Baan Mae Yai

Breakfast was actually pretty good, with lots of options, but it couldn't make up for the stay. The building felt old and creepy, and badly in need of renovation. During Loy Kratong, which may have pushed the price up, this was the most expensive place I've stayed in Thailand so far. We had to switch rooms because the first bed was covered in ants. The next room had gecko droppings everywhere. Both rooms smelled strongly of chemicals, and on our second night we sat in the lobby until 4 am because we didn't want to be in the room.

The hotel still has the feel of a grand place from another era. Its approach, building design, and spacious lobby all suggest it was a jewel in its day. It may have been a 5-star hotel in the 1990s, but now it feels like a 3-star. The rooms, especially the bathroom, are a bit old, though they're clean. It probably won't be renovated since everything still works. It's quite near the historical park, the main reason most people visit Sukhothai, and the price is good. Breakfast was surprisingly better than most. In the off season there's limited staff and activity, and rooms may not be cleaned regularly. If yours needs attention, ask for a fresh-up and they'll tidy it.

The visit to Sukhothai for Loi Kratong was very disappointing because of this place, though the festival itself was fabulous. The Pailyn Hotel Sukhothai is run down and needs to be condemned, in my view. The old photos are misleading, and the new very low price doesn't make me recommend staying here. Check the dates on any reviews, too. There were apparently only four staff and no manager. Our room was filthy and felt unsafe; the cook, who was there to make breakfast, had to clean it. The bathroom was dirty, the tap barely trickled, and there were insects around. The Thai Tourist authority should really inspect a building calling itself a hotel.

The yellow water meant I couldn't even shower. The room was awful, the TV was so old I couldn't turn it on, and the plug looked scary, like it might explode. The view felt creepy, almost haunted. I'm not coming back.