The Spa Alila comprises treatment and massage suites surrounding a thermal mineral pool. The Chill Pool and Red Bar are a meeting point offering lounging by day and candle-lit celebrating by night. Dining is a highlight of the Alila experience, brought to life at the resort’s restaurants – poolside dining at Motion, and rooftop alongside the reflection pool at the Zen-style Clouds Loft. Both the spa and restaurants feature ingredients from the resort’s own organic garden. The rooms and villas have hammocks, high-speed internet access and a large flat screen television. Bathrooms are spacious with an oversized bathtub and rain shower. Contact information: 115 Moo 7, Tambol Bangkao, Amphur Cha-Am,
Putahracsa Hua Hin
The 59-room Putahracsa Hua Hin is one of those hidden gems with incredible service and spacious, luxury acco
mmodation. All the rooms are air-conditioned and have satellite television, 27-inch LCD TV, DVD players and personal music system, IDD telephone, an in-room safe, refrigerator, minibar, high-speed Internet access, coffee and tea making facilities. Expect to pay $120 per night to stay here.
There is a varied array of room styles, all are contemporary and unlike neighboring properties, they are all single story. The most expensive villas have a 10-meter private pool. There is a swimming pool for other guests too.
The hotel has package deals throughout the year, which include a daily breakfast and treatments at the resort’s impressive spa.
Dining options include The Nahb Talae with traditional dining with a lively atmosphere, Sala Monsoon noted for exotic drinks and