Entrance to Sofitel?

[Big Boy]

I've been to Hua Hin many times in the past 10 years, and have always managed to avoid the lure of Sofitel and the Hilton. That was until my last visit.

I was at an ATM, and picked up one of the freebie magazines which detailed a leisure route around Hua Hin. Most of the route was fairly standard - places I had walked dozens of times, but the following 2 entries caught my eye:

Go furthermore to very end of the road; you will enter another symbolic place of Hua Hin- Sofitel Central Hotel (1st hotel built in Hua Hin), where its landscape is unique by formed tree. Take some time relax at the Museum Café in the beautiful colonial architecture. (Suggest walking in from the side and outing at the main entrance.)

Hilton hotel seems to be a Landmark for Hua Hin already since more than 10 years ago (nice viewpoint on the 17th floor).

Both entries appealed, and I tried to gain entry to the Sofitel - I went to the suggested entrance, only to be directed to the entrance on Naresdamri Road. At that entrance I was turned away, and told guests only. Despite my protests, and those of my wife (in Thai), we were not allowed in.

As refusal resulted in embarassment , I did not attempt the Hilton.

I am coming back to Hua Hin in April. Both entries still appeal (and the magazine is still advertising the walk - despite my complaints to the editor). I often see postings by people talking about eating at the big hotels. Is there any way that I can gain entry to either the Sofitel or Hilton without being arrested?

[canthai]

If you enter from the main road to the beach (side entrance) there is no problem.

[Big Boy]

Thanks Canthai,

That's what we tried as stated in the freebie magazine, but the guard on the gate said that unless we could prove that we were residents, we would have to use the Naresdamri Road entrance.

It can't be put down to the language barrier because, as I said earlier, my wife is Thai (and normally quite convincing). There was no way they were going to admit non-residents.

[tuktukmike]

Cant understand that BB.

I had a meeting there recently and walked streight in with no problems.

Mike.

[Big Boy]

Thanks Mike,

2 of you can't be wrong - I'll give it a go in April, and let you know how I get on.

[monor]

I've been to Hua Hin many times in the past 10 years, and have always managed to avoid the lure of Sofitel and the Hilton. That was until my last visit.

I was at an ATM, and picked up one of the freebie magazines which detailed a leisure route around Hua Hin. Most of the route was fairly standard - places I had walked dozens of times, but the following 2 entries caught my eye:

Go furthermore to very end of the road; you will enter another symbolic place of Hua Hin- Sofitel Central Hotel (1st hotel built in Hua Hin), where its landscape is unique by formed tree. Take some time relax at the Museum Café in the beautiful colonial architecture. (Suggest walking in from the side and outing at the main entrance.)

Hilton hotel seems to be a Landmark for Hua Hin already since more than 10 years ago (nice viewpoint on the 17th floor).

Both entries appealed, and I tried to gain entry to the Sofitel - I went to the suggested entrance, only to be directed to the entrance on Naresdamri Road. At that entrance I was turned away, and told guests only. Despite my protests, and those of my wife (in Thai), we were not allowed in.

As refusal resulted in embarassment , I did not attempt the Hilton.

I am coming back to Hua Hin in April. Both entries still appeal (and the magazine is still advertising the walk - despite my complaints to the editor). I often see postings by people talking about eating at the big hotels. Is there any way that I can gain entry to either the Sofitel or Hilton without being arrested?

[monor]

My wife and I spent 3 very nice week's in Hua Hin in January this year. We and two friends visited Sofitel at least 3 times without any questions from the guards. We met the best hospitality there as we did everywhere else in Hua Hin. That was our first visit and we look forward to the next time in Hua Hin !

[Guess]

Big Boy,

How the hell were you dressed. I have been in there many times and used it as a short to the beach dressd in scruffy jeans and a naff t shirt.

I will try again tomorrow just to see for myself.

I lways use the beach road entrance because that is where I can park my very dirty old bike or my run doen truck.

I do not even bother having a shower or shaving and am still treated like royalty. Perhaps they remember the carrot cocktail that I purchased at abou 100 Baht about three years ago.

I have heard a rumour that even JW has been allowed to enter but that could be just a rumour.

A gentle Wai and a smile will always help. I have even benn in the royal palace in jeans but that did take some pre-arrangement with the authorities.

[tuktukmike]

Hi Guess,

No Way.

I have heard a rumour that even JW has been allowed to enter but that could be just a rumour.

I cant really think they are that desperate for guests.

More like a vicious rumour.

Mike.

[Jockey]

My guess is this was at the time there was a vintage car display which required an admission fee. Normally, the Sofitel is open to everyone who wish to visit their bars and restaurants. They of-course have the right to refuse permission for whatever reason they wish (they do not have to explain).

[Big Boy]

I was dressed in usual daytime attire - shorts and T Shirt.

Don't know anything about a vintage car show, but the Hua Hin Regetta was on at the time. But (unlike Thailand), there was no request for payment to gain entry.

I think I must have chosen the day that both entrances had 'jobsworths' working. I will try to gain entry in April, and let you know how I get on.

Thanks again, to all that have offered advice.

[lomuamart]

As most others have already said, I can't see why the hotel should be out of bounds, unless you've been really stupid. Judging by your posts, you weren't.
So, give it another go. I have a dig at certain hotels in HH for my own reasons, but never The Sofitel.
I visited - didn't stay - there in 1989 before I came over to live and will never forget the experience. Brilliant. Still got the photos.

[chelsea]

Stayed there for a week last June, had an absolute ball, decided to extened our stay in HH by 5 more days after the Sofitel at the hotel opposite (behind Papa Johns)
Walked back through every day to use the beach, had coffee and lunch in there at various times as well.
Never got questioned, just walk through and just look as though you are staying there.

[derf1]

Usually stay at the Hilton but have no difficulties at all walking into the Sofitel or even having friends staying at other hotels walk in to the Hilton and up to the room.

[lomuamart]

You're catching up on threads here, derf1