TH Beach Hotel

TH Beach Hotel is a straightforward, sensibly priced stay in the middle of Hua Hin, set on Damrongraj Road in a quiet side lane off the main flow of traffic. It is not a beachfront resort, despite the name, and it is better understood as a town hotel that happens to be within walking distance of the sea. Many visitors find that is exactly what they want: a comfortable room, a pool to cool off in and the freedom to wander out for dinner without arranging a taxi. The walking distances are the main selling point. The night market is roughly a twelve-minute stroll away, the old clock tower is about fourteen minutes on foot, the Bintabaht walking street is around sixteen minutes and the sand of Hua Hin Beach is about seventeen minutes away. The railway station is a little further, and the airport is a short drive. In hot weather you may prefer a tuk-tuk or taxi for the return trip, but the fact that nothing is far makes planning easy for first-time visitors who want to eat, shop and sightsee without a car. The hotel offers four room types: Superior Double, Deluxe Balcony Double, Superior Twin and Deluxe Balcony Twin. Rooms have air conditioning, separate sitting areas, refrigerators, free bottled water and basic toiletries, and the balcony rooms add a little outdoor space that is pleasant in the early evening.

Facilities are modest but well chosen. An outdoor pool with sun loungers and umbrellas is the centrepiece, and there is a restaurant, a bar and a terrace on site, so a simple meal or a cold drink after a day out is always at hand. Breakfast is cooked to order and is charged separately, so check whether your rate includes it when you book.

Free Wi-Fi and free self parking are included, and there is an elevator, a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage and a safe at the desk, which is useful if you arrive early or leave late.

Think about how you will use Hua Hin. If your plan is to spend the day on tours to Sam Roi Yot, Kui Buri or the floating markets, a central base like this one shortens the pickup and drop-off, and the front desk can usually help you sort out transport.

If your plan is a beach holiday with long hours on the sand, you may prefer a hotel directly on the shore, because the walk to the beach is a real walk in the heat. Travellers who plan to eat out every evening, though, will find the position hard to beat for the price.

Pets are not allowed, and the hotel suits couples, solo travellers and friends better than large families, since the rooms are standard doubles and twins. Light sleepers should ask for a room away from the street, and anyone arriving on a late train or flight should tell the hotel in advance so that check-in goes smoothly. Check-in and check-out times are fixed, so ask about luggage storage if your plans do not line up with them.

The best months for a stay are the cooler ones from about November to February, when evenings are ideal for the night market and the pool is comfortable all day. Rates rise around Christmas and New Year, so book early for those dates, and midweek stays are quieter than weekends, when Thai families arrive from Bangkok. Whatever the season, confirm the cancellation terms, read recent guest comments and check when you book what is included in your rate.