Hotel El Duque

Dinner was okay, with at least one thing I could eat, and breakfast was good. The rooms are a decent size and the facilities are good, though there’s no iron in the room. The pool hours, 10-18, were the most annoying part, right when the sun is harshest. At least the beach is only about a 10-15 minute walk away, which was the saving grace.

My first stay here was fine, but this second visit was a real disappointment. I’d called ahead to check whether the sitting room bed was a pull out sofa bed and was told it was. When we arrived, the sofa didn’t pull out and no bed had been set up. The man at reception was helpful and apologetic, and said the manager would sort out a room with a pull out bed the next morning. But the manager then said there were no rooms with those beds. That didn’t match the photos or what I’d been promised on the phone and by the receptionist. What they provided had no pillows or duvets, and we had to ask several times. It was rock hard, very uncomfortable, and uneven from side to side. I was travelling with a six month old baby, and sleeping on it for ten nights left my back incredibly sore. I wouldn’t recommend this hotel for groups of more than two. I also expected the kids’ pool to be warmer, but it was the same temperature as the regular pool, so I couldn’t put my baby in it.

We got there at 10pm, but a week later our room had to be vacated by noon and our all inclusive stay ended at that point. That didn’t feel fair. Still, it’s a great hotel, with good food, large clean rooms and a great location. I’d go back.

The location is really handy, with an express supermarket nearby, a shopping centre just outside the gate and several bus links right there. Free buses to Siam Mall and Siam Park are a nice extra. The hotel is huge, with two pools, each staffed by a lifeguard, and lots of loungers. We also enjoyed the pool table, which cost just €1 a game. The view from the entrance by the shopping centre made a great first impression, and the hotel was even prettier than I expected. Our room was upgraded on arrival and was clean, comfortable and well presented. The staff were friendly and attentive. When we reported that the balcony door wouldn’t close properly, a new handle had been fitted by the time we returned to the room. The magnetic do not disturb sign was a thoughtful touch, once I figured out how to use it. Check-in was frustrating. We arrived early and were first told the room would be ready at 2:30pm. Then it became 3pm, and then 3:30pm. We had to keep going back and forth, even though check-in is meant to be at 3pm. Once the room was ready, the receptionist brought the keys to us, which I appreciated. The hot water looked murky yellow at the taps and in the bath and shower. It seemed clearer after running it for a while, but we avoided the bath and stuck to showers. I’m not sure what was going on. The evening entertainment at 9:15pm was okay, but we only watched a few times since it seemed aimed more at an older crowd than a couple in our early 20s. The weather wasn’t great during our stay, though I can imagine the facilities would be amazing in full sunshine. I’d recommend the hotel. A deadbolt on the inside of the room doors would be a small improvement for nighttime security, though the hotel felt very safe. My only other complaint was the balcony door, which was fixed quickly.