Escape to Paradise: Blu Monkey Hub & Hotel, Chanthaburi's Hidden Gem
Escape to Paradise: Blu Monkey Hub & Hotel, Chanthaburi's Hidden Gem
Escape to Paradise: Blu Monkey Hub & Hotel - My Chanthaburi Chapter (The Good, The Quirky, and the "Almost Perfect")
Okay, listen up. You’re thinking of Chanthaburi? Good choice. Tropical vibes, gem markets, and enough fruit to make your teeth ache in the best way. And if you're considering a stay, let me tell you about the Blu Monkey Hub & Hotel. This place… it’s a story. Not a perfectly polished fairy tale, mind you. More like a quirky, slightly-off-kilter adventure, the kind you'll be chuckling about long after you’ve checked out.
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- Title: Blu Monkey Hub & Hotel Chanthaburi Review: Paradise Found (Mostly!)
- Keywords: Blu Monkey, Chanthaburi, Hotel Review, Thailand, Accessible Hotel, Spa, Swimming Pool, Restaurant, Family Friendly, Wi-Fi, Cleanliness, Value for Money, Travel Thailand, Chanthaburi Accommodation, Review.
- Meta Description: Honest review of Blu Monkey Hub & Hotel in Chanthaburi, Thailand. Find out about accessibility, amenities (pool, spa, restaurants!), cleanliness, and my own quirky experiences. Is it truly paradise? Let's find out!
First Impressions: The Arrival
Okay, so the drive to the Blu Monkey… that was a bit of a thing. (Airport transfer, by the way, is available. Use it. Trust me.) You're met with a modern, clean facade, a little oasis amidst the Chanthaburi chaos. There’s a definite “hub” vibe – lots of exposed brick, cool lighting, and a welcoming lobby. (And yes, there's a 24-hour front desk. Handy after a long journey.)
Accessibility: The Good and the… Almost
Alright, let's talk accessibility. I’m not in a wheelchair, but I always appreciate a place that thinks about it. Blu Monkey makes a decent effort. They have an elevator, which is a HUGE win. Facilities for disabled guests are listed, which always makes me hopeful. I saw ramps, but honestly, details about specific room accessibility are tough to come by. It’s a solid "needs more information" from me, but the initial signs are encouraging. (Though, I didn't specifically check. My bad! Remember, this is honest!)
Rooms: A Place to Unwind (Mostly)
My room? Pretty darn good. Clean. Air conditioning that actually works (a godsend in Chanthaburi's humidity). Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Hallelujah!). Complimentary tea. A proper desk to work on, if you're that sort. They've got the basics covered. The closet space was decent, and I loved the blackout curtains – essential for catching up on sleep after a day of temple exploring. The bathroom? Clean. Good water pressure. Towels were plentiful. I appreciated the slippers! But… (there's always a "but," isn't there?). The view from my room… was over a roof. Not ideal, but hey, I wasn't starring at the view the majority of the time.
Oh! And the extra-long bed… heaven!
Cleanliness and Safety: Peace of Mind
This is where Blu Monkey shines. They took Covid seriously. You could feel it. Hand sanitizer everywhere. Daily disinfection in common areas. Staff trained in safety protocol. Rooms sanitized between stays. Individually-wrapped food options. I felt genuinely safe. They even have anti-viral cleaning products that make you feel like they REALLY care! It was comforting, especially traveling solo. They even had first aid kit available.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Breakfast Buffets, and Beyond!
Let’s talk food, because honestly, that’s a big part of the travel experience, right? There's breakfast [buffet], which is always a winner. Standard Asian and Western choices. The Asian breakfast was fantastic - fresh, flavorful, and a great way to start the day. There’s also a coffee shop on site. I definitely utilized the bottle of water. They have a restaurant that serves international cuisine. I saw a poolside bar. There is is also a snack bar. Room service [24-hour] is a major bonus! I tried some of their desserts in restaurant – delicious! The food options were impressive.
That Breakfast Buffet – My Love/Hate Relationship
Okay, here’s my confession: I’m a breakfast buffet person. I love the chaos, the choices… the potential calories. Blu Monkey’s breakfast spread was pretty good. Breakfast [buffet]: check. Asian breakfast: check. Western breakfast: check. Everything you could possibly want. However… the scrambled eggs one day? A tad… rubbery. The coffee? Let’s just say it needed some… help. (Luckily, the coffee [in the restaurant], was pretty good so I just switched. But still.) But the fresh fruit? Absolute perfection. Mangoes, pineapple, dragon fruit… heaven. I may or may not have eaten my weight in mangoes that week. Okay, I totally did. And there were some delicious salads in the restaurant. Ahhh, the joy of a buffet in restaurant. It’s a mixed bag. But honestly, even the rubbery eggs couldn’t ruin it. It’s a memory now, and honestly, the imperfections are part of what I remember most!
Things to Do/Ways to Relax: Spa Day! (Almost Perfect)
Okay, this is where Blu Monkey really tries to deliver the "escape to paradise" promise. They have a pool with a view (it's lovely!), a gym/fitness center, and a spa/sauna. They even have a steam room (didn't try it, because… humidity!). I opted for a massage, a Body Scrub and Foot bath. This was a highlight. The massage therapist was incredibly skilled. I walked out feeling like a new person. And the massage? One of the best I've ever had. Seriously. I've had more massages than I care to admit so I am qualified to make that statement! The spa itself was clean, serene, and actually felt quite luxurious!
The Pool!
The swimming pool [outdoor]… gorgeous. It's not enormous, but it's perfectly sized for a refreshing dip, and the view is stunning. I spent a solid afternoon lounging by the pool, reading a book, and sipping a cocktail (courtesy of the poolside bar). Pure bliss.
Services and Conveniences: Efficiency and Smiles
Okay, the staff? Fantastic. Friendly, helpful, and always smiling. They were eager to help, whether it was arranging a taxi (taxi service) or pointing me in the right direction for the gem market. They have daily housekeeping and laundry service . The concierge was helpful! I also appreciate the front desk [24-hour] and luggage storage. They also have cash withdrawal. Everything was efficient and easy.
For the Kids: Family Friendly?
I didn’t travel with kids but I saw that the hotel is listed as family/child friendly. They did have some kids facilities. The babysitting service is a plus.
Getting Around: Explore Chanthaburi!
They've got a car park [free of charge]. Taxi service can provide local transportation to Chanthaburi's many attractions.
Quirks and Imperfections: The Real Stuff
No hotel is perfect. That’s just life. Were there any minor hiccups? Sure. The Wi-Fi sometimes got a little glitchy (blame the tropical weather, I guess). A couple of times, the hot water took a while to arrive. But honestly, these were minor things.
The Recommendation?
Would I recommend the Blu Monkey Hub & Hotel? Absolutely. It’s a comfortable, clean, and well-run hotel with a genuinely welcoming atmosphere. It's not flawless, bless its heart, but that's part of its charm. It's a solid choice, especially for those seeking a relaxing escape while exploring the beauty of Chanthaburi. The spa alone is worth the stay!
Handan's Hidden Gem: Uncover the Stunning Weici Park Thank Inn!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause this trip to Chanthaburi? It's gonna be less "Instagram Model Wanderlust" and more "slightly-hungover-but-still-enthusiastic-tourist-who-eats-too-much-durian." I'm going to write my itinerary not only for Blu Monkey Hub and Hotel Chanthaburi, but also around it. Let's do this!
Pre-Trip Brain Dump (aka, the stage of "OMG I need to pack!")
- The Deal: Thailand, Chanthaburi, Blu Monkey. Sounds dreamy, right? Tropical vibes, probably amazing food, and hopefully not too many terrifying insects.
- The Anxiety: Packing. Always the bane of my existence. Do I really need that sequined top? (The answer is always yes, even if I never wear it.) Mosquito repellent? Check. Lonely Planet guide? Okay, maybe I'll actually read that this time.
- The Hope: That I don't get horribly lost, that the Wi-Fi works, and that I find a truly life-changing Pad Thai. (And, you know, maybe a cute monkey.)
Day 1: Arrival and "Oh, Hello Beautiful Chaos!"
- Morning (A.K.A. "The Airport Shuffle"): Arrive at Trat Airport (TDX). Ugh, airport. Always a blur of bleary eyes and questionable coffee. Grab a taxi or pre-book a transfer – the official Blu Monkey site says it's about an hour. Cross fingers for a friendly driver who doesn't attempt to speak to me in rapid-fire Thai I don't understand. (I can barely order a water!)
- Afternoon (Check-in and Hotel Swoon): Slide into Blu Monkey. Okay, the photos looked good, but sometimes hotels look a little…meh in person. But no! Blu Monkey has got a charm. The lobby is cool, clean and inviting. Check-in. Hopefully they have my reservation. Then, collapsing on the bed in my room. Ahhh, sweet, blessed air conditioning. I'm picturing myself spending the afternoon on the balcony, not doing anything in particular except breathing in the humid air, a cold Singha beer in hand.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening (Food Frenzy Begins): Okay, time to hunt (or rather, be led) for food. The hotel's got a restaurant, but I'm all about exploring. After a quick Google search, the Chantha Buri Night Market is on my list. This is the place to discover authentic Thai food on-the-go. I'll be looking for Pad Thai, mango sticky rice, and anything else that looks remotely edible. (I'm adventurous, but I still draw the line at deep-fried crickets. Maybe.)
- Evening (Market Mayhem and Bedtime Blues): Navigating a new market is always an experience. Anticipate some jostling, some sweating, and probably some accidental purchases. But hey, that's part of the fun, right? Then, the sweet relief of collapsing on my hotel bed. Try to avoid looking at my phone (or succumbing to the lure of Instagram) and get some decent sleep. I need to preserve my energy for more adventures!
Day 2: Temple Treasures, Gem Hustle, and River Views
- Morning (Temple Time): Wake up early, and head straight to Wat Phai Lom. Then maybe Wat Bot. Temples are beautiful and full of history. I'll try to be respectful (covering shoulders and knees), but also not embarrass myself by tripping over my own feet while taking photos. Embrace the calmness of that morning.
- Mid-Morning (Gemstone Street): Chanthaburi is known for its gems. Time for a slow stroll along Sri Chan Road. I'm not looking for anything mega-expensive (wallet is weeping), but I'll definitely window-shop, and soak up the ambiance. This is so cool!
- Lunch (Riverside Grub): The Chanthaburi River beckons! There are supposed to be some nice restaurants with views. I'll be trying to find a spot offering a relaxing place to eat and drink. And most importantly, it has to be authentic.
- Afternoon (Fruit Galore): I need to check out the Fruit Market! I'm already planning on buying a variety of exotic fruits. I’m talking durian, mangosteen, rambutan – all the crazy stuff. I'll probably regret it (durian…) but I'm committed. I'll try to take pictures of my reactions… expect some hilarious faces.
- Late Afternoon (Coffee and Chill): A little caffeine is necessary. Head back to the hotel and sit by the bar and relax.
- Evening (Dinner and a Late-Night Stroll): Dinner somewhere local, maybe another night market (because, why not?) and a relaxing evening walk. The best thing about traveling alone? No one to judge your every move.
Day 3: The Glorious, the Messy, the Unforgettable: Durian
- Morning (Revisiting the Market): Time to head back to the market. Need more supplies! This time, I'll bring back souvenirs.
- Mid-Morning (Durian…The Legend!): Okay, this is it. This is the Big One. The Smell Heard 'Round the World. I am, with trepidation, planning to buy and eat a durian. I've heard horror stories. I've heard praises. I'm fully expecting to either gag violently or become a life-long devotee.
- The Acquisition: Find a stall. Bargain (badly). Try to look like I know what I'm doing. Take lots of deep, dramatic breaths.
- The Consumption: Find a quiet spot. Open the durian (praying I don't have to do it myself). Take the first bite. Try not to immediately vomit. Take a picture of my face for posterity. Write down the experience.
- Afternoon (Durian…The Aftermath!): Depending on the durian experience, either:
- Option A (I LOVE IT): Celebrate! Buy more durian! Post photos to Instagram with a triumphant grin. Consider buying a durian-themed t-shirt.
- Option B (I HATE IT): Run far, far away from any future contact with durian. Down copious amounts of mango sticky rice to cleanse the palate. Write a scathing review on every travel website.
- Late Afternoon/Evening (Recovery and Relaxation): Regardless of the durian situation, I'll need a chill afternoon. Maybe some pool time at the hotel. Dinner, and early night if the durian experience was too intense.
Day 4: Homeward Bound…(Or Maybe Not?)
- Morning (Final Chanthaburi Goodbye): A final breakfast at the hotel. Time to pack up, check out, and try to leave a decent tip.
- Afternoon (Departure): Transfer back to Trat Airport. Time to go home.
- Evening (Post-Trip Delirium): Back home. Immediate thoughts: Did I eat enough Pad Thai? Did I buy too many souvenirs? Should I have stayed longer? The answer is always yes. Start planning the next adventure!
Postscript (Because, Let's Be Real):
This itinerary is a suggestion. It's more like a suggestion with a sprinkle of chaos and a healthy dose of "winging it." Chances are, I'll get gloriously lost, I'll mispronounce everything, and I'll eat way too much food. But that's the fun of it, right? Embrace the mess, the surprises, and the pure, unadulterated joy of being somewhere new. And if you see a slightly frazzled person wandering around Chanthaburi with a bewildered expression and a camera glued to their hand…well, that's probably me! Wish me luck!
Unbelievable Kaifeng Shell Hotel Deal Near the Bus Station!
So, what *is* Blu Monkey, anyway? Sounds… suspect.
Suspect? Ha! It's not suspect, it's… *charmingly* ramshackle. Okay, alright, I'll be honest. It's a blend of old-school Thai charm, what I can only describe as "eclectic" decor, and a level of chill that melts away any pretense of being an adult. Think: clean rooms, a surprisingly good pool, and a staff that smiles so much you wonder if they're secretly plotting world domination… in a nice way, of course. Plus, Chanthaburi itself is a hidden gem... It's a fantastic place to avoid the hordes of tourists and have authentic Thai experiences. Seriously, I came here by accident. Now I want to stay forever.
Is it actually… *nice*? I'm fussy. (And slightly terrified of mosquitoes, ngl).
Okay, fussy? Fair enough. I am too. Let me put it this way: my internal monologue went something like, "Oh god, another budget place with questionable reviews..." to "Whoa. This is actually pretty great. The rooms are clean! The AC works! And the mosquito situation… let's just say they provide mosquito repellent. You'll be fine with the repellent they give you. I promise! Just bring some extra in case you're a mosquito-magnet like my partner. Yes, is nice. I'm already planning a re-visit. And yes, I'm *that* fussy.
Okay, but the location? Is Chanthaburi actually worth visiting? I'm used to the beaches.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! Okay, deep breaths. Chanthaburi is SO worth visiting. Forget the crowded beaches – although, let's be real, I love a good beach day. This is a trip back in time. Imagine: bustling local markets, ancient temples, colorful shophouses… and the food! Oh. My. GOD. The food! I'm obsessed with the seafood. Seriously, I think I gained five pounds in three days. And for the people who like being social. They have a fantastic bar area outside of the rooms, which you can just chill at any time of day! Blu Monkey is right in the heart of it all. You can walk to everything. Well, 'everything' meaning temples, restaurants, and the market. I can't stress how much I love this place. It's a complete contrast to the beaches, and it's AMAZING.
The Pool! I NEED to know about the pool!!
Okay, pool obsession? I get it. I’m a pool person myself, and I judge every hotel by its watery offerings. This pool? Not Olympic-sized, but perfectly adequate. Clean, refreshing, surrounded by greenery, and usually blissfully uncrowded. One day, I spent a solid three hours just floating, staring at the sky, and contemplating the glorious absurdity of life. Pure, unadulterated bliss. There's something about that Thai sun, you know? You can't help but start to feel at peace. The pool is a major selling point, in my completely biased opinion. I spent almost all my time there.
What’s the food situation like? (And are there options for us vegetarians/picky eaters?)
The food! Bless the food! Blu Monkey's breakfast is decent - it's included, so I'm not complaining. But the *real* magic happens outside. Chanthaburi is a food lover's paradise. Markets overflowing with fresh produce, street food stalls dishing out the freshest seafood… My vegetarian partner had plenty of options. I ate everything. And I mean EVERYTHING. From the random street food to the restaurants. Ask the staff for recommendations – they’re gold. I think I ate at least five different types of noodle dishes. And don't even get me started on the fruit… the mangoes, the durian, the… well, everything. It's heaven, truly. But remember, if you are a picky eater, try experimenting. It is a journey.
Tell me about The Staff. Are they helpful? Do they speak English?
The staff at Blu Monkey are genuinely lovely. Their English is good enough to get by – and they are SO incredibly patient. They're also happy to help with anything, from arranging taxis to recommending the best places to eat. I had a small problem with my AC (because, you know, Thailand!), and they fixed it practically instantly. You know, they are just nice people. They don't seem to be faking it. They're very welcoming, helpful and honestly, they make the place extra special. I felt instantly relaxed because they are the best!
Is it noisy at night? Like, can I actually sleep?
Depends on your definition of "noisy." It's not a silent, sterile environment. You're in the heart of a town. You'll hear some moped traffic, the occasional dog barking, maybe a bit of music from nearby. But honestly? It's part of the charm. It's authentic. I slept like a log every night. My partner, super sensitive to noise, had no problems either. It's not a party hotel, so you won’t have to worry about loud music. If you are a serious light sleeper, bring earplugs. But generally, the noise isn’t a major issue. I'm a light sleeper too, and I was totally fine.
Okay, so I'm sold. But any downsides? Be honest!
Alright, alright. Here's the realness: * **The "Eclectic" Decor:** This is on the edge of charming and slightly… quirky. Some might love it, some might find it a little much. I fell into the "love it" camp. * **Internet:** The WiFi can be a bit patchy sometimes. Seriously, embrace the digital detox! * **Mosquitoes:** I mentioned this before, but they're around. Bring repellent. * **Not a Luxury Resort:** If you're expecting pristine, all-inclusive perfection, this isn't it. It's a more authentic, "lived-in" experience. And that's part of what makes it so great in my opinion. The negatives are small. Honestly, it's hard to find any negative aspects. The place is amazing and well worth the money.
Should I even stay here if I'm only staying for a day or two?
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