Chalelarn Hotel Hua Hin

For a simple mid-range option right in the center of Hua Hin, the Chalelarn Hotel has more style than many of its competitors. Thai art -- tasteful Thai art, mind you -- plays a big role in the design throughout in a blend of modern and classic looks. Once inside, the lobby is a riot of bright Thai silk-covered cushions set on teak furniture. There are statues depicting Apsara dancers here and there, and there's a small lounge at the edge of the lobby that's filled with gold plated cases with fine jewelry inside. A gold covered shrine sits in the back of the room. These touches extend throughout the hotel, making it a charming and well-located boutique-like option in the middle of Hua Hin's hustle and bustle. Most of the guests are couples on vacation, though little ones are welcome too. 

Chalelarn Hotel Hua Hin is located in the heart of downtown Hua Hin. It's an excellent spot for those who like to eat, as the hotel is surrounded by countless numbers of local restaurants. The night market is a five-minute walk from the hotel. Guests are also in good proximity to the railway station and beach, both can be reached in around 10 minutes on foot. There are plenty of shops, convenience stores, bars, and massage places all around the hotel, including a nearby 7-Eleven. This area of town can be crowded and noisy, although the rooms are upstairs, and mostly isolated from the noise. The hotel also provides a free shuttle service to the Cicada Market on weekends and to some other areas of town as well. Keep in mind that there is no airport in Hua Hin, and the closest flights depart from Bangkok, which is at least three hours away by car, though that number fluctuates wildly depending on traffic. 

There are 61 rooms at the Chalelarn Hotel, and all offer a blend of modern and traditional Thai styles. They're decorated with local artwork, murals, and other Thai touches, and headboards feature either carved wood details or murals of rural Thai scenes. Wood laminate floors and furniture with clean lines all add to the up-to-date appeal. All rooms come with flat-screen TVs, safes, air-conditioning, mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi. The entry-level Superior Rooms are a bit less polished than upgraded categories -- they don't have electric hot water kettles, and we saw curtains that were torn and frayed when we visited. All rooms do come with tiny balconies that have no furniture, and the "sea views" advertised really don't amount to much, as the sea is quite far off, and the view is more of the surrounding roofs. The Suites are more spacious, and come with whirlpool tubs, sultry red settees with colorful silk-covered cushions, and Chinese lanterns hanging above. Bathrooms feature beautiful vanity sinks with intricate designs and colors. Walls in the bathrooms are done in sharp tiling, and have either walk-in showers or shower/tub combos with contemporary rainfall showers.

The Chalelarn Hotel doesn't have many facilities, and the one that really shines is its rooftop swimming pool and hot tub. Both have emerald mosaic tiling, and the pool has both a children's section as well as a swim-up bar area. Don't get too excited about the latter, though, as it was never staffed when we were there and other guests have noted the same. The whirlpool sits on a deck slightly elevated above the pool. There are a few sun loungers and an angel statue to decorate the space. The best feature here is the view, which takes in all of downtown Hua Hin. If the pool is too crowded, there's also an open space on the other side of the building, where sun loungers are lined up. It's a good spot at sunset, when the temperatures have cooled and the views of the city and distant ocean are excellent. Above the lobby is the hotel's small restaurant, which serves a free breakfast buffet that offers simple Western fare of toast, eggs, and instant coffee. It's not open for lunch and dinner. Spotty Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and there's a free computer to use in the lobby. Parking spots are available behind the hotel.