Stayed Anantara at Hua Hin 17 to 31 October 2005.
This is a lovely 4*+ resort hotel set in well kept gardens. The service was better than most 4* hotels I've stayed in around the world. The staff were friendly, attentive and treated guests like real guests. This was particularly true of 3 out of the 4 restaurants I ate in. A similar standard can be applied to the bars. One really is made welcome.
The standard of food was excellent, well cooked and plenty of it with an extensive menu mostly Thai but also with other western dishes. Good wine list. The Thai wine was surprisingly good. The Italian restaurant is undoubtedly the best with its understated class.
The main pool area is large freeform and most attractive. Squeaky clean, but the water was cold particularly after rain. Separate childrens and and adult areas. Good swim up bar. Lots of free towels.
Rooms: I can only speak for my room (balcony not terrace). Large, clean with good daily maid service. Well laid out with teak floor and good fixtures and fittings. Very effective aircon.
Small beach with romantic view out to sea at sunset. The sea is very shallow, still only waist high 50 yards out.
It is, from my experience difficult to find fault with this hotel and I will certainly return.
This is a hotel/spa with quality and highly recommended to fellow travellers. One point worth mentioning - there are lots of steps between the various levels so anyone with walking difficulties might have problem.
Outstanding characteristics:
Food - as above
Pool - as described
Service and staff - as described
Attention to detail - this is always a sign of quality. Such detail was apparent in the restaurants and also my room. Example; fresh lotus petals placed on the bed and in the bathroom every day and the meticulous way in which small things like soap and toiletries were arranged to milimetric precision - every day.
Same standard in the restaurants where it was quite clear the staff had had excellent training and knew their stuff. Nothing was too much trouble. A nice touch in the first class Italian restaurant - a fresh leaf printed in gold with your name placed on the table prior to arrival (when booking a table for the evening in advance.) Theme: HotelComparison: more expensive than averagePhone: 66-0-3252-0250Directions: About 3 hours drive south of Bangkok on good roads. General area very good - the King lives close by. Hua Hin is very safe even at night with a good night market and excellent local restaurants.
