Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin

Set on Damnernkasem Road in Hua Hin, the 249-room resort occupies a railway hotel that opened in the 1920s when the line to Padang Besar in Malaysia was completed. Topiary gardens surround the main wings; one sculpted elephant has stood for a hundred years. Four pools lie within the grounds. Rooms span ten categories, all with colonial-style furniture, dark wood flooring, and air-conditioning. Deluxe rooms measure 37 m² and face the gardens or pools. The 72 m² Deluxe Suite holds a separate living room and partial ocean view. Duplex suites occupy two floors with upstairs bedrooms; the two-bedroom version spans 130 m². The 170 m² Royal Suite overlooks the sea. The Railway restaurant serves international dishes indoors and on an outdoor terrace. Coast Beach Club & Bistro sits beachside with grilled seafood and cocktails. Hagi offers teppanyaki and Japanese cuisine. The Museum serves afternoon tea. Centara SPA operates on site. Staff arrange bicycle rental, tennis court access, and horse riding excursions.