SECOND REVIEW - had stayed previously. This review reflects three separate stays over August & September.
Staff: It's not about the greetings or smiles it's how committed to helping resolve an issue when there is a problem that matters. Mostly underperformed 3/10. Housekeeping very good and helpful 9/10. First time in my life I have tipped the lady who cleaned my room.
Rooms: Depends on which room. I had Balcony Room on Level 4, Residence Room on Level 6 (thought there was nowhere to place wet towels etc) and extended stay on Level 5. (505). All rooms I stayed in were the front street view with big balcony. Accept that some noise impact from noisy Bar across street and usual street noise, so if this disturbs you avoid balcony - especially street facing. Other rooms/positions not experienced but another guest mentioned side view (towards markets) also experiences noise.
Hotel Building: must be older than it looks. ACs in need of serious overhaul. Check the mould in the Lobby above the lounges cluster. One room reeked of mould which was visible. Yet, was shown this room as an option when had a problem in my room with AC. Had dripping onto floor that bad that it needed a bathmat in middle of entrance area in my room. Staff explained it was because I was running on low temp setting all day every day. During one of the attempts to resolve the ac maintenance man simply took out the filter and washed it out in my shower and put it back. Improved 100% and stopped the dripping. Sadly, it took four days to get there! There are some underlying problems with the prior poor maintenance for this old thumper.
Pool: Very nice for a semi undercover hotel pool. Not a tropical setting but good size. Several sun lounges but the area, being partially under cover is shielded from the sun by the building. Water can be quite chilly. Otherwise, 7/10.
Gym: Several cardio machines (no bike) one folding bench, a range of DBs and a multi-function exercise machine looking towards pool. Reasonable for a hotel gym Tip: make sure ac is on 30 mins before going there. All equipment worked well. 7/10
Breakfast: Well-staffed and buffet selection regularly checked and refilled. Could benefit from small fire heaters under dishes to keep warm, egg station. and poor working toaster never set correctly. I enjoyed the selections, especially the curries when prepared. Some may see this as limited choice as one vegetarian complained but worked for me. 9/10
Location: I thought well located close to Riverside, local market (although this has some downside) restaurants/cafes and Bars yet far enough away to get away to avoid the noise and hassle except from the Bar across the road. Easy walk to Palace and short Tuk Tuk ride to many other local attractions. Plenty of annoying Tuk Tuk drivers outside as there is throughout the immediate broader tourist area. 8/10
Has chilled water refill station next to elevator on ground floor. BYO bottle 10/10
Booking: My pain was eased getting an extended stay at USD32 per night (includes tax/with breakfast) through AGODA. As such have rated higher than if paid full price. Several questions I had raised earlier remained unanswered when I sent messages through email and Messenger. Staff later advised me they ignore email because they get too many (meant spam?).
At above rate - would stay again!! Otherwise...?