On this trip, I decided to explore Thailand more and travelled inland to Korat (aka Nakhon Ratchasima) in the north-east Isan region (about a four-hour, 209 baht bus ride from Bangkok) for a week. Because it is a long way from the sea and a lot hotter (41 degrees), I was looking for a hotel with a pool. The Romyen is very conveniently located, about 10 minutes walk from the centre, but off the main street so it proves an oasis of calm. The pool, surrounded by trees, has lovely warm water and towels are provided. The hotel cost more than my usual budget but it was worth it for all the quality. The large rooms were very impressive with crisp modern lines and an uncluttered Japanese/Zen-like simplicity (there seemed to be a lot of Japanese influence in Korat, with cafes, restaurants, karaoke and a GINZA area). A quiet efficient air conditioner, a big fridge, free water, a kettle with tbags and coffee sachets, a flat tv with many channels and a balcony all added to the comfort. As the food in two of the three Isan restaurants we tried had disappointed, we ate mainly in food courts (The Mall, with its spectacular waterfall and beautiful fish ponds, and Terminal 21 both offer excellent cheap local food -- this is the same Terminal 21 where there was the recent terrible massacre) and the hotel restaurant which was consistently excellent and reasonably priced. We enjoyed their gyoza dumplings, their wontons stuffed with prawns, their spicy pork and chicken dishes. My only suggestions would be safes in all rooms and a bookcase so that travellers can swap books. All in all, highly recommended.
- 177pierre
Das Romyen Garden Palace ist ein merkwürdiges Hotel. Eigentlich ist alles da, was man von einem Mittelklassehotel in Thailand erwarten kann, aber es fehlt irgendwas … vielleicht der Charme? Dabei sind die Zimmer recht groß und komfortabel. Es gibt sogar eine kleine Küchenzeile, man könnte sich selbst versorgen. TV, Safe, Aircon und WLAN / Wifi sind vorhanden. Der Pool liegt ein wenig exponiert neben dem Parkplatz. Das Restaurant gleich daneben serviert Gerichte, die ganz ok sind, das Frühstücksbuffet ist erstaunlich vielfältig und gut, die Eier-Theke sehr gut. Das Personal ist so eine Sache: Viele der Mädels an der Rezeption sind überfordert, aber eine Chefin (?) war sehr kompetent, freundlich und hilfsbereit. Zum Stadtzentrum läuft man ca. 20 Minuten. Preis-Leistungs-Verhältnis ok. In Nakhon Ratchasima / Korat gab es, als wir dort waren, wenig Alternativen.
- Thomas C