Thailand Accomodations
| A myriad of accommodations is available
throughout Thailand, ranging from 5-star
luxury hotels to simple tents and bungalows.
The price and type of lodging facilities
on offer is associated with location, with
Bangkok and major tourist cities boasting
some of the best hotels in the world, while
rudimentary rooms are more common in rural
areas. Regardless, all types of accommodations
in Thailand are known for being clean, efficient,
and friendly, with world-class service and
unbeatable hospitality that comes naturally
for all Thais, being an integral component
of the culture. |
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Luxury Hotels
Luxury hotels in urban Thailand meet the international
requirement standards and are renowned for their
outstanding service and hospitality. Expect
to be treated like a king, living in elegantly
furnished rooms with modern amenities, recreational
facilities and an extensive choice of the best
dining outlets in town right at your fingertip.
Compared with similar establishments in the
West, these hotels provide much more value for
your money. Examples : The Oriental , Hyatt
Erawan , Hotel Plaza Athenee , Peninsula Bangkok
Resort Hotels
Similar to the luxury hotels, the resort hotels
are unsurpassed in style, comfort, and value
in comparison with their counterparts worldwide.
Additionally, they offer astonishing, scenic
views of their surroundings, whether it's the
azure blue waters of the south or the rolling
hills and forests of the north. Most were specifically
designed to be unique, heavenly oasis, blending
harmoniously with their environment, and offering
a wide range of entertainment and gastronomic
delights, with services provided by charming
staff. Experience it for yourself at The Regent
in Chiang Mai or the Sofitel in Hua Hin.
Guesthouses/ Beach Bungalows
Booming from the backpacker phenomenon of the
1970's, guesthouses offer superb value and charming
memories for budget travelers. In Bangkok, these
establishments are predominantly located on
Khao San Road. In other major tourist cities
and seaside towns, guesthouses and beach bungalows
offer clean rooms and friendly service for a
relatively cheap price, some as low as 100-400
baht per night. Some may have air-conditioned
rooms and private bathrooms. Though the facilities
may be basic, the quality of service has reputedly
remained good. Beach bungalows may also be prone
to insect invasions.
Provincial Hotels
Mainly found in rural areas throughout Thailand
not often frequented by foreign and Thai visitors,
they are generally multi-story or a row of concrete
blocks containing identical rooms with choice
of either air-conditioned or fan. They generally
offer basic facilities, most often equipped
with squatting toilets, and lack eating facilities.
Though cheap and clean, they may be the only
option available, especially in the remoter
parts of Central and Northeastern Thailand.
Homestays
The latest tourism promotion for cultural immersion
is to have guests sleep overnight in a local
resident's house and to learn first-hand about
the culture and lifestyle of their host. Visitors
may choose to stay in hilltribe villages in
the North, with rural people in the Northeast,
or in traditional Thai houses owned by fruit
orchard owners in Samut Songkhram, only 2 hours
away from Bangkok. Besides the fact that both
visitors and hosts learn from each other, the
lodging is relatively cheap (from 100-500 baht/night)
and provides an interesting experience.
National Parks
Camping is allowed in a majority of national
parks for a minimal fee, though the facilities
are extremely basic in comparison to the ones
in Europe and North America. Camping has never
really caught on in Thailand since cheap hotels
are often located nearby, plus the annoyance
of mosquitoes and other insects. However, many
national parks have a limited number of clean,
basic, concrete bungalows. It is highly advisable
to book ahead by contacting the Forestry Department
in Bangkok or the national park itself.
Monasteries
Monasteries are traditionally places of refuge
and it is possible to stay overnight in a temple
for a small donation, regardless if you are
a Buddhist or not. Expect basic facilities and
early rising, though co-ed accommodations are
not available. Conservative attire and proper
demeanor are expected.
Apartments
Though it is widely available in Thailand at
very reasonable prices, not many short-term
visitors look into this option since dining
out is relatively inexpensive and rental contracts
usually stipulate a stay of more than a few
weeks.
Prices
Because Thailand is relatively affordable for
Western and Japanese visitors, the wide range
of accommodations is sure to be suitable for
type of budget. The luxury hotels offer suites
from 50,000 Baht to simple rooms for 10,000-15,
000 baht per night. Most lodgings in major tourist
destinations cost between 1,000-5,000 baht per
night. An air-conditioned, comfortable room
in a standard provincial hotel may range from
700-1,500 baht. Guesthouses and homestays are
the most economical means of lodging.
Prices vary depending on the time of the year.
Nationwide, they are at their highest during
the cool season (Nov-Feb) and are less during
the hot season (Mar-May) and rainy season (Jun-Oct).
The only exception is Bangkok where occupancy
rate is high throughout the year and prices
remain relatively fixed. Hotels in Chiang Mai
and Phuket are fully booked during the cool
season.
Local festivals and long weekends are other
factors hotels exploit for raising prices. For
example, seaside resorts in Hua Hin and in Chiang
Mai are fully booked during Songkran Festival
in April. Even the quiet town of Ubon Ratchathani
is packed when they host the famous Candle Festival
in July.
Special Rates
Whether calling to book in advance or walking
into a hotel, it is always a good idea to ask
about their promotions or special rates. During
the low seasons, especially outside of Bangkok,
many lodging facilities do offer special rates
which could lead to substantial savings.
Tipping
Tipping has become a normal practice in Bangkok
and the major tourist destinations. Use your
discretion in rewarding for good services. Between
10 and 50 baht is considered adequate in most
circumstances. Usually smiles and thank yous
are often appreciative enough. Luxury hotels
and resort hotels will automatically include
a service charge with your full expenses.
Facilities for Children
Majority of luxury and resort hotels offers
some sort of babysitting services and children
can normally waived from hotel expenses. They
also provide children pool and playground areas,
but parents must provide their own supervision.
Disabled Travelers
The awareness of the needs of disabled travelers
has not been fully developed in Thailand and
few special facilities are provided, even in
luxury hotels. Entrance ramps and elevator lifts
are available at every luxury and mid-ranged
accommodations.
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