Baan Dara Resort

The pool slide was a fun bonus for the kids, and free breakfast plus parking right outside the room were handy. We needed a room with several beds, and the hotel had one in a pretty good location for us. The photos made the place look nicer than it was in person. I probably wouldn't pick it again, though I might if I were nearby and needed that exact kind of room.

The staff were good, and the pool was nice. Breakfast was Thai-style.

For 600 a night for three people, the cheapest room turned out to be much better equipped than I expected. It had Wi-Fi, cable TV with lots of channels, basic toiletries, water, a fridge, towels, working air conditioning, a hair dryer, plenty of outlets, and bedside lights. Parking in front of the building was convenient, though cars coming and going could be a bit noisy. The grounds aren't huge, but there's a lot here: a small gym, a salon and pedicure service (closed Sundays), a large pool with a slide, and a big breakfast area. Breakfast was a hearty Thai spread, including fried vegetables, namprik with fresh vegetables, porridge, omelette, pork knuckle stew, instant coffee, toast, and fruit. The standalone bungalows, which cost more, looked nice too. I stayed one night and was well beyond my expectations.

The breakfast is a real plus, especially if you like Thai food, and the pool was good too. I like this hotel and think it offers great value, though the rooms are a little dated. I'd pay the small extra for a bungalow, it seems well worth it. The gym was disappointing because its main piece of equipment wasn't working, so you might be let down if you want to exercise.