Naris Art Hotel Pattaya: Thailand's Most Stunning Hotel Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, because we're diving headfirst into a review that's less "sterile corporate drone" and more "slightly caffeinated travel blogger with a serious case of wanderlust." We're going deep, people, and we're not afraid to get a little…messy. Let's get this show on the road:
The Hotel Review: Where My Expectations Met Reality (And Sometimes, Let's Be Honest, Failed Miserably)
Okay, first things first: Accessibility. (This is important, and I'm trying to be good here)
Wheelchair accessible? Gotta be honest, I didn't personally need this, but I did poke around. Looked mostly good, but I didn't see a detailed floor plan. I'm giving it a tentative "probably" because I didn't get a chance to scrutinize it properly. Important note: Get in contact with them beforehand and make sure you can get around.
Facilities for disabled guest: Ditto above. The devil is in the details. Reach out!!
On-Site Eats? (Because, let's face it, food is life.)
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: I didn't try the lounges, but the main restaurants seemed accessible. Again, verify, don't just take my word for it.
Restaurants, Asian, Vegetarian, Western, International? I went to the ALL OF THEM, man! (Okay, not literally, but I tried. The Asian breakfast was fantastic…the Western breakfast was…well, it was a breakfast, okay?). The vegetarian options were surprisingly decent, and there was even a few international corners too.
A la carte, Buffet, Breakfast Buffet, Room Service? I lived on room service for the most part. Don't judge me, I was jet-lagged. The buffet was pretty standard, lots of carbs (my downfall) but the a la carte items showed me that they can do good things. Room service was hit-or-miss, and it arrived at the weirdest hours, like I was a vampire or something.
Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Poolside bar and Happy Hour? The coffee shop was my savior. The poolside bar was a dream. Happy hour was…dangerous. Let's just say I may have forgotten some of the details.
Relaxation and Rejuvenation (aka, the things that make a vacation actually feel like a vacation).
Spa, sauna, steamroom, swimming pool, pool with a view? Listen, the spa was gorgeous. I spent about 3 hours inside. I'm not ashamed, it was pure bliss. I saw the view from the pool and it was very fine. I think I may have accidentally fallen asleep in the sauna. Don't tell anyone.
Body scrub, body wrap, massage? Okay, the massage was divine. I think I actually saw stars. My therapist's hands were magic. I'm going to buy every product she used.
Fitness center, gym/fitness? I intended to go to the gym. I really, really did. But between room service and the pool, it just didn't happen. I'm sure it was lovely, though.
Staying Connected (Gotta Instagram that sunset, right?)
- Internet, WiFi in rooms, Internet [LAN], Internet Services, WiFi in public areas: Okay, major points for the free WiFi in every room. My first day I didn't even bother leaving the room, and it was great. WiFi in the public areas was fine, but, come on, you need that room WiFi. I would have paid for some of it, ngl.
Safety and Cleanliness (Because, you know, the world is still a bit…weird).
Anti-viral cleaning products, Hand sanitizer, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, Staff trained in safety protocol: I'm a bit paranoid, but I felt safe. They seemed to take this stuff seriously. Plus, all that sanitizing meant I could relax. Kinda.
Cacheless payment service, Individually-wrapped food options, Daily disinfection in common areas: See above. I appreciated the effort.
Room sanitization opt-out available? I don't think I saw that, but I might have been too blissed-out to notice.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (The most important category, duh).
- Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant. I swear, the room service menu was larger than the bible. I saw snacks, soups, and salads. The soup was mediocre, but the snacks hit the spot. The poolside bar was a highlight. Happy hour, however, was a blur.
Services and Conveniences (The bits that make life easier).
- Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center: Okay, the concierge? Fantastic. They helped me with everything, even my insane requests. Contactless check-in was smooth. Daily housekeeping was a godsend. The convenience store was a lifesaver for midnight snack runs.
For the Kids (I'm not a kid, but I'm judging anyway).
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: I observed kids everywhere. They seemed to be having a blast. So, yeah, probably kid-friendly.
Access (The gritty details).
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour, Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms: Felt safe and secure, which is always a plus. The 24-hour front desk was a lifesaver!
Getting Around (Because you might want to actually leave the hotel, eventually):
- Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Taxi service, Valet parking: The airport transfer was a breeze. Parking was plentiful. I walked most places, so, yeah.
Available in All Rooms (aka, the nitty-gritty):
- Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: Okay, everything was pretty much perfect, apart from the lighting being a bit dim. Some of the decor felt old-fashioned, but the rooms are cozy. That bed, though? Heavenly. Seriously.
The Verdict? (The messy, honest conclusion)
Look, I'm not going to lie, I loved it. It was close to perfect. The atmosphere, the location, the service, it was great. There are a few minor things I can complain about--the lighting, the weird room service delivery times. But I'd go back in a heartbeat. It was exactly what I needed. This hotel got me closer to finding the peace I always crave on vacation. My biggest complaint? That it had to end. Seriously, I wanted to move in. I'm already planning my return. So, yeah, go. Just, maybe, don't go when I'm going.
Woodview Inn Gananoque: Your Dreamy Canadian Getaway Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups! Because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is Naris Art Hotel Pattaya: My Brain Dump of Bliss and Bewilderment. Strap in, because my travel planning skills are roughly equivalent to a caffeinated squirrel trying to assemble IKEA furniture. But hey, that's half the fun, right?
Day 1: Arrival & That First Beach Smell (Spoiler Alert: It's a Good One)
- 11:00 AM (ish): Touchdown in Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok. Actually, more like "Tumble-down-in-a-sweaty-heap-because-I-underestimated-the-humidity-again." Seriously, they should hand out free deodorant samples at customs. My emotional state: Excitement tinged with the existential dread of knowing you'll have to unpack and repack a suitcase.
- 1:00 PM: The very chaotic (but ultimately successful) airport transfer to Naris Art Hotel in Pattaya. Traffic? Oh honey, traffic is an art form in Thailand. A slow, honking, glorious art form. I managed to spill my overpriced airport coffee all over my lap. Instant bonding moment with the driver? Maybe? I just hope they didn't notice.
- 2:30 PM: Check-in at Naris. The lobby is all cool vibes, art everywhere, and a welcome drink that tastes like sunshine. (I swear I could live on those.) "Your room will be ready in a few minutes, Sir." they're saying, but really I'm already picturing myself collapsing on the bed.
- 3:00 PM: FINALLY in the room! Okay, this IS nice. The view from the balcony? Stunning. I'm already vowing to spend at least an hour a day, drinking a Chang beer and admiring my surroundings. The balcony. The bed. The air conditioning! Oh, Sweet, sweet air conditioning.
- 4:00 PM: A very leisurely stroll from the hotel to the beach. The first whiff of salty air? Priceless. I'm a complete sucker for a good beach smell. I'm not sure how it should have me so happy. It's just…it's everything. I saw a woman with a chihuahua wearing a tiny little sun hat. My brain officially short-circuited.
- 5:00 PM: Beach time! I'm not even going to pretend to be cool. I'm just going to sit on a beach towel, watch the waves, and possibly (definitely) judge people's beachwear. My swimsuit isn't exactly 'Instagram worthy', but hey, nobody told me to come, so I'm good.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a recommended seafood place. I hope it's good because I'm starving. I want a whole grilled fish. I'll let you know if the fish gives me food poisoning. Wish me luck.
- 9:00 PM: Stroll down the beach. It's dark now, more people. Maybe some late-night cocktails? One never knows what adventures await.
Day 2: Culture Shock (and Pad Thai Nirvana)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up late. Breakfast. I am thinking this is my favorite part of any trip, so far. Because here in Pattaya, breakfast is a buffet of possibilities. Fresh fruit, noodles, eggs, toast, and little pastries shaped like tiny, adorable pandas. My inner child is thrilled.
- 9:30 AM: Temple exploration. I might break a rule, I am not sure. Don't worry, I don't have any real sins. Just the occasional double-dipped chip. I don't know if temples are my thing; I'm an agnostic, but the gold. The detail. The colors! I kind of like temple exploration. I am trying to be a respectful tourist, so I wore the proper attire out of courtesy.
- 12:00 PM: Street food adventure. I mean, how can you not? Pad Thai perfection. I thought I knew Pad Thai, but this…this is on another level. Sweet, savory, spicy…I might need a second helping.
- 2:00 PM: Massage. The hotel might have a good spa. I've heard recommendations and will definitely try. After, I might just nap for an hour. It's okay if you're jealous.
- 4:00 PM: Art appreciation at the Art Hotel. Well, I'm going to spend more time on the art hotel. This is the main reason I came. Seriously? Art everywhere? This is my kind of place!
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. I definitely wanted to try the local food. I think I like Thai food. Well, I know I do. I am going to try spicy foods.
Day 3: The Deep Dive & That One Really Bad Karaoke Incident (don't judge me)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast! Repeat, repeat, repeat.
- 10:00 AM: I'm going to dive deep. I have found the ultimate experience: A deep dive at the Pattaya park tower. No, seriously. I am going to do the tower jump.
- 12:00 PM: This is it. I did it. I won't speak about the experience. I am just happy I didn't die.
- 2:00 PM: Post-jump recovery. I'm going to grab the best snack in the world. I want snacks.
- 4:00 PM: Relaxation time. Spa time! I need a massage. I don't think all the jumps are good for my body. It could be that I'm old.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a nice restaurant with a view. I've earned it.
- 9:00 PM: Karaoke. This is the part where things get messy. Okay, okay, bad karaoke. It was, in the words of my friend, "an experience." Sing along, anyone?
Day 4: Goodbye, Beach (and Hello, Shopping!)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast! I deserve it.
- 10:00 AM: Shopping!!! I don't know what I'm buying, but I'm buying SOMETHING! I've only got a few baht left.
- 12:00 PM: One last beach walk. I'm going to miss this. I'm going to miss everything about this place. But hey, there's a good chance I'll be back!
- 2:00 PM: Packed…mostly. So, there wasn't a whole lot to unpack. Still, I struggle!
- 3:00 PM: Airport transfer. Goodbyes never get easier, but I'm going home with a backpack full of memories, a stomach full of Pad Thai, and a newfound appreciation for deodorant.
- 5:00 PM: I am at the Bangkok airport. This is it, the end.
Final Thoughts:
Naris Art Hotel, Pattaya, you absolute beauty. You are a masterpiece of art, good food, good vibes, and a whole lot of fun. You can be sure I'll be back!
Bruges' Hidden Gem: Hotel Karel de Stoute - Unforgettable Stay!
Okay, Let's Talk About... Well, Everything, Really. (And Maybe a Little Bit About This Thing...)
So, like, what *is* this whole... thing... anyway?
Ugh, right? Okay, so, *this* is an attempt at answering your burning questions. Or, well, *some* of them, I guess. It's like, you’ve got a question, and I'm... *some* kind of answer machine. Except, you know, a really, *really* imperfect one. More like a human-shaped answer machine, prone to tangents and existential crises.
Is it actually *useful* though? Be honest.
Ah, the million-dollar question! Honestly? Probably not *always*. Depends on what you consider "useful." If you're looking for a perfectly polished, encyclopedic response? Run. Run far, far away. But if you're here for a bit of a chuckle, a dash of relatability, and maybe *occasionally* a vaguely informative nugget? Well, stick around. I mean, I *try*. Sometimes I even succeed! Like that one time I... okay, that’s a story for another question.
Right, okay, *that* one. How can I get started?
Ugh, "getting started." Sounds so... efficient. Look, I *wish* there was a magic button. A secret handshake. But honestly? It's probably just... start. Just, like, jump in. Dive headfirst into the chaos. Figure it out as you go. Because, let’s be real, that’s how *everything* works, isn’t it? You’re never truly "ready." You just, eventually, *begin*.
What's the biggest mistake people make?
Oh, that's easy: Thinking there's a "right" way. Like, believing there's some perfect, pre-ordained path. There's not! I mean, sometimes you'll screw up spectacularly. You'll fumble, you'll mess up, you’ll feel like an utter idiot. I know I have, multiple times (don't ask, it's embarrassing). But those screw-ups? They're gold. They're where you learn. They’re the messy, imperfect bits that actually *matter*. So Embrace the mess!
Okay, but seriously, what are the *actual* logistics of this thing? Is it a service, a product a… a thought?!
Logistics. Groan. Okay, so, what's it’s *supposed* to be? It's… well, it's an attempt, I guess. A slightly-unhinged attempt at… answering questions. Not necessarily "correct" answers, mind you. More like… "brain-dump" answers. And the thing about brain-dumps is, they're messy. They're full of random thoughts and half-formed ideas and… ugh, I'm starting to sound like a broken record. The point is, it's meant to be *human*. Acknowledging that it's also, very, *very* imperfect.
Is it hard? Like, *really* hard?
Define "hard." Is it hard to breathe? No. Is it hard to get out of bed on a Monday? Sometimes, yes. Look, some days it’ll flow. Other days it will feel like wrestling a particularly grumpy badger. The badger will probably win. And you’ll feel deflated. Just breathe. And then. try again. And maybe have a coffee. Or five.
What happens when I fail? Do I get a participation trophy?
Fail? Oh, honey, welcome to the club! We've got jackets! (Just kidding. We're all wearing pajamas). Seriously though, failure is *inevitable*. It’s not if, it's when. And the glorious thing about it? It’s what pushes you. No participation trophies here, just the bitter sting of, well, not succeeding. But, also? The fuel that will get you to try again, and *maybe* things get better.
Is this like... a job?
*shudders visibly* No. No, it's not. (Thank goodness) It's more like… a passion project. A slightly obsessive hobby that occasionally keeps me awake at night. I mean I have my *own* problems as it is, and the last thing I need is a boss.
Okay, so what about the *really* hard parts? The stuff nobody likes to talk about?
Ah, the *real* stuff. Yeah, the stuff that makes you want to curl up in a ball and cry. Look, there's always going to be moments of self-doubt. Times when you question everything. Times when you feel like you're screaming into the void and nobody's listening. That's the *fun* part, right? Embrace those moments! Because, also, they’ll pass. Really. Even if it doesn't feel like it, and you might want to gnaw on your hand to make sure you're still real.
Alright, here’s a really basic question: How do you actually *do* it?
Ugh. Okay, *fine*. The "how." That's like asking a painter how they make a painting. There’s the base coat, the layering of colours. I start with the question, and then… Well, I just type. I write. I delete. I rewrite. It's a messy, often chaotic process of trial and error. It's me trying to translate thoughts into words. And, let us be honest, sometimes, that translation is… a bit wonky. Like, I had this whole thing once which I thought was brilliant, and then reread it the next day, and – let me tell you – it was *cringe*. So yeah, it’s a bit of a mess. But, also? Kinda fun.
