We’re opening this up by being straight forward and stating that The Standard is the coolest resort in Hua Hin.
The Standard began in 1999 as a renovated 1960s motel on the Sunset Strip, and The Standard Hua Hin is an aesthetic throwback to American Mid-Century motel-chic.
Sometimes you might think you’re visiting a movie set while here, but you’ll notice this place is different before you’ve even checked in.
For a resort like this, we need to set the scene for a true introduction.
The open-air lobby is just greenery and cool furniture. There’s also a credenza displaying curated beachwear, art and other accoutrements. You’ll also find games set out for your enjoyment. The space basically feels like the loft apartment that you’ve always wanted.
When you eventually have to leave, you’ll wish that you spent more time in the lobby. Seriously!
You’ll also notice the brutalist walls and façade of The Standard is notably different than the rest of Hua Hin’s hotels. You won’t find the typical teakwood floors, jasmine garlands, or Thai inspired lattice.
We mentioned the greenery, throughout the property it’s lush and dotted with Alice In Wonderland-like quirks.
Be sure to keep an eye out for gnomes hidden in the shrubbery.
The lush garden protrudes out from the lobby and leads guests to the main wing, which looks like a Palm Springs apartment block, and at the center is a large Banyan Tree.
From here you can follow a pathway palisaded with bamboo and bougainvillea that snakes through the villas. Each villa is its own cul-de-sac with sandboxes, picnic tables, and lounge nooks.
As you get closer to the beach, the action centers around the swimming pool. And you’ll instantly feel the energy with the candy-striped umbrellas. It’s picture perfect, and you’ll know it when you see women followed by their camera toting boyfriends and husbands.
This is also where you’ll find the resort’s two restaurants. The Lido is Italian-inspired and for all day eating. Praça is more romantic and right on the beach. Perfect for drinks and food well after nightfall.
But, what about the rooms?
Rooms At The Standard Hua Hin
Rooms at The Standard Hua Hin can essentially be divided into two categories. Each will likely lead you to experience the resort differently.
Most of the rooms are in the two main buildings and in the two main buildings you’ll find 6 room types.
The 60s style facades and balconies are reminiscent of the brand’s former West Hollywood location and if you plan on spending most of your day by the pool or out in town, these are the rooms to book.
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The rooms are lovely and fun with beachy rattan furnishings and textiles in Sunshine Yellow. However, the rooms are too small to spend the whole day inside.
On the other hand, the villas almost encourage you to stay put. Of which there are three types.
The villas are closer to the beach, but none have direct beach access. They’re clustered in groups of 3 or 4 around small courtyards of palms and bougainvillea.
Like the rest of the resort, the villas also have a 60s Palm Springs vibe. Most open up to private pools but offer plenty of space to chill indoors.
Oh, and if you like something, you can take it home and have it billed to your room.
We took home a pair of the coolest hotel robes. Well, actually, we got a fresh better fitting size M in each color at 2,200 baht (~US$58) each.
So now that you know you likely won’t’ want to leave the resort, what will you eat and drink?
Food & Drink
The Standard Hua Hin offers up three bars and two restaurants, all of which perfectly encapsulate The Standard brand.
They’re fun, easygoing, and anything but standard.
During your stay, days will likely start at Lido, a bamboo-clad spot near the pool with a. buffet breakfast that’s open until 10:30AM. After breakfast Italian specialties dominate the menu for the day.
Praça is the other restaurant. It’s an attractive heritage house near the beach with beach terrace out front that’s shaded by thatch umbrellas. The Praça dinner menu is “Thai Izakaya”, which means shareable fusion dishes. The food matches excellently with the Thai-inspired cocktails that incorporate local ingredients.
Need to nurse a next day hangover after a night of cocktails from Praça and the Pool Bar? Check out the mellow music-themed Juice Bar near the lobby.
Cool Relaxation
If you still need some relaxation outside of food and drink or lounging pool side, you can try the resort’s spa or gym.
The spa offers an open air mud lounge in addition to the regular spa treatments that you might expect. The gym is also well equipped with equipment that’s in excellent condition.
The Standard Sets a New Hua Hin Standard
By now it’s clear that The Standard Hua Hin was pleasurable in every respect. In fact, you won’t want to check out and even less likely to willingly leave.
Hua Hin is full of hotels, but unlike others The Standard shakes things up and a stay here can change your perception of this small-town weekend destination. If you don’t want to fly down to Phuket or Samui, The Standard Hua Hin brings a lot of fun closer to Bangkok.
The Standard makes it clear that Hua Hin isn’t just for your grandparents anymore.
Book The Standard Hua Hin
