Escape to Paradise: The Rest Hotel, Prachuap Khiri Khan Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: The Rest Hotel – My Honest Tourist's Tale (SEO'd Up!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm back from Prachuap Khiri Khan, and I've got the full, unfiltered dish on The Rest Hotel. They say "Escape to Paradise," and look, let's be honest, escaping anything sounds good right now. So, did The Rest Hotel deliver? Let's dive in, shall we? (Prepare for the occasional tangent, because that's just how this travel blogger rolls.)
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First Impressions & Accessibility – Did the Rest Hotel Actually Rest Me?
Finding the hotel was a breeze. Easy peasy lemon squeezy! The drive from the airport was… well, it wasn’t memorable, which is a good thing, right? Means it wasn't a white-knuckle ride! (Airport transfer – check!)
Now, accessibility is HUGE for me. I'm not personally in a wheelchair user, but I always look for places that take it seriously. And The Rest Hotel… yeah, they're pretty good. (Facilities for disabled guests – check!). They had an elevator (Elevator – check!), which is a lifesaver. The public areas seemed pretty accessible – wide hallways, etc. I didn't personally check the rooms specifically for wheelchair access, but they say they have them (Facilities for disabled guests – double check!). This is always a good start.
Rooms & Amenities – My Own Personal Paradise (Maybe… Sometimes)
Right, so let's get to the rooms. I landed in a (drumroll…) Non-Smoking Room. (Non-smoking rooms – check! Thank the heavens!) It was spacious, with a balcony that overlooked… something lovely, I forget. (Terrace – check!) Okay, okay, my memory is shot after all those cocktails.
The bed was… mega-sized. (Extra long bed – check!). Like, seriously. I could have had a whole dance party on that thing. The linens were crisp and clean, and I appreciated the blackout curtains because, let's face it, sleep is golden when you're actually on holiday! (Linens & Bathrobes – check! Blackout curtains - check!) Also, the air conditioning worked like a charm. (Air conditioning – check!)
Now, little quirks? Okay, here goes. The coffee/tea maker situation could have been better. (Coffee/tea maker – check!) I'm a caffeine fiend, and the selection was… pedestrian, let's say. But hey, there’s room service, so, whatever! (Room service [24-hour] – check!) Plus, they had complimentary tea which is always a win! (Complimentary tea – check!)
The bathroom… Ah, the bathroom. The separate shower/bathtub was a luxury. (Separate shower/bathtub – check!). The slippers were fluffy, and the towels were plentiful. (Slippers & Towels – check!). They had hot water consistently, and, very importantly, it was all clean! (Cleanliness - check!)
Internet – Staying Connected (Mostly… Annoyingly Sometimes)
Okay, the Wi-Fi situation. They say "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" (Wi-Fi [free] – check!), and for the most part, it was. (Internet access – wireless – check!). But there were moments… moments of buffering hell, where my Instagram feed refused to load. My soul cried. (Internet – check!). Thankfully, they had Internet access – LAN in my room too (Internet access – LAN – check!), which may or may not have been helpful. I'm not a tech whiz; I just wanted to upload my photos!
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking – Food, Glorious Food (and Drinks!)
Alright, this is where The Rest Hotel really shone. The restaurants were fantastic. (Restaurants – check!) I mean, really fantastic. They had a beautiful poolside bar (Poolside bar – check!) where I spent a significant amount of time. The happy hour deals? Don't even get me started. (Happy hour – check!).
The Asian breakfast was… wow. (Asian breakfast – check!). Seriously, the best pho I've ever had. They also had a buffet with a variety of options, including Western cuisine, if you're not feeling adventurous. (Western breakfast – check! Buffet in restaurant – check! Asian cuisine in restaurant – check!). They also had other restaurants with international cuisine so, great variety! (International cuisine in restaurant - check!).
The A La Carte menu was also really good! (A la carte in restaurant - check!)
The Pool, The Spa, The Bliss… (A Rambling Stream of Consciousness)
Okay, now for the pool. (Swimming pool [outdoor] – check!) The pictures online don’t do it justice. It's… (deep breath) … glorious. Seriously. Beautiful. The Pool with view was everything. (Pool with view – check!). I spent hours just floating, staring up at the sky! They have a sauna, spa, spa/sauna and steam-room (Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom – check!), which I almost tried. Almost. I just couldn't drag myself away from the pool. The massage offerings? Heaven. Pure heaven. (Massage – check!). I got a Thai massage, and I'm pretty sure I ascended to a higher plane of existence. My body was so relaxed that I just wanted to cry, it was fantastic! (Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath – check!)
Things to Do – Beyond the Sun Lounger… (Maybe)
So, besides the pool, what else is there to do? Well, you're in Prachuap Khiri Khan, which is fantastic because it's far less crowded than other tourist hotspots.
They also had a fitness center… I'm told. (Fitness center, Gym/fitness – check!). I just… I, uh, didn't go. (Hey there is no judgement from me.)
The beach is a short walk away. It's beautiful, and peaceful. (Beachfront - check!)
Cleanliness & Safety – Feeling Safe & Sound So, it's important to feel safe. I mean, this is a question in every mind.
The Rest Hotel, honestly, was great in this area. Yes, they had a CCTV in common areas (CCTV in common areas – check!) and CCTV outside property (CCTV outside property – check!) but I don't think that this is a big deal. The hotel made a huge effort to make me feel safe. They had Anti-viral cleaning products (Anti-viral cleaning products – check!). The staff were trained and clearly understood safety protocol (Staff trained in safety protocol – check!). They had a Doctor/nurse on call (Doctor/nurse on call – check!) which, obviously, is a great thing to have. The hotel was very clean. (Cleanliness - check!) I also appreciated the hand sanitizer (Hand sanitizer – check!). The kitchen staff really was careful about keeping things clean. (Sanitized kitchen and tableware items – check!) They had a First aid kit (First aid kit – check!)
Family-Friendly – Bring the Kids, or… Don't?
They had kids facilities here (Kids facilities – check!) and were definitely family/child friendly (Family/child friendly – check!). I didn't travel with kids, so I can't provide first-hand experience, but I noticed a babysitting service listed (Babysitting service – check!).
The Little Extras – The Things That Make a Difference
Okay, here’s where The Rest Hotel really impressed. They had a convenience store (Convenience store – check!), which is a lifesaver when you forget something. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful (Front desk [24-hour] – check!). Seriously, the service was top-notch. They had daily housekeeping (Daily housekeeping – check!) that kept my room pristine. The concierge was super helpful with recommendations. (Concierge – check!)
Quirky Observations & Annoyances
- The elevator was a tad slow at times. (Elevator – check!). Minor inconvenience, but hey, I'm being honest!
- The room decorations were nice. (Room decorations – check!). I did like the little personal touches.
- There's a shrine on the property that is
The Rest Hotel: A Messy Diary of Bliss (and Mosquitoes)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your glossy brochure itinerary. This is the REAL DEAL. My attempt, bless it, at conquering The Rest Hotel in Prachuap Khiri Khan, or at least surviving it with my sanity (relatively) intact.
Phase 1: Arrival & Awkward First Impressions (aka, Day 1…Maybe?)
- 11:00 AM - Arrival at Bangkok Airport (BKK): Plane lands. I'm already sweating. It's Thailand, people! Embrace the humidity, or you'll have a bad time. I, unfortunately, am perpetually in a perpetual state of "bad time" when it comes to heat.
- 12:30 PM - Public Transport Gauntlet: Navigating the trains and buses to get to Prachuap Khiri Khan - a mission and a half. I swear, I saw at least five separate families of adorable, but slightly judging, puppies making their way through the chaos. They seemed to know exactly what they were doing, unlike me.
- 5:00 PM - The Rest Hotel, ACTUALLY REACHED: Finally! The hotel, a little slice of paradise tucked away. It's prettier online and, as I approach, it's all the more striking. It's a bit of a trek from the town center, which I thought was a drawback, but now I'm starting to see the perks. I'm so exhausted that the "rest" part of the name is calling to me like a siren song. No problem. The room? Okay, so the pictures… they lied. It's nice. It's… fine. The bed looks comfy, though. That's the first thing to check.
- 5:30 PM - The Room Inspection (and the First Mosquito Incident): Okay, bed is comfy! Check. The bathroom is… functional. A slight whiff of dampness, but hey, it's tropical. Unpacking… wait, is that a mosquito? Dead. Smash. Victory! I swear, those little bloodsuckers are mini-ninjas. Already plotting their revenge, I'm sure.
- 6:00 PM - Sunset Drinks - The Balcony of Bliss (Maybe): They claimed this balcony had a sea view. It was a sea view… of the side of the building, with glimpses of the water. Still, golden hour over the sea… yeah, it was breathtaking. I ordered a Singha and tried to channel zen. Failed miserably. The sounds woke something up. My appetite? A slight twinge of hunger.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner - "Where's the Flavour?" Hotel's restaurant. Ordered Pad Thai, 'cause, you know, gotta. The food was good, but it lacked the fiery punch I crave. This wasn't a five-alarm fire of flavor. Disappointment, and a lot of water.
- 8:30 PM - Mosquito Reconnaissance: Back in the room. The enemy is back. I need a plan. This is war, people. War against tiny, buzzing, evil.
Phase 2: Finding My Feet (and Battling the Humidity) (aka Day 2)
- 7:00 AM - Wake-Up Call…From Inside My Own Head: The birds, the sea, the… wait, what’s that scratching sound? My brain. Then I wake up to the sun beating through the curtains. This humidity is no joke, I am already sweating.
- 8:00 AM - The Hotel Breakfast Fiasco: Breakfast at The Rest. It was… fine. Fine, is the word. Standard hotel buffet fare. But the coffee? Weak. Seriously, I need caffeine to function, and it's just… sad.
- 9:00 AM - Beach Walk - Almost Paradise: I followed the path. It was gorgeous. Sand, sky, and the sea, like being in a movie. Until I decided to take my shoes off and walk. Holy, hot sand, Batman! And the sun is relentless. A quick dip in the ocean? Heaven. Salt water and sun kiss. That’s what I'm here for.
- 10:00 AM - Beach Walk - The monkey encounter: I was walking on the beach and suddenly, monkeys! They're not afraid of people. One almost snatched my bag of bananas (my breakfast from the day before). He looked me right in the eye, then winked. Damn.
- 11:00 AM - Poolside Relaxation - A Brief Interlude of Calm: The pool is gorgeous. The water is the perfect temperature. I’m trying to relax, but my mind is still worrying about the monkeys and the mosquitoes. It’s a battle of wills, and the monkeys are winning for now.
- 12:00 AM - Lunch - The "Spice-Less" Incident (Round 2): Trying a different restaurant. Attempting some local cuisine. Again. The food was tasty, but once more, the spiciness was muted. I need some heat. I want my tastebuds to sing! I’m starting to think thai food is more of an idea than reality here.
- 2:00 PM - Naptime - The Mosquito Massacre, Part 2: I came back to the room determined to nap. I turned into a blood-sucking buffet. So many mosquitoes I found. They were not cute. They were victorious.
- 4:00 PM - Exploration of the Town: I started wandering. It's picturesque, quiet, and slow-paced. I found a little shop selling souvenirs… bought a quirky T-shirt with a monkey on it. (Just in case.)
- 6:00 PM - Sunset Drinks - Redemption on the Balcony: The balcony is starting to grow on me. I watched the sunset. It was, finally, magical. I was drinking Singha, which tasted amazing at this moment. Life is good when the view is good.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner - The Quest for Spice (and a Better Meal): I decided to try the place down the street. I asked for the spiciest thing they had. I was not disappointed. I ate a lot. I enjoyed it.
- 8:00 PM - Back in the Room: The Mosquitoes. Again.
Phase 3: The Deep Dive (aka Day 3, and Feeling It)
- 7:00 AM - Wake-Up (and Surrender to the Humidity): I'm starting to get used to the heat. I was ready for another day.
- 8:00 AM - Beach Morning - I decided to go alone: I put in my earphones and walked. I was not bothered by anyone.
- 9:00 AM - The Big Climb - Prachuap Khiri Khan's Landmark: I climbed up. The view was fantastic. Well worth all the sweat and effort. The monkeys are there, even.
- 11:00 AM - Lazy Lunch: I had a lunch. The food did not disappoint. I was tired.
- 1:00 PM - Pool Time - I found my peace: I spent some time by the pool. I was alone with my thoughts. Bliss.
- 4:00 PM - Packing: Pack and check off.
The Rest Hotel: Postmortem
Did I "rest" at The Rest Hotel? Well, mostly. It was a bit messy, a little imperfect, and I still have a few mosquito bites to show for it. It was a mixed bag of beautiful views, some questionable food, and the constant struggle against the local wildlife. But I’d go back. Because amidst the chaos, there was real beauty, genuine charm, and a sense of escape I desperately needed. Plus, now I have a killer story to tell. And, maybe next time, I'll pack a mosquito net.
Final Rating: 7.5/10 (Could use a spice intervention and a mosquito exterminator!)
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Escape to Paradise: The Rest Hotel – Honest FAQ (Because Let's be Real)
Alright, you’re eyeing up The Rest Hotel in Prachuap Khiri Khan, eh? Good choice (maybe). Look, I’ve *been* there. And lemme tell ya, the brochures lie. They ALL do. So, let’s cut the BS and get real. Here’s the lowdown, straight from a seasoned travel grump (who secretly loved it…most of the time).
1. Is it REALLY as beautiful as the pictures suggest? Because, Instagram, you know...
Okay, *deep breath*. The beach? Yes. Actually stunning. The sunrise? Worth getting up for, even if you’re a grumpy, sleep-deprived person like myself. The infinity pool? Gorgeous. But, and here’s the kicker, the pictures conveniently leave out the *other* stuff. Like the rogue sand that *will* get everywhere. And the occasional overzealous seagull dive-bombing your Pad Thai at lunch. And that one time I swear I saw a tiny, crab-like creature scuttling across my balcony. (Maybe I had too many Changs…)
So, yeah, the beauty is real. But add in a healthy dose of "real-life beach chaos," and you're about there.
2. The rooms… are they actually “restful”? My brain never shuts off.
Oh, the irony. The "Rest" Hotel. *Internal screaming*. Honestly? They’re pretty decent. Clean, comfortable beds (that's a huge plus, right?). And the air conditioning works, which is a HUGE win in that glorious, sweaty heat. BUT, here's the deal: If you're facing the sea, you'll have the soothing sounds of waves, which is great... unless *you* are the type that the soothing sound *also* keeps awake. If you're facing the road, enjoy your early morning traffic. (It’s Thailand, after all, even beach towns get busy!) Pack earplugs. Seriously. And maybe a blindfold. Just in case the sun *also* decides to be a jerk and wake you up before you are ready.
One night, I swear I heard a gecko having a full-blown existential crisis on my balcony. That was… not restful.
3. Okay, this is important: The food! Tell me about the food!
Alright, this is where things get interesting. The breakfast buffet? Standard hotel fare, but with some *seriously* good Thai options. The eggs can be a bit... hit or miss. (One day perfectly cooked, the next a rubbery catastrophe.) The coffee? Drinkable, but not life-altering. Now remember, take this with a grain of sand since everyones tastes are different.
But, the *real* food magic happens outside the hotel. Venture out! Find a little beach shack, and get yourself some fresh seafood. I remember one place -- I think it was called "Mama's Seafood Shack"? -- Their grilled buttered shrimp was out of this world! The only problem? I ate so many, I think I single-handedly depleted the local shrimp population.
4. Was the staff friendly? Give me the REAL talk.
Mostly. The Thai are incredibly warm and welcoming people, right? And the staff at The Rest Hotel were, generally, lovely and helpful. But, and this is a tiny nitpick, there were moments where the enthusiasm dipped. Perhaps they are just human after all. One time, I asked for extra towels, and I was slightly bemused by the blank stare I received. I didn't get those towels until *after* I had to ask three more times. It wasn't a huge deal, but it’s a little thing that takes the shine off from otherwise a great experience. Let’s be honest, though, is it a truly Thai experience if at *some* point you have to fight for your towels?
But, even minor imperfections can't ruin the general vibe, right? And overall they do keep it clean, and they're generally responsive, good job team!
5. Did you do any of the activities? I am indecisive!
Okay, so... activities. The hotel offers kayaks, which I should have done. I *meant* to. I *planned* to. But I spent most of my time horizontal, reading, and occasionally getting up to wobble to the bar for a Singha. (Priorities, people!) I'm just not a particularly "active" vacationer. I heard some other guests went snorkeling. They apparently saw some cool fish. I'm sure that's great.
The main thing I did was wander the beach. I did that A LOOOOT. Just walking. Finding the perfect shell. Watching the waves. Feeling the sun. That was more than enough for me. And maybe some of the best memories. So, if *you* are indecisive? Just... walk. The beach is your activity. And if you see a shell I may have missed, please share. I'll make that journey!
6. The location -- is it noisy? Away from everything? Is it easy to get around?
Prachuap Khiri Khan itself is a bit of a sleepy town. Which is *wonderful*, if that's what you're after. The Rest Hotel is a little bit outside of the town center, which means it's generally quiet. The sounds? Waves and the occasional motorbike (but not too much), which is pretty idyllic. You can walk to some restaurants (though it's a bit of a trek, especially in the heat). I took a *tuk-tuk* a couple of times. And they definitely made the journey a lot better, and more than worth the price! The taxis? Well, they are also available. If you want that, just ask.
And yes, it's easy to get around.
7. Would you go back? Be honest!
Without a doubt. Despite the sand, the sometimes-questionable coffee, and the occasional missing towel (or, you know, anything else), I'd absolutely go back. It's a place where you can truly *rest*, even with the occasional seagull attack. It's a place that, even at its messiest, is magical. It’s a place where you can find that perfect shell. It’s a place where you can eat ridiculously good shrimp. It's a place where you can just... *be*.
Yeah, I'd go back. And you probably should, too. But bring earplugs. And maybe a hazmat suit for the shrimp. Okay, exaggerating, but you get the idea. Go. Really, go. And tell me about the shells. I'll be jealous!
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