I have had this place on my list for a couple of years. It always just slips out of my plan. I am glad to have the opportunity to check it out. Furthermore, the property has just been renovated, which makes it even better. I was close to visiting this a couple of years ago. It is the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion on this trip. I will be coming here with some of my longest friends and celebrating a special milestone. It can be said to be the best major property in town in this seaside resort city of Thailand; the Hilton sits in a very prominent and central location. It is right by the waters, and right in the middle of everything. This is definitely one of the better ones here.
Booking Process & Pre Arrival
I will be staying here for 2 nights and got the base-level room for 3 pax. The rate is excellent given that it is the low season. I got some information from the hotel ahead of my stay. Elite treatment and recognition are excellent as they very kindly extended me with lounge access for 3 pax. A couple of days out from my stay, I can also see from the app that I have been upgraded to their Oceanfront Suite. This upgrade would have cost around 440 SGD if booked straight. Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa features 295 guest rooms and suites across 12 categories. You can find the breakdown below.
| Rooms | Executive Lounge Access | Bathtub | Room Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Ocean View | No | Yes | 42 Sqm |
| Premium Ocean View | No | No | 42 Sqm |
| Ocean Premium Plus | No | No | 42 Sqm |
| Family | No | No | 82 Sqm |
| Executive Ocean View | Yes | No | 42 Sqm |
| Junior Suite Ocean View | No | Yes | 60 Sqm |
| Executive Junior Suite Ocean View | Yes | Yes | 60 Sqm |
| Oceanfront Suite | Yes | Yes | 80 Sqm |
| Executive Oceanfront Suite | Yes | Yes | 80 Sqm |
| Ayuthaya Suite | Yes | Yes | 150 Sqm |
| Sukhothai Suite | Yes | Yes | 200 Sqm |
| Chakri Suite | Yes | Yes | 350 Sqm |
Checking In
I landed at Bangkok airport at around 9.30am. We then got a transfer to Hua Hin directly. It cost us around 80 SGD from Trip.com. It is very fuss-free. We had a smooth arrival and got through immigration in no time with the e-gates. The traffic was smooth, but it was still a rather long ride and took around 3 hours. We finally got to the hotel at around noon. I love the grand look of the property. Upon arrival, the bellboy came over to help us with our bags. I love the slick, grey, cool-looking exterior on the outside, which kind of makes it hidden and very cool. Right upon entering the main lobby, you have the fantastic ocean and pool view right in front of you. This immediately gets you into the resort vibes. The view is jaw-dropping.
The check-in counters are located towards the right. There are also plenty of seats in the lobby area, which are arranged to face the ocean and pool. The hotel is in tip-top condition, given that it was renovated about three months ago. Everything is still so new and well-maintained.
I was ushered over to the executive lounge located on level M to check in. The executive team warmly greeted me and then showed me to a seat while they completed the check-in process. They double confirmed all the information with me and reconfirmed that I have been upgraded to an Oceanfront Suite. The manager also came by to say hello.
King Oceanfront Suite
This is their mid-tier suite. I was assigned a king, oceanfront suite, located on the fourth floor. I got Suite 410, to be exact. It is quite a long walk away from the elevators and is located all the way at the end of the corridor. This is an outstanding suite that measures 80 Sqm with a panoramic view of the sea and the surroundings. Right upon entering, you have an elongated entrance way with a full-length mirror on the left. It immediately opens up to the living space with a jaw-dropping view. That is so welcoming with tons of natural light flowing in. Despite this being a full one-bedroom suite, it does not come with a powder room or a half bath. Instead, the place is nicely designed such that the bathroom can be accessed from both the bedroom and the entrance way. This is handy if you have guests over and are having a gathering.
I really love the look of this suite. It is modern and luxurious. It feels so cosy with the lights and wood finishes. I love the natural light too. How amazing it is with those jaw-dropping views from the large panes of windows. The living space is extremely spacious and kind of in a little rectangular kind of layout. At the side here, you have a huge circular table along with two chairs. This acts as both the dining table and a workspace. Power outlets are located within reach, and they have very thoughtfully installed international suitable outlets. The size of the table makes it useful. Wifi works very well here, and it is easy to connect to.
On the right, you can find the minibar counter. It is a little sparse and only comes with a kettle as well as some packaged tea and instant coffee. All sorts of glassware are provided, and below there is also a mini fridge that is well stocked with all sorts of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. I am surprised by the lack of a proper coffee machine, given that this is one of the more premium room types here.
The living room features a huge, high-quality television mounted on the wall. It is mounted on a movable mount, which allows you to move it to face towards the sofa or dining area. It comes with a good number of both local and international cable TV channels. It also supports casting and Smart Apps like Netflix. This is very handy.
I love the sofa set here. It comes along with an armchair and a stool. This could easily fit around seven people comfortably. This will be great for gatherings and parties on-site. You can also find a coffee table here. This is so grand! Later on, the staff also brought over some welcome amenities and a personalised welcome note.
Coming to the main highlight of the suite, it is definitely the gorgeous sea view. The suite comes with a terrace area that snakes around the suite with an outdoor seating or lounging area.
The balcony comes with your personal sunbeds to relax and enjoy the sun from the privacy of your room. It is paired with the lovely view of the property, beach and ocean. There are two sunbeds and two armchairs over here. This is so relaxing and comfortable.
The bedroom area is segregated by sliding doors. I love that there is a proper barrier between the living space and bedroom area. This suite comes with one King Size Bed. I love the local touches with the headboard crafted with scenes from the Ramakien, Thailand’s national epic story. Both sides of the beds are nightstands with controls for the lighting and power outlets. I also loved that the mattress is on the firmer side. You have an ottoman in front of your bed for additional storage. I love the contour pillows; they are so comfortable and support the neck well. In the bedroom, you can find another high-quality smart screen television mounted on the wall, a bit at a slightly smaller size, as compared to the living room. It comes with the same features as well.
Finally, coming to the bathroom, which is another gorgeous aspect of the suite that I like. It comes with double sinks and plenty of counter space. All sorts of amenities are provided, and as per the usual over here in Hilton properties, amenities are from Crabtree and Evelyn in large pump size bottles.
The bathroom comes with a separate standing shower and a huge circular tub that makes you feel like you are in a hotpot. This could fit 3 to 4 pax. The toilet is in a separate room.
The standing shower comes with both a handheld shower head and a rainshower. The water pressure and temperature control are excellent. The tub is really comfortable for soaking. It is perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing and exploring.
Connected to the bathroom is a spacious wardrobe area. You can find a luggage storage area that could fit a medium-sized suitcase. Additional portable racks are available upon request. The area comes well stocked with plenty of hangers, bathrobes, bath slippers, as well as a safe.
You can’t fault much with this suite. I am so happy with it. To nitpick, perhaps they can improve the hairdryer quality. I will also appreciate it if the blinds and sheers are electronically controlled. They should have a proper coffee machine. Turn down service is automatically offered in the evening with the room refresh and tidied. They are also very thoughtful with the small details. Given that the room is for 3, everything is already set for all of us, from the cups to the spoons and the bath amenities.
Fitness Centre
The gym and the spa are located on the same level as the executive lounge. The gym is open 24 hours a day, and you can simply access it with your key cards. It is a nice spot with lots of equipment. You can find plenty of weights, bikes, lifting machines, rowing machines and step machines. Everything is well-maintained. It does not come with a view, which might be a con over here at this property!
Outside of the gym, they also have some recreation activities and equipment like board games, a pool table, table tennis, etc. There is also a squash court that guests can reserve and bikes for your use to explore the area.
Swimming Pool
The hotel comes with a very grand and spacious pool area with multiple different pools, a Jacuzzi and even a swim-up bar area. The spot is lovely and open from 7am to 7pm. It is a huge area and well-maintained.
The spot gets plenty of sun with plenty of sunbeds by the side of the pool. It is the perfect place to wind down and relax the day away. I love the book corner! It is so thoughtful, and guests can even do a book exchange concept here.
Beach Access
You have direct beach access from the pool area, right in front of the property. The beach right ahead of the property is very powdery and fine. The gentle water here is suitable for swimming. The access is guarded.
Executive Lounge
The executive lounge is located on the mezzanine floor. The lounge is on the bigger side of things and has recently been renovated, too. It is a nice spot and comes with a great view of the resort grounds as well as the ocean. This will be a good one to work from if you want to have a change of scenery. The executive staff are polished. The lounge is open from 6am to 8pm. I felt like the timing could be extended. Breakfast is offered from 6.30am to 10.30am, afternoon tea from 2pm to 4pm and evening cocktails from 5pm to 7pm. Throughout the day, you can also find some soft drinks, juices, tea and coffee. The place could fit about 70 to 80 pax or so.
Afternoon tea consists of a small spread of some sandwiches, sweet treats and pastries. There are also scones. It will be perfect for a mid-day bite while lounging at the resort or so. You could pop by from the beach or pool area before heading back.
Evening is definitely the most focused of the executive lounge and definitely the most crowded area, but even despite this, the lounge still stays rather quiet and empty. Perhaps it is the low season. The selection changes from day to day. You can find a small salad station, some fruits, cheese, cold cuts, sushi and a couple of hot foods. They have some really delicious chicken rolls, as well as some mooping or pork satay. That was pretty delicious, too.
Besides the non alcoholic drinks available during the rest of the day, they have a menu for evening cocktails which contains about six different cocktails. They have wines, beers, spirits and mocktails.
Breakfast is also served at the lounge. Service is definitely better in the lounge with a quieter and scenic environment. You have some fresh fruits, cold cheese, a small salad station, congee, sausages, hashbrown, bacon and an egg station. The freshly made eggs were really good, but the restaurant is still the one to go to.
Breakfast at Gingerfire Restaurant
I can also have breakfast at the restaurant, which is served from 6am to 10.30am. This is extended till 11am on the weekends. Breakfast is extended for elite members. If it is not included in your rate, breakfast costs 800++THB per person. I was warmly shown into a seat by the staff, and as per the usual over here in Thailand, they usually put a tag clarifying your status on the table. Elite members usually also get some daily specials.
Breakfast is quite a good spread and is served buffet style. Here are some pictures of the spread. Special mention goes to the noodle station and stir-fried! You know that you are in for a treat when there is ice cream available at breakfast. Don’t give it a miss if you are coming over here. You will not be disappointed. They make slight changes from day to day.
I really appreciate them going the extra mile to show elite recognition. This is a concept that properties should follow worldwide.
Conclusion
What a fantastic property this was. This definitely belongs in the upper echelons of things. I was so happy with the suite that I got. I really enjoy my stay over here, which is made further sweeter by the excellent elite recognition and upgrade provided by the team. The property is top-notch, especially after the renovation. I really enjoy staying in modern and new Hiltons. This can definitely match up with properties like Hilton Frankfurt, Hilton Porto Gaia and Hilton Saigon, which I had recently stayed at too. These are really some of the better ones out there. The location is perfect here. The suite view is so good with an over-the-top view of the property grounds, ocean and the beach. I will have no qualms coming back here for another stay if I am ever in Hua Hin. It is the best hotel in the area.
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