Let’s Sea Hua Hin used to be highly acclaimed for its Al Fresco Dining as well as interesting design of Studio Pier (poolside) rooms. However, the hype seems to be dying down and there are signs of worn ageing that doesn’t justify its rather high price.
Location:
You should ideally have a car when staying at this resort. Its tucked in quite deep in sub sois neighboring the nearby Cicada market. However, if it is privacy and a quiet tranquil setting you prefer, then this is ideal. However, a lot of construction sites are coming up adjacent to the resort, which causes a bit of an eyesore. During my stay however, there was no disturbing noises from these development sites.
Sense of Arrival:
You get a great impression when you arrive with a fantastic linear view of the large long pool out to the sea. The Poolside rooms are nicely symmetrical alongside the pool, which really is the highlight of the resort. However, you do not see the sea right away, you have to go to the front al fresco bar/restaurant to view the sea, which is indeed a great view. The security/parking staff are very attentive in helping you find a parking space, and the front office personnel are very customer oriented with a warm welcome experience.
Rooms:
I would highly recommend a Studio Pier (poolside) room instead of the Moon Deck Suite. As attractive as a “moon gazing” suite sounds, in practicality it is far too hot to relax on the rooftop during the day, and you will likely find the mosquitoes quite bothersome during the night. The Studio Pier is highly recommended as you have a nice private access to the long pool from your balcony. However, the feeling of privacy is a bit invaded, as you can easily see into other people’s rooms of the same type. It’s a bit awkward to see neighboring rooms hanging their swimming trunks and bikinis out to dry on the wooden railing of the pier access. The wooden pier access of each room honestly needs to be changed to newer wood. The wear and tear of the pier access puts a downer as you access the pool, as the aged and faded wood almost looks like the wooden pier docks that you wait for long-tailed boats along the klongs boat transportation in Bangkok. Please change the wood.
The room interior is rather simple but quite comfortable. The bed and pillows really provide a great nights sleep. Bathroom is spacious but the wooden cabinets are really showing signs of wear and tear as well, likely due to the repeated splashing during guests showers. The hotel should consider changing the cabinets.
F&B:
Only had a chance to try the breakfast that was included in our package. Now I really had high hopes for their food because after all, this resort became well-known because of their dining experience. The view was fantastic from the restaurant. Sadly however, the food was not up to par. Firstly, the service was a bit sad. The lady who came to wait on our table had such a weary and tired look on her face, almost as if it was a burden for her to serve us. I did get excited when she offered us a very extensive breakfast (unlimited serving) menu and even complimentary champagne. Sadly, the champagne was so warm it was rather unpleasant to drink. Next, I ordered the eggs benedict with salmon. Now I must say the presentation was beautiful and the taste was great – however, the portions served were just so tiny. My wife order pancakes, and when it arrived, it too was beautifully presented. However, upon her first bite the pancake was so cold and the pancake batter was a little bit uncooked on the inside. We asked one of the restaurants attendants to please have it reheated. I’m not sure where this waitress went to have it reheated, maybe to downtown Hua Hin, because it really seemed like ages. When it arrived back, the pancakes was just a cold as before. Maybe she went to place it in the kitchen refrigerator for a while, I really don’t know. My wife couldn’t finish her breakfast and in the end, we didn’t opt for any other choices on the menu, even though we could order other dishes unlimited.
All in all, here are a few key pros and cons:
Pros:
+ Attentive front office staff
+ Nice private and quiet resort if you’re looking for a private getaway
+ Super comfortable bed and pillows
+ Ground rooms have a nice touch with pool access from your balcony
Cons:
+ Wear and tear in the Poolside pier access and cabinets in the bathrooms
+ Poor staff service in the restaurant
+ Poor housekeeping service – Example: I called housekeeping to my room to provide additional pool towels as I wanted to swim in the balcony pier pool. She came to my room and rather bluntly pointed out that there were pool towels under the cabinet sink. Firstly, these pool towels are too “hidden” for guests to know – they should be more visible. Secondly, the staff attendant who came to my room could have at least put a smile on her face and not talked in a rather condescending tone. I don’t know, maybe she didn’t get the service charge she wanted for the month..
All in all, it’s time for a refresher change for this resort particularly in some minor service aspects and a few guests’ physical touchpoints. This is needed especially for the very pricey rates Let’s Sea charges. To be honest, for the price, I truly believe there are far more newer, and superior choices in Hua Hin. For me, it was a one time trial experience. I would likely not come back to rest in the rooms for these rates, but would possibly come back for an evening drink at the Bar/Restaurant just to see the sunset.
