Escape to Paradise: Maneerote Hotel's Unforgettable Surin, Thailand Getaway
Escape to Paradise: Maneerote Hotel's Unforgettable Surin, Thailand Getaway (…Mostly Unforgettable) - A Deep Dive (and Occasional Rant)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to get the real dirt on the Maneerote Hotel in Surin, Thailand. Forget those polished brochures and perfectly filtered Instagram pics. I’m here to give you the unvarnished truth, the good, the bad, and the, well, let's just say interesting experiences I had. This is not just a review; it's a therapy session for your hotel-planning soul.
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(Rambling Introduction Over… Let’s Get Dirty!)
The Maneerote. The name itself whispers promises of tropical bliss. And, to be fair, it does deliver on some of those promises. But let's face it, no paradise is perfect, right? Especially when you're me, and I’m prone to dropping my phone in the pool…twice.
Accessibility & The Buddy System (and a bit of a grumble)
Okay, first things first. Accessibility. This is a big one for me, and it’s where the Maneerote started off… shaky. While they claim to be accessible, it's a mixed bag. Wheelchair accessible? Technically, yes. There are ramps, elevators, and rooms designed for accessibility. But, and this is a BIG BUT, the execution isn't always… perfect.
One time, trying to get to the Swimming Pool [outdoor], I nearly had to navigate a small, but surprisingly treacherous, garden, which I was pushing against (thanks to uneven paving) and a couple of rogue flower pots. I needed a buddy to avoid flipping a wheel. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it definitely could be improved. The Elevator was smooth though, a big plus, and the staff, once you flagged them down, were extremely helpful.
(I’m adding “buddy system” to my packing list from now on.)
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Oh, the Bliss…and the Exasperation!)
The Spa is where the Maneerote truly shines. Seriously, this place is an oasis. I went for the works – the Body scrub, the Body wrap, the Massage, the whole shebang. The therapists are amazing - magical even. I swear, my shoulders, which usually resemble concrete blocks, melted. The Sauna, Steamroom, and Spa/sauna combo? Heaven. Pure bliss. The Pool with view is stunning, especially at sunset. Highly, highly recommend.
The Fitness center? Good. Not great. It’s got the basics – Gym/fitness equipment, free weights, treadmills – but the air conditioning seemed to be on a permanent siesta. I swear, I lost more water weight to sweat than to the actual workout. (Note: I’m not a gym person, so maybe I'm being overly harsh.)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Food Glorious Food…With a Few Quirks!)
The Restaurants are a highlight. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was phenomenal. I'm still dreaming of the green curry. They offer a Vegetarian restaurant too, which is great for those of us avoiding meat. The Breakfast [buffet] was a good spread – Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, and all the usual suspects. The Coffee/tea in restaurant, though? Hit or miss. Some days, it was perfection; other days…let’s just say I needed a caffeine intervention. (I swear I caught the barman trying to make a latte with tap water once -- the horror!)
The Poolside bar is a must-visit for happy hour. Happy hour with a sunset view? Yes, please! They also have a Snack bar, perfect for those mid-afternoon cravings. They also provided both Bottle of water and Complimentary tea in the room, which is a nice touch. The Room service [24-hour] option is convenient, although I would recommend the restaurant instead, for a more authentic experience.
Now, for the quirks! I once ordered a salad that arrived looking like it had been in a knife fight. (The Salad in restaurant was a gamble, but it was cheap). The Soup in restaurant was delicious, though! The Desserts in restaurant were lovely, too, but the staff was a bit too enthusiastic about clearing the tables. One minute, you're savoring a piece of cake; the next, poof – plate gone!
Cleanliness and Safety (Mostly Reassuring, but….)
The Maneerote obviously takes cleanliness seriously, especially with the whole COVID situation. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, all the usual protocols. Individually-wrapped food options, Hand sanitizer everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol. I felt pretty safe for the most part.
That being said, the Room sanitization opt-out available is a nice touch, but the option doesn't seem to be clearly communicated (at least to me). And the Room sanitization between stays is great too.
One slight (and completely inconsequential) concern was that the "professional-grade sanitizing services" seemed to have some trouble with the ceiling fan in my room. I found it looked a little bit… dusty. (I'm probably overthinking it.)
Services and Conveniences (The Good, The Bad, and the “Wait…What?!”)
The Maneerote offers a boatload of services. Air conditioning in public area? Check. Concierge? Super helpful. Daily housekeeping? Spot on. Laundry service? Efficient. Luggage storage? No problem. The Food delivery service was a godsend when I wanted to stay in and chill.
The Cash withdrawal option helped me out. The Currency exchange was nice. The Elevator was great. Their service game is strong, period.
Now for the "wait…what?!" moments. The Convenience store was laughably overpriced. Like, "a bottle of water costs more than wine" overpriced. And the Gift/souvenir shop felt like a total afterthought, with a random assortment of trinkets.
And despite the abundance of "Facilities for disabled guests", the absence of a wheelchair-accessible ramp into the Terrace, felt really out of place, and a bit insensitive.
Available in All Rooms (Comforts and Quirks)
The rooms themselves are generally well-equipped and comfortable. Air conditioning is a lifesaver. Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, thankfully. Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Coffee/tea maker, Desk, Hair dryer, High floor (if you ask), In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Mini bar, Mirror, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], and a Window that opens.
But then there are the quirks. Those "extra long beds"? Needed to be extra, extra long for my height but still were not comfortable. The “on-demand movies”? A selection of questionable titles that looked like they’d been ripped from a VHS tape. And why was there a Bathroom phone? Who are you calling?! (I never actually figure out the answer to that question, but I like the idea!)
(And Finally… The Verdict (With a Dash of Honesty))
Overall, the Maneerote Hotel in Surin is a solid choice. It's a beautiful location, has amazing spa, delicious food (mostly), and a generally helpful staff. But it's not perfect. The accessibility, while present, could be improved. And there are a few quirks that need ironing out.
Would I go back? Probably. Surin is a slice of paradise, and the Maneerote, despite its flaws, offers a pretty good base camp for exploring it. Just…prepare to embrace the imperfections, bring a buddy, and maybe pack your own snacks. And for the love of all that is holy, watch where you’re walking! I can't be held responsible if you trip on a rogue flower pot.
Escape to Paradise: Bay Coast Villa Goishigahama, Izu's Hidden Gem!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Because this ain't your grandma's perfectly polished travel guide. We're going to Maneerote Hotel in Surin, Thailand, and trust me, it's gonna be a ride. Consider this… more like a chaotic, sweaty, mosquito-bite-filled diary than a travel brochure.
Day 1: Arrival… and a near-disaster with the Pad Thai
- Morning (ish – let’s be real, more like late morning): Landed in Bangkok. The air hit me like a brick of humidity. Instantly regretted wearing that denim jacket. Found the connection to Surin… after approximately a million panicked attempts to decipher the Thai train system. (Pro-tip: learn the basic Thai for "Where's the…?" – it'll save you a lot of flailing.)
- Afternoon: Finally arrived in Surin! The Maneerote Hotel… well, it's got character. Let's just say the website photos generously omitted a few… well, let's call them "rustic" features. But the staff are incredibly friendly. Overwhelmed, actually.
- Evening: Dinner time! Went full-on tourist and ordered Pad Thai. Now, I'm pretty sure I have a cast-iron stomach, but this Pad Thai… yikes. Let's just say the next hour involved a lot of running to the little porcelain throne. The worst part? It tasted so damn good going down. Worth it? Jury’s still out. The memory of that taste is now forever twined with a memory of desperate dash to the bathroom.
Day 2: Elephants! (…and a minor sunburn incident)
- Morning: Today was the plan to visit the Surin Elephant Round-Up. Okay, maybe this event is mostly overhyped. It was interesting… but it was also a bit of a human zoo. The elephants, bless their huge, wrinkly hearts, seemed relatively happy, but… the crowd! Shoulder-to-shoulder, cameras flashing. It was a sensory overload.
- Afternoon: Sunburn. Oh, sweet, burning Jesus, the sunburn. Because, of course, I forgot the sunscreen. (Pro-tip #2: pack a whole suitcase of sunscreen. You’ll need it.) Spent the afternoon huddled in the hotel room, nursing my fiery skin. It’s a beautiful shade of red.
- Evening: A quieter evening. Local market time! Ate a bunch of stuff I couldn't identify but tasted fantastic. Also, found a pharmacy. Aloe vera is the new best friend.
Day 3: The Temple… and the Unexpected Beauty of a Broken Road
- Morning: Attempted to visit the local Khwao Sinarin Temple. Holy cow, the temple is gorgeous! The architecture is breathtaking, and the place exudes a sense of peace. It was like stepping into a different world. Spent ages meandering through the temple's structures (the gold leaf alone!). I really tried to soak it all in.
- Afternoon: Decided to wander around and see the local area. I found a pretty road. And… it was broken. Now, normally, I'd be annoyed at the inconvenience of a broken road. But, there's something incredibly Thai about it. The locals were just getting on with things. It reminded me that life is about accepting things.
- Evening: The hotel pool. Oh. My. God. The pool. After the last few days, it was like a slice of heaven. Floating around, watching the sunset. Definitely makes up for the Pad Thai incident. Best. Decision. Ever.
Day 4: Leaving Surin… and a lingering sense of… well, everything
- Morning: Trying to pack my suitcase (a Herculean task after all the souvenirs I had to buy.) Also, I realize I’m already missing the place. The heat, the chaos, the people… the questionable Pad Thai. Seriously, what is wrong with me?
- Afternoon: The journey back to Bangkok. Feeling melancholy. There's something about Thailand that just… gets to you, you know?
- Evening: Thinking about things, and planning my return – no, that’s not a hyperbole, it's a promise – to Surin. I'll remember the sunburn, the Pad Thai, the elephants, the broken road. Most of all, I'll remember the feeling of being… well, alive. (Now all I want is more pad thai!!)
Things I learned:
- Always pack sunscreen. Seriously.
- Embrace the chaos. It’s part of the charm.
- Don’t underestimate the power of aloe vera.
- And most importantly… try the damn Pad Thai, even if it kills you.
This isn't a perfect itinerary. It’s a real one. And if you decide to go to Surin? Well, good luck. You're gonna need it. And have fun. You really will.
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So, Maneerote Hotel... Is it actually paradise, or just a glorified beach shack with WiFi that barely works?
Oh, it's *definitely* not a shack! Unless your definition of "shack" involves stunning views, a pool that practically begs you to jump in, and staff who genuinely seem happy to see you. Paradise? Well, it's trying. Let's just say it's paradise with a few… quirks. Like the time the air conditioning in my room decided to go rogue at 3 AM. Woke up freezing, swore a lot, and then finally got it sorted. Annoying, but hey, it's travel, right? Embrace the chaos!
What about the beach? Surin Beach lives up to the hype?
Surin Beach? Oh. My. Goodness. The water is that ridiculous turquoise you only see in postcards. The sand is so fine, it feels like walking on powdered sugar. I spent approximately 72 hours straight there, applying sunscreen, splashing in the waves, and just… *breathing*. It's gorgeous. (Okay, slight hiccup: one day I thought I'd be smart and wear my fancy new sunglasses for a swim. Guess who lost them to a rogue wave? Yeah. That was me. Lesson learned: Don't bring your expensive stuff to the ocean, unless you're feeling generous to the sea gods.) But seriously, the beach is a major selling point.
The food! Tell me about the food! I need delicious details!
Okay, FOOD. This is where things get... complicated. The hotel restaurant? Decent. Good breakfasts, a solid pad thai, that kind of thing. Don't get me wrong, it’s fine, just…not mind-blowing. However, step outside the hotel… oh boy. Street food vendors everywhere! Tiny, unassuming stalls with the most incredible aromas billowing out. I had the best green curry of my LIFE from a little lady with a permanent smile and three woks going at once. Ate it practically standing up, on a tiny plastic stool. It was pure magic. (Pro Tip: If you see a stall with a line, *JOIN* the line. Trust me.) My advice? Explore! Don't be afraid to try new things. Just maybe avoid that questionable-looking mango sticky rice from the guy with the suspiciously shiny hair…
What kind of activities are there? Pool time nonwithstanding!
Okay, look, the Maneerote *does* have a pool. A very lovely pool. I spent a significant amount of time in that pool. BUT, Surin has more to offer than just getting pruney. Boat trips to nearby islands are a MUST. Picture it: crystal-clear water teeming with fish, snorkeling, sunshine… pure bliss. I was terrified of snorkeling at first, you know, the whole "water and breathing thing." But the guide was so patient, and the underwater world... *wow*. So bright, so vibrant, so… fishy. Seriously, go snorkeling. Or diving. Or just, you know, stare at the ocean and contemplate the meaning of life while sipping a Singha beer (the hotel bar has some pretty good happy hour deals, btw). Also, there are cooking classes in the area! I learned how to make spring rolls. I'm pretty sure they were delicious; I ate them all immediately.
The staff at Maneerote. Are they as lovely as everyone says?
Honestly? Yes. They're phenomenal. Always smiling, always helpful, and amazingly patient with my terrible attempts at speaking Thai (mostly consisting of "Sawasdee" and pointing). I had a minor mishap involving a leaky suitcase and a rogue bottle of sunscreen (don't ask). The staff went above and beyond, cleaning up the mess and making me feel thoroughly less mortified. They really do make the experience. Plus, the constant stream of fresh fruit they bring to your room every day? Heaven! It’s the little things. (Okay, here's a tiny, completely unnecessary detail: I might have accidentally left a very brightly colored pair of socks in my room. If anyone finds them, they're probably mine.)
Any downsides? Be brutally honest!
Okay, let's be real. Nothing is perfect. The hotel has a few drawbacks. The aforementioned AC incident happened again the next night. The internet, while generally decent, can be a bit flaky at times. The hotel's location, while fantastic in terms of beach access, does mean you're a little bit further from the main hustle and bustle of Phuket. And, here's a big one: *mosquitos*. They're out there, hungry, and they WILL find you. Stock up on the DEET, people! (And maybe bring a bug zapper, just in case, I'm not saying.) But honestly? These are minor annoyances. The overall experience far outweighs any downsides. And hey, even those little hiccups become part of the story, right?
So, would you go back? And, would you recommend it? Seriously, cut the crap, what's the verdict?
Do you even have to ask? Would I go back? In a heartbeat. I’m already scheming about it. Booked the flight last night, just kidding, but… maybe. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. It's not just the beautiful beach, the friendly staff, and the delicious food (once you venture beyond the hotel restaurant). It's the feeling. The feeling of being completely disconnected from the real world, of having nothing to worry about except the sun, the sand, and maybe which cocktail to order next. It's the feeling of pure, unadulterated bliss, with a few tiny, slightly annoying glitches along the way. And isn't that what travel is all about? The imperfections, the unexpected adventures, the moments that make you laugh (and sometimes cry, mainly when you lose your sunglasses to the ocean). GO. Just go. And tell those mosquitos I said hello. (And grab me a mango sticky rice while you're there, will ya? The good stuff, the one from the smiling lady with the woks.)
