Amari Hua Hin

The Amari Hua Hin is a stylish hotel that blends a mix of cutting-edge architecture with artistic, colonial charm. The entrance of the hotel has plenty of gleaming glass, a large tiered decorative pool, and a porte-cochere entryway supported by thin, graceful columns. This gives way to a much softer colonial vibe once inside the lobby, where blue shutters are lined up end to end to create dramatically bold walls interspersed with glowing white shelves adorned with white bird cages, stones, and sculptures. The bold blue-and-white motif is found throughout both the lobby and adjoining Coral Lounge, which feels far more Mediterranean than Thai. Additionally, the lobby has lots of black-and-white photos of stylish architecture. The property almost feels like a small boutique hotel, though it isn't, with clients ranging from tour groups to business seminars to families, all coming to enjoy the excellent, expansive facilities. 

The Amari Hua Hin is located at the far southern end of Hua Hin town, an excellent choice for guests who want to be close to the center but far enough outside of it to soak up a more relaxed atmosphere. The hotel sits beyond the highway turnoff, so the area sees far less traffic than elsewhere in the city, and is particularly quiet in the evening. It's a 10-minute walk or quick shuttle buggy ride to the beach -- which isn't all that nice, as is the case with many beaches around Hua Hin. There are not as many outdoor drinking or dining choices in the area as there are in central Hua Hin, but there are options within five to 10 minutes' walking distance, including the weekend Cicada Weekend Night Market, offering everything from food to art. The Amari runs a free shuttle into the center of town four times daily. It's a 10-minute drive from here to the Hua Hin Railway Station or bus station for connections on to Bangkok (which has the closest major airports) or elsewhere.

Rooms at the Amari Hua Hin all have light wood tones throughout. Framed black-and-white photography, wainscoted half-panel walls, and pale blue and green bed runners and curtains give rooms a serene and understated ambience. Some rooms have upgraded decor, like leather bench seating and more vibrant textiles, and all are spacious, even the entry-level Deluxe Rooms (which start at 38 square meters, or 409 square feet). Daybeds and work desks are included with every room, plus features like iPod docks, DVD players, flat-screen TVs, safes, and electric kettles for making coffee and tea. There is free Wi-Fi, and the hotel even provides beach bags for going to the pool or seaside. Family Suites offer separate children's sleeping areas and more generous contemporary seating areas. Bathrooms have tiled floors and generous marble vanities with raised bowl sinks plus large walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads and toiletries. Every room also has a small balcony, although some of the Deluxe Rooms don't have attractive views. Guests wanting something really snazzy should opt for the One-Bedroom Suite, which has a jetted tub, a large separate living room and dining room, an open floor plan, and a large balcony with excellent pool views.

The Amari Hua Hin has one of the largest swimming pools in town: a beautiful 125-foot (38-meter) saltwater lap pool that's great for enthusiastic swimmers. The massive pool is the resort's focal point; it's lined with plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas, and has a children's section. The resort also has a spacious, modern fitness center, a large kids' club, and a spa offering massages and other health treatments. Completing the picture, the hotel caters to the corporate crowd, with excellent meeting and conference facilities for groups, seminars, weddings, and more. 

For dining, there's Mosaic, an all-day dining restaurant which serves breakfast buffets (which are not included with bookings) and then Thai and western cuisine afterwards. The Reef Deli and Wine Lounge sits next to the pool and offers sandwiches, cheese platters, and cold cuts along with a wide selection of premium wines. It has both intimate, mood-lit indoor seating as well as tables outside. The Shoreline Beach Club is a lounge-like space with fluorescent lighting, poster-bed love seats, and seaside tables that serves up barbecue seafood as well as drinks, and plays soft music on its open-air sala next to the beach. Coral Lounge is the Amari's main lobby bar. It's an elegant and inviting place that has a row of dark-wood board-game tables and serves a wide range of drinks, from cocktails to coffees and teas, along with a selection of pastries.

Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and private car services can be arrange. There is a buggy shuttle to the beach, though it's not the nicest stretch of sand. There is also a free scheduled shuttle around Hua Hin, though it requires advanced reservation.