Grace Hotel

“Promising developments!”

Along with those who cried out for renovation, I experienced a lobby I would never have imagined as a realistic possibility. Entering the hotel for the first time in years, the scene was both disorienting and impressive. Much work remains to be done elsewhere but if the standard is maintained and t… more

Along with those who cried out for renovation, I experienced a lobby I would never have imagined as a realistic possibility. Entering the hotel for the first time in years, the scene was both disorienting and impressive. Much work remains to be done elsewhere but if the standard is maintained and teething problems addressed it seems likely that the Grace could attract a proportion of travellers who would not normally consider staying here. The only rooms available as a result of major renovation were in building C. The choice of rooms for solo traveller was limited to Economy or Deluxe. The Economy rooms on the upper floors have been commented on countless times. These are the rooms that are eliciting the highly critical reviews. They have very dated decor. Even at the low price of 1200 baht, not unreasonable, they do not merit recommendation. The basics, air conditioning and fridge function but the poorly maintained furnishings, the slapdash attempts at refreshening, and the dim lighting adds up to a depressing experience. They’re only acceptable for those on a shoestring budget. The recently renovated Deluxe rooms although not 5 star deluxe are a big step up from Economy. They provide a much more pleasant experience. The cost is a reasonable 1800 baht per night. The extra cost gives you higher quality furnishings, a small microwave oven in addition to a fridge and kettle, and a larger television which allows access to Netflix and Youtube channels. Note that at check-in the refundable deposit for the key card is 1000 baht, cash only. During my stay, there was no air conditioning in the passage outside the rooms. That meant my room would become uncomfortably hot more quickly without the room air conditioning switched on, which had to be turned on to a noisy maximum more frequently. The options for breakfast were very limited, and the price has gone up significantly. BREAKFAST SPECIAL. 350 THB/SET. (1)COFFEE, TEA, OR FRESH MILK. (2)ORANGE JUICE. (3)FRIED EGGS, BOILED EGGS, OMELETTE OR SCRAMBLED EGGS. (4)TOAST. ARABIC BREAD OR CROISSANTS. (OPEN 07.00 - 11.30). The hotel management need to provide Do Not Disturb door hangers for guests. On a number of occasions I’ve had cleaners enter my room in the morning before I had time to acknowledge a knock on the door. Anyone considering staying in this hotel should bear in mind that it is undergoing major renovation. As a result you can expect much disruption relating to amenities and services for some time to come. Reassuringly, for loyal customers, my impression after a short stay is that the new Grace is still attracting the same type of guests as before. I did not see many families or female tourists. Guests appear to be predominantly Middle Eastern, Indian, Pakistani. Although you can still expect to see a few amenable sex workers milling around after sunset, it is so low-key you’d hesitate to even call it passive solicitation. The discontented chaste brigade and the fuming tight-fisted strops so inclined to writing one-star reviews should have read a few reviews before check-in, in order to avoid disappointment. LIKES: Good location for nightlife, shopping, restaurants, public transport. New front desk staff. Honest and friendly room service staff. DISLIKES: Occasionally, a cockroach may find a way in to rooms.

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