Araya Residence

“Can be recommended”

Stayed in this hotel for 4 days having booked two penthouse rooms (special offer). The view from the upper floor is very nice. The hotel does not have an elevator. Was no issue for us but important to know if you book upper floor and have somebody with walking disabilities. The rooms were spacious … more

Stayed in this hotel for 4 days having booked two penthouse rooms (special offer). The view from the upper floor is very nice. The hotel does not have an elevator. Was no issue for us but important to know if you book upper floor and have somebody with walking disabilities. The rooms were spacious and nice however the management should do some renovation / repair works. Especially impresivve was how friendly and helpful the staff was (from cleaning lady till manager). This gave a real feeling of home away from home. The farewell was as if we were not just guests but family members. The beach and night market are ca. 15 min walking distance from the hotel. Should we come again to HuaHin, will stay there for sure.

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“Boutique hotel, or posh guest house.”

I recently booked on-line for a a 3 day stay at the Araya residence, where it was described on its web site as a "brand new boutique hotel" .... well, in my mind, brand new should mean just that, and clearly the Araya has been around for some time. It also doesn't help sooth things when you book on… more

I recently booked on-line for a a 3 day stay at the Araya residence, where it was described on its web site as a "brand new boutique hotel" .... well, in my mind, brand new should mean just that, and clearly the Araya has been around for some time. It also doesn't help sooth things when you book online for the lowest guaranteed rate, (1300 bht), only to find a blackboard at the door, advertising rooms for 1000 Bht - yes, it probably was lesser quality room, but then why not offer that on the net too ! The rooms were a little tired, and the bathroom, had a somewhat contemporary smooth rendered concrete look, unfortunately this gave rise to a lot of black stains in the shower area where it must have been difficult to clean (compared to tiles). The bed was nice with clean plump duvets, and the TV carried a few English channels. OK, that's the bad bits .... on a positive note, the staff were very friendly and helpful, and it felt like a personal service. Breakfast (American) was individually cooked to order in the small kitchen adjacent to the lobby, and was of a good standard, even if a little delayed one day as the chef attended to some guests checking out ! The Araya has free Wifi throughout, and a book share, is available in the lobby. The location is excellent, and you are very close to the beach and the numerous sea food restaurants that jut out into the water on stilts. I would stay here again, but I think that with other guest houses charging around 7-800 bht, the Araya rack rate of 1500 is too much. Yes, it offers a little more than guest houses, but I feel the description of a boutique hotel is perhaps a little optimistic. If you get a room for 1000 bht for a night, in my mind, then that's a fair price - any more, and I suggest you look for alternatives.

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