First review I’ve seen on this place so thanks for bringing it forward. I noticed a change in your review style with your “handsome” mug (as the girls tell you 😂) on the screen providing the commentary instead of editing most of it in after. Can’t say I’ve seen that style either in other channels so I tip my hat to you for changing it up. FYI - tried to look at price in high season (December) and they apparently aren’t even booking those dates yet - none of the hotel sites had availability (so new I guess).
Thanks for your comment and support. Relieved that you put handsome in "inverted commas" otherwise I'd been recommending you my opticians! Also thanks for spotting I did try something a little different this time. Change is as good as a rest they say!
Always wondered if that Hotel was finished and open as hard to tell from Terminal 21...good to know. Price seems right for the luxury, newness, breakfast, and views. Last breakfast buffet I had with good bacon was at Diana Dragon, Soi Diana and Soi Buakhow... likely 7 years or more ago as they closed down the walk in buffet as most lower budget hotels had already done. Another great review BC. Thanks you for posting this.
Thanks, Ric. Think you're right, the price seems OK for what is currently on offer. Especially if not having an exercise room isn't important. Be nice if they was a few more hotels offering walk in breakfasts without the need to stay. This place certainly has the capacity - their restaurant areas are massive!
Thanks BC another great review. Hi rise hotels are not my cup of tea,prefer low level garden resorts,but they are disappearing, I love that area of Pattaya, quiet but central to transport. Good to see the ugly corrugated iron fence come down. Be there in a 2 weeks . Thanks again BC
Thanks a lot, Peter. 2 weeks and counting! Not long! There's no doubt that whole area is going upmarket and modern. Land prices probably high so high rise is probably the way to turn a profit, but I know what you mean about garden resorts being better. Loads more development going on. Place is changing so fast!
Interesting👍 I was not that familiar with the Akara brand, had to read up. The location probably mean they target the North Asian market? And maybe Bangkokian weekenders..
Thanks, Anders. From what I saw, you are probably right about their main target customer base. Although I have to say, the breakfast here and the welcome of the staff was definitely Western friendly as well!
Thank you for the detailed review. Not a perfect hotel but close 👍🏻 Company-branded toiletries but No Tea or instant coffee ? and Liliputian water bottles in the fridge? I do like the view, the room, the pool and the food.
Thanks, PFI. I think once it's fully open, it will be a popular addition to the area. But, yes, they better give some more water and tea and coffee. No idea what I was meant to use the kettle for. Maybe some visitors bring Pot Noodles with them!
Cheers, mate. Not sure the location is quite as beautiful as Samui! But it's well placed for Baht Buses, and the views are spectacular! Breakfast choice is massive. There must have been some bacon, surely!?!? UTV
Yes, very nice hotel. I'm sure there was an extractor fan in the toilet, but I still think there's a good chance of a problem for smokers. I'd be tempted to drop a line to the hotel asking where their smoking areas are. Anyway, thanks for your question! 👍
@@balloonchaser after seeing many of your videos including Tera Nara, Shambhala and now this one I'm lost as to which one to stay at...Maybee ill do all three lol....
@simonrodgers9105 Funny you should say that...not so long ago I went to Phuket and stayed at 4 different hotels in 4 nights, just because! Actually, it made it more interesting except for having to check out and check in every day 😀
Thanks for the good wishes, BB. Hopefully on the road to recovery. I've probably said before my problem is I've got hiso taste and lost bank balance, but never mind. Security was really relaxed (maybe too relaxed) they weren't even using the key card reader on the lift. It would be easy to bring a guest in, bit I guess that may change on the future!
Opened this month! Did I forget to mention that? 😀 I'd be embarrassed if I told you how often I played with that tablet. They also had remote control in the restaurant toilets where you can open and close the seat. So much entertainment I never bothered with the Netflix! 😃
I see they have ripped 2nd rd up again with the roadworks BC, infact they have totally closed the 1 way system from Thappraya rd to 2nd rd at the underpass (been shut about 10 days now and still shut this morning) so much for all will be completed March promises LOL
The roadworks are completely out of hand in my humble opinion! What's wrong with doing one stretch and actually finishing it before moving on to the next project? Seems like there's no part of town you can go to now without being hit by roadworks. And surprise, surprise, traffic jams everywhere! And don't get me started on illegal parking and the number of tour buses! 😁
@@balloonchaser Thappraya Rd is a tour bus parking lot it is out of hand, sometimes you cannot get off the Bhat bus at your location because there is nowhere for the bus to stop, it is so congested. Even fire hydrants cannot be accessed and the U turns at Thappraya Rd are now very very dangerous due to the buses i suspect for 1km at least the left hand lane both sides is now full of tour buses with the drivers sleeping in their buses rather than pay for hotels
@MSBadger99 it makes no sense to me! I live at Pratumnak and they've opened a car park for buses, but Second Road still has buses parked on both sides just 200m away. If only there was some way of enforcing the law, we might be better off! But there seems to be no appetite to do anything about it.
Thanks, Gary. I tend to agree with you! I've just got this nagging doubt it might have been hidden away somewhere. But normally my nose takes me straight to it! 😀
There should probably be a prohibition on using the words Hi-So and Thailand in the same sentence. The hotel looked very nice, though it was odd having the sink outside the bathroom. Breakfast looks worth getting up for. Hilton is maybe a bit better, but this one is good, no doubt. Best thing of all - it's on the Unixx shuttle bus route.
Thanks, David. That wash basin just inside the door does look a bit odd, I must say. But I guess it's just what we're used to. Breakfast I've really never seen so many choices. Hilton is probably outside my budget, but this one had so much variety it would be difficult to beat!
I'm not keen on the sausage that are supplied in Thai hotels and that ham is really bad. The rest of the breakfast looked good though. I also like a balcony in a hotel which you did not have, 2800 baht. Not for me unless they send a cleaner up to warm my bed...lol
Thanks, Toby. Did I forget to mention the cleaner in the room. Must have been an oversight on my part! Those full length windows look good, but a balcony is more useful/practical, agreed. The sheer choice at breakfast impressed me, buy if your favourite items aren't there or up to scratch then it's not much of a benefit! Thanks, again!
@@balloonchaser midlands stick together 🙏🏻. I’ve just got back from Hua hin 60 nights had brilliant time . Back again December. Keep up the good work 👍
Thanks for your comment. No balcony is a real negative for lots of people. And you're also right when you say many of the new hotels seem to have smaller rooms than the older ones. Useful things to consider when booking a room.
Thanks for the question, Simon. I'd go for Akara. It's the newest, view from the swimming pool on top floor is amazing, and breakfast had the widest choice. And I think there's probably a few more facilities open there now than when I went. Although the location might look slightly out of the way, you're actually on a Baht Bus route to Beach Road. Buy they are all decent!
@@balloonchaser Thank BC its your videos that have introduced me to these hotels so as you can see you work is not in vain lol... I have just booked the Akara my friend based on your review. Yes it's the pool that does it for me lol....I have booked a week so I can extend or move if I so wish but by the looks I reckon I will stay. ....Out of town is no issue for me I like to be away from the madness.....8 bht by taxi to town is a snip.....UK prices now UBER minimum fair £5.95 in leeds right now.... Thanks for your help mate been a pleasure
@simonrodgers9105 Cheers, Simon. I'm sure you'll love it there. But as you say, you can always move after the first week if it's not to your taste! I also like the location. Direct opposite Space Hotel which is one of the most expensive in town. Just 10 Baht down to the Beach and the same down to Walking St area. You'll probably end up needing 2 Baht buses to get over to Jomtien (total 20 baht). Compared to the UK is ridiculously cheap! Even if you want to go off the Baht Bus route you can get a Bolt taxi (same as Uber) and most places you might fancy would be somewhere around the 100 Thai Baht mark. Anyway, not long now. Time to start counting the days! 👍
You make a good point. Filming the front of the building, I was thinking how modern it looked. But then I realised...no balconies! Design over comfort and practicality.
Thanks, Kev. I did visit Space once, but I've never stayed there. At the time, it was well out of my price range, and yes, there were people everywhere! Hopefully, the Akara can provide a quality experience with less of the waterpark and light show flashiness!
First review I’ve seen on this place so thanks for bringing it forward. I noticed a change in your review style with your “handsome” mug (as the girls tell you 😂) on the screen providing the commentary instead of editing most of it in after. Can’t say I’ve seen that style either in other channels so I tip my hat to you for changing it up. FYI - tried to look at price in high season (December) and they apparently aren’t even booking those dates yet - none of the hotel sites had availability (so new I guess).
Thanks for your comment and support. Relieved that you put handsome in "inverted commas" otherwise I'd been recommending you my opticians! Also thanks for spotting I did try something a little different this time. Change is as good as a rest they say!
Yes mate thanks for the info love this place just extended another week
That's really good to hear! Thanks for letting me know. Must be ok if you're staying another week! 👍
Thanks mate you review was spot on
@simonrodgers9105 Absolute pleasure, Simon.
Always wondered if that Hotel was finished and open as hard to tell from Terminal 21...good to know. Price seems right for the luxury, newness, breakfast, and views. Last breakfast buffet I had with good bacon was at Diana Dragon, Soi Diana and Soi Buakhow... likely 7 years or more ago as they closed down the walk in buffet as most lower budget hotels had already done. Another great review BC. Thanks you for posting this.
Thanks, Ric. Think you're right, the price seems OK for what is currently on offer. Especially if not having an exercise room isn't important. Be nice if they was a few more hotels offering walk in breakfasts without the need to stay. This place certainly has the capacity - their restaurant areas are massive!
Thanks BC another great review. Hi rise hotels are not my cup of tea,prefer low level garden resorts,but they are disappearing, I love that area of Pattaya, quiet but central to transport. Good to see the ugly corrugated iron fence come down. Be there in a 2 weeks . Thanks again BC
Thanks a lot, Peter. 2 weeks and counting! Not long! There's no doubt that whole area is going upmarket and modern. Land prices probably high so high rise is probably the way to turn a profit, but I know what you mean about garden resorts being better. Loads more development going on. Place is changing so fast!
Interesting👍 I was not that familiar with the Akara brand, had to read up. The location probably mean they target the North Asian market? And maybe Bangkokian weekenders..
Thanks, Anders. From what I saw, you are probably right about their main target customer base. Although I have to say, the breakfast here and the welcome of the staff was definitely Western friendly as well!
Thank you for the detailed review. Not a perfect hotel but close 👍🏻
Company-branded toiletries but No Tea or instant coffee ? and Liliputian water bottles in the fridge?
I do like the view, the room, the pool and the food.
Thanks, PFI. I think once it's fully open, it will be a popular addition to the area. But, yes, they better give some more water and tea and coffee. No idea what I was meant to use the kettle for. Maybe some visitors bring Pot Noodles with them!
Wow looks a smart place, as good as Holiday inn resort in Samui? No bacon.
Cheers, mate. Not sure the location is quite as beautiful as Samui! But it's well placed for Baht Buses, and the views are spectacular! Breakfast choice is massive. There must have been some bacon, surely!?!? UTV
Looks superb is there an extractor fan in the toilet room. ? Strange question I know but no balcony for a smoke....
Yes, very nice hotel. I'm sure there was an extractor fan in the toilet, but I still think there's a good chance of a problem for smokers. I'd be tempted to drop a line to the hotel asking where their smoking areas are. Anyway, thanks for your question! 👍
@@balloonchaser love the videos mate best ones of Pattaya and allot of help when I’m looking for a stay keep up the great work
@simonrodgers9105 It's really kind of you to say so, Simon. I'm travelling around a lot at the moment, but must get back to Pattaya at some point! 👍
@@balloonchaser after seeing many of your videos including Tera Nara, Shambhala and now this one I'm lost as to which one to stay at...Maybee ill do all three lol....
@simonrodgers9105 Funny you should say that...not so long ago I went to Phuket and stayed at 4 different hotels in 4 nights, just because! Actually, it made it more interesting except for having to check out and check in every day 😀
HiSo area, right up your street BC. heard you have not been to good, hope all is well now. any word on guest friendly.
Thanks for the good wishes, BB. Hopefully on the road to recovery. I've probably said before my problem is I've got hiso taste and lost bank balance, but never mind. Security was really relaxed (maybe too relaxed) they weren't even using the key card reader on the lift. It would be easy to bring a guest in, bit I guess that may change on the future!
When did it open again, i think I missed that 😉? Did in open as much as you did the curtains on the tablet control lol? 🤣
Opened this month! Did I forget to mention that? 😀 I'd be embarrassed if I told you how often I played with that tablet. They also had remote control in the restaurant toilets where you can open and close the seat. So much entertainment I never bothered with the Netflix! 😃
@balloonchaser sounds like a bargain price then. Same the didn't have a 360 curtain on the swimming pool floor. You'd have never left 😉💦
@@peapaulofthailand6539 I do like my gadgets! 😃
I see they have ripped 2nd rd up again with the roadworks BC, infact they have totally closed the 1 way system from Thappraya rd to 2nd rd at the underpass (been shut about 10 days now and still shut this morning) so much for all will be completed March promises LOL
The roadworks are completely out of hand in my humble opinion! What's wrong with doing one stretch and actually finishing it before moving on to the next project? Seems like there's no part of town you can go to now without being hit by roadworks. And surprise, surprise, traffic jams everywhere! And don't get me started on illegal parking and the number of tour buses! 😁
@@balloonchaser Thappraya Rd is a tour bus parking lot it is out of hand, sometimes you cannot get off the Bhat bus at your location because there is nowhere for the bus to stop, it is so congested. Even fire hydrants cannot be accessed and the U turns at Thappraya Rd are now very very dangerous due to the buses i suspect for 1km at least the left hand lane both sides is now full of tour buses with the drivers sleeping in their buses rather than pay for hotels
@MSBadger99 it makes no sense to me! I live at Pratumnak and they've opened a car park for buses, but Second Road still has buses parked on both sides just 200m away. If only there was some way of enforcing the law, we might be better off! But there seems to be no appetite to do anything about it.
No bacon forget it 😢
Thanks, Gary. I tend to agree with you! I've just got this nagging doubt it might have been hidden away somewhere. But normally my nose takes me straight to it! 😀
There should probably be a prohibition on using the words Hi-So and Thailand in the same sentence.
The hotel looked very nice, though it was odd having the sink outside the bathroom. Breakfast looks worth getting up for. Hilton is maybe a bit better, but this one is good, no doubt.
Best thing of all - it's on the Unixx shuttle bus route.
Thanks, David. That wash basin just inside the door does look a bit odd, I must say. But I guess it's just what we're used to. Breakfast I've really never seen so many choices. Hilton is probably outside my budget, but this one had so much variety it would be difficult to beat!
I'm not keen on the sausage that are supplied in Thai hotels and that ham is really bad. The rest of the breakfast looked good though. I also like a balcony in a hotel which you did not have, 2800 baht. Not for me unless they send a cleaner up to warm my bed...lol
Thanks, Toby. Did I forget to mention the cleaner in the room. Must have been an oversight on my part! Those full length windows look good, but a balcony is more useful/practical, agreed. The sheer choice at breakfast impressed me, buy if your favourite items aren't there or up to scratch then it's not much of a benefit! Thanks, again!
No Bacon 🥓... id want my money back 😂😂
My thoughts exactly! Although I may have missed it. I should have asked at the egg station. Doh!🤔
Yam alright our kid 👍
At last, someone who speaks proper English!
@@balloonchaser midlands stick together 🙏🏻. I’ve just got back from Hua hin 60 nights had brilliant time . Back again December. Keep up the good work 👍
@@matthewgreen9062 Thanks, Matthew. Hua Hin is great! Midlands centre of the universe! Until next time...tarra a bit, mate!
Room looks tiny from what I could see, seems to be the norm with the new apartments / hotels in Pattaya , no balcony either!
Thanks for your comment. No balcony is a real negative for lots of people. And you're also right when you say many of the new hotels seem to have smaller rooms than the older ones. Useful things to consider when booking a room.
BC Akara, Tera Nara or Shambhala which do you prefer money not an issue ?
Thanks for the question, Simon. I'd go for Akara. It's the newest, view from the swimming pool on top floor is amazing, and breakfast had the widest choice. And I think there's probably a few more facilities open there now than when I went. Although the location might look slightly out of the way, you're actually on a Baht Bus route to Beach Road. Buy they are all decent!
@@balloonchaser Thank BC its your videos that have introduced me to these hotels so as you can see you work is not in vain lol... I have just booked the Akara my friend based on your review. Yes it's the pool that does it for me lol....I have booked a week so I can extend or move if I so wish but by the looks I reckon I will stay. ....Out of town is no issue for me I like to be away from the madness.....8 bht by taxi to town is a snip.....UK prices now UBER minimum fair £5.95 in leeds right now....
Thanks for your help mate been a pleasure
@simonrodgers9105 Cheers, Simon. I'm sure you'll love it there. But as you say, you can always move after the first week if it's not to your taste! I also like the location. Direct opposite Space Hotel which is one of the most expensive in town. Just 10 Baht down to the Beach and the same down to Walking St area. You'll probably end up needing 2 Baht buses to get over to Jomtien (total 20 baht). Compared to the UK is ridiculously cheap! Even if you want to go off the Baht Bus route you can get a Bolt taxi (same as Uber) and most places you might fancy would be somewhere around the 100 Thai Baht mark. Anyway, not long now. Time to start counting the days! 👍
no balconny,avoid.
You make a good point. Filming the front of the building, I was thinking how modern it looked. But then I realised...no balconies! Design over comfort and practicality.
I noticed no bacon grrr
I need crispy streaky bacon, or it's a minus point from me 🥓!
No balcony in the room no thanks
Fair enough. I prefer a room with a balcony, too.
@@balloonchaser I would also like a bath tub on my balcony but hard to find
@@paula-yr7pp sounds great, but never stayed in a place like that around Pattaya.
@@balloonchaser Blackwood hotel and Hilton got then and I have heard of another place but i forget the name
@@paula-yr7pp Might have to treat myself!
Not worth the price Siam Siam be more calue
Siam@Siam is a great hotel. I love the rooftop bar and swimming pools.
That space hotel is full of screaming spoilt brats I will never stay there again.
Thanks, Kev. I did visit Space once, but I've never stayed there. At the time, it was well out of my price range, and yes, there were people everywhere! Hopefully, the Akara can provide a quality experience with less of the waterpark and light show flashiness!
@@balloonchaser 👍