The Thames Pool Access Resort SHA+

The hotel is widely recognized for its pool access rooms and private villas, offering a unique and relaxing experience, often with direct access to refreshing waters. Its location, while sometimes requiring transport, is generally considered convenient for reaching key attractions like the Big Buddha and various local amenities. Guests frequently highlight the overall cleanliness of the property and the spaciousness of the accommodations. The hotel is particularly well-suited for families and large groups seeking comfortable, shared living spaces, with villas accommodating up to eight people and providing ample room for relaxation and gatherings. Couples also find the quiet environment appealing for a peaceful getaway. To make the most of your stay, consider renting a motorbike or using ride-sharing services for easier exploration, and it's advisable to confirm specific room features like balconies or bathtubs upon booking to manage expectations.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a variety of facilities, with the swimming pool being a major highlight, often praised for its cleanliness and suitability for laps, with many rooms offering convenient pool access. While some guests noted that the hotel roof might limit sunbathing opportunities by the main pool, the private villa pools provide ample space. Wi-Fi is generally reported as stable and fast, ensuring guests can stay connected. Ample and convenient parking is available on-site. However, guests frequently mention the absence of an on-site restaurant or bar, despite some advertising suggesting otherwise, meaning dining options are limited to external venues. Kitchen facilities in villas are often described as poorly equipped, lacking essential items like toasters, frying pans, or sufficient cutlery, and some kitchen areas are not air-conditioned, making them uncomfortable. Some rooms feature balconies, though a few guests noted a lack of furniture on them.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room cleanliness is generally positive, with many appreciating the clean rooms and daily servicing, including fresh towels. However, some guests reported specific issues such as stains on surfaces, dirt found under beds, or a persistent musty smell in rooms and on pillows, suggesting inconsistencies in deep cleaning. Rooms are consistently described as spacious, often featuring large bathrooms and big balconies. Bed comfort receives mixed reviews; while many find the beds comfortable and appreciate the extra-large sizes, others describe them as rock solid or note issues with joined single beds sliding apart, impacting sleep quality. Bathroom functionality also varies, with some reporting dangerous shower setups that are difficult to access, water pooling on the floor, or issues with broken lights and taps, and some mention a rusty water smell. Despite these points, the overall environment is often described as quiet.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback regarding on-site dining is predominantly negative, as many guests report that breakfast is not available despite being advertised or indicated by signage throughout the property. Those who did experience breakfast described it as unsatisfactory, leading many to seek food options outside the hotel for a more fulfilling start to their day. There is a consistent observation that the hotel lacks an operational restaurant or bar on the premises, contrary to some expectations set by online information. This means guests should plan to dine exclusively off-site. Fortunately, the hotel's location is often praised for its proximity to numerous local restaurants and vibrant street food markets, providing convenient and varied external dining choices within walking distance or a short ride, which many guests found to be a positive alternative.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location receives mixed reviews but is often highlighted for its strategic position, being relatively central to various attractions and amenities. Many guests appreciate its proximity to the Big Buddha and Wat Chalong, making it convenient for sightseeing. It is also well-regarded for being close to numerous local restaurants, convenience stores, supermarkets like Lotus and TOP, and even local markets, hairdressers, and massage services, offering a taste of local life away from more touristy areas. However, a significant number of guests note that the hotel is somewhat out of the way or remote, making personal transport like a motorbike or ride-sharing services (Bolt or Grab) essential for comfortable travel to beaches or the city center, as walking can be challenging or unsafe due to busy roads and limited pavements. Ample and convenient parking is available on-site for those with vehicles.

Staff & Service
Guest experiences with staff and service are notably varied. Many guests consistently praise the staff's friendliness and helpfulness, describing them as lovely, kind, polite, and willing to please, with some going above and beyond to assist with issues like lost items. The check-in process is often noted as quick and efficient, with some guests even allowed early access to their rooms. However, a significant number of reviews highlight instances of unwelcoming or unhelpful staff, particularly during late-night check-ins or check-outs where staff may be absent or difficult to find. Some guests reported poor problem resolution, including refusal to connect with a manager or unresponsiveness to issues like payment discrepancies or burst pipes. While daily room cleaning and fresh towels are appreciated, some found the cleaning service inconsistent, with missed details or a lack of essential supplies like toilet paper or water. Staff's basic understanding of English was noted, which occasionally led to communication challenges.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel's actual star rating is perceived by many to be lower than advertised, with several reviews suggesting it aligns more with a two- or three-star property rather than a four-star, citing outdated facilities and a need for renovations. There have been recurring issues with booking discrepancies, where guests booked specific room features like bathtubs or balconies with views, only to find them unavailable upon arrival, and staff were sometimes unhelpful in resolving these issues. While rooms generally include a safe, some guests found them to be unsecured and easily movable, raising safety concerns. The hotel has experienced occasional power outages, though staff are generally quick to activate a backup generator. Guests also noted a lack of airport shuttle service and that the hotel does not offer tour advice despite some in-room literature suggesting otherwise. Some guests were unexpectedly charged for a pillow.