Grand Centara (Railway) Hotel

Although the main focus of this trip was the train travel down the Malay Peninsula, another objective was to stay in some historic, grand old hotels. The Royal Hotel, Chinatown Bangkok was not one of these. Cool, clean and comfortable, it was also entirely forgettable. The Grand Centara Hotel in Hua Hin is an entirely different matter. When Annie and I stayed in Hua Hin 33 years ago we stole a walk through the grounds and lobby of this fabulous place and dreamed of returning and actually staying here sometime. And so, here we are. The hotel was built in 1923, initially to accommodate visitors to the King's summer palace. It was designed in a British Colonial style with large cool verandahs for every room, high ceilings and teak floors and staircases. It is set in 13ha of manicured gardens featuring dozens of large topiaries shaped in the form of various animals. It oozes old world charm and dozens of smiling attentive staff provide 5 star service. All for not much more than the price of a motel room in Dubbo.