I needed to find a hotel with a swimming pool in Korat (Khorat) city. This took my search results down from a hundred to just a handful. I was also working on a pretty tight budget as well which directed me to the Sripattana Hotel.
Every ninety days I am required to make my way down to Thai immigration to ‘check-in’. Although married to a Thai national, this is still a process. I must complete whether I’m here on a marriage visa or with a work permit.
As a family we try to make the most of these trips and will usually spend the night in Korat. Korat is the closest immigration check point to us, and is about a two hour drive from home. The pool is an absolute must for my daughter and we have rationalized that staying at a hotel with a pool is more convenient and actually cheaper than going to a public pool.
The Sripattana Hotel was constructed during the 1970’s. This Korat hotel has lost its charm, and the premonition one gets while there is not so much eerie but sad. There is some sort of connection with the Vietnam War, as it was frequented by high ranking American soldiers. The hotel’s display case is very interesting, suggesting possible American investment as well.
The staff is classic; the service and attentiveness is something I rarely receive in Thailand, and based solely on this, I would go back.
Pros:
-Decent breakfast.
-Great location, practically city centre.
-Ample parking.
-Walking distance to 7-11 and food stalls.
-Pool, yay!
-The nicest and most attentive staff!
-Family friendly.
Cons:
-Bathroom and air conditioning units poorly maintained.
-Price.
-Limited English fluency. My assumption as I did all communication in Thai.
Hotel Tips:
-Rooms start at 700 Baht, 750 with breakfast; go with breakfast!
-If you don’t need a pool or are traveling solo there are better, cheaper hotels in Korat.
-Make sure when traveling to Khorat you are aware of location, a lot of hotels are located on the outskirts of the city where there isn’t much transportation available.
-Khorat is a very old city with a rich history. It is great for a 1-2 day visit or as starting point for traveling through Issan.
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After receiving a Muay Thai scholarship to train at a prominent gym in Northern Thailand, Watthanaya packed her bags at 19 leaving home with a one way ticket. She ended up however at a Bangkok street gym affiliated with Sor. Thanikul and married one of the fighters. They took off for Khorat and Watthanaya fought her way through Issan. Now, with a degree in tote, a four year old daughter, and a passion to fight again, she is back. Connect with Frances Watthanaya on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook .
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