June 2011
A standard room at the Ayara Grand Palace Hotel in Phitsanulok
The Ayara hotel is a relatively new hotel not far from the train station in Phitsanulok. The location is relatively central, within a 15 to 20 minute walk from most of the sights. The room was comfortable enough, although the first impression is a little over the top, with pick mood lighting bouncing off silvered curtains. The desk was okay for working, and there was free wireless Internet access available.
There weren't many other guests in the hotel, so instead of a buffet I was given a choice of American breakfast or rice porridge. The American breakfast was a very typical Thai version of the dish, with fried eggs, ham and hot dogs in place of sausages. It wasn't very good, but it wasn't awful.
Hotel facilities include a restaurant, pool and lobby coffee bar.
Rooms feature air conditioning, hot and cold water, color television (several channels), IDD telephones, hair dryer and free wireless Internet access.
Pluses: Good location and free wi-fi.
Minuses: Poor English skills.
Rooms at the Ayara Grand Palace Hotel may be booked through Agoda or you can compare rates from dozens of sites using Hotels Combined.