Si Racha's BEST Kept Secret? This Holiday Inn Will SHOCK You!
Si Racha's "Best Kept Secret"? This Holiday Inn Will Leave You… Well, Let's Just Say It's A Ride (and It Needs Some TLC)
Okay, so the title promised a shock, right? And let me tell you, upon entering Holiday Inn Si Racha, I was a little flabbergasted. Not in a good way, not in a bad way… just in a "huh, this is… charmingly weathered" kind of way. Let's untangle this stay, shall we? Because this place is a mixed bag, a rollercoaster of surprisingly brilliant moments and slightly… wobbly infrastructure. Buckle up, buttercups.
Accessibility, Accessibility, Accessibility… Did They Really Think About This? (Deep Sigh)
Alright, let's be real. Accessibility is… a work in progress. While they do claim to have facilities for disabled guests, don't expect perfection. Elevators? Yes. Air conditioning in public areas? Thankfully, yes. But navigating the sprawling property with mobility issues might require a bit of an adventure and a good sense of humor. The exterior corridors are, well, exterior. Keep that in mind if rain is on the cards. And finding truly accessible routes to the restaurants and swimming pool [outdoor] felt like a mini-treasure hunt. So, while technically accessible, don’t bank on it being seamless.
Cleanliness & Safety: They Seem To Try (COVID Times… Y'know?)
Okay, HUGE points for effort here. They're SUPER serious about the whole COVID thing. From the get-go, you're greeted with hand sanitizer everywhere. Daily disinfection in common areas, professional-grade sanitizing services, and rooms sanitized between stays? Check, check, check. They're also rocking the hygiene certification thing. Bonus: individually-wrapped food options for breakfast. I mean, I appreciate the lengths they're going to, but honestly, I'm starting to feel like I’m living in a sterilised bubble. The staff trained in safety protocol were meticulous. I’d give them an A+ for effort here. The cleanliness itself, though… let's just say the rooms were "freshly cleaned," but lacked the sparkle of a brand-new hotel.
Rooms: The Good, The Bad, And The Slightly Musty
My room? Okay, let's start with the positives. Air conditioning – essential. Free Wi-Fi – blessed relief. Free bottled water, complimentary Tea, and a coffee maker - heaven sent! The blackout curtains were a godsend for sleeping in. A desk to pretend I was working (haha, more like planning my next poolside cocktail). But (and there's always a but), it felt a little… dated. The carpet? Let’s just say I could feel its history beneath my bare feet. The décor felt straight out of the early 2000s. The bathrobes were a welcome touch, but the toiletries weren’t exactly luxury-hotel level. They had a seating area, which was nice, although the sofa fabric had definitely met better days. I also noted the smoke detectors were present, even in my non-smoking room.
Internet: You'll Get By
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and Internet access – wireless. Hooray! It’s decent, not lightning-fast, but functional. Enough to stream a movie, catch up on emails, and avoid total digital withdrawal. Internet access – LAN (for you old-schoolers! Haha!) and Internet services are also available. But don't expect the speed of a fibre optic cable.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Feast… Or A Slightly Disappointing Buffet Extravaganza?
Okay, the Asian breakfast was pretty good! Sadly, the Breakfast [buffet] wasn't the culinary masterpiece I'd hoped for, but it was decent. Standard scrambled eggs, some unidentifiable sausages, and a selection of fruit. They had Asian cuisine in restaurant and International cuisine in restaurant, but again, don’t expect Michelin-star quality. Think… functional. There's a Coffee shop for the caffeine addicts. The poolside bar was a nice touch, a great spot for a sundowner happy hour. They also had a snack bar and a restaurants where you can order an A la carte in restaurant. A vegetarian restaurant, salad in restaurant, soup in restaurant, and desserts in restaurant seemed to be available.
(Emotional Reaction: A Moment of Pure, Unadulterated Joy)
I ordered room service [24-hour] one night because, honestly, I couldn't face another trip to the buffet. And, you know what? It was amazing. The Pad Thai was genuinely delicious, and the fact that I could have it delivered to my door, with no judging, at 2 AM? Seriously, that was a moment of pure, unadulterated joy. It saved the entire experience.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day? (Again… Mixed Bag Alert!)
The swimming pool [outdoor] is lovely, with a pool with view, and it's a great place to chill out and soak up the sun. They have a spa (yay!) with a sauna, steamroom, massage, and body scrub and body wrap. However, as with everything, the quality can be a bit hit-or-miss. One of my friends tried the Spa/sauna and had a so-so experience. The pressure of the massage was a bit 'light'. And it's not exactly a slick, luxurious spa experience. They also have a Fitness center if you like breaking a sweat.
Services & Conveniences: Helpful, if a Bit… Chaotic
The staff are lovely, genuinely trying to be helpful. Concierge is available. Daily housekeeping is a plus. The laundry service was quick and efficient. They offer currency exchange and a cash withdrawal service. There's a convenience store on-site, which is handy for snacks and essentials. The Doorman was always on duty… even at 5am. They do have meeting/banquet facilities if you're planning a larger event.
For the Kids: Fun or Frazzle?
They're family/child friendly with kids facilities, and a Babysitting service. However, this isn't exactly a kids' paradise.
Getting Around: Taxi, Taxi!
They offer an airport transfer and Taxi service. Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site] is available.
The Quirky Observations/Imperfections That Make This Hotel Actually… Memorable
- The lobby has the air of a slightly neglected grand dame. It's like the ghost of a former glory is lingering.
- The elevator… well, it works. Slowly. But hey, at least it works!
- The "safe" in my room felt like it was from the 1980s. I'm pretty sure I could have pried it open with a butter knife.
- The whole place has a slightly… damp smell. Not terrible, but definitely noticeable.
(Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?)
Honestly? It's a mixed bag. If you're looking for a sleek, modern, luxury hotel, this ain't it. If you're looking for something affordable, functional, relatively clean, and with a bit of quirky charm and the potential for a fantastic Pad Thai delivered at 2 AM… then, yes, it might just be worth it. It has some serious flaws, but it also has some surprisingly lovely aspects and is located in a good spot. This Holiday Inn is definitely NOT going to "SHOCK" you in the way the title suggests, but let's just say it could be "shocking" in a slightly different way. The price is right and the staff are genuinely friendly. It’s a place that’s worn, but with a certain kind of soul. Just adjust your expectations and pack some good vibes.
Book Your Adventure Today! Here's My Offer:
Tired of the same old cookie-cutter hotel experience? Craving something different? Holiday Inn Si Racha might just be your hidden gem!
Here's what you get:
- Reliable Wi-Fi: Stay connected, stream your favorite shows, and share your adventure with the world.
- Free Breakfast! to get your day started right.
- Relax and Unwind: Take a swim in the outdoor pool, treat yourself to a massage, or simply bask in the sun.
- Prime Location: Close to all the best Si Racha has to offer.
- A unique experience: Come prepared to laugh, be surprised, and perhaps… fall a little bit in love with this slightly unconventional hotel.
And the best part? For a limited time, get a special discount*!
Just use the code "SRCHARM" at checkout!
**Click here to book your
Unbelievable Grass Residences Staycation: Your Dream PH Getaway Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup! We're going in. This isn't your polished, perfectly-planned itinerary; this is a survival guide slash emotional rollercoaster of a trip to Holiday Inn & Suites Si Racha Laemchabang. Let's get messy with it. Hold on tight!
Trip Title: Si Racha Shenanigans & Existential Dread (and maybe some nice pool time)
Duration: 4 Days/3 Nights (Pray for me.)
Participants: Me, Myself, and I (plus approximately a million mosquitoes, I'm guessing)
Pre-Trip Anxiety Level: Off the Charts. I packed way too many "just in case" outfits and am pretty sure I left my passport on the kitchen table. (Update: Found it! Praise be.)
Day 1: Arrival, Expectations Crushed, & Questionable Room Service
- Morning (6:00 AM): Alarm clock screeches murderously. “Vacation mode activated!” I tell myself cheerfully, ignoring the fact I haven't slept properly in three weeks. The airport transfer is arranged. Packing the last bit, then questioning every life choice that led me to this point in the first place.
- (8:00 AM): The airport is a zoo. (Isn't it always?) Delayed flight. My "zen" is already melting. I'm pretty sure I saw a child lick the floor. I now feel a bit sick.
- (11:00 AM): Finally, on the plane. The air conditioning is set to “Arctic tundra.” Consider buying a blanket, but then thought of all the laundry.
- (1:00 PM): Arrive in Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok. Transfer to Si Racha. The driver looked utterly bored. Same, mate, same.
- (3:00 PM): Arrive at the Holiday Inn & Suites Si Racha Laemchabang. Check-in. My room: Okay, it's not bad. Views are a bit…industrial. Lots of ships and smoke stacks. "Charming," said no one ever, but hey, at least there's a pool. My biggest hope.
- (4:00 PM): Unpack. Overwhelmed by my own luggage choices. Why did I bring sequined pants? Honestly, I don't know who I thought I was. There always seemed to be a place for some ridiculous pants.
- (5:00 PM): Poolside! Finally! Except…it's a little cloudy. And there's a gaggle of screaming children. My inner peace is, once again, in peril. Took my first dip in the pool, and immediately choked on some chloriney water. Perfect start.
- (7:00 PM): Room service. Ordered Pad Thai. It arrived suspiciously quickly. Taste-tested. Edible. Just. But there was a plastic bit in it. Now I am questioning every decision I’ve made today.
- (8:00 PM): Attempt to watch TV. The selection is abysmal. Ended up channel-surfing until I found a show about…something. Fell asleep. Woke up in a cold sweat at 2 AM. Jet lag is a cruel mistress.
Day 2: Exploring (Sort Of), Temple Trauma, and a Deep Dive into…the Coffee
- (7:00 AM): Wake up still feeling like I’ve been run over by a truck. The jet lag is still kicking my rear.
- (8:00 AM): Breakfast at the hotel. The buffet is vast, and chaotic. The fruit is amazing, though. I load up on watermelon. (Good decision.)
- (9:00 AM): Decide to be a "cultured traveler." Take a taxi to some local temple. Turns out the taxi driver doesn't speak much English, and I forgot how to speak Thai. My attempts at bargaining resembled a toddler's temper tantrum.
- (10:00 AM): Arrive at the temple. It's beautiful, actually. Really, really beautiful. So beautiful that I nearly forgot to take my shoes off before entering and got a stern look from a very elderly monk. (Note to self: Learn the basic rules of temple etiquette.)
- (11:00 AM): Attempt to meditate. Failed miserably. My mind is a whirlwind of to-do lists and unresolved conflicts. The sound of chanting is… soothing. More like, annoying.
- (12:00 PM): Lunch. Found a little restaurant near the temple. Tried something I didn’t recognise on the menu. Got a plate full of unidentifiable, spicy bits and pieces. My mouth is on fire. Worth it? Jury's still out.
- (1:00 PM): Back at the hotel. Need. Caffeine. Now.
- (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): The Great Si Racha Coffee Quest. I made it my mission to try every single coffee shop within walking distance. Started with the hotel coffee (bland, forgettable). Wandered the streets. Found a little place that looked promising. The barista spoke zero English but managed to convey the message: "I make strong coffee." She was absolutely right. I believe this coffee just gave me superpowers.
- (5:00 PM): Back to the pool. This time, the screaming children are less annoying. Possibly related to the coffee.
- (7:00 PM): Dinner. Explored the hotel restaurant. Chose something safe. Actually, it was quite good! Feeling a sense of…optimism? Maybe the caffeine is wearing off.
- (9:00 PM): Attempt to read a book. Fell asleep after two pages. The siren call of the pillow is just too strong.
Day 3: Shopping (Almost, But Not Really), Feeling The Burn (Literally), and a Sunset of the Soul
- (8:00 AM): Woke up feeling refreshed! For the first time. (Maybe the caffeine is a long game?) Excited for the day.
- (9:00 AM): Attempted to go shopping at the local market. Got completely overwhelmed by the noise, crowds, and the sheer volume of…stuff. Ended up buying a plastic bag and a pair of sunglasses that are definitely crooked.
- (10:00 AM): Decided to abandon shopping. My mental health is more important.
- (11:00 AM): Sunscreen. Applied liberally. Then, went back into the sun. (Apparently, I am sun-stupid.)
- (1:00 PM): The Burning Hour. I now look like a boiled lobster. Went back to the room, applied aloe vera. The aloe is my new best friend.
- (2:00 PM): Watched some more of the abysmal TV.
- (3:00 PM): Went for a walk around the hotel. Saw the view again. Still industrial, but maybe…less irritating the third day in a row? I’m adapting.
- (5:00 PM): Found a nice spot on the beach (finally!). Sat and watched the sunset. It was…beautiful. Actually beautiful. For a split second, I felt a wave of peace wash over me. Then, a mosquito bit me.
- (7:00 PM): Dinner at a nearby restaurant. Ordered something weird and it’s not that bad. (No plastic bits, either!)
- (9:00 PM): Packing. (Sob.) The end is nigh.
- (10:00 PM): Attempted to reflect on the trip. My conclusion: It was a mess. It was imperfect. It was…okay. Now, sleep. Or at least, attempt sleep.
Day 4: Departure, Reflections, & the Promise of Laundry
- (7:00 AM): Woke up. Got hit in the face with my own bags. Packing is a mess.
- (8:00 AM): Breakfast. More watermelon. A final, desperate attempt to soak up some sunshine.
- (9:00 AM): Checked out. Goodbye, Holiday Inn & Suites Si Racha Laemchabang! You were…an experience.
- (10:00 AM): Airport transfer. Reflecting on the trip. I didn’t break anyone, didn’t die, didn’t actually buy any ridiculous sequined pants. A win.
- (1:00 PM): Flight. Home. Pure, unadulterated, blissful, laundry-filled home. *
Si Racha's Hidden Gem: The Holiday Inn That Blew My Mind (And Might Blow Yours Too!) – A Totally Unofficial FAQ
Okay, spill it! What's THIS Holiday Inn actually like? Is it REALLY a secret?
Alright, alright, I'll spill! It's the Holiday Inn & Suites Si Racha Laemchabang. And 'secret' is a BIT of a stretch, obviously. But here's the deal: most people (myself included, before) breeze through Si Racha on the way to somewhere else. They miss this place. Completely. It's like... a well-kept *local* secret, mostly frequented by expats and people in the know. It's not the glitzy, overly-touristy Holiday Inn experience you might be picturing. Think fresher, quieter, and honestly... way more charming than it has any right to be. For real.
What's up with the "shocking" part? What made you so... *enthusiastic*?
Okay, brace yourself. This is gonna get a little gushy. But seriously, I was SHOCKED. I went in expecting… well, a Holiday Inn! Clean, functional, maybe a slightly sad breakfast buffet. What I *got* was a seriously beautiful pool area (more on that later, it's a big deal), a rooftop bar with killer sunset views, and rooms that were actually... stylish! Like, modern, minimalist-chic stylish. Not just the beige-on-beige usual. It was the *vibe*, man. The whole place felt chill, unpretentious, and just... right. It actually felt like a RETREAT. I was expecting to be in-and-out, instead? I found myself lingering. That's how you know it's good.
The pool area? Tell me *everything* about the pool area. I'm a pool person.
Oh, the pool. Okay, deep breaths. This might be the only pool I've ever truly fallen in love with. It's not just a pool, it's an ESCAPE. It snakes around, it has islands with loungers... it's lush, with trees and plants everywhere. It’s like a tropical oasis. And even better, when I was there, it wasn’t overcrowded. I spent a whole afternoon just floating, reading, and sipping on something fruity that the bar made. It was... blissful. Honestly, I considered just moving in. (Okay, maybe I considered *briefly*.) Look, I'm not a resort snob, BUT the pool area here beat out some fancier, more expensive places. Seriously. It's worth going just for that.
Okay, but what about the *actual* hotel stuff? Rooms, service, that kind of thing?
Right, the practical stuff. The rooms were spacious, clean, and well-maintained. I had a slight issue with the AC (standard for Thailand, lets be honest!) but it was quickly fixed. The service was fantastic – friendly, helpful, and genuinely seemed like they wanted to make your stay great. The breakfast buffet was the usual Holiday Inn offering, which... look, it's fine. It's not the highlight, but it's perfectly acceptable with all the usual suspects. The coffee wasn't the best, but hey, you can't have everything! There were some REALLY delicious options available in their in-house restaurant, it's worth checking out. And the Wi-Fi worked, which, after some previous experiences is nothing short of a miracle. Ha ha.
Is it good for kids? (Because I have… a bunch.)
Hmm... That's a tough one! The pool is definitely kid-friendly, so HUGE points there. There's a small kids' club (didn't use it, so can't vouch for it, but it's there). The rooms are large and could easily accommodate a family. On the other hand, the overall vibe is pretty relaxed and chill, so maybe not the screaming-kids-running-wild kind of place. Depends on your kids, really. I saw some families there who looked like everyone was having a great time. I'd probably say, yes, but maybe not for the *youngest* of the bunch? If you go, let me know how it goes!
Okay, okay, you've convinced me. Any downsides? Anything I need to watch out for? Don't sugarcoat it!
Alright, alright, realism check. It's not *perfect*. Si Racha itself isn't exactly a buzzing tourist hub – you won't find the frenetic energy of, say, Bangkok. If you're looking for wild nightlife right on your doorstep, this isn't it. Also (and this is a *tiny* thing) the gym was a bit... basic. Treadmills, some weights, but nothing fancy. And the location is a short drive from the city center, so you will be dependent on taxis, rental cars, or the hotel shuttle. But honestly? Those are minor quibbles. The overall experience was so positive that I barely noticed. I mean, I spent the entire evening *lingering* longer than I should have at the sunset bar. THAT'S how good it was.
Would you go back? And if so, would you do anything differently?
ABSOLUTELY. I'd go back in a heartbeat. Maybe next time I'd actually *plan* to spend a few days there instead of just passing through! If I did go back, I would take advantage of their spa services, as I'd heard they are incredible. I would make sure I spent even MORE time by that pool, which sounds redundant I know, but I'm serious. I might even consider trying to book a room that I could be assured gets the sun exposure! I’d also make sure I had a few more books to read on that perfect lounger! Seriously, if you’re looking for a relaxing escape, and want to save a little cash without sacrificing quality, check this place out. You won’t be disappointed.
Anything else I should know? Like, any *really* juicy insider tips?
Okay, one last thing. Remember that rooftop bar I mentioned? Go there at sunset. Order a cocktail. And just... breathe. The view is INSANE. Also, try to explore the local markets in Si Racha. You can find some amazing food and get a feel for the real Thailand, away from the big tourist crowds. But honestly? The biggest tip is just to GO. Seriously. Book it. Right now. You might just discover your own secret paradise. And then come back and tell me all about it! I'm already jealous!
