Ayutthaya Star Hotel – A Modern Stay with a Cold Atmosphere
Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand, lies about 80 km north of Bangkok. Once the heart of the Siamese Kingdom, this UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its impressive temples, river islands, and fascinating ruins that tell the story of a city destroyed and reborn. With its blend of history and serenity, Ayutthaya is a perfect weekend destination for those looking to escape Bangkok’s busy rhythm.
As it was the high season and many hotels were fully booked, I searched for a comfortable place with a swimming pool to relax for the weekend. My choice finally went to Ayutthaya Star Hotel โรงแรม อยุธยา สตาร์ 大城之星酒店, a modern property with good ratings across platforms like Google, Agoda, Trip.com, and Booking.com (which I personally used).
One word of advice: on some booking sites, prices might look cheaper at first glance but often don’t include breakfast, daily taxes, or VAT. Booking.com clearly lists the total cost, so no hidden surprises there.
Location
The hotel is located about 25 minutes by car from the city center, far enough to feel isolated. The surrounding area offers little: no convenience stores, no 7-Eleven, no restaurants within walking distance, just a small market opposite to the hotel.
The property appears new and, judging by the Chinese signs and surrounding developments, likely Chinese-owned. While the building is modern and well-maintained, the location isn’t ideal unless you intend to spend most of your time at the hotel itself.
Check-in Experience
Check-in was quick and efficient. However, I was surprised to learn that a 1,000 THB cash deposit was required. The front desk staff were polite but somewhat distant, and most signage around the property was in Chinese or bilingual Chinese/English. The atmosphere felt rather cold and impersonal, a feeling that continued throughout my stay.
The staff was very helpful but seemed sometimes a bit confused while the Chinese Manager who seems to not know what the world “smile” means didn’t look welcoming.
Room
Booking a room online was slightly confusing, as several room types had nearly identical descriptions except for the size. I eventually chose a Deluxe Double Room, located on the first floor with a “countryside view.” Initially, I was disappointed not to have a pool view, but later realized it was actually the better option (more privacy and fewer mosquitoes).
The room itself was spacious, spotless, and tastefully modern. The layout was unique, with the bathroom separated from the bedroom by a mirror. Lighting, curtains, and other features were fully controlled by numerous wall buttons. A thoughtful touch: the electrical sockets supported multiple plug types, including USB-A and USB-C ports.
Amenities included a large, comfortable bed, small fridge, kettle, complimentary bottled water, slippers, hairdryer, safe, tea and instant coffee, and two wardrobes.
On the first day we used a Tea and a coffee bag which were not replaced for the second day. Was it on purpose or just an oversight?
The bathroom had a rain shower, modern heated toilet seat, and essential toiletries. The terrace had a small table and two chairs, pleasant, though not private due to a small road in front used by residents from nearby apartments.
A few downsides: mosquitoes were present inside the room despite the air conditioning, and Wi-Fi was sometimes slow (you lso must ask for the password at reception). The TV offered many channels but often stopped to display “no internet signal.”
Early morning noise (around 6:30 a.m.) from people walking and talking outside the terrace was enough to wake us up without any alarm.
And on Sunday the loud outside music walked up us at 5.00 a.m.
On top of that, the first night was very quiet but on the second one the TV sound from the side rooms was easily listened. It was a bit annoying as they were listening to the Thai news loud until very late.
Restaurant
Breakfast, served from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m., is the hotel’s highlight, but also its main limitation. The variety was impressive, with plenty of Thai and Chinese dishes, fresh fruit, and pastries. Arrive early, preferably before 8:00 a.m., as it becomes crowded later, forcing some guests to sit near the pool.
The quality is also limited, the grain coffee machine makes only Americano or Espresso, the orange “juice” taste more like a cheap Fanta, and the few pastries are straight out of the package.
The inside seating is also limited and if you are not the first to come, you will be obliged to eat outside. Good when it”s sunny but I’m wondering how it will be when it will rain as this is a new opened hotel.
Unfortunately, the restaurant is open only for breakfast. No lunch, dinner, or all-day dining options are available, which means that for all other meals, you’ll need to cross the street to the local market or nearby eateries.
Swimming Pool
The large outdoor swimming pool is clean and pleasant, surrounded by loungers and seating. The water temperature was just right. However, there are no snacks, bar service, or extra towels provided, and you must pay if you request additional towels. The pool area was mostly empty during the day, with just a few guests in the evening.
Mosquitoes become a real issue after sunset. Despite numerous electric mosquito traps, they remain persistent, making it difficult to enjoy the atmosphere once night falls.
Guests staying in pool-view rooms, especially on the ground floor, have very little terrace privacy. In that sense, my countryside-view room turned out to be the better choice.
Look at the video at the end of this review and you will understand.
Gym and Laundry Facilities
Booking.com mentioned a fitness room but I didn’t see it advertised inside the hotel, which I wanted to check out and was obliged to ask to the staff. It’s not inside the main hotel building but located across from reception. The gym includes treadmills, cross-trainers, stationary bikes, and a multi-function machine, but it feels bare, no TV, no music, and again, quite a cold ambiance.
Next to it is a self-service laundry room with several washers, dryers, an ironing station, and a clothes steamer. Both facilities can be accessed using your room keycard.
What’s Around?
Not much, honestly.
Inside the Chinese complex, at the entrance is located a Chinese grocery store selling of course Chinese products and a few Thai. I don’t recommend it.
Just cross the road, on the opposite side are located a few local shops, grocery stores, and a couple of modest restaurants. A nearby local market sells fruits and ready-to-eat dishes, which comes in handy since the hotel offers no dining outside breakfast hours.
The restaurants close quite early in the everning but the market and a large grocery store just behind the market stay opened later and are relatively cheaper compared to the city and to the Chinese store.
So, no stress, you will be able to find fresh fruits, drinks, all kind of snacks at a cheap price.
Conclusion
From my arrival to departure, the cold atmosphere never lifted. Between the required cash deposit, paid pool towels, lack of dining options, cold management and isolated location, this hotel feels more like a stopover than a holiday retreat.
Would I return? No, at least not for a leisure weekend. It’s a clean, modern place to sleep with a nice swimming pool to relax, but if you’re looking for local charm and comfort, you’ll find better options closer to Ayutthaya’s city center.
Still not convinced? Check out the video!
Rivertfront Hotel Bangkok, prices and availabilities:
Booking.com / Agoda / Trip.com
