Luxurious resorts with magnificent suites, top-class amenities and great restaurants definitely result in a great vacation/getaway. The thing is, it comes with a price, and the price can be a little bit steep. It can be challenging to find a place you can stay to relax and unwind and not hurt your wallet too much, but if a budget getaway is what you're after that caters to the enjoyment of kids and adults, Centra by Centara Cha-Am Beach Resort Hua Hin is a great option that's not too far nor too expensive.
First impressions
The properties under the Centra name (take note of lacking "a") is Centara's line of budget-friendly hotels. Centara, of course, is well-known for its luxurious offerings, like the Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin, which is nearby. Though Centra isn't as flashy or hi-so, the property promises the same dedication to service as its counterpart.
With that in mind, I was pleased with what I saw when I first arrived at Centra Cha-Am. The resort has one large pool that's sure to entice kids especially with its slide and mini "kid zone" while another pool is behind the property, also accessible by guests staying in a Deluxe Pool Access Room. The kid zone is probably enough to keep the young ones occupied for a weekend so they spend the day playing and falling asleep immediately at night due to exhaustion. Centra is also a beachfront resort so the sand and waves are not even a minute away. Lounging about here with a good book after a swim is definitely for those that just want to spend their time lazing about without a care in their mind. If ultimate relaxation is your goal, make sure to pay Cense by Spa Cenvaree, their spa, a visit, which offers a variety of spa services at reasonable prices.
There are two restaurants -- the first is Pearl, an indoor restaurant, where breakfast is served, and is described as "serving a number of international and fusion flavours". During my stay, however, most of the menu leaned heavily towards local cuisine. Alternatively, there's also Sands, Centra's beachfront bar and resto where you can feast on seafood and drink a variety of cocktails. Their rooftop bar named Stars is still under construction and will be opened soon.
Staying in
There's nothing ridiculously fancy with their rooms though that's not a bad thing. After all, it is a budget-friendly hotel. However, that doesn't mean Centra doesn't offer different rooms each with a unique flair. I stayed in the Deluxe Room with a pool view that starts at B1,800++ but you can opt for the Deluxe Pool Access Room. Starting at a price of B3,000++, the room has a terrace that directly leads into the pool behind the property, which means swimming and going back to your room is hassle-free. Alternatively, there are rooms situated right beside the large beachfront pool, which are priced starting at B2,800++ that you can go for. If you prefer something more spacious with a fantastic view of the ocean, your best bet is their 55m² Ocean Suite, which can accommodate four adults or two adults and two kids for the price of B3,900++.
Final thoughts
Centra by Centara Cha-Am Beach Resort Hua Hin offers guests a laid-back stay without having to spend too much. Its beachfront pool with the slides will keep the kids occupied while its beachfront resto and bar will do the same for the adults, making it great for a family getaway. But even if you haven't got kids, consider them for your next weekend rendezvous with friends or your special someone.
Centra by Centara Cha-Am Beach Resort Hua Hin, Petchakasem Road, Cha-am, Hua Hin / Call 032-508-2349, visit bit.ly/3iKil1f.
