Isaac C.
Google
*The ONLY review you need to read*
As a frequent traveler with a small family, I have stayed at several hotels, ranging from budget to 5 star luxury. We stayed for 2 weeks, and as such, I can give a very fair and detailed review of the hotel.
If you would prefer a summary of our stay, here it is: Staff are very friendly, room keeping service is luxury hotel grade, rooms are clean but outdated. The building is located near a main road, which means that while there is a laundromat shop and several cafes nearby, noise level in the room depends on which side of the hotel you book.
A detailed review ⬇️
STAFF: Every interaction with staff members was a delight. We arrived at around 2am in the morning, and a security guard helped us with our bags. What impressed me the most was the quality of cleaning done by the same 3 house keepers everyday. Our sheets, towels and amenities were replaced daily, and shoes were removed when they entered. I specifically remember the last house cleaner mopping her tracks as she exited the room. As a clean freak, I loved that. Front desk staff were always kind, and always greeted our 10month old every time we passed by. They spoke understandable English too.
ROOM: We stayed in the suite style, which had a seperate bedroom, along with a bathroom with a tub and shower. AC is strong and cold. The room is clean but outdated. You can see pictures from 7 years ago and they still have the same appliances. The tv is small and only connects to satellite, rendering it pretty much useless. While the phone connected, you could barely hear anyone, so it was also useless. There was a safe, but it was locked and we couldn’t use it. Bathroom was spacious, however the caulking was filled with mold. Our fan didn’t work, and only 3 devices could join the WiFi. My suggestions: get some smart TVs, let multiple devices join the WiFi, get new phone, add some lamps with charging ports and maybe a nightstand with a clock so the room doesn’t feel so “barebones”.
Pool looks nice but never tried, gym is small and doesn’t have AC.
LOCATION: The hotel is located next to a main road, so if you stay on the side closest to the road, you will occasionally hear louder cars and motorcycles passing by 24/7. We stayed on that side, so I can’t say how quiet it is on the other side. However, because of its closeness to the road, you have access to a laundry mat nearby, multiple cafes, and even a market across the street. They also have their own cafe downstairs which has really good and inexpensive Thai food and breakfast. (No free breakfast) There is a laundry room as well in the hotel, but there are no dryers, which is why we prefer outside laundromats.
OTHER: They do ask for a security deposit of 500baht cash when you check in, which threw me off since we already paid with credit card when we booked. It would be much more efficient if they just included it in the initial booking. Make sure not to bring mangosteen or durian in the building because you will be fine. (Both fruits either stain or smell)
CONCLUSION: The Grand Wipanan has the potential to be a top rated hotel, however outdated electronics and furniture are hindering its growth. I would however, recommend this place, especially because of the cleanliness and staff. There are a couple of older reviews stating the contrary, but it looks like they’ve significantly improved in that aspect. It’s important to keep in mind that most staff can’t speak English fluently, so confusion or miscommunication can often be mistaken for rudeness on our end. As long as you are respectful and kind to both them and their culture, you will make the most out of your stay there. We will truly cherish our time spent there, and wish both staff and management a successful future for the hotel.
-Candari Family
