GUIDE
of BANGKOK (GoB) is a newspaper for tourists, widely spread in Bangkok and
surroundings, but also in other cities in Thailand.
GoBīs
never idle reporter usually shacks up at Subamitr Hotel when heīs down the
Western Seabord way, but this time, he took a chance and ventured down the
small soi that leads to the beach in Hua Hin, just passing the Royal Garden
Resort on Phetkasem Road.
There
are plenty of guesthouses on this small lane but one in particular was well
worth a visit we were told. Leng Hotel proved to be up to the rumours
even though our expectations were high. First of all, the place is clean,
really clean - no dust, no sand, no grubby tablecloths, no greasy ketchup
bottles, no ants in the sugar bowl. Unreal. Second, the construction is robust
and designed to a clever plan - three shophouses renovated so that the total
space available is put to good use. In the rooms everything is in working
order: Showers (cold and hot water) air con., TV (even remote controls), lights,
electric outlets. The beds are comfortable, the furniture inside and out on
the balcony are well-suited to the decor, the towels are big enough even for
an overweight Scandinavian. Most impressive is that the mini-bar offers beer
from Bt 50 per bottle, Coke and other soft drinks for Bt 15, and soda water
for Bt 10; nothing is overpriced.
Leng Hotel
is a family business at its best. Thais and Swedes in a working marriage with
sisters, brothers, mothers, fathers and kids all roped into the business;
itīs much like visiting a family home with all the care and attention that
involves.
The
two tuk-tuks are another nice touch, even though you can easily walk to the
town centre, itīs nice on a hot day to have the option of riding the 900 metres
to the centre.
Iīm afraid that the Subamitr has some tough competition here as Lengīs has cable TV too. Check in and check it out for yourself at 113/14-16 Phetkasem Road. Tel: (032) 513 546; Fax: (032) 532 095