The big hotels in Thailand may not be that big

It is very convenient to book your hotel in Thailand online, but you should be very careful about the hotel you choose. Thailand likes to use numerous superlatives in their hotel names which may or may not be true.

You may want to visit one of the beautiful islands in the Land of Smiles and book a beach resort only to find out that it is not a big resort nor is it on the beach.

The Grand Executive Boutique Suites can trick you into thinking this place really is something special when it’s just another run-of-the-mill hotel.

The use of terms like “spa”, “green”, “eco” and “boutique” are the latest buzzwords that many hotels tend to use. These may just be words used to tempt you to go to your hotel.

Photos can also be misleading. You may think that the hotel has an Olympic size pool and when you arrive you discover that it is smaller than a backyard pool.

Your best bet is to read the reviews on the hotel’s website along with the independent reviews. They usually post both positive and negative reviews and this can provide a good indication of the quality of the hotel.

City based forums can also be a wealth of information. There are forums from Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket with up to date honest reviews and you can post questions and get direct answers.

Hotel prices can also be a bit misleading. Be sure to check what you’re getting for that discount price. Usually the first price listed is for the smallest room and it may not come with air conditioning.

Having a good holiday in Thailand will take some research, but it will pay off in the long run. The more time you spend doing your homework will almost guarantee that you won’t be surprised when you arrive at your hotel in Thailand.

Do your research, ask questions, read reviews and make your reservation through a secure website. If all goes according to plan, your Grand Hotel in Thailand will be truly grand.