This is a review of the Location Resort in Suan Phueng, a small and affordable resort suitable for those seeking relaxation. The reviewer apologizes for not bringing a camera and will instead be using their phone camera for the review.
Despite its proximity to Bangkok, a trip to Suan Phueng, which should take no more than two hours by car, turned into a nearly three-hour journey along the old scenic route that follows the Thai-Myanmar border and the reservoir. In reality, taking the newly constructed four-lane road through Chom Bueng would have been significantly faster.
The once-enchanting Suan Phueng seems to have lost its magic. The usual weekend crowds were noticeably absent, with only larger resorts like La Toscana seeing a decent number of visitors. This could be due to our visit falling during the low season (rainy season) and ongoing road construction on Suan Phueng Road, which is being expanded to four lanes all the way to Moai Coffee Shop. The town feels quiet now, but it might regain its vibrancy towards the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the cool season. According to local resorts, there is still a steady flow of tourists, although occupancy rates may not be as high. The abundance of resorts in Suan Phueng, rivaling those in Khao Yai, could be a factor, as both destinations are about the same distance from Bangkok. However, Khao Yai seems to be significantly more bustling.
The Location is a 3-star resort located near La Toscana. It is situated in a secluded area accessible via a mountain road leading to Kanchanaburi province. This road also provides access to Khao Krajom. We stopped for lunch (it was actually afternoon) at La Toscana, had coffee at Krua Mon Khai, and then checked into the resort. Arriving in the late afternoon, we enjoyed welcome drinks to refresh ourselves.
The resort's accommodations are divided into two sections: a hotel-style room section with a swimming pool, located near the front desk, and a section with individual houses for families. We had originally booked a house, but due to a power outage in Suan Phueng on the night of our stay, the resort requested that we stay in the hotel section instead. This was not a problem, as the hotel rooms were also beautiful.
The hotel rooms have a swimming pool, which is a major advantage. The rooms are also very spacious, easily accommodating ten university students for an orientation event. However, it is not advisable to do so, as it would be inconsiderate to the hotel. Our room was located on the second floor.
As mentioned, the room is very spacious. The advantage is that you can roll around on the floor, which is very comfortable, like being in a large house. The room is also very clean, and the bed is very comfortable. However, the problem with a large room is that the distance between the bed and the television is too far, even though the television is 40 inches. To watch TV from the bed, you need to be a bit older. Haha. So I had to sit and look up close instead (because I'm also short-sighted).
The bathroom is as spacious as the room itself, practically a studio apartment in its own right. While a bathtub would have been a welcome addition, the water pressure is slightly weak. It's not a dealbreaker, but those who enjoy long showers might find it a bit underwhelming. However, it's not a major inconvenience.
The room is decorated in a modern style with a bright blue color scheme. The bathroom is well-equipped with all necessary amenities, including coffee, a kettle, and complimentary drinks in the refrigerator (limited to soft drinks and juices). The view from the balcony is expansive, offering a relaxing space to enjoy the cool breeze. Despite the slightly overcast weather, the overall experience was enjoyable. The price point is reasonable, offering excellent value for the amenities and stunning views.
Let's take a look at other parts of the resort. The swimming pool, at first glance, may not seem very large, but it is actually the size of a school competition pool, probably around 25 meters. You can even have a swimming competition here. The water is quite deep (I'm not short, but I'm not very tall either, just your average Thai guy). It's also a saltwater pool. If you're not swimming with a lot of people, it's a lot of fun. But if you have children, be sure to watch them closely. Let them play only in the children's pool area, which is fenced off to prevent them from falling out. The ground floor rooms also have direct access to the pool.
The Red Building, as it is called, serves as a breakfast area and also houses the hotel's restaurant. The food is not only affordable but also delicious, although it can be a bit spicy. It is authentically prepared by local villagers. If you enjoy northern Thai cuisine, you will find it to be just as delicious. I did not take any pictures of breakfast because there were only three families staying at the resort that day. As a result, the resort provided an a la carte menu, which was quite substantial. The ABF was plentiful and flavorful, and I heard that the shrimp congee was also excellent. However, I was already full from the ABF.
In conclusion, the Location Resort in Suan Phueng is a great option for those seeking a peaceful and affordable getaway. While it is located slightly further away from the popular tourist areas, the resort offers a tranquil atmosphere with the sounds of nature at night. Despite its distance from the nightlife, it is still within a reasonable distance from the German Sausage restaurant with stunning views. However, driving back at night can be challenging due to the darkness and mountainous terrain, so caution is advised. For those seeking a truly serene experience, there is a nearby monastery that provides a peaceful environment for meditation. The resort staff is friendly and helpful, although communication may be limited after dark as they do not operate 24/7. Overall, the Location Resort is a highly recommended option for a budget-friendly and peaceful stay in Suan Phueng. Thank you for reading.
TravelTherapy
Wednesday, October 9, 2024 5:57 PM