Situated around 80 kilometers north of Bangkok, the former Thai capital of Ayutthaya serves as one of the nation’s most fascinating historic sites, with ancient temples and monasteries scattered around its captivating old city. Also, the entry fees for the historic park are waived until the end of January 2017. If you’re heading this way with the kids and want to stay the night, here are 4 top family-friendly hotels worth checking out.
This long-standing guesthouse is situated in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya – a great central location for sightseeing and exploring the city’s historic treasures. Rooms are simple but spacious, and each include air conditioning and a flat-screen cable TV. If you need extra space, a deluxe family room (there’s only 1 available) comes with 2 large double beds. The guesthouse has a little pool for cooling off in the day, a coffee shop, and a lively ala carte restaurant. Tours and activities such as cycling can also be easily arranged at the front desk with pick-up right outside the guesthouse.
2. Classic Kameo Hotel & Serviced Apartments
This sleek and super-modern hotel comes with a host of great facilities, making it ideal for families looking to unwind at leisure. As well as a top restaurant (the breakfasts are particularly good), there’s a large swimming pool, fitness center, sauna, Jacuzzi, and a comfy social space with tea and coffee. Large and well-furnished rooms are also perfect for families, with balconies, LCD TVs with satellite channels, and a kitchenette. Parents looking for a night off can also take advantage of the hotel’s babysitting service. It’s worth noting the location is a little way out from the ancient city, so you’ll need to grab a tuk-tuk or taxi for sightseeing.
This tranquil and oh-so-chic boutique hotel occupies a serene spot beside the banks of the Chao Praya River. It’s 2 km from the scattered ruins of Ayutthaya Park, while small temples are just a short stroll away. Spacious rooms (there are just 26 of them) offer a plush king-size bed and giant bathtub. The riverside restaurant is fabulous, with views across the river of the famous Wat Phutthaisawan – gorgeous when it’s lit up at night. Intimate and quiet, this is a great base for families wanting a little luxury and a location near the city’s historic sites. The small swimming pool is also ideal for a refreshing dip after a morning of temple hopping.
For those seeking a little extra space, the stylish Kantary Hotel is one of the best options in Ayutthaya. Room options include large studios and sprawling one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites, all featuring lots of living space and well-stocked kitchenettes. Grab groceries from the shopping mall across the street to cook dinner yourself, or head to the hotel restaurant for a great buffet spread at breakfast and dinner. After hitting the pool with the kids, enjoy some chill-out time in the sauna or steam room, or head to the reading room for free soft drinks and snacks. Kantary Hotel is based in the modern part of the city, so you’ll need a car or taxi to visit the historic sites.
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Photo credit: Sala Ayutthaya