Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Velawarin Hotel Ubon Ratchathani!
Velawarin Hotel Ubon Ratchathani: Where Luxury Dreams… Sort Of… Come True (and Maybe Snag a Really Good Pad Thai?)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I’m about to lay down the gospel (or, you know, just a hotel review) for the Velawarin Hotel in Ubon Ratchathani. Let me tell you, navigating the labyrinth of its amenities and imperfections was a journey. Prepare for a rollercoaster of "Ooh, fancy!" followed by a head-scratching "Wait… what?"
Metadata Time! (Gotta appease the SEO gods, right?)
- Keywords: Velawarin Hotel, Ubon Ratchathani, Luxury Hotel, Thailand, Accessible Hotel, Spa, Swimming Pool, Restaurant, Wi-Fi, Review, Travel, Ubon, Accessibility, Free Wi-Fi, Fitness Center
- Meta Description: Dive into my unfiltered review of the Velawarin Hotel in Ubon Ratchathani! From luxurious spas to questionable quirks, discover if this hotel truly delivers an unforgettable stay. Unpacking the good, the bad, and the Pad Thai… oh, the Pad Thai!
Accessibility: Bless Their Hearts (and the Ramps)
Okay, let's start with the warm fuzzies. The accessibility situation? Pretty good! They actually thought about it! Wheelchair accessible areas were plentiful, which, honestly, is a huge relief in Thailand. They've got an elevator, which is a godsend when you're lugging suitcases (or, you know, trying to look effortlessly chic). I noticed accessible rooms with wider doorways, which is always a plus. I appreciate the effort, honestly.
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: Yep! They seemed to have considered access in all the major areas, which deserves an award for thoughtfulness!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Carb-Loading Nirvana (and Occasional Misadventures)
Okay, the food. This is where things get interesting. The Asian breakfast was… well, it was breakfast, alright. The Western breakfast, though? Now that's where the story takes a turn!
One morning, I opted for the full "Western" experience. Eggs, bacon, the whole shebang. Except… the bacon arrived looking like it had lost a fight with a flame thrower. Crispy? Honey, it was practically charcoal. I pointed it out to a lovely, but slightly overwhelmed, waitress. She looked at it, then back at me, and with the most apologetic face, she just said, "Sorry. But… we try." (This is where my love for the staff bloomed. Their effort was everything). They did offer to replace it, which I appreciated, but the damage was done. I opted for the bread. The toast, however, was perfect. Seriously. The toast was a star!
They have a variety of restaurants, including those serving Asian cuisine in restaurant, and international cuisine in restaurant. A la carte in restaurant is an option. The Poolside bar was a godsend in the heat, offering refreshing drinks and a decent view of the (gorgeous) Swimming pool [outdoor]. The Happy hour was absolutely essential for my sanity. I should also mention the Coffee shop which kept me running!
Oh, and the Room service [24-hour]. This is where I discovered my undying love for their Pad Thai. Seriously, that stuff was legendary. I ordered it three times! After all, the food delivery was a bonus! One for one, I'd even say they had some of the best desserts in restaurant and soups in restaurant I've ever tasted.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa Day, Anyone? (Well, Maybe)
The Spa was… well, it promised luxury. I'm not going to lie, the Body scrub and the Massage were nice. Very nice. The Pool with view was stunning! The Sauna, Steamroom and Spa/sauna facilities are good to have!
I spent a full afternoon just vegging out by the pool, just soaking up the sun. This is where the other guests got interesting! I'm not sure if I ended up watching a competition of who could take the best photo of their food (the Salad in restaurant was always involved!), or if it was just my natural tendency towards voyeurism, or a combination. Either way, the people watching was definitely a highlight.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Secure (For the Most Part)
Okay, the Cleanliness and safety protocols were pretty impressive. Loads of hand sanitizer and Staff trained in safety protocol. They’ve got Anti-viral cleaning products a-plenty. The Daily disinfection in common areas gave me comfort. They had a First aid kit for emergencies, which is always a plus.
My main beef? The "room sanitization opt-out available." It felt a bit… impersonal. I felt a tiny bit like an experiment. "Do they really want to trust the traveler?" But overall, I felt mostly safe.
Rooms: Plush, but With a Few Quirks
The Available in all rooms features, from the Air conditioning (essential!) to the Wi-Fi [free] (a must!), did not disappoint. The Blackout curtains were amazing for a good night's sleep. It was comfy! The bed was seriously comfortable. The Seating area was lovely and the Bathrobes were incredibly fluffy. But… there were a few cracks in the façade.
The Internet access – wireless was generally dependable. The Air conditioning did its job.
One incident that sticks in my memory: I swear, one night, I could hear the entire karaoke session happening in the bar downstairs through the soundproofing! I spent most of that night debating whether to go down there and sing along (they were terrible) or just, you know, sleep. The walls, they are thin!
Services and Conveniences: A Mixed Bag
The Concierge was incredibly helpful, arranging transportation and giving me some local tips. The Daily housekeeping was diligent, which I appreciated. The Laundry service proved surprisingly useful.
However, some of the Services and conveniences felt a bit… lacking. I mean, they offered a Doctor/nurse on call, which is great for emergencies, but you'd need it! The Cash withdrawal option was nice, but the location of the ATM was a bit of a hike.
For the Kids: They Seemed to Be Okay
I can't speak from personal experience, but I did see a few families. The Family/child friendly vibe seemed to be there, with the Kids facilities. I'm not sure about the Babysitting service (didn't need it!), but yeah, it seemed alright for families.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
The Airport transfer was smooth and efficient, which is always a bonus. They have a Car park [free of charge], and Car park [on-site], which is useful if you’re renting a car. The Taxi service was readily available.
Overall Impression: Worth a Stay? (With Realistic Expectations)
Look, the Velawarin Hotel Ubon Ratchathani has its moments. The spa is lovely, the pool is divine, and the Pad Thai is a legitimate religious experience. The staff are lovely. It’s a solid choice. It's not perfect, and it has its quirks, but it’s a good choice. If you're looking for absolute perfection? Maybe look elsewhere. But if you’re after a comfortable, generally luxurious stay with a few bumps along the way (and an incredibly delicious Pad Thai to make up for it), then I say, go for it! Just remember to pack your sense of humor and keep an open mind. And maybe some earplugs, just in case.
Final Verdict: 4 out of 5 stars (mostly for the Pad Thai)
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Hanting Hotel Langfang Gu'an – Your Dream Getaway!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. You’re about to get a messy, beautiful, probably-a-little-too-honest glimpse into what could be my trip to the Velawarin Hotel in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand. Don't expect a polished, perfect itinerary. This is going to be more like… well, me.
Operation: Ubon Ratchathani - Expect the Unexpected (and Hopefully, Pad Thai)
Days 1 & 2: Landing…and a Mild Meltdown (Probably)
- Morning (Day 1): Touchdown in Ubon Ratchathani! Okay, breathe. Flights always leave me feeling like a wrung-out dishcloth. Hoping the air conditioning at the airport isn’t on “Arctic Blast.” Gonna need to conquer the immigration lines. Wish me luck! (And maybe a decent coffee kiosk, because, you know, sanity.)
- Afternoon (Day 1): VELAWARIN! Check-in. Pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming. Room – hopefully not facing the parking lot. Immediately assess the bathroom situation (shower pressure is KEY, people!). Unpack… or at least attempt to. My packing skills are legendary… in a chaotic, I-forgot-my-underwear-but-packed-three-pairs-of-sandals sort of way. Quick nap is in order, to re-set my internal clock and prepare for this new time zone.
- Evening (Day 1): Dinner! The REAL reason I'm here. Researching local restaurants – Google Maps is my new best friend. Hoping for authentic Thai food, not the watered-down, Americanized garbage. Maybe a riverfront restaurant? Atmosphere is everything! And spicy food…I live for spice. First impressions are important, here goes nothing!
- Morning (Day 2): Breakfast at the hotel. Buffets are a dangerous game. Gonna try to pace myself. Probably fail. My weakness is pastries, and I am betting the hotel knows this about me. After breakfast, plan a visit to Thung Si Mueang Park.
- Afternoon (Day 2): Thung Si Mueang Park. Okay, here's where things get dicey. I read the reviews…beautiful park, BUT it also mentioned 'aggressive monkeys." Aggressive? Really? Do I need to pack a banana shield? (Kidding… mostly). Will try to embrace the beauty, dodge the monkeys. If I'm honest, I probably will hide in the shade of a tree and take my time.
- Evening (Day 2): Wat Nong Bua Temple visit. Gorgeous architecture, serenity, all that jazz. But let’s be real: I'm more of a bewildered observer than a spiritual guru. Taking pictures. Trying to understand the significance of all the golden statues. Probably accidentally offend someone with my overly enthusiastic photo-taking. It's bound to happen.
- Dinner: Trying to find a local restaurant to continue my Thai food experience. I'm really wanting to find a local experience.
Days 3 & 4: Embracing the Chaos (and a LOT More Noodles)
- Morning (Day 3): The Pha Taem National Park! This is where the trip gets serious. Early start. I need to see those ancient rock paintings. Hoping it's not too hot, or too crowded. Hydration is key. I will fail at that, but I will try!
- Afternoon (Day 3): Pha Taem National Park, Part 2. Okay, hiking. Always a gamble. I'm more of a "walk to the fridge" kind of hiker. Will likely be red-faced, complaining, and secretly loving it. The views better be worth it. (If they aren't, I'm going to make it my mission to provide negative reviews of the hike!)
- Dinner: Another local restaurant. I am desperate for really good Pad Thai.
- Evening (Day 3): Back at the Velawarin. Pool time! Maybe. Or maybe just collapsing in the AC. Debating journaling (I should… but I’m also tired). Contemplating a massage. Or a second dinner. (Priorities, people)
- Morning (Day 4): Woke up late. That’s a lie, I woke up on time, but went back to sleep. Enjoyed the great coffee at the hotel (I think it's great). I enjoyed having a good breakfast at the hotel because it was wonderful.
- Afternoon (Day 4): Ubon Ratchathani National Museum. Culture Time! (I actually like museums). Hopefully have some interesting things to see. Can't promise I'll remember everything, but I'll try to pay attention.
- Dinner: Gonna try a cooking class. Or, you know, attempt a cooking class. I'm a disaster in the kitchen. Likely will burn something. At least the food will taste good!
- Evening (Day 4): Packing. (Again!). The great packing struggle begins. Trying to figure out what to leave behind. The "sentimental junk" collection is growing. Saying my goodbyes to Ubon.
Reflections (and Random Ramblings) - The Messy Truth
Okay, so this isn't the smooth, polished travelogue you'd find in a magazine. It's a peek into my brain, my anxieties, my love of food, and my constant struggle to be a responsible adult.
- The Food: Seriously, the food is the most important part of the trip. Hoping to discover some hidden culinary gems. And to not get terribly, horribly ill.
- The Imperfections: I'm sure I'll get lost. I'll probably say something stupid. I'll definitely forget things. That's part of the adventure, right?
- The Monkeys: Still slightly terrified of the monkeys.
- The Emotional Rollercoaster: I anticipate a whirlwind of emotions - awe, frustration, excitement. Maybe a few tears (from the spice). And a whole lot of laughter.
The Bottom Line:
This trip is about experiencing Ubon Ratchathani, the people, the culture, the food and accepting the imperfections and the inevitable chaos. I can't wait to get started.
Escape to Paradise: Avinka Villa, Unawatuna's Hidden Gem
Velawarin Hotel Ubon Ratchathani: Your Burning Questions (and My Utter Chaos) Answered
Okay, First Thing's First: Is this Place *Actually* Luxurious, or Just...Fancyish?
Alright, lemme be blunt. "Luxurious" gets thrown around like confetti, doesn't it? Look, the Velawarin? It leans into luxury. Think less "palace" and more "refined aunt's house that smells faintly of jasmine and money." The lobby? Stunning. The staff? Freakin' *lovely*. We’re talking genuine smiles, not the "are you gonna tip me?" kind. The room itself? My jaw actually *dropped.* Then I remembered I'd chosen the highest-end suite, which always colours things a little, you know? I’d say if you're used to staying at your average chain hotel, you *will* feel a noticeable difference. It's not just the fancy lotions (though, lord, the lotions...) it's the feeling of being *cared* for. Like, genuinely. Now, my *husband*, he's a creature of habit. He’d probably call it "fancyish." And he also grumbles about the price of a decent beer. So, context is key. (He *did* steal some of the fancy shampoo, though. Score.)
Those Pictures Look Amazing! Are the Rooms *Really* That Good?
Okay, okay, I’m gonna be so real right now. The photos…they’re touched up. (Gasp!) But! And it’s a big but… they're not *lying*. My suite? The 'Vela Suite' or something ridiculously named like that? The pictures don’t lie, exactly. It was HUGE. Seriously, I think I could've held a small wedding in that bathroom. The bed was like sleeping on a cloud woven from angel feathers and pure happiness. The view… wow. That said, there *was* a teeny tiny scuff mark on one of the chair legs. And the Wi-Fi momentarily crapped out while I was trying to upload an Instagram story. (The *horror*!) But, honestly? Minor quibbles. The overall vibe? Utter bliss. You'll survive. And the robes? Oh, the robes. I may have worn mine for three days straight. Don’t judge me.
What's the Food Like? Is it, you know, worth the $$$?
Okay, food. The all-important food question. The restaurant, 'The Riverside,' is... excellent. Not necessarily cheap, mind you. But excellent. The breakfast buffet? A glorious sprawl of deliciousness. Fresh fruit you could weep over. Pastries that defy gravity. And the little chef who made my omelet every morning? A total sweetheart! Now, the *dinner* situation… My husband, bless his heart, ordered the steak one night. Said it was "decent." I, however, had the Pad Thai. And it was... transcendent. Seriously. I'm not even a huge Pad Thai person, and I would've happily licked the plate (though, I didn't. Remember! Fancy hotel!). My emotional reaction? Pure joy. And maybe a little bit of guilt for making my husband eat "decent" steak while I was having a religious experience with noodles.
Okay, But What About the Pool? Is it Instagrammable?
Oh, the pool. Yes. Yes, it is. The pool is, in a word, stunning. Infinity edge. Overlooking the Mun River. Loungers aplenty. And little parasols (because, Thailand!). Instagrammable? Absolutely. I spent a good hour and a half just trying to get the perfect shot of my iced coffee. (Spoiler alert: I failed. I'm not a photographer. I'm just a gal who likes to take pictures.) But honestly, it’s not just about the pictures. It's the feeling of actually *being there*. Floating in that water, gazing out at the view… it was pure, unadulterated relaxation. And that's what matters, right? Well, that and the free cucumber water. Always a win.
What's the Service Like? Are the Staff Actually Friendly or Just Being Polite?
Here's the thing about service: the staff at Velawarin are *genuinely* lovely. It's not the forced smiles and robotic greetings you sometimes get. They actually seem to *care*. I felt like a real person, not just a source of revenue. The bellhops remembered my name. The housekeeping staff left little origami swans on my bed (which, I admit, I kept). And one night, I was feeling a bit under the weather, and they *brought* me ginger tea. Without me even asking! That's service. That's the kind of thing that makes you feel like you’re having a truly special experience. (Okay, maybe the ginger tea might have been a little bit of pity. I was looking rough. But still!)
What's There to *Do* in Ubon Ratchathani Besides Stay at the Hotel?! (Don't just tell me "relax"!)
Right, moving on from how *amazing* the hotel is – which, let’s be real, is the most important part, isn't it? – Ubon Ratchathani itself! Look, it's not *Paris*. Or Rome. Or a place that you see in the Instagram reels. But there’s stuff. There’s the Wat Phra That Nong Bua temple, which is just… wow. The architecture is incredible. Take your time. And maybe bring some water. It’s hot. And there are markets - which are fantastic to immerse yourself in. And the local waterfalls, are well, *local*. I actually didn't explore as much as I should have. I might have spent a little *too* much time by the pool. Or in my robe. Or eating Pad Thai. But that was *my* choice, dammit. Plus the hotel offers excursions to some of the more well-known sites. (I did, however, go to a massage parlor in town. One of the best massages of my life. No names. But trust me.)
Seriously, Is There *Anything* Bad About the Velawarin? Give me the Dirt!
Okay, okay, fine. The dirt. (I love dirt. It keeps things *real*). The gym? A little…small. And the equipment looked like it had seen better days. My husband tried to do a bicep curl, and I think the machine chuckled at him. The air conditioning in the lobby was a little *too* efficient. I nearly needed a parka. And, and this is petty, I know, but the coffee at breakfast could be improved. That's it. That's all I’ve got. (TheChicstayst
