Colonel Motel Phitsanulok: Thailand's BEST Kept Secret? (Luxury You Won't Believe!)

Colonel Motel Phitsanulok Thailand

Colonel Motel Phitsanulok: Thailand's BEST Kept Secret? (Luxury You Won't Believe!)

Colonel Motel Phitsanulok: Thailand's BEST Kept Secret? (Luxury You Won't Believe!) – Or Is It? My HONEST (and Messy) Review

Okay, folks, buckle up. I'm not gonna lie, I went to Phitsanulok with a giant question mark hovering over my head. Colonel Motel? Sounds… well, it sounds like it could be ANYTHING. A dive? A hidden gem? A weird military themed fever dream? Turns out, it's aiming for the latter, but with a LOT of unexpected polish. This isn't your grandma's motel, let me tell you. And is it REALLY Thailand’s best kept secret? Let's dive in, because this review’s gonna be a messy one, just like the journey itself.

Accessibility: Can Grandma Get Around? (Mostly, Yikes)

Right off the bat: getting to Colonel Motel is pretty straightforward, thankfully. Located in Phitsanulok, it's relatively easy to find, although I did take a wrong turn (blame Google Maps, I swear!). Accessibility, in terms of actual movement within the property? It's a mixed bag. They do have facilities for disabled guests listed, and an elevator is a HUGE plus. But the website isn't super detailed about things like ramp accessibility or specific room features. So, call ahead if you have mobility needs - don't assume anything.

The Room: Luxury…with Quirks. (and a Killer View!)

Okay, let's talk rooms. The website photos are STUNNING. Real life? Pretty darn close. My room had a huge window that opens (essential for fresh air!), blackout curtains (blessed be!), and a seriously comfortable extra long bed. The air conditioning was a godsend, especially after battling Phitsanulok’s humidity. Free Wi-Fi in the room? CHECK. Internet Access – LAN? Sure, if you feel like the 90s are calling. I stuck with Wi-Fi, and it was surprisingly reliable.

The private bathroom was a highlight. Bathrobes? Check. Slippers? Check. Separate shower/bathtub? Double check! I indulged in a long soak in the tub – needed to unwind after a day of temple hopping (seriously, Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat Woramahawihan is amazing). One small (and I mean tiny) gripe: The scale in the bathroom. Seriously, do I need to know how many Pad Thais I ate? But, y'know, the mirror was strategically placed.

For the Record: Things Included

• Air conditioning: Yep. Thank goodness.
• Alarm clock: Old school, but works
• Alarm clock: Yep. (and I really did need it!)
• Bathrobes: Super luxurious!
• Bathroom phone: Okay, I didn't touch this.
• Blackout curtains: YES! Sleep heaven.
• Closet: Plenty of space.
• Complimentary tea: A nice touch, always appreciated!
• Hair dryer: Good pressure, worked a treat
• In-room safe box: Always a must
• Linens: Clean and fresh.
• Mini bar: stock it!
• On-demand movies: I was too busy exploring, unfortunately.
• Private bathroom: Essential.
• Refrigerator: Yay!
• Seating area: Nice for relaxing.
• Separate shower/bathtub: Luxurious!
• Shower: Great water pressure.
• Slippers: Comfy.
• Socket near the bed: YES. Never underestimate this!
• Soundproofing: Pretty good, thankfully
• Telephone: Again, old school. But it works.
• Toiletries: Decent quality.
• Towels: Fluffy!
• Wake-up service: I set my own alarm!
• Window that opens: A must

Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe & Sanitized (Mostly)

Okay, let's talk COVID. The Colonel Motel clearly takes things seriously. They boast about anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and professional-grade sanitizing services. They also had hand sanitizer everywhere. Room sanitization opt-out available (a good sign!). I did see staff diligently cleaning. I appreciated the effort, and I felt pretty safe. They have CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property.

Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (with Some Hits & Misses!)

Food is crucial, right? The Colonel Motel has a LOT of options. They have restaurants, a coffee shop, and even a snack bar. Room service [24-hour]? Score! Perfect for late-night cravings.

Breakfast [buffet]: it was solid - they serve an Asian breakfast alongside the usual Western breakfast (eggs, bacon, etc.) and they do provide vegetarian options.

• The Good: The coffee was decent, the fruit was fresh.
• The Okay: The eggs were a little rubbery.
• The Not-So-Good: The buffet was a little chaotic at times.

I hit up the poolside bar a few times for happy hour. Solid cocktails, lovely atmosphere. The pool with a view is truly the highlight!

Ways to Relax: Spa Delights and Fitness Fails (For Me, Anyway!)

Ah, the good stuff. The Colonel Motel has a Spa. They offer massage, body scrub, body wrap, a sauna, a steamroom, and a foot bath. HEAVEN. Seriously, the massage was incredible. Pure bliss. I got the Swedish massage - and it was out of this world.

They also have a Fitness center, but I'm not going to comment on that. My usual workout consists of walking to the snack bar. But, hey it’s there if you’re that kind of person.

Things to Do: Beyond the Motel Walls

The staff was really helpful at suggesting things to do, providing some great concierge services.

• The city itself has some incredible temples.
• The shrine at the motel was a nice, peaceful place to visit.

Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter

They offer a bunch of services. A concierge to help get you around. Daily housekeeping. Laundry service. Cash withdrawal is available. Dry cleaning. They even have a convenience store for those late-night snack attacks.

For the Kids: Family Friendly? (Maybe, But…)

The website says it’s Family/child friendly, but there aren’t any screaming children running around, so, I'm not entirely sure how kid-friendly it really is. I didn’t see any dedicated kids facilities, or a Babysitting service, but hey, they've got a kids meal option, so, there's that.

Getting Around: Easy Peasy!

The Colonel Motel offers airport transfer (nice!). They also arrange taxi service. Parking is car park [free of charge] or car park [on-site]. Easy.

The "Secret" Revealed: Is the Colonel Motel Worth It? (My Verdict)

Okay, the big question: Is Colonel Motel Phitsanulok Thailand’s best-kept secret? Honestly, it’s not perfect. But its got the potential and it's aiming for a higher class experience. The rooms are well-appointed, the spa is divine, the staff is friendly and helpful. The location is great for exploring the city. There are a few quirks, it’s not 100% flawless. But for the price point, and considering the overall experience, YES, I would absolutely recommend it. And for a couple of days.

My Honest Take: The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Weird

• The Good: Beautiful rooms, amazing spa, friendly staff, good location, CLEAN.
• The Bad: Buffet breakfast could be better, minor accessibility issues to be mindful of.
• The Weird: Not entirely sure why it's called "Colonel Motel".

Final Verdict: Go. It’s an experience. Not just a hotel. But hey, you might also try out the fitness center. Just don't tell me about it.

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Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, perfectly-packaged travel blog. This is me, wrestling with the heat, the bugs, the questionable plumbing, and the unexpected joys of a few days in Phitsanulok, Thailand, specifically at the Colonel Motel. Let's dive in, shall we?

Phitsanulok Pilgrimage: A Messy, Rambling Itinerary (Probably) - Colonel Motel Edition

(Disclaimer: I make no promises about sticking to this. My internal clock is permanently set to "adventure time," and my bladder is about to be the star of its own travel story.)

Day 1: Arrival, Regret, and the Temptation of Laundry

• Morning (6:00 AM - 8:00 AM):
  • The Great Bangkok Escape: Landed at Suvarnabhumi. Survived the Bangkok airport chaos, which is a feat in itself. That security line felt longer than a Thai soap opera. Took a train…then a bus…then a prayer to get to the Mo Chit bus station. The bus to Phitsanulok was…well, let's just say it makes the Greyhound look luxurious. The only good thing about it was the aircon blasting directly into my eyeball, which was actually a lifesaver.
  • (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Bland breakfast at a 7-Eleven. Coffee that tasted suspiciously like motor oil. Contemplated becoming a nun in a remote mountain village. Maybe it's the jet lag, maybe it's the humidity, maybe it's the fact that my backpack smells like a week-old gym sock.
  • (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): The Colonel Motel! YES. Checked in. The room… it’s… charming. By charming, I mean that it looks like it hasn't been updated since the Vietnam W--okay, moving on. The AC unit sounds like a dying walrus, but at least there is an AC unit. The bathroom… well, the toilet flushes, which is a point in its favor.
    • An unexpected emotional reaction: I am instantly, overwhelmingly, overcome with the desire to take a nap. A full 4-hour nap.
  • (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Nap. The best part of the day so far. Woke up. Still sweating.
• Afternoon (2:00 PM - 6:00 PM):
  • Orientation Walk, or "How to Get Lost in 30 Minutes": Attempted to get my bearings. Wandered around the immediate vicinity of the motel. Almost got run over by a motorbike. Saw a temple that looked pretty, but was too tired to go in. Saw a laundromat. The smell of fabric softener… the siren song of clean clothes… must…resist…temptation.
  • Food Foray: Found a little street vendor selling khao tom (rice soup). Delicious, cheap, and surprisingly comforting. The woman running the stall gave me a look like, “You’re here again??”.
  • Quest for Beer: Started the quest for a beer. It's hot. SO hot. Found a random shop. Ordered a Singha. Heaven in a bottle.
• Evening (6:00 PM - Late):
  • Dinner Debacle: I ate at the hotel restaurant. Chicken fried rice. It was fine, but not a culinary masterpiece.
  • Insect Invasion: My room. Just…my room. I'm not going to go into detail. Let's just say it's a good thing I packed a can of bug spray the size of my head.
  • Contemplation of Laundry: The laundry service at the Colonel Motel looks pretty good. Hmmmmm…

Day 2: Temples, Temptations, and a Terrible Misunderstanding

• Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM):
  • Regretful wake-up: Woke up with a slight headache, and the aftertaste of my terrible decision, that I made to eat the fried rice.
  • Temple Time Averted: Gave up on the temple. The heat was intense. I am not feeling like spending the morning under the scorching sun.
• Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM):
  • Lunch and Rambling: Went out for lunch. Found a small shop.
  • Temple Time Revisited: Did some research. Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat Woramahawihan, or "Wat Yai," is the big one. Maybe, just maybe, I’ll brave it tomorrow. Still unsure.
  • A Quirky observation: I seem to attract stray dogs. One followed me for a good two blocks, wagging its tail like I was the most fascinating person in the world. I shared a bit of my pad thai.
• Evening (5:00 PM - Late):
  • The laundry… the laundry… YES. Did the laundry at the Colonel Motel. Glorious. Clean clothes. A miracle.
  • Dinner: Found another local restaurant. The food was amazing, very cheap, and the people were incredibly nice and accommodating.

Day 3: Wat Yai and a Meltdown (Maybe)

• Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
  • The Big Temple: Finally, brave the heat. Wat Yai. Wow. Just…wow. The architecture is stunning, the atmosphere is electric, the Buddhas are majestic and I was really glad I went in the morning.
  • A Stronger Emotional Reaction: Overwhelmed. Moved. I felt peace somehow.
  • Local Market Wander: Wandered through a local market. Smells, sights, sounds… a sensory overload in the best way. Bought some dried fruit.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM):
  • Attempted Relaxation (Failed): Back at the Colonel Motel. Planned on reading, napping, and generally being unproductive.
  • Another Rambling: I couldn't. The call of the outside was too strong. This is the problem of having an adventurous spirit. You can't relax.
  • Local Cafe: I found a cafe. Really great coffee. Wifi.
• Evening (6:00 PM - Late):
  • Farewell Dinner: Delicious. Thai food. The best I've had, so far.
  • Packing (Or Attempting To): My things are… scattered. Packing is a nightmare.
  • Departure Prep: Contemplating tomorrow's long journey back. I have mixed feelings.

Day 4: Departure (And Still No Shower)

• Morning (6:00 AM - 8:00 AM):
  • The Last Stand: Dragged myself out of bed. Attempting to pack.
  • The Great Escape from the Colonel Motel: Final sweep of the room (and insect removal). Checkout. Goodbye, Colonel Motel! You were… an experience.
  • (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): The journey back to the world outside Phitsanulok.
• Afternoon:
  • Plane ride.

(Post-Trip Reflections):

Phitsanulok. It wasn't perfect. I didn't see everything, didn't experience all the "authentic" moments. The Colonel Motel… well, let's just say it's got character. But through the heat, the bugs, and the occasional existential crisis, I found something. A little bit of adventure, a whole lot of delicious food, and a memory. And that’s what travel is all about, right? Now, where's the shower?

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Colonel Motel Phitsanulok: Thailand's BEST Kept Secret? (Luxury You Won't Believe!) - The Utterly Unfiltered FAQs

Okay, spill the tea! Is this Colonel Motel really all THAT? 'Luxury You Won't Believe'… come on!

Alright, settle down, Nancy Drew. Yes. And no. It’s… complicated. "Luxury You Won't Believe" is a bit of a *stretch*, let's be real. Think less Dubai penthouse, more meticulously crafted Thai oasis with REALLY nice towels. Honestly, when I first saw the pics online, I rolled my eyes so hard I nearly dislocated them. “Another ridiculously over-hyped place,” I grumbled. But… I was wrong. Mostly. The rooms? Gorgeous. The pool? Stunning. The… well, we'll get to the service later. It's less jet-setting millionaire haven, and more "I'm actually pretty impressed by this in the middle of nowhere in Thailand" experience. So, yes, believe *some* of the hype. Just… calibrate your expectations.

What’s a Colonel Motel, anyway? Is there a Colonel? Should I be worried?

Okay, good question! I was *completely* picturing some grumpy, chain-smoking, military type running the show. Nope! The Colonel seems to be a name, possibly related to the owners. I never saw him. Or her. So, relax, you're not going to be saluting anyone or getting a surprise inspection of your luggage. Unless the cleaning staff are hardcore… but even then, I think you're safe. Just… bring your own snacks.

The rooms! Tell me about the rooms! Are they as Instagrammable as they look? (Because that's important, you know…)

Oh. My. God. The rooms. Prepare to drool. Honestly, better than in the pictures. Clean lines, beautiful wood, massive beds (I’d happily live in one), and bathrooms that make you want to… well, you get the idea. Yes, they're Instagrammable. Ridiculously so. Even I, a person who generally shuns posing for pictures, found myself taking… a LOT of pictures. The lighting is perfect. The decor is tasteful. The air con works. Bliss. Pure, chilled-to-perfection bliss. I almost forgot I was on a budget trip. Almost. After finding out prices, I had to be reminded.

And the pool? Everyone raves about the pool. Is it actually relaxing, or just crowded with influencers?

Okay, confession time. The pool… is the reason I nearly cried. In a good way. It's stunning. Turquoise water, loungers perfectly positioned for maximum sun (or shade, if that's your jam), and… usually not too many people! I mean, it's a Motel. Not a mega-resort. So, yes, it’s relaxing. I spent a whole afternoon just… existing in that pool. Reading a book. Sipping a Chang beer. Ignoring the world. It was… perfect. The only minor annoyance? The odd, enthusiastic water-waving from the enthusiastic locals that didn't seem to have a towel.

Let's talk food. Is the food AMAZING? Or is it the usual bland hotel fare?

The food... hmm. Okay, the breakfast buffet? Decent. Nothing to write home about, but perfectly acceptable. Eggs, toast, some fruit. The usual. However, the restaurant… here's where it gets tricky. Some dishes were amazing. Really, really good. Authentic Thai flavors, beautifully presented. Others? Well, let's just say there were a few "lost in translation" moments. My Pad Thai was… interesting. A bit sweet. I asked for extra chili, got a whole plate of chilies! I swear they were trying to test me. Still, a good effort, and the atmosphere is lovely. Overall, better than most hotel restaurants, but don't expect Michelin stars.

What about the service? This can make or break a place, right?

Ahhh, the service. This is where things get a little… uneven. The staff are generally polite and helpful, always with a smile. BUT… there's a certain… *lack of urgency*. Think "Thai time" but amped up to eleven. Getting your check? Prepare to wait. Ordering an extra towel? Plan for a mini-adventure. I once waited 45 minutes for a coffee. 45 MINUTES! I was starting to hallucinate caffeine molecules when it finally arrived. However, if you're patient (and have mastered the art of politely waving your hand to attract attention), you'll be fine. It's part of the charm, I guess? Mostly infuriating, but charming… sometimes. Overall, it’s earnest, just don't expect lightning speed.

Okay, so, the BIG experience: let's say I have a car. What about the location, is it far outside from the center?

Okay, this is where things get REALLY interesting, and where the "hidden gem" title truly comes. It's a double-edged sword. The location? Remote. The literal definition of secluded. You’ll need a car (highly, highly recommended, otherwise, you're relying on taxis or tuk-tuks) If you want to get around. It's outside of the main city of Phitsanulok, which means… peace and quiet! But also… if you’re expecting vibrant nightlife, forget about it. You're better off going into the city, and it's a good 15-minute drive. So, it's perfect if you want to completely disconnect, but terrible if you crave constant excitement. I am pretty sure locals enjoy that. It's a bit of a culture shock, and it takes some days to adjust. I was fine. My friends would probably go insane.

The ONE thing you'll NEVER forget about Colonel Motel? Be honest.

Okay, I'm going to get personal. I'm going to open up and… it was the pool. Okay, so I'll give more context. It has to be that afternoon in the pool. I'd had a brutal week – flight delays, lost luggage, questionable street food… the works. I was *exhausted*. I remember wading into that cool, clear water, and feeling… everything just… melt away. The sun was warm on my skin, the birds were singing, and for the first time in days, I felt… actually relaxed. I swear, I could have stayed there forever. And it was just a *moment*, but pure bliss. A little snapshot of serenity in the midst of the chaosBest Rest Finder

Colonel Motel Phitsanulok Thailand

Colonel Motel Phitsanulok Thailand

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