Akara Hotel, Bangkok | Expectations Vs. Reality

A First-Hand Review of Akara Hotel, Bangkok: Is It Really Worth the 5-Star Hype?

When planning a trip to Bangkok, choosing the right accommodation can make or break your experience. My recent stay at the Akara Hotel, which markets itself as a 5-star experience, had its ups and downs—and while it offered a range of amenities, some parts didn’t quite hit the mark. Here’s a rundown of our stay, from the good to the areas I believe could use some improvement.

📍 The Room: King Deluxe – Spacious, but Could Be Better

For our five-day, four-night stay, we chose the King Deluxe room, expecting something that lived up to the luxury promised in their photos. The room was decently sized, with plenty of space for luggage, and the bathroom was a highlight with a large soaking tub and a separate toilet. However, some aspects felt off. For instance, the shower head is positioned high up on the wall, which might be awkward for some. The glass divider separating the bathroom from the bedroom can be covered by blinds for privacy, but it’s something to consider if you’re traveling with friends or family. Overall, while comfortable, the room left us wishing for a bit more wow factor given the hotel’s 5-star status.

📍 Amenities and Daily Essentials

Akara provides the essentials daily—think toiletries, water, and coffee pods, with extras available upon request. However, if you’re particular about your hair products, I’d recommend bringing your own, as the standard offerings were nothing out of the ordinary. There’s also a basic hairdryer, which does the job but is quite standard.

📍 Cleanliness & Housekeeping

Housekeeping was punctual, and they’ll handle most requests without issue, but if you’re particular, you might need to leave notes for specifics (like changing pillowcases or attending to small details). One small downside we experienced was with the shower’s anti-slip mat, which had some mold spots, making it feel a bit neglected. On the plus side, the rest of the room was well-kept.

📍 Perks and Facilities: Snack Bar, Pool, and More

One of the charming little perks is the free daily snack bar, available at a set time, which offers a chance to enjoy tea time without extra charges—a nice treat if you have a quiet afternoon. The hotel also has an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and an in-house coffee shop, though we didn’t make full use of these during our stay. The general vibe of the hotel felt calm and welcoming, with staff who were consistently friendly and attentive.

📍 Location: A Trade-Off Between Peace and Proximity

Situated a bit farther from the buzzing Pratunam shopping area, Akara Hotel offers a break from Bangkok’s chaotic energy, but the distance might be a factor for avid shoppers. After a day of exploring, walking the extra distance back to the hotel can be a challenge if you’re carrying bags or simply exhausted. On the other hand, the quieter location is an advantage if you’re looking for a more tranquil stay.

📍 Service and Airport Transfers

One notable service is the hotel’s airport transfer option, which was reasonably priced and more affordable than the local app-based rides. This can be a convenient add-on, especially if you’re leaving with heavy luggage or during peak hours.

📍 Drawbacks We Encountered

While Akara Hotel has its strong points, a few issues did detract from our stay. The Wi-Fi was unreliable, which could be frustrating for remote workers or anyone who depends on internet access during their stay. We also noticed a faint, odd smell that seemed to come from the carpet, which could be a dealbreaker for guests sensitive to odors. The TV also had connectivity issues, which we suspected was tied to the poor Wi-Fi.

📍 Final Thoughts: Is Akara Hotel Worth It?

Akara Hotel has a lot going for it: a warm, welcoming staff, thoughtful little perks like the snack bar, and a comfortable, peaceful atmosphere away from the main tourist stretch. However, it fell short in some areas you’d expect a 5-star hotel to excel in, like pristine cleanliness, reliable Wi-Fi, and overall room upkeep. If you’re looking for a quiet spot with a few luxury touches in Bangkok and don’t mind a bit of a walk, it could be a good fit. But if consistent luxury and impeccable facilities are high on your list, you might feel that Akara doesn’t quite live up to its 5-star label.

Would I stay here again? Possibly, but with tempered expectations. It’s a comfortable and somewhat a great hotel in Bangkok, but a bit of refinement could make it a truly standout experience.

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