Cha-am Villa Beach Hotel

The Cha-am Villa Beach Hotel is yet another one of these old properties that seem to have been around for ages in Cha Am. As it's long been a Bangkok Thai weekend escape spot, many of the old hotels are popular for conferences and seminars, while the rooms and facilities seem to suffer from wear and neglect. The entry to the resort is just a small driveway and parking area, which doesn't have too many plants or trees, and no outstanding features. The lobby and restaurant are pretty much one and the same: a low-rise, open-air building that has a long wooden table for waiting guests, several desks for staff, and three small colorful kids' chairs are about the only lightening of the drab surroundings. This rather worn look carries on to the adjacent pool deck, which is in dire need of repair, with many broken and loose slats. Fortunately, the staff are abundant and friendly, which at least makes up for some of the lack of scenery. Due to its cheaper rates (at least for this location), the hotel gets a lot of long-term Scandinavian sun seekers in the winter, although it primarily remains a weekend Bangkok Thai escape for those on a budget.

The Cha-am Villa Beach Hotel is located right in the center of Cha Am beach, and is just across the street from the main beach, which is packed with beach chairs and umbrellas. There are loads of restaurants, bars, and shops around the hotel, so it is very convenient for those without transportation who want to be in the heart of the action. It's a five to 10-minute drive up to the train station, bus station, and minivan station for transport on to Bangkok, and the fishing pier and all the seafood restaurants are a 15-minute stroll down the beach road. The hotel has plenty of car parking and is set back from the beach road enough so that the rooms don't get much noise.

At the Cha-am Villa Beach Hotel, room quality doesn't necessarily reflect price. Rather, prices are highest nearer to the beach, despite the fact that the hotel isn't on the beach, but across the street from it. The Standard rooms are actually far nicer than the more expensive Superior Poolside rooms; larger, newer, and far more private with their own terraces, they sit away from the road so therefore cost less. None of the rooms here have many amenities. There are no safe boxes, no electric hot water kettles, and no bathrobes. All rooms do have mini-fridges and small televisions, wooden chairs, and empty closets, plus free Wi-Fi and breakfast, but the furnishings are pretty old and worn. The Superior Poolside rooms have sea shells up on the walls to try to create a bit of design, but they don't brighten things up too much. Bathrooms are small, with kitschy shower curtains and tiny showers. For some reason, the Superior rooms have small rain shower spigots, whereas the higher category Deluxe rooms don't. For a bit more space, families can rent out the villas, which have two to three bedrooms. While most of the rooms here have terraces, they are small and the only view one gets is of the parking lot and driveway below, or across to other rooms.

The Cha-am Villa Beach Hotel does not have too many extra features or facilities. The swimming pool here is small and not very pleasant as it's set on a wooden deck which is falling apart with many broken slats and forlorn sun loungers. It doesn't look like it has been attended to or revamped in ages, and with no greenery or shade around, other than a few corners, it isn't too appealing of a hangout spot. There is no fitness center or spa at the resort, but there are decent conference facilities, including a small ballroom and meeting room available for large groups, seminars, and other events. The restaurant downstairs in the lobby is pretty basic, with wooden chairs and tables that sit facing the street. Free breakfasts are served here and Thai meals can be ordered the rest of the day, but it looks like most guests go out for lunch and dinner, as there are plenty of great places to choose from nearby. One highlight is that the hotel provides a free tuk tuk shuttle service to guests to anywhere within a three-kilometer radius around the hotel at any time of day or night, allowing guests to go to the fishing pier, downtown, train station, or just about anywhere else in town for free.