Mercure Koh Chang Hideaway
30 March 2008
Note: This hotel was known as the Dusit Princess Resort when it was reviewed.
Just opened in mid-March 2008, the Mercure Koh Change Hideways (orginally the Dusit Princess) is the latest high-end resort to open on the rapidly developing island. It's located on the small Bai Lan beach, the southern-most beach on the west coast of Koh Chang. The hotel has just 98 rooms, which come in several different formats. There are standard hotel rooms, "pool access" rooms, which sit right on the second pool, allowing for direct access to the pool from the balcony; and then there are the pool villas. I was able to get a pool villa at a special soft-opening rate, so I opted for that.
My room was spacious and airy, with a very high ceiling and large east-facing windows opening onto the private pool area. The decor was simple and understated, although the lighting might be a little too subtle for those that like to read in bed. In addition to the king-size bed, there was a sofa, desk and large-screen television with a DVD player. In addition to the small pool, the private courtyard also has a jacuzzi tub for two. The bathroom features a large walk-in shower stall with rain shower head, two sinks and a door to the outdoor bathing area.
The room did have a few flaws, most of which could be put down to build quality, and they will probably be fixed in short order. One thing which may prove to be a problem is the air conditioning, which struggled to cool the room in the heat of the afternoon.
Outside of the room, the hotel has a single restaurant, bar, and two swimming pools. The free-form main pool is tiled in different shades of green, and has several small jacuzzi built into the wooden deck around the pool. The beach here is not great, but the water is quite calm. It's far from the best that Koh Chang has to offer. There is very little commercial development along the main road outside of the resort, although that will probably change quickly.
Hotel facilities include two swimming pools, spa, bar and restaurant. There are also a number of water sports on offer, such as sea kayaks.
Rooms feature air conditioning, hot and cold water, mini-bars, complementary coffee and tea, color televisions (only a few English channels - mostly news), hair dryer, internet and IDD telephones.
Pluses: The resort is somewhat isolated, which might appeal to some. Even at the full rate, the pool villas are a rather good value for money. The staff is very warm and friendly, from the guard at the entrance to the maids.
Minuses: If you want to escape the hotel, for dinner or shopping, taxis can be hard to come by so far away from the main beaches, and it can be even harder finding one willing to bring you back.