Uncover Lopburi's Hidden Gem: Pannara Hotel's Luxurious Escape!
Uncover Lopburi's Hidden Gem: Pannara Hotel's Luxurious Escape! - My Messy, Honest Review (and a Plea to Stay!)
Okay, folks, buckle up. Forget those perfectly manicured hotel reviews – this is real. I just got back from Pannara Hotel in Lopburi, Thailand, and my brain is still kinda buzzing. Was it luxurious? Oh, honey, yes. But it was also… interesting. Let's dive in, shall we? Because honestly, I'm already itching to go back.
First of all, Accessibility. Now, I’m not using a wheelchair, but I noticed the elevator and the ramps around the property made everything seem pretty doable. The front desk? 24/7, and super helpful (more on that later). And hey, Facilities for disabled guests are listed, so I assume there are properly equipped rooms – definitely a plus if you or someone you're with needs that.
Getting Around: Free car park on-site? Score! They even had a car power charging station for you Tesla-types. Plus, valet parking if you want to feel fancy. I, personally, opted for the trusty old feet. Lopburi isn’t huge, but the hotel’s location is pretty fantastic. Easy access? Absolutely. You're not stranded!
Arrival Chaos (and Triumph): The Check-in/out [express] option…tempting. But I kinda ended up needing the Concierge, because, well, I'm directionally challenged. He was a lifesaver in navigating the labyrinth of Lopburi's temples. The Contactless check-in/out? Didn't even touch a pen. (Thank god, I hate hotel pens).
Rooms, Glorious Rooms: My room? Stunning. They have Non-smoking rooms (phew!), and mine had a window that opens (important for a claustrophobe like myself). Air conditioning? Naturally. Bathrobes? Yes! I basically lived in mine. And good lord, the bed! Extra long bed, perfect for sprawling out like a starfish. The bathtub was pure bliss. Free bottled water? Check. Mini-fridge? You know it. Free Wi-Fi? More on that in a sec. Internet access – wireless AND Internet access – LAN? They're serious about internet access here! Oh - and bathrobes! did I mention already? Because they were good bathrobes.
The Internet Saga: Okay, so the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is a big deal. And it was…mostly reliable. Look, I'm a heavy internet user. I need to stay connected. There were a couple of blips, a few moments of buffering during a crucial Netflix binge (gasp!), but it was generally strong. Internet services are available, you know, for business-y stuff.
Food, Glorious Food! (and the Occasional Mild Disaster): Let's talk Dining, drinking, and snacking. This is where Pannara really shines. The Breakfast [buffet] was a masterpiece. Seriously, the Asian breakfast options alone could have kept me happy for a month. They had everything: fresh fruit, delicious pastries, everything! And, oh my god, the coffee! There's a Coffee/tea in restaurant - but the coffee in the morning – pure, caffeinated heaven! I was particularly fond of the freshly squeezed mango juice. Okay, I'm drooling again. They had a Western breakfast, too, for the less adventurous.
The a la carte menu in the restaurant was also fantastic. I had a Pad Thai that was honestly better than some I've had on the street - and I love street food! You can also get a bottle of water to go with your meal - which can be a lifesaver in the Lopburi heat. There's a Poolside bar for cocktails, which – let me tell you – is an essential part of the experience. The Poolside bar is a must-try! Room service [24-hour] is available too. I may or may not have ordered a pizza at 3 am… don't judge.
There is a Vegetarian restaurant, but I personally didn’t try it. They have a Happy hour, too, which I absolutely took advantage of. The only slight hiccup? They ran out of my favorite dessert one night. Disaster! (Okay, not a real disaster, but it certainly felt like one at the time.) But hey, even the best restaurants have their moments. Plus, the Snack bar came to the rescue!
Cleanliness and safety: Okay, this is where Pannara really excels - and this is majorly important post-pandemic. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and staff who were clearly trained in safety protocol. In my opinion, they went above and beyond. Felt completely safe. You're offered Room sanitization opt-out available - but I didn’t even consider it! Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, naturally. They really took this seriously. Plus, a doctor/nurse on call and a First aid kit are good peace-of-mind things. The Safe dining setup also made me feel protected.
Relax, Recharge, Repeat: Now, this is where things get truly decadent. Ways to relax? Oh, there are plenty. The Swimming pool [outdoor]? Gorgeous, and the Pool with view is seriously Insta-worthy. I spent a solid afternoon lounging there, and honestly, it was heaven. The Spa/sauna is a must-do. Seriously, find some time for the Spa. I didn’t get a massage, but I heard rave reviews (regrets!). Sauna, Steamroom? Done and done. Even a Foot bath to get you ready for the next temple trek. Honestly, I think I need another spa day just thinking about it.
The "Things to Do" Rundown:
- Pool with a View: Essential. Just… essential.
- Spa and Sauna: Indulge. Do it.
- Temple Hopping (Seriously! But make sure you're respectful! Shrine here).
- Relaxing in your immaculate room: Because, comfort.
Services & Conveniences - the Unexpected Gems! The Concierge again! (He’s my hero). Daily housekeeping was superb. I mean, my room was immaculate every single day. Dry cleaning and Laundry service? Thank goodness. I'm a messy traveler. There's a Gift/souvenir shop (yes, I bought a T-shirt). A convenient Convenience store is available too.
The Business Side (if You Must!): They have Business facilities, including Meeting/banquet facilities, of course. Meeting stationery – standard. Projector/LED display for a seminar? Yep. Audio-visual equipment for special events? Check. And the Xerox/fax in business center if you need to be all business-y.
For the Kidlets (and the Young at Heart): I don't have kids, but they have Kids facilities and offer Babysitting service. You'll never want to leave once you've been here - maybe even considering the Family/child friendly.
A Couple of Tiny Quirks (Because I’m Honest):
- The soundproofing wasn't perfect. You could sometimes hear muffled sounds from the hallway. It was never a major issue, but it's worth noting.
- There was a slight issue with the elevator one morning. Nothing that caused major problems.
My Emotional Verdict: Look, I’m not going to lie. This place is a treat. It's not cheap, but you get what you pay for. The Pannara Hotel is a luxurious escape, but more than that, it's a place that makes you feel pampered, safe, and genuinely happy. It is well worth the price. I felt so well cared for, and the staff were just lovely.
NOW, the Offer You Can't Refuse!
Tired of the Tourist Traps? Escape to Luxury in Lopburi!
Craving a getaway that's both luxurious and authentic? Want to explore ancient temples, soak up the Thai sun, and indulge in some serious pampering? Then book your stay at the Pannara Hotel in Lopburi!
Here's what awaits you:
- Unwind in Style: Spacious, beautifully appointed rooms with all the comforts (and bathrobes!) you could dream of.
- Foodie Paradise: Feast on a breakfast buffet that will blow your mind, savor delicious Asian cuisine, and sip cocktails by the stunning pool.
- Spa Sensations: Melt away stress with a massage, sauna, or steam room session. You deserve it!
- Impeccable Service: From the friendly staff to the clean, safe environment, you'll feel like royalty.
- Explore the Heart of Thailand: Discover Lopburi's incredible temples, monkey-filled streets, and vibrant
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your usual pristine travel itinerary. This is my brain on Lopburi, Thailand, and we're going to the Pannara Hotel, which, let me just say, looks nice in the pictures… fingers crossed.
Day 1: Arrival and Monkey Madness (and a dose of existential dread)
- 14:00 (ish): Arrive at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). The flight wasn't as smooth as I'd hoped. Turbulence, the guy next to me clipping his toenails (seriously, dude?), and the in-flight movie wouldn't work. I'm already grumpy. But, hey, Thailand, right?
- 15:00: Taxi to the bus station. Praying the traffic in Bangkok doesn't eat me alive. I've heard horror stories. Mental note: Pack extra antacids.
- 17:00 (hopefully): Arrive at the bus to Lopburi. Find a seat that isn't next to someone with a crying baby or a penchant for air guitar. I'm generally an optimistic person…
- 19:00: Arrive in Lopburi! Check into the Pannara Hotel. The website pictures… well, here's hoping the reality matches the glossy brochure. I swear, I’m expecting the floor to be sticky.
- 19:30: Drop my massive backpack off in the room. God, I overpacked. Should have brought less clothes and more snacks. I could really use a Snickers right now.
- 20:00: Stroll (or a frantic waddle) toward the Phra Prang Sam Yot (monkey temple). Okay, this is why I came. Monkeys. Everywhere. I'm talking a kingdom of cheeky primate overlords. The first glimpse of them… well, it was a bit overwhelming. They're seriously bold, the ones around are begging for food. I'm a little scared. It was a chaotic, beautiful mess. The light was fading, the temple stones were ancient, and the monkeys… they were judging me. I swear, I saw one grooming himself and eyeing my bag. Pure unfiltered chaos.
- 21:00: Dinner at a street food stall near the temple. Noodles. My stomach is already starting to rumble, but the chaos of the day, the strange energy of the monkeys… it was all starting to sink in.
Day 2: Temples, History, and a Near-Monkey-Mayhem Incident
- 08:00: Breakfast at the hotel. Let's hope the coffee is decent. I need a strong dose of caffeine to face another day of monkey business, which, by the way, is more terrifying than it sounds.
- 09:00: Explore the Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat. This is a truly pretty temple, nothing like the chaos of yesterday. The contrast is… something. I didn't understand all the history and I'm pretty sure I missed a bunch of important bits, but the place oozed with some great energy.
- 10:30: Attempt to visit the King Narai's Palace. I say attempt because it seems the Palace has a complex relationship with opening hours. I, being the disorganized traveler that I am, arrive to it being closed. RAGE!!
- 12:00: Lunch at the nearest cafe, which, thankfully, turned out to be a gem! Local food, proper tea, good conversation with some passing locals.
- 14:00: Monkey Mayhem Round 2. I thought I was prepared. I was not. I was walking by a group of monkeys when one decided to "check out" my bag. He tried to get in there. I screamed like a banshee. The locals found it hilarious. I'm pretty sure the monkey was judging me for my fashion choices. (Note: I did wear a hat with a brim. It was not a good choice.)
- 15:00: Post-monkey meltdown ice cream. Vanilla. Needed it. Like, needed it.
- 16:00: Stroll the town, feeling slightly calmer (and clutching my bag like a lifeline). Honestly, Lopburi is starting to grow on me. Quirky, a little gritty, and definitely unforgettable.
- 19:00: Dinner and drinks. This time, maybe a little further away from the monkey zone. My nerves need a break. Might even try some Thai whiskey. Wish me luck, folks.
- 21:00: Back at the hotel, exhausted but buzzing. Write in the travel journal. The pages are starting to be filled with random scribbles and notes.
Day 3: Departure (and a sigh of relief)
- 08:00: One last hotel breakfast. Try to find something that won't upset my stomach. Seriously, I needed that antacid earlier.
- 09:00: Last look at the monkey temple. I'm tempted to go back, but my bag (and my sanity) are whispering "no".
- 10:00: Grab a taxi back to the bus station. It's like a horror film in reverse.
- 11:00: Bus to Bangkok. My heart does a quiet happy dance.
- 13:00: Arrive to Bangkok. From there, it's on to the next adventure. I've got a whole list of things to do.
- 14:00: Check-in and relaxation. Seriously, I'm going to do nothing!
Final Thoughts:
Lopburi. It was wild. It was weird. It was… me, I guess? I'm not sure I'm cut out for monkey tourism, but it was an experience. And, yeah, I absolutely fell in love with the place. The Pannara Hotel was… fine. The bed was comfortable. The WiFi worked. The staff were lovely. It was a decent hotel, and it was home base for the madness. Would I go back? You know what? Probably. But next time, I'm bringing a monkey-proof bag and a lot more antacids. And maybe a really good travel buddy, so I don't have to suffer the horrors of travel alone.
So, here's to the messy, imperfect, and utterly human side of travel. It's the only kind worth having. Now, off to the next adventure, whatever that may be!
Geelong's Hidden Gem: Rose Garden Motel's Unexpected Paradise
Uncover Lopburi's Hidden Gem: Pannara Hotel's Luxurious Escape! (Or, Did We *Really* Need That Much Silk?)
Okay, spill it. Is Pannara Hotel *Actually* as fancy as it looks online, or is it all just Instagram hype?
Alright, alright, deep breath. Here's the scoop. Yes, the pictures are pretty darn accurate. Pannara Hotel in Lopburi is… well, it’s fancy. Like, genuinely fancy. And let me tell you, after a few days wrestling with the monkeys in the temples (they’re *relentless*), fancy felt REAL good. Think silk… lots and lots of silk. And polished teak… and that weird, almost-but-not-quite-modern-but-kinda-Thai-inspired aesthetic. Honestly, I felt a little underdressed the first day. I'm talking ripped jeans and a slightly-too-small band tee versus, you know, anything vaguely sophisticated. Definitely not 'Instagram hype' in my book, although, yes, I DID spend a solid hour figuring out the best angle for a selfie with the ridiculously gorgeous pool.
The location. Lopburi isn't exactly *known* for luxury hotels. What gives? Is it in the middle of nowhere?
Okay, let's be real. Lopburi *is* in the middle of… well, it's in Lopburi. It's not like you're stumbling out of the hotel and into a bustling nightlife scene worthy of Bangkok. BUT! Pannara's pretty well-situated. It's close enough to the main historical sites (the monkey temple, obviously!), you can easily (and I mean, EASILY) hail a tuk-tuk. The hotel is also a calm, leafy oasis. After surviving a monkey mugging (seriously, one of them tried to steal my sunglasses!), that peace was worth its weight in gold. Plus, the staff pointed us toward some genuinely amazing local restaurants. So, no, it’s not a bustling cityscape, but it’s perfectly placed for exploring Lopburi and then collapsing in luxurious comfort.
And the rooms? Are they worth the price tag? (Be honest!)
Okay, here's where things get… complex. Is Pannara *cheap*? No. But are the rooms AMAZING? Absolutely. We splurged on a suite (because, hey, we deserved it after wrangling those monkeys!), and it was… ridiculous in the best possible way. Think giant bed (seriously, I could have lost a small child in it), a huge bathroom with rainfall showerheads that made me feel like a pampered queen, and the aforementioned swathes of SILK. The only downside? The sheer volume of temptation to do absolutely nothing but lounge around in the room all day. Which, honestly, we did. Guilty as charged. Did I shed a tiny tear when we had to leave? Maybe. Just maybe.
Speaking of which... the service? Good, bad, or just… meh?
Service? They were impeccable. Seriously, the staff at Pannara are next level. I'm talking ultra-attentive without being overly intrusive. They anticipated our needs before we even *knew* we had them. Little things, like remembering our coffee orders (they got my crazy double-shot latte *perfectly*) to larger things, like helping us arrange transportation. There was a slightly awkward moment when I, in a moment of bliss, accidentally spilled red wine on one of those silk cushions. I braced myself for a lecture, but they were so incredibly gracious about it! They whisked it away, cleaned it, and I got a little lecture from myself for being a clumsy fool. So, yeah, the service was genuinely exceptional.
What about the food? Is it anything special, or just overpriced hotel fare?
Okay. The food… Hmph. The breakfast buffet was… impressive. Lots of options, fresh fruit (those mangoes!), and the usual suspects. Excellent coffee. One minor (and totally petty) complaint: a slight overabundance of pastries. I may have eaten ALL of the pain au chocolats. But aside from my own gluttony, it was lovely. The hotel restaurant's dinner menu was a bit of a mixed bag. Some dishes were absolutely divine – the Pad Thai was seriously one of the best I've ever had - others felt a little… generic. Pricey, yes, but not *astronomically* so. Honestly though, I'd recommend venturing out to try some local places for dinner - you'll probably find something truly amazing for a fraction of the price. One of them was down a side street and it was a family run restaurant with the *best* green curry I have ever tasted! I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. I mean, the hotel's food was fine, but... that green curry. Ugh. Heaven.
Anything truly stand-out, or any major disappointments?
Okay, the standout? The pool. Seriously. It's gorgeous, it's huge, and it's surrounded by… more silk! Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating about the silk, but it was beautiful, and the poolside service was impeccable. The major disappointment? Honestly? Leaving! I could have happily spent a month lounging by that pool, sipping cocktails, and being utterly pampered. (And eating ALL the pain au chocolats). I feel like I need a detox just *thinking* about the food... (and the silk...) No, seriously, the overall experience was incredibly positive. Yes, it's a splurge, but worth it if you're looking for a luxurious escape and a little bit of monkey-free relaxation (well, mostly - you'll still HEAR them!). One tip: Don't skip the spa! The massages were unbelievable. My shoulders still feel relaxed, and it's been almost a week. Sigh...
So, in a nutshell: Recommend or not?
Absolutely recommend. If you're looking for a special treat, a place to unwind after a chaotic few days of temple hopping, or even just a chance to pretend you're a movie star for a couple of days, then book it. Just... be prepared for a serious dose of luxury and maybe a slight silk-induced existential crisis. You have been warned. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I'm off to search for green curry recipes. The Pannara Hotel… you were amazing.
