Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Sunnee Grand Hotel Ubon Ratchathani!
Unbelievable Luxury? Sunnee Grand Hotel Ubon Ratchathani: My HONEST Take! (Brace Yourselves)
Alright folks, buckle up. I just stumbled out of the Sunnee Grand Hotel in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand, and I need to spill. Forget those glossy brochure descriptions – this is the REAL DEAL, warts and all. My expectations were sky-high, fueled by the promise of "unbelievable luxury." Did it deliver? Well… let’s dive in, shall we? (And yes, I’m talking about the Wi-Fi first… because, priorities!)
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First Impressions: A Whiff of… Ambition
The Sunnee Grand is, let’s be honest, a massive building. Gleaming facades, a towering presence – you can’t miss it. Entering, the lobby is all polished marble and hushed whispers. They've clearly invested heavily. But the first thing that hit me? A slightly overbearing air of… well, ambition. It felt like they were trying to impress, maybe a little too hard.
Accessibility: Navigating the Luxury Maze
Okay, here’s the thing: Wheelchair accessible is a BIG plus. I was happy to see the emphasis on elevators, ramps, and wider doorways. They get it. Facilities for disabled guests included grab bars – a crucial detail often overlooked. Now, getting around the sheer size of the place? Could be a workout! But hey, they've thought about it. The elevator worked (thank goodness!), but the navigation? Well, that's on the user.
Wi-Fi: The Digital Lifeline (and Tiny Gripe)
Let’s get down to brass tacks: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (and a big shout-out for Internet access–LAN). This is crucial for a digital nomad like me. The speed? Generally good! I could stream, upload photos, and keep up with the world. But… and there’s always a “but,” isn't there? I did have a couple of minor hiccups. Sometimes it would mysteriously vanish for a few minutes. Tiny quibble, I know, but a little frustrating when you're mid-video call. Wi-Fi in public areas was also solid (because, pictures for Instagram!).
My Room: A Sanctuary of… Comfort (Mostly)
My room was, as you'd expect, crammed with amenities. Air conditioning, check. Hair dryer, check. Free bottled water (essential!), check. Bathrobes, check. The blackout curtains were a godsend after a long day and a must for a good night's rest. And the bed? Blissfully comfortable, with an extra-long bed – always a plus for a tall person like me. The bathroom had a separate shower/bathtub, which I adore. I'm a sucker for a long luxurious soak. The room even came equipped with a desk, laptop workspace, and a reading light.
The mini-bar was stocked, but I didn't touch it. I'm a cheapskate! ;)
However, there was this one peculiar thing… (and it’s a bit of a rant)
The TV. Oh, the TV. It had satellite/cable channels, sure. But honestly? The selection was… weird. A ton of channels in Thai (which, you know, fair enough, it's Thailand), but the English channels were mostly news and some questionable reality shows. More importantly, the On-demand movies! the ones available were a total snooze fest. I just wanted a decent film for a relaxing evening, but was stuck with an uninspired selection of options.
Dining: Food, Glorious Food, with a Few Hiccups
Okay, the food – this is where things got interesting. The Asian breakfast was fantastic – a delicious array of noodles, rice dishes, and fresh fruits. The Breakfast [buffet] was a real spread, and you could opt for dishes from International cuisine in restaurant too. The Western breakfast was also there for those who are less adventurous.
I had a lovely bowl of soup and some salad at the restaurants, the bottle of water was very useful. There were lots of choices. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was fine but not outstanding. The poolside bar was a pleasant place to chill. There was even a vegetarian restaurant!
But here’s where the “unbelievable” got a little tarnished: Breakfast could be… chaotic. The buffet area, at peak times, turned into a scene of hungry guests circling like vultures. The staff, despite being lovely, seemed a little overwhelmed. The Buffet in restaurant on the dinner service was also great.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Escape to Paradise (Maybe)
The swimming pool [outdoor] was large and inviting, surrounded by sun loungers. A Pool with view? Indeed. Very nice. The Spa! Oh, the spa! I’d booked a massage and it was heavenly. I could feel myself relaxing, the knot in my shoulders slowly dissolving. But it wasn't just the massage. The whole spa experience was well-executed, with a steamroom and a sauna for extra pampering. They offered body scrub and body wrap treatments if you are into that.
There was a Fitness center too. I may or may not have used it… (okay, I didn’t). But it looked well-equipped, with a good collection of equipment.
Cleanliness & Safety: A High Priority (Thank Goodness)
The Sunnee Grand clearly takes Cleanliness and safety seriously, especially after the last few years. Anti-viral cleaning products were used. Everywhere! There was a robust emphasis on Hot water linen and laundry washing, Rooms sanitized between stays, and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, I felt safe. The staff, from the cleaners to the waiters, all seemed to be trained in safety protocols. Daily disinfection in common areas was ongoing.
They even had CCTV in common areas, and Security [24-hour]. It was reassuring.
Services & Conveniences: All the Bells and Whistles (Mostly)
They offer Airport transfer, which is a huge plus. The Concierge was beyond helpful. The hotel also has a convenience store, which is handy for those last-minute essentials. I loved having a doorman.
And now for some of those quirky things…
- Breakfast takeaway service was offered – ideal for the early riser!
- They even had facilities for meetings, seminars, and indoor venue for special events.
- For the sentimentalists, the hotel boasts a proposal spot.
The Verdict: Worth the Hype? (Kinda)
So, did the Sunnee Grand live up to the “unbelievable luxury” hype? It's a mixed bag, honestly. It's grand, and the amenities are impressive. The spa is wonderful, and the breakfast, when not overrun, is delicious. The cleanliness is a huge positive.
But there are also a few areas where it could improve. The TV selection and the occasional breakfast craziness are minor points. The "ambition" can be a little off-putting.
My Final Rating:
Overall, I'd give the Sunnee Grand a solid 4 out of 5 stars. It's a good hotel. It's a luxurious hotel. And I'd recommend it, with the caveat to bring your own movies and prepare for a breakfast rush!
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Alfieri, Sirmione, Italy - Your Dream Getaway Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the swirling, sometimes-sticky, always-interesting world of my Ubon Ratchathani adventure, specifically, the Sunee Grand Hotel & Convention Center. This isn't your glossy brochure, your perfectly-filtered Instagram post. This is the REAL DEAL, baby. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, questionable choices, and the unwavering belief that a good mango sticky rice can solve ANYTHING.
Day 1: Arrival and the Art of Jet Lag Denial (Sunee Grand, Mostly)
- 4:00 AM (Thailand Time, but really… never): The alarm screams. I consider silencing it forever. But hey, Ubon! So I drag myself out of my Bangkok hotel room (yes, I’d spent a few days in Bangkok first, easing my way into Thailand – baby steps! The big, bustling city was a shock to the system, I'll tell you that).
- 7:00 AM: The flight to Ubon. I spend the entire journey praying I don't end up sandwiched between a screaming baby and a chatty tourist. (Thankfully, I snagged an aisle seat and the only screaming was my internal monologue about the price of the airline coffee).
- 9:00 AM: Arrive Ubon Ratchathani - The airport is tiny! Blessedly efficient. The taxi driver (bless him, he spoke about three words of English) gets me to the Sunee Grand. First impressions? Kinda…grand. Lots of polished marble, definitely aiming for that "conventions and weddings" vibe.
- 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM: Check-in. The lobby is a blur of activity. This place is H U G E. I'm pretty sure they hold multiple conferences simultaneously in this hotel. I was a little lost trying to navigate to my room. I didn't want to get lost.
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: The Room Revelation (and a Deep Dive into the Minibar). My room is… decent. Clean, air-conditioned (hallelujah!), and the bed looks like a fluffy cloud of promise. But the REAL prize? The Minibar. This is where things get a bit… hazy. I’m jetlagged. I probably shouldn’t drink that Chang beer and raid the Pringles, but… I did. Don't judge me.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch at the hotel restaurant. I order something that looks vaguely familiar, but tastes… well, it's food. I ate it, so it must have been okay. The service is friendly, albeit a little slow. I decide this is just the "Thai pace of life" and embrace it. (Which means I secretly tap my foot impatiently while waiting for the bill).
- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Napping. Glorious, glorious napping. Jet lag wins. I wake up in a puddle of sweat and general confusion.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Explore the area immediately around the Sunee Grand - There's a 7-Eleven nearby. The neon glow beacons me like a lighthouse. I stock up on more snacks (because, apparently, I'm a bottomless pit) and a questionable-looking fruit juice.
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner and Attempting the Thai Massage. Dinner at a nearby restaurant. I attempt to order something I recognize, and receive a surprisingly delicious Pad Thai, the first good meal of the day! Then, I sign up for a Thai massage. I wanted to get rid of the jet lag, but the masseuse spoke minimal English. I'm pretty sure she was trying to bend me into a pretzel. I loved it and hated it at the same time. Pure bliss, mixed with "I think my spine just snapped". Walk back to the hotel. I am so relaxed and tired at the same time, I just can't describe it.
- 9:00 PM onwards: Back to the room. Staring at the TV. Thinking about the next day. Feeling grateful for air conditioning.
Day 2: Temples, Tears (of Laughter), and a Near Calamity With a Scooter
- 7:00 AM: Wake up a little less foggy, thankfully. I decide to try the hotel breakfast buffet. The sheer variety is overwhelming. I load up my plate with… everything. (I'm still not sure what half of it was, but it tasted good).
- 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Temples and a Dash of Crazy (Wat Thung Sri Muang and Wat Supattanaram). I hire a tuk-tuk (after some serious haggling). First stop: Wat Thung Sri Muang. The temple is BEAUTIFUL, with gold leaf shimmering in the sun. The intricate details are stunning! People are so friendly. Next, Wat Supattanaram. Even more impressive! I wander around, feeling a sense of peace. (And avoiding the overly-enthusiastic vendors).
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch. Finding a place to eat is harder than I anticipated. Google Maps keeps directing me down random alleyways. Eventually, I stumble upon a small, local place. I order something, again, that I can't quite identify. It turns out to be delicious.
- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: The Scooter Scare (And the Power of Mango Sticky Rice). Okay, so this part is a bit… dramatic. I decided, IN MY INFINITE WISDOM, to rent a scooter. Big mistake. A very steep learning curve. Let's just say I spent a significant amount of time wobbling precariously, narrowly avoiding collisions with everything from stray dogs to bewildered tourists. At some point, I got lost, and, panicked, I almost drove the scooter off a small cliff. I pull over, and begin to hyperventilate. So what do I do? I find a street vendor selling mango sticky rice. And it. Was. Divine. Pure, creamy, sweet bliss. It’s the best mango sticky rice I've ever tasted. I get a grip on it. The world is good again.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Back to the hotel to drop off the scooter and take a shower. I'm covered in dirt, sweat, and the lingering scent of panic.
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel, this time ordering something safe: fried rice. I spend the rest of the evening recovering from my scooter escapade, vowing to stick to walking or tuk-tuks for the rest of my trip.
- 9:00 PM onwards: Sleep. Deep, unadulterated, scooter-free sleep.
Day 3: Sunee Grand, Relaxation, and a Bittersweet Goodbye
- 9:00 AM: Brunch. Breakfast at the hotel, because I can.
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Pool Time! The Sunee Grand has a decent pool. I spend the morning lounging by the pool, reading a book (or attempting to, at least), and soaking up the sun. Pure, unadulterated relaxation. I didn't realize how much I needed it.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch at the hotel again. I'm getting used to the food.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Wandering the hotel. I notice so much I didn't the first day. I'm feeling more comfortable. I start packing
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Final dinner in Ubon. I try the food stalls - some are great, some are less successful. I feel a sense of appreciation, a sadness that the trip is ending.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Departure. Farewell, Ubon. Farewell, Sunee Grand. I'll never forget you (or that terrifying scooter ride).
- 8:00 PM onwards: Heading off.
My Random Thoughts and Reflections (A Messy Epilogue):
- The Sunee Grand: It wasn't perfect. The internet was spotty. The restaurant service was a little slow. But it was clean, comfortable, and a welcome refuge after my adventures. Most importantly… the staff were ALWAYS smiling and helpful.
- Ubon Ratchathani: It's not on the well-trodden tourist path, and that's the beauty of it. The people are incredibly friendly, the food is amazing (especially the mango sticky rice), and the temples are breathtaking. It was a real, raw, and wonderful experience.
- Me: I’m a slightly wiser traveler, a little less jet-lagged, and a whole lot more appreciative of mango sticky rice. And I survived the scooter. Victory!
- I'll be back, Ubon. And next time, I'm bringing a better helmet (and maybe skipping the scooter altogether).
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Sunnee Grand Hotel Ubon Ratchathani - FAQ (Because Let's Be Real, We All Need Answers!)
Okay, So I Booked. Now What?! What's the deal with getting TO this seemingly-magical palace?
Alright, alright, deep breaths. Getting to the Sunnee Grand? It's Ubon Ratchathani, not freaking Narnia. Seriously, I heard a lady once tried to get there by following a flock of what she *thought* were giant, friendly butterflies... Turns out, they were just really, really large moths. Moral of the story: fly into Ubon Ratchathani Airport (UBP). It's your best bet by a country mile. Taxis are readily available, and the hotel can usually arrange a pick-up. Just... confirm the price *before* you hop in. Trust me. I learned the hard way after a particularly enthusiastic driver decided a "friendly chat" warranted an extra 500 baht. (My fault, I got distracted trying to translate a sign that said "Beware of Flying Durian"...)
Consider booking the hotel's shuttle - it's usually a much more civilized affair and you avoid any potential "durian related" surprises. Plus, they're often REALLY nice, and you actually feel pampered from the second you step off the plane.
Can I, like, get a decent massage *before* checking in? The travel is… long. And my back is already screaming.
YES! Thank the stars, yes. The hotel *does* have a spa. And it's glorious. Seriously, the spa is one of the main reasons I'd go back. I wandered in looking like a crumpled piece of paper, and emerged feeling like a freshly watered orchid. They were incredibly accommodating. Just email them *ahead* and book something. Don't be like me, who wandered in at 3 PM, thinking I could just waltz in, and found myself staring longingly at the closed door because they were fully booked. Rookie mistake.
Rooms! Spill the tea. What's the deal with these 'luxurious suites'? Are they *actually* luxurious, or just… bigger rooms?
Okay, so the suites… are pretty darn luxurious. I mean, we’re talking plush robes, ridiculously comfortable beds (I practically melted into one – I think I may have actually drooled!), and sometimes… *sometimes* you get a view that makes you want to weep with joy. My friend, bless her, booked a room with a view of the river. She actually *did* weep. Tears of pure, unadulterated happiness. I got a room that overlooked the car park… which, to be fair, did offer some intriguing glimpses of local life (mostly taxi drivers eating noodles). So, book wisely. And maybe specify ‘river view’ *several* times.
But listen, even the 'less view-y' rooms are spacious and well-appointed. The important thing is the *feeling*. You feel pampered. You feel, like, 'this is the life!' Except for that one time I spilled coffee all over the pristine white duvet cover. Oops.
Pool? Gym? Free Food? (Asking for a friend… who is me.)
Pool: Yes! It's lovely, refreshing, and has those little underwater massage jets that I could have stayed in forever. The only problem is… sometimes it gets a bit busy. Which means fighting over prime sun lounger real estate is a thing. (Get there early. This is a pro-tip, don't ignore it!)
Gym: Yep. Didn't go. (I was busy at the little underwater massage jets). But, in all seriousness, I glanced in and it looked pretty decent. Machines and shiny things and all that.
Free Food: Breakfast is included. And it’s a *good* breakfast. Like, the kind of breakfast that makes you consider skipping lunch entirely. They have everything. Seriously, everything. And it's all fresh and delicious. They even have this weird, but surprisingly addictive, mango sticky rice thing. I ate so much of it one morning that I almost exploded. It was glorious.
Tell me about the food! Is it just hotel food, or is the restaurant actually worth leaving my amazing room for?
Okay, this is where things get *really* good. The Sunnee Grand's restaurants? They are legit. There's a couple to choose from, including one that serves a buffet, which is always a winner. The food is excellent - high quality. The menu has some seriously good Thai food along with a selection of Western dishes for when you're feeling homesick for pizza. I had *the* best Massaman curry I have ever had. Seriously. I'm talking, creamy, flavourful, melt-in-your-mouth perfection. I actually went back for it three times. (Don't judge me!) The Pad Thai was also excellent. And the fruit! Oh. My. Goodness. The fruit was so fresh, so ripe, so bursting with flavour. I think I may have gained five pounds just on papaya. Worth it.
Now, an anecdote. There was the time I attempted to order something in very broken Thai, resulting in a bewildered waiter and a plate of something entirely unexpected. Let's just say, it wasn't what I thought I ordered. (Turned out, I'd accidentally ordered a dish featuring some seriously spicy chilies. My face turned an alarming shade of red and I spent the next hour alternating between chugging water and gasping for air. Lesson learned: brush up on your Thai phrases!).
Can I eat *outside* the hotel? Should I? What's the local food scene like?
Absolutely! And yes, *please* do. Ubon Ratchathani has some amazing local restaurants and street food. Don't stick to the hotel the whole time. Explore! Go for it! (Just, again, be careful with the spice levels!). Walk around! Get lost! You might get some truly memorable experiences.
There are night markets teeming with deliciousness, little cafes serving everything from Pad See Ew to Som Tam (green papaya salad - a MUST-TRY). Just ask the hotel staff for recommendations - they'll happily point you in the right direction.
Is the Wi-Fi reliable? I need to, you know, 'check emails'. (Or, you know, endlessly scroll Instagram.)
Yes! The Wi-Fi is generally pretty good. I managed to stream Netflix, albeit with occasional buffering hiccups. (Again, the river view might have been a factor in my, ahem, ‘research’). So, you should beHotel Price Compare
