The Centara Resort is a lovely colonial style hotel, with exceptionally beautiful gardens and adjacent to the beach. It is in the top two hotels that I have ever stayed in.

There is a two tier dining system, similar to some Melia hotels, at extra cost. For those that do not wish to eat and drink all day there is only the restaurant by the beach for lunch and dinner. This restaurant was perhaps under-staffed and the slow, poor service let down the otherwise high standards of the rest of the hotel. Of note, I made a booking for 3 nights on booking.com. I loved the place so much that I extended my stay but I was surprised to find that booking directly with the hotel cost me more than if I had booked through the B.c site. I was not impressed by that and suggest anyone interested in staying at the hotel compares costs through other booking sites as well as the hotel. Without these two negative experiences, I would have given the Centara full marks.

The hotel is set in beautiful grounds and has lots of character. We stayed in the Villa with private pool and we were not disappointed. Also having the club lounge access which was great. We particularly enjoyed the afternoon tea which was a nice touch to our holiday. Beach access was great and the beach was lovely and clean. All staff were exceptional and very accommodating.

The only thing we could say out of a great stay is that it would’ve been nice for the Happy Hour in the club lounge to be a bit later than 5.30pm to 7pm.

The staff were amazing. Nothing was too much trouble. The villa, with its private pool, was immaculate. I booked it, believing it was for bed and breakfast. The buffet breakfast was great with plenty of choices, from healthy fresh fruits to both European cooked and Thai breakfast items. Also included were mid-morning snacks with drinks, afternoon tea with cakes and sandwiches, evening cocktails and canapés and post dinner hot chocolate with sweet treats. Amazing! The facilities are also great with Thai and beach side restaurants, gym, and several pool areas with remote controlled service handsets.

Absolutely nothing.

I simply don’t understand how anyone could resist staying at Centara when visiting Hua Hin, subject to budget of course, although when I last visited it offered excellent value for money. Perhaps for some visitors it might appear old-style but for me that is one of the key attractions. The buildings are traditional and grand, and the gardens which reach down to the beach are extensive and superbly tended. The staff, who are also traditionally and impeccably presented, are both charming and always obliging. In particular, the range of amenities, dining options, pools, water frontage and central location combine to make the Grand Centara the complete resort. For me it has become not just my choice in Hua Hin but a favourite destination of mine in Thailand.

Everything. It is a very well organized, friendly and beautiful hotel, with a special, well preserved, "colonial" (in a positive sense, the building is just awesome and very well kept) atmosphere, the park is huge, you always get a bed in the sun or in the shadow whatever you prefer, there are various pools, breakfast satisfies any preference, Asian or Western. The manager of the place is visibly present, and has obviously "everything under control". Staff is very helpful and polite, it is just the perfect place to relax and have a good holiday.

There was absolutely nothing to criticise.

Location is perfect within walking distance to the night market, restaurants and bars. Beach front Hotel with 3 swimming pools. I had sea view room (they gave me the same room as I had the previous year) with king size bed. Good buffet breakfast with plenty of options.

Minor thing, it will be good to have a dedicated person stationed to greet you when you arrive for breakfast rather than wait until someone spots you and show you to your table.

The location is great, the colonial style was very fitting if you understand the history of Hua Hin, loved the well kept topiary & gardens, 3 pools & right on the beach. It was peaceful even though it was full due to the Kings birthday holiday. Most of all we found every single staff member not only friendly but very welcoming. Next time we’ll go for a month of r&r 😀

The staff were infinitely helpful and always smiling. The "club"facility was a very pleasant surprise and added to the extra value of taking the villa upgrade.

Our villa was excellent and so were its staff. However its location next door to another pool made it very noisy at times. The best restaurant " the railway" was excellent and we used it every night possible as its staff and chef were brilliant but it was annoying to discover on tuesday when we went for dinner that it was closed. Ditto on 2 occasions it was "buffet time" which was not advised and we prefer to be served so would not have gone there in any case. Therefore we went into town to eat on 2 occasions and had to use "the Coach" on 1 occasion which on that occasion was very difficult to find a table and the service was very slow so we never frequented it again.

We don't normally stay in places like this, but a good deal on booking.com and the amazing character and reputation of this hotel persuaded us to give it a try for 3 nights. On arrival everything was efficiently taken care of and we were upgraded to a suite, which was amazing! One of the best rooms we have ever had anywhere in the world! Sea view, lounge, office, bedroom, dressing room, bathroom - all for the price of a Travelodge in central London (ok so its not cheap by Thai standards, and nor was the food, but it was superb value by international standards). We loved the colonial character of the hotel and explored the pools (3), extensive gardens, restaurants (3), museum (where you can get a superb afternoon tea!), library, etc. The hotel is right on the beach, but Hua Hin town beach is hardly one of Thailand's best. TBH we only came to this town for one reason = this hotel. And for a short stay like ours there really is very little reason to leave the grounds!

My Husband and I really enjoyed our 8 night stay in a Deluxe King Suite at Centara Grand Beach Resort in Hua Hin. The staff were excellent. The hotel manager Mr Weisheit and Ms Aor, the quality assurance director were always at hand to check that we and all the guests were happy with everything. All the staff were friendly and very helpful in all departments. We also found the breakfast to be of a very high standard with many varied, tasty offerings with lots of different exotic fruits, and juices available as well as delicious Thai, Chinese, English and Continental menus. There was also a omelette-to-order station and a hot noodle station along with steamed buns served every morning. There are a number of large pools with lots of deck chairs and a wonderful view of the sea. We enjoyed daily beach walks. Everywhere was clean and tidy. The hotel is centrally located with many restaurants and shops just a short walk away. The hotel has very beautiful gardens with topiary artwork and there is a lovely spacious feel about it. We are very much looking forward to visiting again soon along with our extended family too.

We found everything to be to our satisfaction.