The U Inchantree Hotel, Kanchanaburi, Thailand

May 2011

Courtyard of the U Inchantree Courtyard of the U Inchantree

The U Inchantree hotel was the most pleasant surprise I've had with a hotel for quite some time. While you couldn't really describe it as a luxury resort, it nonetheless offered just about everything I really want in a place to stay. The Inchantree was right on the river, a short walk from the bridge. Rooms are comfortable, with all the necessities. In addition, the wireless was free, as were bicycles that guests could use to get around town.

The hotel has just 26 rooms, in two two-story wings arranged around a large open courtyard. The open air lobby forms another side of the courtyard, while a fourth single floor building offering meeting rooms, a library and other facilities forms the fourth. There is a pool near the river side. It's long and narrow, making it good for laps. There's also a riverside terrace as well as the main restaurant, which is near the pool on the river.

My room at the U Inchantree My room at the U Inchantree

Rooms had all the modern conveniences: air conditioning, hot water, flat screen televisions, safe, mini-bar and hair dryer. They also had the unusual feature of an iPod with docking station for listening to music. The bed was large and comfortable, with good firm pillows. The bathroom had a large walk-in shower, but was otherwise a bit cramped. The vanity would be way too small for may people, with almost no room for your toiletries.

The swimming pool at the U Inchantree The swimming pool at the U Inchantree

Breakfast was served in the riverside restaurant, which had seating both indoors and outside. There was a small buffet of fruit, pastries and juices, but the breakfast mains were cooked to order. There is a menu of five or six options you can select from - the Spanish Omelet was especially good - but you can also order exactly what you want. The coffee - or cappuccino if you preferred - was freshly brewed. It was done using a fully automatic machine, but even that is a refreshing change from the usual hotel fare.

Hotel facilities include a restaurant, lounge, library, fitness room (very small), pool and free bicycles.

Rooms feature air conditioning, hot and cold water, color television (several channels), IDD telephones, iPod with dock, hair dryer and free wireless Internet access.

Pluses: Good location, free wi-fi, free bicycles, unbelievably attentive staff.

Minuses: None, really.

Rooms at the U Inchantree Hotel may be booked through the links below.