Sukhothai's Hidden Gem: Smilingface Guesthouse - Unforgettable Stay!
Sukhothai's Smilingface: It's Got the Magic, But… Buckle Up, Buttercup! (A Honestly Honest Review)
Alright, so you're thinking of Sukhothai? Beautiful place. Ancient temples, dreamy sunsets… and the need for a decent place to crash. That's where Smilingface Guesthouse comes in. The name alone is promising, right? Well, lemme spill the tea (or, you know, the Thai iced tea, because that’s the real deal here): Smilingface Guesthouse – Unforgettable Stay! – is a bit of a mixed bag. Let’s break it down, because honestly, after traveling all day through dusty streets of Sukhothai, what I needed was a smile and a good shower!
Accessibility: Not Ideal, but Manageable (Mostly)
Okay, let's get the tough stuff out of the way first. Accessibility isn't Smilingface's strongest suit. While they claim "Facilities for disabled guests," the reality is a bit more… nuanced. Forget about ramps and elevators galore. You're dealing with steps, potentially uneven surfaces, and the occasional narrow doorway. That said, the staff are incredibly helpful. They go out of their way to assist. If you've got mobility issues, call ahead and be very specific about your needs. They’ll try to accomodate, no promises, just a heads up.
Rooms: Clean-ish, Comfy-ish… and the A/C Is Your Best Friend
The rooms, my friends, are the heart and soul of any stay, right? Well, Available in all rooms you got things like Air conditioning, thank god! Considering Sukhothai’s heat? Essential. You’ll also find the basics: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. The beds were surprisingly comfortable. The linens felt fresh, even if the overall vibe was a little "functional chic" rather than five-star luxury. The bathroom was… functional. The shower pressure could be better, but the hot water was reliable, which is a win in my book. The Rooms sanitized between stays, which is a plus, and let’s be real, those Blackout curtains? Lifesavers. You'll be sleeping like a baby after temple hopping all day.
Cleanliness and Safety: Trying Hard, Deserving Praise
They’re making a real effort here. Smilingface takes Cleanliness and safety seriously, and that's evident. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff is diligently wearing masks. There are Safety/security feature in room, and the staff look like they know what they're doing, though Security [24-hour ] seemed a little relaxed. First aid kit, there if you need it, which is a smart move in a place that attracts tourists looking to see the sites. Rooms sanitized between stays and staff are trained in safety protocol is also great news.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Foodie Adventure… or Maybe Not
Alright, food! Dining, drinking, and snacking. This is where Smilingface gets a little… uneven. They've got a Restaurant with Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, and a Vegetarian restaurant. Asian breakfast, Breakfast [buffet], and Western breakfast are available, and you can even get Breakfast in room which might be a great idea, since the Coffee/tea in restaurant, and the Desserts in restaurant may not be the best. There's also a Poolside bar and Snack bar. The Bottle of water is a nice touch. The A la carte in restaurant menu is extensive but there's also Alternative meal arrangement. Poolside bar is a nice touch, but the food wasn’t always the highlight. There's a Coffee shop, but honestly, you'll find better coffee on the street. Overall, it's functional, but not the kind of dining experience you'll be writing home about.
Services and Conveniences: The Helpful Side of Things
They're trying to be helpful, bless their hearts.. They have a Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Safety deposit boxes, Taxi service. They offer Contactless check-in/out, a crucial feature in the current climate. A Convenience store is always a plus, and they do Currency exchange. Cash withdrawal is also super helpful. The Front desk [24-hour] is a lifesaver, especially when you’re jet-lagged and need to know if you can buy another bottle of water at 2 AM.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax: More Than Meets the Eye
Here's where Smilingface truly shines, or at least, tries real hard. They offer a swimming pool with a lovely Pool with view for taking a break from the scorching sun. No Fitness center or Gym/fitness to be found. Nothing super fancy, but the pool is a godsend after a day of temple exploration. They have a Spa, so you can get a Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap! The Spa/sauna is a bonus. It's a perfect place to unwind.
Internet Access: Fast Enough for Your Social Media Fix
The Internet, thank goodness, is pretty decent. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! You get Internet access – wireless, and Internet access – LAN if you are not a fan of Wi-Fi. You can easily get a Laptop workspace set up in your room.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Vibe (with a Caveat)
For the kids, Family/child friendly is an understatement. There are Babysitting service available, but there's no dedicated kids' club or anything like that. However, the pools are great for splashing around and the staff does everything it can to accommodate kids. If you're traveling with little ones, give them a heads-up.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy (Mostly)
They offer Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Taxi service to make everything simpler to get around. There is also Car park [on-site], Car power charging station at your disposal. Taxi service is available without a hassle, which makes it especially easy.
My Moment of Truth: The Massage That Saved My Day (and My Back)
Okay, so I was wrecked. Temple ruins are beautiful, but they’re also a workout. My back was screaming, my feet felt like lead, and I was about three seconds away from becoming one with the bed. That’s when I remembered the Spa at Smilingface. I trudged down there and demanded a massage.
Now, this wasn’t your five-star, aromatherapy-infused experience. Nope. This was a no-nonsense, get-the-knots-out, serious Thai massage. And it was… incredible. The therapist was all business, efficient, and clearly knew her stuff. She cracked, she stretched, she worked on me until I felt like a new person. I’m talking a full transformation. I emerged from that room feeling like I could climb a mountain (or at least, walk to the pool). That massage? THAT was the unforgettable part of my stay. It justified the whole experience, imperfections and all.
The Quirks, The Imperfections, The Honest Truth
Look, Smilingface isn't perfect. The decor is… practical. The food is so-so, and the accessibility isn't ideal. But it has charm. It has a certain… character. The staff is beyond helpful. The pool is a lifesaver, and that massage? Chef's kiss. It has everything you need for a great stay.
Smilingface Guesthouse – Unforgettable Stay! is a solid choice.
Here's The Deal - Book Now and Get…
- A FREE welcome drink!
- 10% off all spa treatments! (Because you'll need one.)
- Complimentary breakfast
- FREE airport transfer
- Book Now and Pay Later flexibility
Why Book Now?
- Limited Availability: Rooms are filling up fast, especially during peak season.
- Peace of Mind: Know you have a comfortable place to stay before you arrive.
- Unforgettable Experiences: The Smilingface staff is ready to assist you.
**Don't miss out on the chance to experience Sukhothai's beauty with a comfortable and convenient stay at Smilingface
Flamingo Night Street: Phuc Yen's Hidden Gem (Vietnam)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this itinerary isn't your aunt Mildred's meticulously planned trip. We're going to Sukhothai, Thailand, to bask in the ancient ruins and hopefully not get completely lost. And, oh boy, is it going to be a rollercoaster. This is the Smilingface Guesthouse adventure, and it’s already looking a bit… chaotic.
Smilingface Guesthouse Sukhothai: A Messy Slice of Thai Bliss (and Possible Disaster)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Mosquito Massacre (or, How I Learned to Love 7-Eleven)
Morning (ish) - Arrival and Initial Panic: So, the flight was… Long. And bumpy. And the food? Let's just say I've had more inspiring airplane meals. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, we touched down in Bangkok. Got the connecting flight to Sukhothai, which was blessedly short. Then, onto a pre-booked taxi (thank God for pre-booking, already I think I'd be in a complete panic mode) from the airport to Smilingface. The taxi driver, bless his soul, drove like a maniac. I gripped the seat so hard I think I left fingerprints. He was blasting some Thai pop music that I didn’t understand, but strangely found myself bopping along to by the end of the journey.
Arrival at Smilingface: "Oh. My. God." (Said aloud, probably rather loudly). It's charming, yeah, but "rustic" might be a more accurate word. The "garden" looks fantastic on the website photos, but the reality involves a lot of unidentifiable plant life and some seriously chunky looking bugs. The staff are super friendly, though. The check-in takes approximately forever, because one of the friendly people has an issue with the system. "No problem, no problem" I hear.
Afternoon - The Mosquito Wars and 7-Eleven Nirvana: I’m pretty sure the mosquitoes at Smilingface have a vendetta against me. Seriously, they're circling! After a frantic unpacking, I attempt a shower. Discover the water pressure is, well, pathetic. Barely a trickle. I emerge from the bathroom, covered in mosquito bites and feeling more than a little defeated. Thank goodness for the nearby 7-Eleven. Air conditioning. Cold drinks. Bug spray (a vital life source). It's a temple of convenience! I purchase snacks, a ridiculous quantity of mosquito repellent and a box of tissues (because I'm pretty sure I may cry on the spot soon). I spend an hour browsing the aisles, feeling like I've found a safe haven.
Evening - Dinner Disaster and a Glimmer of Hope: The guesthouse recommended a restaurant. I wander along in the dark, getting hopelessly lost. The tuk-tuk drivers are circling me. "Lady! You need tuk-tuk?" "No, no, I'm fine!" I eventually find the place, which is packed and the food is… underwhelming. I order something that looks like a pad thai, but tastes like noodles. I'm pretty sure I'll be starving soon. But hey, at least the beer is cold. As the sun sets, the ruins start to look beautiful, and I hear a group of people playing Thai music and laughing, I feel a little less lonely.
Day 2: Ancient Ruins and Existential Dread (aka, the Bike Ride from Hell and the Stupa that Saved My Soul)
Morning - Bike Ride of Doom: Determined for a better day, I rent a bike. "Perfect!" the smiling guy at the guesthouse says. "Easy ride!" Lies, all lies. The bike's brakes squeak ominously, and the seat feels determined to cause irreparable damage to my backside. I set off for the historical park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The heat is already brutal. The road… well, the road has more bumps than a toddler's forehead. At least the scenery is stunning. And the old statues look beautiful, but I think I may need to consider a walking tour next time.
Mid-morning - The Ruins: The Sukhothai Historical Park is immense. I get lost. Numerous times. The sun beats down upon me, and I start to question all my life choices. Why did I decide to come here? Why didn't I pack my sunscreen? Why did I wear that ridiculous shirt with the giant pineapple on it? But then… then I get to Wat Mahathat. This place. Wow. The perfectly symmetrical stupas, the huge seated Buddhas, the sense of ancient peace… It's breathtaking. I find myself sitting there for an hour, just… absorbing. The noise of the world fades away, and for the first time on this trip, I feel a sense of calm. I spend a long time walking slow, and the statues are starting to look more beautiful. I think I may be in love.
Afternoon - The Lunchtime Meltdown (and Some Unexpected Fried Rice): The beautiful morning experience is balanced with a lunchtime meltdown. I decide to try and be "adventurous" and find a local restaurant. It doesn't go well. The menu completely defeats me, I somehow manage to order something that looks vaguely like a soup, but is filled with things I can't identify and that makes me feel a little sick. I can barely speak another word of Thai. I retreat to Smilingface, dejected. But then, blessedly, I realize the guesthouse has a restaurant that serves… fried rice. Simple, delicious, and exactly what I needed. It’s such a relief.
Evening - Sunset and a Second Chance: The sky is brilliant over the old ruins. I walk away from the town and watch the sunset. I feel… better. The fried rice helped. The ancient Buddhas did their thing. I promise myself that tomorrow will be better. Maybe I'll even try to learn a few more Thai phrases. Maybe. Or maybe I will just survive.
Day 3: Departure and a Promise to Return (Maybe)
- Morning - More Biking (Sigh) and a Moment of Clarity: I bravely mount the bicycle. I visit Wat Si Chum, famous for the giant sitting Buddha. The size of it is quite impressive.
- Afternoon - Farewell to Smilingface Check out. Say goodbye to the ever-smiling staff. The guesthouse has its quirks, but there's something undeniably charming about it. The whole experience has been… messy, stressful, and beautiful. I am leaving this place and I feel more human than before.
- Evening - Fly out! Here we go again!
Final Thoughts:
So, Sukhothai. It wasn't perfect. It was sweaty, mosquito-ridden, and at times a little overwhelming. But it was also beautiful, full of history, and brought me closer to my own weird self. Smilingface Guesthouse? Probably won't be for everyone. But I wouldn’t have changed this trip for anything. Maybe after a little recovery time, I'm going to come back.
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