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Roomy and elegant

Deluxe Room

And what a room! We’ve chosen a ‘Deluxe Pool View’: 53 square metres of well-appointed opulence. It’s large, with an alcove by the window that doubles as a) a Thai-style relaxing space with a mattress and cushions and b) an extra guest/child’s space. There’s a large writing desk by the balcony door and to its left is what can only be described as a humungous TV, with a minibar under it. The cupboard, while not quite being walk-in size, is also roomy and houses a safety box.

There are sliding wooden partitions that act as bathroom windows and the bathroom door is also a sliding wooden affair and this, along with the polished wooden floors, lends a rustic flavour to what is already a multi-featured room. Above the plush king-size bed is a white aqua relief motif and there’s enough silk for a Derby winners convention liberally draped here and there. By the door there are coffee/tea making facilities.

Suite

Patong Paragon also offers Deluxe Sea View rooms identical to the room described above, only facing sensational views of the Andaman Sea and of Patong itself.

As for the suites, there are seven of them, presenting three choices: Patong Paragon offers a 106 sqm Junior Suite with private check in and an in-bed breakfast option! Also at 106 sqms the Executive and Presidential suites with ocean views (accessible from the generous balcony) are some of the largest to be found in Patong. These feature such goodies as separate living and dining areas, unlimited free WiFi access, a 360 degree turnaround 32 inch LCD display TV, free access to the minibar and a Jacuzzi amongst a lot more.

Everyone’s happy at the pool

Kids' pool

The view from our east-facing balcony is inviting to anyone who is attracted to things aquatic. The pool below is what’s known in the trade as ‘Free Form’, meaning it’s built for fun rather than for serious training or laps. In fact it’d be sort of hard to do laps unless you’re willing to dodge the three islands, pool bar and kiddies’ pool.

The pool is large enough for sunbathers to relax in peace and quiet at the eastern (pool bar) end while youngsters splish splash around at the opposite, kids’ pool end – and everyone gets to have fun with the option of sun or no sun. All day long, the sound of running water from several fountains provides a constant and soothing background – not only that but it successfully eliminates traffic noise from outside.

Shower and a rubdown

Huge bathroom

Of course, after a wallow in the pool everyone needs a good shower and a rubdown. Our bathroom at Patong Paragon was an entity to itself rather than something that had been added onto a room.

There’s space enough here (a bath and a large shower cubicle) for the most pernickety of us with a generous range of complimentary bathroom products. There’s even a bench and mirror set at which to make up (if you’re a girl) or preen (for the boys).

Cocktails, Internet or working out?

Lobby lounge

Meanwhile, back at reception, there’s the option of getting on the Internet, playing computer games or more conventional board games while snacking from the coffee/tea bar.

And why not strike an elegant pose in the lobby lounge – where a mid-afternoon cocktail looks more than tempting? It’s equally tempting to try the pool bar but, like the voice of conscience, not far away lies the hotel’s fitness center with its full set of weights, two running machines, three exercise bikes, one computerized bike machine that appears to do the thinking for you as long as you provide the muscle and a whole lot more besides. Khun Nikorn is there to advise you on such matters from 00:08 to 19:00.

Catching up with dining

Catch & Grill restaurant

The hotel’s seafood outlet, Catch & Grill is located street-side and faces Patong Beach. It’s a trendy affair with underbar lighting, eye-catching lamp designs and a definite post-modern almost Japanese feel to it. Three very talented musicians play French, Spanish, Italian, English and Thai classics and if you are lucky enough to catch (but hopefully not grill) them performing, ask the chap playing the bongos to do a magic turn for you. He’s hot. Complimentary buffet breakfast is served at the Coffee Shop, adjacent to the pool. The restaurant is L-shaped and air-conditioned although some guests prefer to eat outside and enjoy the early morning sun over their coffee and croissants, or whatever catches their eye at the well-equipped buffet.

To sum up Patong Paragon: The most outstanding feature of this four-star hotel is its undeniable and welcome sense of freshness. A constant marigold colour theme (set off by white and dark brown) works – even staff members are dressed in light and dark-brown silk. Rooms are spacious and allow complete relaxation. The ambience is quiet, staff gracious (an extra bed cover arrived within two minutes of requesting it) and the location allows for a good range of activities – whether by day or by night.

by Sam Wilkinson

Hotel Information and Room Rates

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Photo Gallery of the Hotel