iChill Chonburi: Your Dream Thai Room Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, 'cause this isn't your average hotel review. This is going to be a messy, honest, and hopefully, hilarious deep dive into iChill Chonburi: Your Dream Thai Room Awaits! Get ready for some real talk, because frankly, I'm tired of sugarcoating things.
iChill Chonburi: My Dream Thai Room…or Was It? (A Totally Honest Review)
Alright, so iChill Chonburi. The name alone conjures up images of poolside cocktails and zen-like relaxation. Let's see if reality matches the marketing hype, shall we? This review is going to be long, because honestly, I've got opinions.
First Impressions & Getting There (aka The Awkward Arrival)
Right, let's start with getting there. They offer an airport transfer. That's a huge plus, especially after a long flight. I opted for that, and… well, let's just say it wasn't exactly a white-glove experience. The driver was lovely, but the car… it’s definitely seen better days. (Minor imperfection, but hey, it's the real world, right?) The car park [on-site] was a lifesaver, though, and car park [free of charge] is always a win.
Accessibility: The Real Deal?
This is where things get interesting. Facilities for disabled guests are listed, which is fantastic. But, let's be real, "listed" and "fully accessible" aren't always the same. They do have an elevator, which is good, but I didn't specifically check the ramps/doorways etc., so take that with a grain of salt. (I'll try to update this later if I can get more details.) Generally speaking, it felt "okay," rather than actively "inclusive," from what I saw.
Cleanliness and Safety: Are They Doing It Right?
Okay, this is crucial, especially in these post-pandemic times. Anti-viral cleaning products are a must, and daily disinfection in common areas is reassuring. Rooms sanitized between stays? Phew! Hand sanitizer everywhere, which is a definite plus (I practically bathed in the stuff!). And they've got Hygiene certification, which at least suggests they're trying. I didn't see the Sterilizing equipment, but honestly, I wasn't exactly snooping around the laundry room looking for it. I did feel safe and clean overall, and that's a huge win. I’m a bit of a germaphobe, and I wasn’t reaching for my own wipes constantly, so… good job, iChill.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Stomach's Report
Alright, let's get down to the good stuff – FOOD! The restaurants are the heart of any memorable hotel experience, and iChill has a few options. They boast an Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, and a Vegetarian restaurant (though, I didn't actually confirm the vegetarian options were amazing).
- Breakfast [buffet] – This was a mixed bag. The Asian breakfast options were pretty decent – some tasty noodles and congee, nothing to get super excited about, but perfectly serviceable. The Western breakfast choices were the usual suspects – eggs, bacon, toast, etc. It was fine, but it wasn't exactly a culinary revelation. I did snag a bottle of water without paying, which is always nice.
- Lunch at the poolside bar: I spent one afternoon by the Swimming pool [outdoor], which, by the way, was beautiful and gave me real Pool with a view vibes. Naturally I ordered a burger from the Snack bar. Big mistake. It was…well, don't order the burger. Stick to the Thai food, apparently! It was okay, not awful, but nothing I'd write home about. The Poolside bar itself was great for a cocktail, though – Happy hour was a glorious thing, with some dangerously delicious drinks.
- Room Service: I had a bit of a late night, and the Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver. Not the fanciest food, but convenient, especially with a Coffee/tea maker in my room.
- (Minor gripe) Coffee/tea in restaurant. It was good, but not superb, which could be improved.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
Okay, let's run through this rapid-fire. Air conditioning in public area? Check. Cash withdrawal? Yep. Concierge? Available, and they were helpful with directions. Daily housekeeping? Spot on, my room was always sparkling. Facilities for disabled guests – see above. Laundry service? Yes, and thankfully, because I managed to spill something (a lot of something) down my shirt. Luggage storage? Yep, very useful when I didn't know what to do with my bags! Safety deposit boxes in the room is always appreciated. Smoking area? Yes (thankfully, for those who indulge).
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: The Pursuit of Bliss
Now, for the good stuff! iChill Chonburi is all about relaxation, right? Well, I certainly tried my best.
- The Spa: Absolutely worth it. I got the Massage and it was divine. The therapist was amazing; honestly, I think I drifted off a few times. They have a Sauna and a Steamroom, which I didn't get to experience personally but they looked inviting. Foot bath? YES. Pure bliss after a long day. The whole Spa/sauna experience was well-done.
- Fitness center: I attempted to hit the Gym/fitness, but let's just say my motivation was lacking. It looked well-equipped, though.
My Room: The Dream Thai Room? Let's See…
Okay, the moment of truth. My room. They promised me a "Dream Thai Room," so did it live up to the hype?
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, check. Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Coffee/tea maker yeah, all those worked.. Desk, Extra long bed (a huge plus for a tall person like me!), Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
- The Good: The Air conditioning was a lifesaver in the Chonburi heat. Blackout curtains and Soundproofing meant I could sleep in. The Free Wi-Fi was a godsend (and thank you for the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!). The bed was super comfy. They had a nice Seating area that I used for reading, and Desk, which I actually used to do some work (ugh!). There was also an In-room safe box for keeping valuables safe.
- The Not-So-Good: Okay, here is one of the biggest negatives, the internet could be spotty. I often had trouble staying connected to Internet and found the Internet access – wireless incredibly unstable, and the Internet access – LAN option I didn't touch. The Mirror and lighting left much to be desired and the decor was a bit dated. The Shower was fine but not exceptional.
For the Kids (and Those Who Miss Them)
I didn't have any kids with me, but they do advertise as Family/child friendly. They have Babysitting service, which is handy for parents seeking some chill time.
Getting Around and Other Bits
- Car park [on-site] = Good.
- Taxi service = Present.
- Airport transfer = Already addressed, but good.
- Bicycle parking = Useful if you like cycling.
The Verdict: iChill Chonburi – Chill or Not Chill?
Okay, so, iChill Chonburi. Was it my "Dream Thai Room"? Not quite. But it was a good hotel. It's clean, safe, and the staff are friendly. The spa is a definite highlight. The food is a mixed bag (stick to Thai!), and the internet is a bit iffy.
The Emotional Rollercoaster:
- Excitement (Initially): "Ooh, a 'Dream Thai Room'! Sounds amazing!"
- Annoyance (At the Internet): "ARGH, why won't you work?!"
- Relaxation (At the Spa): "Pure, unadulterated bliss…"
- Mild Disappointment (At the Burger): "This is… not good."
- Satisfaction (Overall): “Worth it! Great for a quick stay
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a hilariously haphazard itinerary for a trip to i Chill plus Room in Chonburi, Thailand. Prepare for a journey that's less "precision-engineered vacation" and more "slightly-unhinged adventure." Here we go:
i Chill plus Room: Chonburi - A Clusterfuck of Potential (with high hopes!)
Day 1: Arrival & An Existential Crisis About Poolside Lounging
- 1:00 PM: Touch down at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Alright, I'm tired of being tired, and Thailand seems like a good place to temporarily forget I'm an adult. After a surprisingly smooth (and blessedly air-conditioned) ride in a taxi I find i Chill plus Room. First impressions? The lobby looks like a Pinterest board of "Zen Minimalism" exploded – in a good way, hopefully.
- 2:00 PM: Check-in. The receptionist is ridiculously cheerful. Are they paid to be this sunshiney? I should be suspicious. But the room… the room is nice, seriously. Big bed, balcony overlooking… well, whatever is in front of the hotel. Okay, I'm sold. Time to unleash my inner tourist beast.
- 3:00 PM: The Pool. I get in my swimsuit. This pool looks like it belongs in a magazine, shimmering blue, strategically placed palm trees…and a single, lone sunbather who looks like they've been there for three hours and aren't planning on leaving. I tentatively sit at the edge for about five minutes, my own personal internal monologue running through my head.
- The Existential Crisis: Pool lounging is supposed to be relaxing. But what if I'm doing it wrong? Am I supposed to be reading a book? Drinking something ridiculous with a tiny umbrella? Am I supposed to actually, you know, relax? Or is this just another performance of "having a good time" for the benefit of the internet/myself? I opt for observing others, I want to just, be.
- 4:00 PM: I chicken out of full-on poolside sunbathing due to the above mentioned issue, and head to the bar for a Chang beer. It's hot, I'm sweating, and the beer is cold. All is momentarily right with the world. Chat with the bartender (who speaks better English than I speak English).
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel restaurant. I don't want to leave my room just yet. Pad Thai. It's good but I feel really empty inside. I'm lonely. Is that weird? Probably.
- 7:00 PM: Stare at the TV. What even is my life?
Day 2: Embracing the Chaos (and Thai Massage Regrets)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. The buffet is…bountiful. I load up my plate with everything vaguely resembling food. Over-ambitious, as usual. I end up eating way too much and regretting my life decisions from the past 6 hours by 10 am.
- 10:00 AM: I try to find a good beach to chill but it is too far away. I'm lazy.
- 11:00 AM: Decide to explore Chonburi Town. It's humid, and bustling, and chaotic in the best way. Streets are a maze of food stalls, stray dogs, and scooters that could probably win a race against a rocket. It's sensory overload, but in a good way. I get lost, but get to see the most beautiful temple.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. I venture into a tiny, hole-in-the-wall restaurant. The food is amazing. Chicken fried rice, spicy noodles, and a mango smoothie that single-handedly cures my emotional issues. I am a simple person.
- 2:00 PM: Thai Massage. Oh, sweet merciful Buddha, this was an experience. I emerge feeling like a pretzel that’s been twisted and then lovingly put back together. My back now is killing me. It was a good kind of pain. They should put warnings on the side.
- 4:00 PM: Pool Time, Part Deux. Feeling brave this time. I find a quiet spot, and attempt to do absolutely nothing. Success!
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a local seafood place. Freshly caught fish. It was so good. So so good.
- 8:00 PM: Stroll. The Chonburi night market is a feast for the eyes (and the stomach). I buy a ridiculously oversized hat I will never wear again, and some fried bananas. I'm so content.
Day 3: Farewell, i Chill (and the Promise of More Regrets!)
- 9:00 AM: Another breakfast. At this point, I'm just fueling the inevitable food coma.
- 10:00 AM: Last dip in the pool. I'm starting to actually enjoy this whole "relaxation" thing. This is a dangerous development.
- 11:00 AM: Check-out. A bittersweet moment. I'm sad to leave but also relieved to escape the pull of the buffet.
- 12:00 PM: Taxi to the airport. I buy Thai food at the airport for my trip to the next destination.
- 1:00 PM: Contemplation as I reflect on everything I experienced. I don't want to go home but I also do, I feel so weird right now.
This itinerary is a living document, subject to change based on mood, mosquito bites, and the availability of good mango smoothies. I'll be back! If you see me, say hi!
Kuantan Getaway: Luxurious 2BR Condo in Swiss Garden! 😍
iChill Chonburi: Your Dream Thai Room (Maybe?) - Let's Get Real About It!
Okay, so *what* is iChill Chonburi, exactly? Like, should I even bother?
What are the rooms *actually* like? Spoilers, please!
Is it *really* in a good location? I want to eat EVERYTHING!
Okay, let’s talk price. What's the damage? Are we talking budget or… Bali-expensive?
Are there any hidden fees or things I should watch out for based on the reviews?
They mention tours and services. Should I book anything through iChill, or is it better to go elsewhere?
Okay, I’m *thinking* about it. What’s the *one thing* that would sway you to book iChill Chonburi?
