8 February 2009

I'll be honest, the Legendha was not my first choice, but my original selection was full and I was offered this hotel as an alternative. There aren't many choices around the old city, so I agreed. On arrival, it at first seemed that my worst "fears" were realized. The "curb appeal" of this place is near zilch. The reception building on the main highway is a ramshackle building, and it took some time to even find the reception desk. However, after the briefest of check-in formalities, I was escorted across a canal, and into another world.

The guest rooms - a collection of small Thai-styled buildings - appeared to be almost new. In fact, some of them were still under construction. The rooms are grouped around gardens and the swimming pool. Facing the pool is a small bar with a lounge at the back. I later found out that this property had been an old run-down hotel that was acquired by new owners, who were in a rather long process of re-making it into a totally new place.

My room opened off the pool area. It was quite spacious, with wood floors and Thai-styled wood furniture. There were lots of Thai touches in the decor, which would best be described as Thai contemporary. The room didn't have a safe, and the television only had the free-to-air Thai channels. There was no wi-fi or other Internet access in the room, although the lobby had two computers you can use for a reasonable charge.

The Legendha is just outside the old city walls, about 15 minutes walk from the historical park entrance. The hotel does not have bicycles for rent. This, along with some of the other shortcomings mentioned here, might well be rectified as the property goes through the process of reinventing itself.

A little secret: One of the 'perks' of staying here is that you have your very own ruin just outside the back gate. Just across the small road running along the back of the property is Wat Chang Lom, a rather charming old temple that is generally deserted.

Hotel facilities include a restaurant, spa and swimming pool (this may change).

Rooms feature air conditioning, refrigerator, color television and hair dryer.

Pluses: Heavy on 'local' style; easy access to the old city and restaurants on foot. Very new property (2009).

Minuses: Guest room buildings are rather close together and may lack privacy. You have to close the blinds to gain any privacy.

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