We returned to beautiful Hua Hin and booked the Centara Grand for the fourth time. Previous yearly visits and our historic reviews on this stunning resort provide incentive, but we were apprehensive this time around due to the major refurbishment going on and our usual room preference needing a change from a villa (being re-built) to a recommended junior suite. We had no need to worry, the Centara has blocked refurbishment areas away from guests, used noise numbing and enclosure techniques around the works and it was easy to forget they are even taking place. The topiary gardens, birds, wildlife and the hotel owl all remain. We are home!
Arrival was welcoming and swift, welcome drink and cold towel. Then off to the junior suite which was spotlessly clean, extremely spacious, and commanded great views over the pool, trees and towards the sea. The room featured a separate dressing room and large bathroom with bath and large walk in shower. As with these type rooms, evening turn down service takes place, with the delivery of sweet treats, for us when we were enjoying the amazing club benefits located down by the lobby. Bottled water is also readily available in the room, we never run out. This room comes well recommended.
It was late September, we were lucky here with just 1 day of rain! This allowed plenty of pool time, relaxing and swimming in one of the open two pools. Very attentive pool attendants provide towels on arrival, fruit at lunchtime, and a buzzer to request a purchase from an expansive snacks and drinks menu.
We spent more time in and around the hotel on this trip. We dined at the Coast restaurant for dinner on three occasions. The service and food here is exceptional with lovely views out over the beach. We tried a BBQ buffet night which was advertised with a live band. The band was moved last minute to accommodate a private party, but the hotel moved us to a special table overlooking the sea. We could still hear the band whilst the staff compensated our disappointment.
The hotels main bar, the Elephant Bar is located off lobby. Excellent service here and a great space with very good live music. The Fat Boy band performs here and around Hua Hin on certain nights, what amazing music and voice! Unfortunately, and bearing in mind this was low season, the bar was often empty with little atmosphere. Not sure if a reduction of drink prices, especially on feature band nights may improve this. The food snacks and drinks here are tasty with a significant menu.
The stunning lobby has introduced traditional Thai music in the evenings, a lovely introduction to each evening.
We visited the spa for a couples massage. Low season packages made this an affordable relaxing treat. Staff here are lovely and professional and the spa is large and traditionally beautiful. We found the massage very relaxing. As in previous years, early reservation is important as the spa remains popular.
Then to the club lounge, automatically available with club/suite type rooms. Home from home with some of the staff we have seen every year with some new staff. The service here remains extremely high. The drinks menu has increased, and the tasty evening snacks and cocktail menu is a feature of every evening. Aida and Tuk are a true asset to the Centara, so professional, personable and never stop ensuring guests are offered drinks. Folk, Toh and Ploy were also great and helpful, and made our visits here truly relaxing.
It’s the thoughtfulness of the staff that go a long way to making us want to return. And it is here that the Centara excel. Club staff remembering our usual drinks, and special breakfast orders. The manager Jan walking around each day and night, checking in with all guests. Even a mention of the quietest pool available :). In addition to a personal welcome card, Jan provided us with a small wooden souvenir of the Sian Bua Thai Restaurant that is also being knocked down in refurbishment. We eat here on previous visits and have good memories and as such we found this gesture really thoughtful. Thank you Jan!
We look forward to seeing the refurbishment results, especially on the Villas side which we were informed was over running to early 2027. We are sure the wait will be worth it.
Late check out was offered at reasonable cost, and check out was quick and easy. Leaving here was as sad as usual, but otherwise perfect, with the iconic uniformed “doorman”, bellboys and the manager Jan waving us off like last year. We can’t forget the Centara service and thoughtfulness at Hua Hin. BeLuLondon September 2025.
