Escape to Paradise: Chanthaburi's New Travel Lodge Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Chanthaburi's New Travel Lodge Awaits! (Or Does It?) - A Messy, Honest Review
Okay, so, Escape to Paradise. Sounds idyllic, right? Chanthaburi, a place I barely knew existed before this trip. The brochure promised sunshine, smiles, and a blissful escape. Reality, as always, was a slightly more… complex affair. Let's dive in, shall we? And by dive, I mean clumsily wade through a swamp of opinions and random thoughts. Buckle up, buttercups.
Accessibility: My Nemesis… and Maybe Yours?
Right off the bat, I gotta give a shout out to some effort. The website vaguely mentioned “facilities for disabled guests.” But, and this is a big BUT, navigating the actual place? Slightly dicey. The elevator existed which is a huge win, but getting to it from the entrance…well, let's just say it involved a few mini-mountaineering expeditions. So, while they tried, accessibility isn’t exactly their strong suit. Wheelchair accessible? Debatable. I'd email ahead before you book if this is a primary concern.
(Minor Rant about the Lack of Ramps) Why are ramps so difficult to implement?! It's 2024! Come on!
On-Site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: Honestly? I'm not sure. See above. I didn’t see a blatant "yes" or "no". This is a major oversight they need to address.
Internet: The Digital Lifeline (Mostly)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Praise the internet gods! And it mostly worked. Which is a miracle in itself, sometimes. The Wi-Fi in public areas was also decent. But don’t expect to stream 4K movies in the lobby without some buffering. And the LAN cable… Well, let’s just say I didn’t bother digging out my ancient laptop. It seemed like more trouble than it was worth.
(Internet Services are listed in the details, but I didn't want to go in-depth on them)
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Paradise Lost (and Found, Kinda)
Okay, here's where Escape to Paradise starts to redeem itself, or at least, offer a glimmer of hope amidst the slightly rough edges.
The Spa: This was the highlight. Pure, unadulterated bliss. I opted for a body scrub (felt like a whole new person), followed by a massage that melted my stress into a puddle on the floor. Seriously, the masseuse was a magician. And the pool with a view? Spectacular. Picture this: infinity pool, lush greenery, cocktails… yeah, it was pretty close to paradise for a few glorious hours. The spa area also featured a sauna and a steam room – bonus points! I didn't get around to Spa/Sauna, for some reason, I got sucked into the pool and the view.
Fitness Center: I glanced at the gym/fitness, and it looked okay. A few treadmills, some weights. Nothing spectacular, but if you're a workout warrior, it'll probably do the trick.
(More Relaxation Options) The foot bath? Yeah, I skipped it (did I mention I'm lazy?) I am interested in those though.
- The Pool: I spent hours in the outdoor swimming pool. That view! I could have stayed there forever.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (of Varying Degrees of Success)
Restaurants/Bar: There were several restaurants. I ate mostly at the main restaurant. It felt really nice. The Poolside bar made some pretty refreshing drinks and the restaurant had a few other options, like a Coffee/tea in restaurant
Breakfast: This was a mixed bag. The breakfast [buffet] was decent, with a mix of Asian breakfast and Western breakfast options. But honestly, some days I just grabbed some fruit and went back to my room. The Room service was good though. They got you everything. The breakfast takeaway service looked pretty good too
Happy Hour: Did I take advantage of Happy Hour? You bet your bottom dollar I did. They do offer a Poolside bar. It had some pretty good drinks.
(The more in-depth dining categories are listed below.)
- A la carte in restaurant
- Alternative meal arrangement
- Asian breakfast
- Asian cuisine in restaurant
- Bar
- Bottle of water
- Breakfast [buffet]
- Breakfast service
- Buffet in restaurant
- Coffee/tea in restaurant
- Coffee shop
- Desserts in restaurant
- Happy hour
- International cuisine in restaurant
- Poolside bar
- Restaurants
- Room service [24-hour]
- Salad in restaurant
- Snack bar
- Soup in restaurant
- Vegetarian restaurant
- Western breakfast
- Western cuisine in restaurant
Cleanliness and Safety: Is it Hygienic or Horrific?
- COVID-19 Stuff: They were trying. They had hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff wore masks (mostly, I saw a few slips). They claim to use anti-viral cleaning products, and there was daily disinfection in common areas. The “Safe dining setup” seemed adequate.
- Room Sanitization: They had this opt-out thing for room sanitization. It was my call they kept the room clean.
- Other Security CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, fire extinguisher, front desk [24-hour], non-smoking rooms, safety/security, security [24-hour], smoke alarms, soundproof rooms.
(I'm not a germaphobe, but this section is important, hence, I decided to include it.)
- Anti-viral cleaning products
- Breakfast in room
- Breakfast takeaway service
- Cashless payment service
- Daily disinfection in common areas
- Doctor/nurse on call
- First aid kit
- Hand sanitizer
- Hot water linen and laundry washing
- Hygiene certification
- Individually-wrapped food options
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter
- Professional-grade sanitizing services
- Room sanitization opt-out available
- Rooms sanitized between stays
- Safe dining setup
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items
- Shared stationery removed
- Staff trained in safety protocol
- Sterilizing equipment
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the “Huh?”
- The good: The daily housekeeping was a godsend. The laundry service was also a lifesaver. They offer a convenience store, which is nice.
- The “Huh?": The elevator. They had an elevator!
- Other Features: Business facilities (I didn’t exactly need them), concierge, currency exchange, doorman, dry cleaning, facilities for disabled guests, food delivery, gift/souvenir shop, indoor venue for special events, invoice provided, ironing service, luggage storage, meeting/banquet facilities, meetings, meeting stationery, on-site event hosting, outdoor venue for special events, projector/LED display, safety deposit boxes, seminars, shrine, smoking area, terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, xerox/fax in business center
(These services are listed for convenience.)
- Air conditioning in public area
- Audio-visual equipment for special events
- Business facilities
- Cash withdrawal
- Concierge
- Contactless check-in/out
- Convenience store
- Currency exchange
- Daily housekeeping
- Doorman
- Dry cleaning
- Elevator
- Essential condiments
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Food delivery
- Gift/souvenir shop
- Indoor venue for special events
- Invoice provided
- Ironing service
- Laundry service
- Luggage storage
- Meeting/banquet facilities
- Meetings
- Meeting stationery
- On-site event hosting
- Outdoor venue for special events
- Projector/LED display
- Safety deposit boxes
- Seminars
- Shrine
- Smoking area
- Terrace
- Wi-Fi for special events
- Xerox/fax in business center
For the Kids: Family-Friendly or Family-Frustrating?
- Babysitting: They offer it. I didn't use it, so can't vouch for quality.
- Kids facilities: Again, I didn’t really see anything that screamed “kid-friendly.”
- Kids meal: Mentioned.
(For the kids, the categories listed.)
- Babysitting service
- Family/child friendly
- Kids facilities
- Kids meal
Getting Around & Parking: Navigating the Physical Realm
- Airport Transfer: They offer it. That's a huge bonus.
- Parking: Free on-site parking! Always a win.
- Other Transportation: Taxi service, bicycle parking, car power charging station, valet parking.
(Additional Options)
- Airport transfer
- Bicycle parking
- Car
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to delve into my Chanthaburi adventure. Forget perfectly manicured itineraries – this thing's gonna be as messy and delicious as a mango sticky rice after a long day in the sun. This is my New Travel Lodge Chanthaburi escapade, warts and all.
Day 1: Arrival and the Glorious Chaos of Orientation
Morning (and slightly into the afternoon, because, flights): Landed in Bangkok. Ugh, Bangkok. Always feels like being swallowed by a humid, vibrant monster. The immigration line? Longer than my patience. Managed to grab a taxi (negotiating the price felt like a sport fueled by caffeine and sheer stubbornness). The drive to the bus station was… an experience. Let's just say I saw more tuk-tuks than I ever thought humanly possible.
Late Afternoon: The Bus - A Lesson in Thai Humility: The bus ride to Chanthaburi was… long. Like, REALLY long. And hot. And the air conditioning was a cruel joke. Found myself wedged between a snoring gentleman and a woman who seemed intent on feeding me unidentified snacks. Honestly, though? It was strangely…peaceful. Watched the rice paddies blur past, the golden temples glimmering in the sunlight. Realized my phone was dead. Panic. Then acceptance. This is Thailand, after all. Eventually, the bus weaved, and wobbled down into Chanthaburi. Whew.
Evening: New Travel Lodge - "Home Sweet (Hopefully)" Finally! Arrived at the New Travel Lodge. Found the lobby and the staff, who were lovely and spoke very useful English. My room? Basic. Clean. Aircon that hummed like a particularly enthusiastic bee hive. Overall, a good first impression. Took an amazing shower, and ate some instant noodles that I had bought and tried to eat.
Night: Street Food – My Baptism by Fire: Wandered into the night market. Oh. My. God. The smells! The sizzling! The vibrant chaos! Ate SOMETHING that looked suspiciously like a deep-fried insect. (Okay, I think it was a cricket. Probably.) It was crunchy, and strangely…salty. Didn't hate it. Then saw a kid eating mango sticky rice. And that was that. I was obsessed. Ended the night with a foot massage, which was simultaneously excruciating and amazing. Left wanting more, and feeling slightly less "newby".
Day 2: The Emerald City and a Mango Sticky Rice Obsession
- Morning: The Chanthaburi Gem Market - Sparkle and Hustle: Decided to plunge into the gem market in the morning. First impression? Intense. It's loud, crowded, and filled with traders haggling over sapphires and rubies. The sheer volume of jewels was dazzling. Got slightly overwhelmed within a few minutes, wandered. I definitely wouldn't have bought anything without an expert. It's a visual feast even if it's not my thing.
- Afternoon: Wat Phai Lom and the Gem Museum After. This is Where the Story Gets Good: I decided to go to Wat Phai Lom. (a beautiful temple) Then after, as I was looking for a cafe for coffee I saw the Gem Museum. I wandered around, looking at history, and amazing gems. Then, as I was leaving, I saw a shop. And there was a woman, and she saw me, and she said, "you want to buy?" And I said, "Oh". And it was beautiful, even by day light. I bought it. I can't believe I bought it. But I did. And it's amazing.
- Evening: Mango Sticky Rice - An Emotional Rollercoaster: You know what? Screw it. I need mango sticky rice. Found a place. Ordered it. Ate it. Cried a little. Ate more. It was the perfect balance of sweet and salty, creamy and chewy. I'm pretty sure I'm going to eat it for the rest of my stay. Went back to the same place for more, and the owner gave me a knowing look. I was that obsessed.
Day 3: The River, Temples, and a Possible Food Coma
- Morning: A River Walk and Market Madness: Decided to take a stroll along the Chanthaburi River. The morning sun illuminated the old wooden houses and the sleepy atmosphere. Found a market. Saw a chicken being cooked. Almost fainted. Bought way too many exotic fruits.
- Afternoon: Wat Tapo (or, the Temple That Kicked My Butt): Visited some temples. Wat Tapo looked nice, but I barely made it to the top. The heat was killer. Did not feel amazing about my fitness (or lack thereof). Enjoyed the view.
- Evening: Feast of the Gods: Tonight? More street food. More mango sticky rice. More of everything. I'm pretty sure I'm going to spontaneously combust from happiness. I'm just going to eat everything. I've accepted my fate.
Day 4: Departure (Sadly) and Reflection
- Morning: Last Mango Sticky Rice - A Sad Farewell: One final bowl. Tears. Goodbye, glorious mango sticky rice. Goodbye, Chanthaburi. Grabbed a bus back to Bangkok. The ride, somehow, felt even hotter than the first time.
- Afternoon/Evening: Bangkok, and Departure Back at the airport, I felt an odd feeling of nostalgia and melancholy. The flight delays and chaos of Bangkok were slightly less daunting than before.
- Night: The Big Picture: Chanthaburi. It's not perfect, but it's real. It's messy, it's beautiful, it's chaotic, it's delicious, and it's full of incredible people. And when I think about it, I miss it. It made everything a little…better. I recommend it. But not too much. The mango sticky rice needs to stay for me.
Final Thoughts: This trip wasn't about ticking boxes on a perfect itinerary. It was about the happy accidents, the unexpected delights, the moments of pure joy (and maybe a little bit of terror). So, if you're going to New Travel Lodge in Chanthaburi? Embrace the chaos. Eat all the mango sticky rice. And don't be afraid to get lost. You might just find yourself. And maybe, just maybe, you'll have an experience that's yours and yours alone.
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Escape to Paradise: Chanthaburi's New Travel Lodge Awaits! - FAQs (and my Honest Take)
Okay, so you're thinking about escaping to the land of durian and gems, huh? Chanthaburi, baby! And this new lodge… well, let's just say I went. Twice. (Don't judge, the durian was calling). Here's the lowdown, FAQ-style, but with a healthy dose of my unfiltered reactions. Prepare yourself.
1. What *exactly* is this "Escape to Paradise" lodge? And is it REALLY paradise?
Alright, so it's a brand-spanking-new travel lodge in, you guessed it, Chanthaburi. They've got rooms, a pool (important!), a restaurant (crucial!), and all the usual suspects. They're playing up the "escape" angle, you know, beaches, lush greenery, all that jazz. Is it *literal* paradise? Well, lemme tell you…
My first impression? "Pleasant enough." The photos online, of course, were airbrushed into oblivion (seriously, the pool water practically glowed). Reality? Still nice. The pool *was* inviting, even if the filter was a little… aggressive. I'd say it was closer to "Escape to a Nice Long Weekend" rather than "Eternal Bliss."
2. What are the rooms like? CLEAN?! (That's the big question, right?)
Okay, room cleanliness is a MAJOR deal. I am a germaphobe in a durian-eating (contradictory, I know) body. The rooms? Pretty darn clean! I did that classic "white glove" test on the headboard. Passed! (Victory dance! Well, a slight wiggle). They're modern, with a minimalist aesthetic. The beds were comfy, the aircon worked (thank the travel gods!), I actually enjoyed the rooms. Although, my first room had a slight issue with the window not fully closing...but, considering I spent the rest of the trip there, I wasn't too concerned because the staff were quick and friendly when I flagged it.
3. Food! Is the food good? Because I *need* good food. Especially after all that durian…
The restaurant's a mixed bag, I'll be honest. Breakfast? Standard. (Maybe a little underwhelming, but free and you can't really complain, the eggs were still good.) Lunch and dinner? Hit or miss. The first night, I had this grilled fish that was AMAZING. Seriously, I considered ordering three more. The next night… not so much. The pad thai was… well, I've had better gas station pad thai. Stick to the local Thai dishes, that's my advice. The burgers? Avoid at all costs, just don't.
But, here's the key: Get out and explore the Chanthaburi food scene! The lodge food is convenient, but the REAL culinary magic is out there. Go to the local markets. Hunt down that street food. You won't regret it. (Unless you eat something dodgy. Then blame yourself, not me.)
4. What about the location? Is it near anything interesting?
Location is pretty decent. It's not right on the beach (bummer), but it's a short taxi ride away. Perfect. You're close enough to the town center (which is adorable, by the way, especially the old quarter). You can easily get to gem markets, fruit farms (DUURRRIIIANNN), and all the temples you could possibly want.
But, here's a story, totally unrelated... one night, I was trying to find this amazing restaurant I'd heard about. Got lost, wandered for ages (Google Maps betrayed me!), ended up in *the middle of nowhere* surrounded by… well, I won't say. Let's just say I learned a lot that night about the limits of my Thai language skills. Moral of the story: Research your transport options *before* you end up wandering the back streets at night! (The lodge staff were incredibly helpful when I got back, though. Bless them.)
5. The Pool! Tell me about the POOL!
Okay, the pool. The pool. The reason I went the *second* time. (Don't tell anyone!). It *is* as good as the photos, even without the ridiculous airbrushing. Clean, refreshing, and with those lovely sun loungers. It's a perfect spot to chill after a day of temples, markets, and… durian-related adventures (again, don't judge).
I spent a whole afternoon just floating, lost in thought. (Or maybe just the sun!) The pool staff were super attentive, always topping up my water (vital!), and keeping the place tidy.
Here's my biggest pool related imperfection. On the second trip, I had a *nightmare* trying to find a good shade spot. It was as if everyone was trying to avoid the sun...except me and two other poor souls. But, despite the lack of shade, the pool was still a winner. 10/10 Would splash again!
6. What else is there to do around the lodge?
A LOT. Chanthaburi is a treasure trove. Beaches, temples, fruit farms, gem markets… you name it, they probably got it. They offer bike rentals, which is a fantastic way to see the area.
Go explore the old town! It's ridiculously charming, with colorful buildings and little cafes. Visit the cathedral to see the amazing architecture. And do NOT skip the fruit farms. Seriously, a durian buffet is a life-altering experience. (I speak from experience. Several, actually.)
7. Final verdict? Should I go?
I'd say, YES! Just go. Don't expect perfection. Embrace the imperfections. "Escape to Paradise" isn't a *literal* escape to *actual* paradise, but it's a perfectly pleasant base for exploring a truly wonderful area. The rooms are clean, the pool is dreamy, and the staff are lovely. Just be prepared for some hit-or-miss food. And bring your own sunscreen.
Would I go back? Absolutely (when the durian season hits). But now I'm going to work on what to order for every meal, and maybe try and learn some Thai. One thing's for certain, "Escape to a Nice Long Weekend" is a pretty accurate description! And you won't regret it.
