With no shortage of comfort, a stay at the seafront retreat of Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa is as uplifting as ice cream on a hot summer's day. Having just celebrated five years of being in operation, the resort continues to soar in popularity among families despite the pandemic. Solo vacationers and couples will also have an experience that is as sublime as the experience had by the kids doing cannonballs into the resort's pool.
First impressions
As many have come to expect of Marriott properties, Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa exudes an air of understated luxury. Guests can expect a high level of comfort and a comprehensive range of facilities. A highly noticeable attribute of this resort is that it is geared to accommodate families very well. You will probably see many little ones running through the corridors, the lobby and especially near the pools. Needless to say, cuteness abounds all over the property.
The Adult Pool.
The Deluxe Pool Access.
Staying in
When it comes to accommodations, you're spoiled for choice, with over 322 rooms and suites. There are nine different room and suite types: Superior Room, Deluxe Sea View, Deluxe Pool Terrace, Deluxe Pool Access, Family Room, Junior Suite, Garden Suite, Ambassador Suite and Presidential Suite, which posses an extensive space of 156 sqm.
The Deluxe Pool Access (starting at B6,120 per night), which I tried, comes with a private terrace with direct access to the lagoon pool. Since I love swimming, I really enjoyed the convenience that this room offers. You can simply roll out of bed, walk a few steps and dive right in.
However, one thing to bear in mind is that the room might not feel as private as one that is cocooned amidst a lush forest. This is because you will be unable to avoid the sounds of kids splashing around just outside your room. But this is an inconvenience that can be easily fixed. Just opt for the Deluxe Sea View that comes with a private balcony set facing the sea or the Garden Suite, which will grant you an extensive sea view and direct beach access.
Big Fish & Bar.
Across the property, there are five swimming pools, five restaurants and bars, a spa, a fitness centre and a kids' club. The saltwater lagoon pool lets you meander through the resort with its long stretch wrapping around the property in a square shape, while the Kids' Pool that comes with a treehouse and a playground lets young guests release some energy and play together. For grown-ups who are seeking some quiet time, the Adult Pool will surely provide you with peace and tranquillity, with plants surrounding it like a fort.
When hunger strikes, take your pick from the restaurants and bars dotted throughout the resort. For incredibly fresh seafood, head to Big Fish & Bar, which serves up excellent Western-style dishes starring locally caught seafood of the day, in a romantic, dimly-lit setting on the resort's beachfront. If you're craving the pungent flavours of Thai cuisine, you'll find a great selection of classic Thai fare along with rare dishes on offer at Amber Kitchen.
The restaurant is also where the resort's breakfast service takes place. Guests can expect a long line of buffet offerings, displaying a large array of Thai and international items, along with many live cooking stations. Having stayed at the resort a few times, the highlight of the stay, each time, seems to be the resort's excellent breakfast spread. Must tuck-ins include the guay tiew neua (beef noodle soup) with rich aromatic broth and flavourful moo ping (grilled pork skewers).
When in need of a nap after a meal, check yourself into Quan Spa and request for the spa's signature oil massage "TreĢsor Des Mers". It features both Thai and Swedish massages, with the additional use of heated shells, to soothe all sorts of aches (B3,500 for a 90-minute treatment).
Going out
The resort's location, right in Hua Hin's downtown, means the best shopping and dining opportunities are close at hand. Plus, it takes less than 10 minutes to drive from the resort to some of the city's most renowned attractions, including Khao Takiab Beach, Hua Hin Night Market and Cicada Market.
Value and verdict
With rates starting at roughly B3,420 per night, staying here isn't exactly budget-friendly, especially when breakfast is not included in this members-only price. If one is not a member and wishes to enjoy the continental breakfast buffet during the stay, the price jumps to approximately B5,000 (two adults and two children under three years of age may attend the breakfast). However, your money gets you a charming personable service that is unobtrusive alongside great facilities for the whole family.
Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa, Petchkasem Road, Prachuap Khiri Khan / Call 032-904-666, visit www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/hhqmr-hua-hin-marriott-resort-and-spa.
