Ace of Hua Hin Resort

Getting to the beach or pool from the room was a hassle. Golf carts weren’t waiting there, so you had to call, and there didn’t seem to be a proper system for tracking room numbers or coordinating who got one. The layout made getting around inconvenient in general. Arrival was confusing too. There was no obvious drop-off area or staff waiting to greet us, and the parking was a long way from the lobby. Hauling our luggage through the heat was uncomfortable. The dinner we ordered to the room seemed like frozen food reheated, and the quality was poor. The room also wasn’t cleaned properly. Housekeeping didn’t show up until I called myself at about 3:30 PM. For a hotel at this level, the service felt closer to three stars. This was one of the worst hotel experiences I’ve had among the many places I’ve stayed, and I wouldn’t recommend it unless things improve significantly.

The breakfast buffet had plenty to choose from and everything I tried tasted good. Staff were very nice, and the hotel is clean, quiet, and well maintained. Every room connects to the central pool, and you can walk to the private beach. There’s also a fire performance on Saturday night. The kids’ room is small and doesn’t have much to keep children interested. Parking is a bit far from the rooms, so you need to call the hotel minicar for a pickup. In Thailand’s summer heat, that distance can feel especially hot.

Pat, if I have her name right, was wonderful at the poolside dining area. She worked triple shifts and still kept smiling. I hope she gets recognition for all that effort. The shuttle to Hua Hin night market was disappointing, and the rooms and facilities feel a little dated and could use some attention. Still, the beach and pool access help make up for that. It’s a relaxed place for a family-style stay in, as long as you don’t expect too much.

I’ve stayed at retreats in Fiji, Bali, Vanuatu, British Columbia, Australia, and the western US, and this is the best wellness resort I’ve experienced so far. The service was outstanding. Staff remembered my name, my room, and how I like things set up, all for much less than many other luxury resorts nearby. The views were amazing, the stay was peaceful, and everything advertised was included, with even more beyond that. I’m absolutely coming back. The one thing that interrupted a peaceful afternoon was a child running amok in the pool just outside my room. Maybe Ace of Hua Hin could reserve the pool suites’ pool for adults, or set aside a children’s area or limited hours for kids under around 15. Aside from that, I can’t think of anything that would make this resort better. It lives up to its name.