Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Prajaktra Design Hotel, Udon Thani
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Prajaktra Design Hotel, Udon Thani
Unbelievable Luxury? More Like Unbelievable Udon! My Honest Take on Prajaktra Design Hotel
Okay, folks, buckle up. I just got back from Udon Thani, and let me tell you, the Prajaktra Design Hotel… well, it's an experience. "Unbelievable Luxury Awaits," they boasted. And honestly? They weren’t completely wrong. But let's unpack this glorious, slightly chaotic bundle of Thai hospitality, shall we?
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- Keywords: Prajaktra Design Hotel, Udon Thani, hotel review, luxury hotel, accessible hotel, spa, swimming pool, restaurant, Udon Thani accommodation, best hotel Udon Thani, WiFi, free breakfast, Thailand travel, accessible travel.
- Meta Description: My unfiltered review of the Prajaktra Design Hotel in Udon Thani, Thailand. From the "unbelievable luxury" to the surprising quirks, I'm spilling the tea on accessibility, food, facilities, and that all-important Wi-Fi. Is it worth the hype? You'll find out!
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Honestly.
Right, let's start with the nitty-gritty. Wheelchair accessible? Well, parts of it, yes. There’s an elevator, which is a huge plus. But navigating the corridors, and especially the areas around the swimming pool [outdoor], felt a little…tight at times. I saw some ramps, but sometimes, accessibility feels more like a suggestion than a guarantee. Facilities for disabled guests are listed but I would advise contacting them directly and asking specific questions about specific requirements. It's always a good idea to call ahead and quiz them about the fine details.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges – didn't see a specific designation, but you could definitely access the main restaurants and lounges. I didn’t notice any super specific setups though.
Personal Anecdote Alert! I was wandering around one day, and a lovely older lady who was using a walking aid was trying to maneuver out of the coffee shop. It was near a busy entrance. The staff were incredibly helpful, but it highlights a point: accessibility is not as easy as just opening everything up, you've got to manage the space. It’s a work in progress, and I hope they keep improving!
Internet, Glorious Internet (and Other Techy Bits):
Okay, so Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yessssss! And it lived up to the hype. Seriously, strong signal all over the place. I’m talking Internet working, Internet access – wireless working, and for you old-school types, they even had Internet [LAN] in the rooms. Honestly, I'm not sure who's still using those, but hey, options! They even had Wi-Fi in public areas, which was handy for those early mornings when I was sneaking a coffee from the coffee shop.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa-tastic?
Right, let's talk bliss. The spa was the highlight for me! Seriously, pure zen. They offered a Body scrub, a Body wrap (which I'm pretty sure made me feel like a new person), Massage (essential!), and even a Foot bath. I opted for the full shebang. The sauna, steamroom and Spa/sauna were immaculate. The ambiance was beautiful. Definitely worth it.
And the Gym/fitness center? I briefly peered in, saw a few very serious-looking people, and decided that my relaxation was better served by the Pool with view. Speaking of which… the swimming pool [outdoor] was gorgeous, looking over the city.
Cleanliness and Safety: Pandemic Edition
Okay, so COVID-19 is still a thing, right? Prajaktra seemed to take it seriously. They had all the usual suspects: Hand sanitizer everywhere, Staff trained in safety protocol, and Daily disinfection in common areas. I saw rooms sanitized between stays and they offered Room sanitization opt-out available which is nice. They were definitely using Anti-viral cleaning products. There's also Hot water linen and laundry washing which is always reassuring. They had Hygiene certification, which I appreciated. The Safe dining setup and Physical distancing of at least 1 meter was fairly well observed.
Quirky Observation Alert! There were so many little bottles of hand sanitizer scattered around, I felt like I could have started my own sanitizer empire.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure
The food! Oh, the food. Let's start with breakfast. The Breakfast [buffet] was a solid start to the day. They had a mix of Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, and everything in between. There was a lot food, and a lot of people. I got the impression it was all about speed and efficiency.
Then there were the Restaurants. A la carte in restaurant available, so you're not chained to the buffet! They had a Vegetarian restaurant, that looked good. I grabbed a salad ( Salad in restaurant) and a soup in restaurant - very nice. Plus, the Coffee/tea in restaurant was always on point.
The Poolside bar saved me more than once. And the Happy hour? Let's just say I have some vague memories of sunset cocktails. The Snack bar was perfect for mid-afternoon cravings. There were Desserts in restaurant that I definitely sampled. And they also made an effort with the dining, with Alternative meal arrangement available if you wanted something a bit different.
The Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver on one particularly lazy afternoon (I may have spent a whole day by the pool). I have no complaints.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things
So, the Air conditioning in public area was a godsend. Air conditioning in rooms too, obviously. The Concierge was really helpful, always ready with a smile and recommendations. They did Daily housekeeping, which was a plus. The Elevator made life easy. They had a Convenience store nearby. The Currency exchange was handy. They even had Cash withdrawal, so you're sorted if you need money.
They have the usual Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Ironing service and your essential Luggage storage.
Rooms: My Sanctuary (Mostly)
Okay, let's talk about the actual rooms. They have: Additional toilet, 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 – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. Phew! List complete!
My room was spacious and generally well-appointed. The bed was incredibly comfortable—I sank into it every night. The blackout curtains were a lifesaver for my sleep schedule. The mini-bar was stocked, but let's be honest, I mostly used it to chill my own drinks.
Emotional Burst Alert! The bathrobes! Plush perfection. I basically lived in them.
For the Kids: Family Fun?
I wasn’t traveling with kids, so I didn’t personally experience the Kids facilities, or Babysitting service. However, they did have some things like a Family/child friendly setup, and Kids meal – so it seems they had some thought for the small people.
Getting Around: Transportation Tango
Airport transfer was seamless. They had Car park [free of charge], they had Taxi service, and even offered Valet parking. I didn't even need to leave the hotel.
Safety and Security: Feeling Secure?
They have CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Non-smoking rooms, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms, and Exterior corridor. I felt pretty safe.
Quirks, Imperfections, and My Overall Verdict:
Look, the Prajaktra Design Hotel isn't perfect. There were occasional quirks. But that's part of the charm, right?
Rant Incoming! The signage could be a little clearer, especially for the spa. I think I spent a good ten minutes wandering
Escape to Fairytale Germany: Ringhotel Teutoburger Wald Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your pristine, bullet-pointed itinerary. This is MY potential disaster/triumph (fingers crossed!) at the Prajaktra Design Hotel in Udon Thani, Thailand. Let's see if I survive… and actually enjoy myself.
Day 1: Arrival and the Reality Check
10:00 AM (ish) - Arrival at Udon Thani Airport: The Heat! The Haze! My God, What Have I Gotten Myself Into?! Honestly, the air conditioning on the plane just couldn't prepare me for the blast furnace that is Udon Thani. I stumbled out of the airport, already sweating through my "breathable" travel shirt (lies!). Finding a taxi was…an experience. Let's just say my rudimentary Thai ("Sawasdee krap… um… taxi?") got me nowhere. Eventually, I surrendered and pointed desperately at a passing tuk-tuk. Pray for me.
11:00 AM - Check-in (Prajaktra Design Hotel): OMG, the Lobby! The hotel is beautiful, all sleek lines and minimalist chic! I was expecting a room with a view, and they didn't even give me one. What's worse, it will take just 10 more minutes to check-in.
12:00 PM - Room Reconnaissance and Catastrophe: My room? Okay, not a palace, but clean. The air conditioning works, thank god. Wait… no, the remote for the TV… GONE! This is not a good start. I then have to go and ask for a new one.
1:00 PM - Lunch at the Hotel Restaurant (or Attempt Thereof): I was starving! But the menu…it was all Thai. Okay, I can do this. I order something with noodles. The waiter is very patient, and the food is AMAZING. I mean, seriously, this is worth the sweat, the missing remote, everything.
2:00 PM - Swimming Pool Ambush: Okay, I'm a sucker for a pool. This one looked inviting. But… it's a little too inviting. So many people, I'm too shy to swim. Back to the room.
3:00 PM – Udon Thani City Center (or, My Brief and Utterly Disorganized Attempt to Explore): Armed with a half-hearted attempt at a map and a healthy dose of trepidation, I ventured out. Disaster. Okay, maybe not disaster, but the streets are chaotic, the traffic is a nightmare, and I got completely lost within five minutes. I did, however, find a fruit stand with the most amazing mangoes I've ever tasted. So, win some, lose some.
5:00 PM – The Temple Visit (Or, My First Brush With Serenity): I dragged myself, defeated, to a nearby temple (Wat Matchimawat). It was beautiful, calming, the way it was just a serene and humbling experience. The incense, the chanting…it was a much-needed dose of peace after the sensory overload of the city.
7:00 PM – Dinner and a (Potential) Meltdown: Okay, dinner. I'm not brave enough to try street food tonight. Maybe I'll just order room service? Is there such a thing as too much Pad Thai? I bet there is. Oh dear.
Day 2: Culture Shock and Culinary Adventures (and a Whole Lot of Sweat)
8:00 AM - Breakfast Buffet: My Personal Food Pyramid of Shame! Breakfast is always my favorite time of the day. I piled my plate sky-high with everything. I am a pig.
9:00 AM - Nong Prajak Park: A Glimpse of Paradise? Back to the park, and so much better, just strolling around the lake. This place is a breath of fresh air after the city.
11:00 AM - The Ud Town Shopping Mall Saga: Whoa. Air Conditioning! Shopping. Just shopping! I’m not a big shopper, but honestly, the relief from the heat was worth it. The prices are amazing, and the street food. I ate something that nearly killed me! No, not really, But the spicy in Thailand is… INTENSE!
1:00 PM – The Big Decision: Cooking Class or Market Tour? (I’m leaning towards collapse.) Ah, the eternal traveler's dilemma: cultural immersion vs. a nap. I'm so very torn. I'm so very tired. I need a nap.
3:00 PM – The Cooking Class (and My Culinary Failings): Okay, I chickened out on the market tour (nap won). I'll admit it: I'm not a natural cook. This cooking class was… educational. Let's just say the chef was incredibly patient. My attempts at stir-frying… well, let's just say they tasted better than they looked!
7:00 PM – Night Market Discovery (and Regret): The night market. Oh my god. The smells. The crowds! The food… Everything looks amazing! The regret? I ate too much at the cooking class and now I can barely look at anything.
Day 3: Farewell and Future Reflections (or, When Do I Get To Go Home?)
8:00 AM - Farewell Breakfast (and a final, desperate attempt to try everything). The buffet is calling to me!
9:00 AM - The Hotel's Spa: A Moment of Bliss.(and an Uncomfortable Massage): What a luxurious hotel. I decided to go into the hotel's in-house spa and get a massage. The tension melting away and everything will be fine. The massage was intense! I am not sure that I enjoyed it, but I feel great!
11:00 AM - Final Thoughts and Feelings: Overall, Udon Thani was…an experience. Beautiful, challenging, exhausting, and… surprisingly delicious. I'd need to come back and see the area. It's not perfect, but neither am I. And that, in the end, is what made it memorable.
12:00 PM - Departure: Goodbye Prajaktra Design Hotel! Goodbye, Udon Thani! Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a long, cold shower and a plane ticket home.
So, Prajaktra Design Hotel – Does it *really* live up to the hype? I've seen the pictures...
Alright, alright, let's get this out of the way. Yeah, the pictures are gorgeous. The hotel *is* stunning. Seriously. That lobby? Instagram gold. But listen, real life ain't Photoshop, right? The hype is… mostly true. Some things are even better than the pictures. Like, the actual *size* of the rooms? HUGE. Like, could-play-badminton-in-the-bathroom huge. Other things... well, more on that later. Let's just say perfection is a myth, even in luxury hotels. (Which, by the way, I'm perfectly okay with because let's get real, who wants perfect? Boring!)
What's the *vibe* of the hotel? Is it stuffy or relaxed?
Okay, here's the deal. It *leans* relaxed. But... it *could* teeter into stuffy if you're not careful. Like, I showed up in my travel sweatpants (hey, comfort is king!), and I definitely felt a teeny tiny *glare* from a staff member. But then I smiled really big, told them I was *super* exhausted from the flight (which was true), and they totally softened. So, yeah, aim for stylish-but-comfy. Think "effortlessly chic" – or, in my case, "trying really hard to look effortlessly chic." Good luck with that. Overall? Chill, but with a touch of "we expect you to, you know, *behave*." (Which, again, is fine. I can play nice. Mostly.)
Let's talk rooms! What's the deal with the design? Is it actually 'design' good?
Oh, the design. *That's* where Prajaktra shines. Forget beige boxes! These rooms are like mini art installations. Sleek lines, beautiful textures, the lighting… oh, the lighting! It's like they hired a lighting designer who's secretly also a magician. Seriously, my room even smelled good! (And you know that's a huge win in my book. I am a very sensitive nose.) The only teeny tiny *minus*? The first few minutes I was in my room I was so busy admiring everything I forgot where the bathroom *was*. That's just poor spatial awareness on my part, though.
The pool – is it worth sacrificing precious nap time for?
Um, ABSOLUTELY. The pool is gorgeous. It's that perfect turquoise, you know? Like, it's designed to make you feel like you've wandered into a postcard. Seriously, I spent a solid two hours just floating there, and I *never* nap in the pool. (I might have had a fruity cocktail or two, don’t judge.) The only potential downside? It's so lovely, you might have to share it with actual humans. But hey, that's the price you pay for paradise, right? And, the pool bar? *Chef's kiss*. Definitely worth losing a few zzz's for.
Food! Is the hotel restaurant any good? Or should I venture out?
Okay, the restaurant... it's a bit of a mixed bag, honestly. Breakfast? Stellar. Fresh fruit, delicious pastries, the works. Seriously, I may have eaten, like, a *mountain* of croissants. For lunch and dinner, though… it's good, don't get me wrong. But not *mind-blowing*. It's the kind of place where you'll probably find yourself thinking, "That was delicious... but maybe I should check out that street food stall I saw earlier." (Spoiler alert: you should. The street food in Udon Thani is phenomenal.) So, enjoy breakfast, but don't be afraid to explore the local eats. Your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you.
Service-wise, what can I expect? Are they friendly? Helpful? Eager to please?
The service is genuinely excellent. People in Thailand are so polite and hospitable. They go out of their way to help. One time, I accidentally locked myself out of my room. (Don't ask. I blame jet lag and the fancy door handle.) The front desk staff? Instant help! They smiled, they got me back in no problem, and they even gave me a little *extra* bottle of water. It's that level of attentiveness that truly elevates the experience. They're not just doing their job; they genuinely care about making you feel comfortable. But, and here's a *tiny* gripe, sometimes it can feel a *little* too formal. Like, I'd love to just chat and be myself, but I was also aware there was a very slight formality involved. They're eager to please, for sure, but I never quite felt I could let my guard down. But overall, it's a massive win in the service department!
Let's talk about the location. Is it convenient? Close to things?
The location is pretty darn convenient. It's close to the central shopping area which is a plus. There are a few good restaurants and a 7-Eleven (essential!) within easy walking distance. But, and this is a *big* but, Udon Thani isn't exactly bustling with tourist attractions. So, if you're looking for a ton of things to *do* right outside the hotel, you might have to travel a bit. But the hotel is a perfect base for exploring the area, and there are plenty of tuk-tuks and taxis available. I wouldn't call it *prime* location but it's *very* solid.
Okay, the spa. Spill the tea! Good? Or just another hotel spa?
Oh. My. GOD. The spa. Let me tell you about the spa. This is where Prajaktra *absolutely* shines. I went in for a traditional Thai massage, and I swear, I floated out of there two hours later. The atmosphere is pure tranquility. The therapists are *amazing*. Skilled, professional, and they know how to work those knots in your back that you didn't even *know* you had. Honestly, it was the best massage I've ever had. I'd go back to Udon Thani just for the spa. Okay, I am getting off-track. But the spa is something else. Consider this my personal, emphatic, "GO. Book a treatment. You *won't* regret it."
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