Dheva Mantra Resort & Spa

The room was good, breakfast was good too, and the staff in the other areas were excellent. The problem was the front desk. They hadn’t received the special requests we’d sent ahead through the booking system, so couldn’t accommodate them. Communication and customer service from the desk need work. Guests shouldn’t be given wrong information or turned away at this level of hospitality. I hope management addresses it, and I’d be glad to return once service improves.

The hotel is peaceful and easy to find, just outside Kanchanaburi. We stayed a couple of nights to see the museum and bridge and walk at Erawan Falls. The grounds and setting are pretty, and the building has style, though it’s looking tired. Our room was huge, and the price felt fair for what we got. Just keep in mind it’s out of town, so you’ll need transport for things nearby. It’s not really a five-star resort, despite how it presents itself. Breakfast was poorly organized, with too few seats, staff, and food, and the options were limited and average. The egg station was very good, though. The room amenities were mediocre too. For a hotel calling itself five-star, I’d expect premium drinks, a coffee maker, and better toiletries. None were there. Staff were also thin on the ground and slow. We ate at Rice Barn restaurant. The riverside setting was pleasant, but the food was greasy and bland, and the place seemed to be aiming for a luxury Thai dining experience. If you have a car, Keeree Mantra restaurant up the road is superb. This was an okay stay for the money, but the hotel shouldn’t describe itself as luxury or five-star. Maybe it was once, but it’s fallen behind.

We’d already spent four nights and five days in the province and weren’t ready to leave, so we checked Dheva Mantra because we hoped to stay there for New Year’s. We were lucky to get the last available deluxe room with a river view when we asked in person. Khun Teng, the front desk officer, was busy with check-outs but still showed us the room and took us around the property. She was so kind and personable. At the New Year’s Eve dinner she came over to wish us a happy New Year with that big smile, then later found me on the lobby terrace to say a warm goodbye. She’s a gem. Coming from another hotel, check-in was easy. When we opened the room door, a lovely floral scent greeted us and made it feel luxurious. The room was spacious for a deluxe, and the floor was spotless, almost too shiny to walk on in slippers. The hotel has a huge adult pool and a genuinely large children’s pool surrounded by greenery, with birdsong all around. The grand lobby terrace overlooks the pool, a nice place to read, have afternoon tea, or just relax. It was our first stay, but the pastry chef, Mr Wirat, chatted with us like we were regulars. He knew our daughter liked the butter cookies and kindly gave her some extra before we left. Any parent would appreciate that. The property isn’t perfect, but there was a lot to like. It’s a good choice if you want a luxurious place to unwind in Kanchanaburi without spending too much. They also do charity work to help children in the province, which is another reason to support the hotel. We’d definitely like to come back soon. For breakfast, though, we’d love some Western choices like cheese, cold cuts, and jam. We’re a multicultural family and enjoy having a mix of Asian and Western options. Even so, the overall experience earns five stars.

I was on a bus tour, so I can’t really say how the location is. The garden and public spaces are lovely, with lots of greenery, a river close by, and beautiful views from some rooms. There’s also an outdoor restaurant in the middle of the river with an incredible view. Staff were friendly, the restaurant food was nice, the pool was good, and my sheets and bathroom were clean. The AC worked fine. My room was in a separate building from the main one. It was very spacious, but both the building and the room felt old. The wooden door had large gaps around its frame, and the balcony door didn’t seal properly either. That means mosquitoes can get in, and the room isn’t energy efficient. With the garden and river nearby, mosquitoes and other insects are normal. Still, the garden and river view are beautiful.