Bella Villa Prima need more info

[Turk 0]

My first visit is in Feb. and was pretty much sold on  Bella Villa Prima  from the  ist review which was good and some on board chatter. But, just saw a 2nd review  which scared my new ass. Do not want hassles like were described with turning away confirmed reservations. Any other feedback would be appreciated.

[FunIsAll 0]

Do you mean Prima Villa at Soi Wongamat?

[CheshireTom 1,377]

Turk,

 

I read the second review and obviously the guy had some issues, however, he didn't seem to appreciate that the Bella Villa Prima is serviced apartments not a hotel and that there are differences, albeit small, between the two.  All his negative comments seemed to be generated by his lack of appreciation between the two.  

 

He seemed to rant on forever about topsheets - the beds have European style duvets and duvet covers and therefore no top sheets.  A lot of his review reminded me of the guy ranting in McDonalds, Bangkok because they didn't do hash browns on their breakfast menu.

 

Safest thing to do is book into somewhere near at hand and take a look yourself when in town.

 

Tom

[Sammy 30]

Turk,

 

I read the second review and obviously the guy had some issues, however, he didn't seem to appreciate that the Bella Villa Prima is serviced apartments not a hotel and that there are differences, albeit small, between the two.  All his negative comments seemed to be generated by his lack of appreciation between the two.  

 

He seemed to rant on forever about topsheets - the beds have European style duvets and duvet covers and therefore no top sheets.  A lot of his review reminded me of the guy ranting in McDonalds, Bangkok because they didn't do hash browns on their breakfast menu.

 

Safest thing to do is book into somewhere near at hand and take a look yourself when in town.

 

Tom

 

Tom and Turk,

 

The second review of the Bella Villa Prima HOTEL on Soi 4 is mine.

 

It is NOT a serviced apartment. It is a hotel. All of the signage state that it is a hotel. Their business card make the claim that it is a hotel, not serviced apratments. I have stayed at serviced apartments before and do understand and appreciate the difference between the two.

 

I did see at least one person a day over a period of 8 days getting turned away from the hotel even with a guaranteed reservation. 2 guys complained bitterly to the Manager that they had paid a deposit and had Visa receipts to prove it. They still were not given a room.

 

I would have had no problem with the "duvet cover" if they changed it as they stated they would. I'm sure you would love to check into a room only to find some cum stains from the previous occupant on the duvet cover. It likely would not bother you. When I checked in the duvet cover in my room had cigarette ashes on it and smudged into it.

 

Maybe the problems I experienced were because the hotel is fairly new and they were not prepared for high season. That does not change my opinion that I would not go back nor would I recommend it.

 

I stayed because I too read the first review and I would have checked out after my 2nd day if I could have found another hotel that was not fully booked. I had the opportunity to stay at Sabai Inn but they only had a vacancy for 6 days and I needed 17.

 

Turk,

 

Maybe you should do as Cheshire Tom suggests and either find another place close by and check out the Bella Villa Prima for yourself. Or check in to the Bella Villa Prima (if they manage to honour your reservation) and then form your own opinion.

 

As I mentioned in my review, positives are electronic in-room safe, excellent air con and lots of hot water.

 

During the time I was there Soi 4 was also used by many large tour buses as if it were the backstretch of the Indianapolis 500.

[CheshireTom 1,377]

Sammy,

 

Apologies if the Bella Prima has changed to a hotel within 6 weeks of opening.  I guess they must have changed their business cards as well .........  

 

 

Tom

[Sammy 30]

pat809,

 

By no means am I pointing the finger at you for the service I received at the BVP.

 

I seriously think that a lot of the problems had to do with it being high season and the fact that they were booked solid the entire time.

 

I too tipped one of the maids a few hundred baht to insure clean towels. Worked for two days until she was whisked away to clean other floors. I asked her how many floors she had to clean and she replied 3. With approximately 12 rooms per floor that is being overworked in my opinion. I saw her leave one night at 10PM and know she was there before 7AM that same day. The hotel management should hire more staff for starters. It might alleviate some of the problems I had.

 

Based on my experience however, I can not recommend it. In 6 months to a year the growing pains of being new may have disappeared.

[Sammy 30]

The hotel next door is called the "Mike Orchid Resort." There was a big sign saying "Grand Opening December 23, 2003." Of course it was nowhere near being complete. My best guess is that it will likely open in February/March this year. Looks like it will be really nice. No idea what the room rates will be.

[Turk 0]

Just returned from 10 days at the bella villa prima. It is a nice hotel with very clean and spacious rooms. I had a deluxe a suite for 1200b per night which included 1 breakfast buffet. You can buy addditional buffet for 100b each. Breakfast ok, eggs to order toast, bacon. fruit & juice selection and a host of thai dishes.  My room had king  bed, couch microwave, large refrig. bedding was duvette cover which along with bottom sheet and pillow cases were changed daily whenever I wanted and xtra towels for a mere 20b tip daily not asked for by them but given by me . Best money I spent as my room was spotless and staff looked out for my stuff. Nice pool which can be used by TG guests as mine did on several occasions. Shower and tub combo with ample hot water. Niice tile bathroom floor which ran to floor drain for those splashy TG showers .   In room electronic safe in closet. TV had about 14 channels with 7 being thai the discovery channel, HBO and Star movies with english sports and espn. TV can be spun to be viewed from bed or couch sitting area. Nice balcony however you had to bring furniture fom inside kitchen table. Ask for poolside room , as the backside view is a little dingy. no problem with checkin, staff was nice and only took ID if I walked over to desk with TG. No joiner fee. construction next door was not a noise problem. Soi 4 location was great as often short cutting baht busess made it possible to catch beach road bus almost right in front of hotel but if not a short walk to beach road. Big C 2 minutes away made shopping a breeze. Soi 6 -7-8 easily walkable. Good aircon.  TGs all liked it too much. I will stay here again.  Thanks to the boardies for your help. Turk  

[laffnliv 78]

    It has been said the place is fully booked.  Sure does not look like it.  I guess they are having growing pains.  The Mike Orchid Resort has rented out a few rooms as I have seen farangs with luggage going in and out.  I don't think the swimming pool is finished, though.

    The "Mike" people are building yet another hotel, this one right next door to the Bella Villa whatever.  Not much noise yet...but wait a bit.  They are pouring cement for pilings now, with heavy construction soon.  Looks like a big one!

    I walk by there almost every day as my condo is on Soi 4.  Fortunately I will be insulated from the noise as I am on the beach side of the condo.    

    A big reason for the tour buses on Soi 4, particularly in the evening, is that the Chinese tour groups pack the Alcazare joint every evening.  When the shows are over the buses fill up and take off!  Soi 4 is a convenient cut-through for the buses to get to Beach Rd.

                            Roy