Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya

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02-10-2009, 08:26 AM
Bexar County Stud

Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya

Pattaya's newest gigantic twin tower 18-story megahotel. Not normally the kind of hotel I frequent, but I thought it would be fun to have a look.

Supposedly it's a 5-star resort, so they charge 5-star prices. 3750 a night was the cheapest rate I could find for their most basic room. Includes breakfast. Normal rack rates for this kind of room is over 9 grand a nite. Good luck with that.
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The resort has a kitschy "Lost World" theme that is carried out throughout the resort quite well. Cheesy, but fun.
https://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gif
https://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gif

Nice enough room with a sea-view balcony. Flat screen TV, but no DVD player. Also, no bathtub. Both should be included at this price-point IMO.
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The resort's swimming pools and water park areas are the main attraction. Very nice swimming pools. In addition to the main large pool, there is a quiet area infinity pool & a lap pool near the fitness club.
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https://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gif
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Of course, poolside drink and food prices are outrageous. My GF innocently ordered a bottle of water. 130 baht for a small bottle! Plus 10% service charge and 7% tax.

The water park features, which were not completed yet, featured water slides and a "river" tube float attraction. The tube float includes passing through a cave area and some waterfalls. Not very exciting and interesting, but OK for kids I suppose.
https://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gif
https://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gif
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The slides were kinda fun, but as you can see from the photo, very poorly designed. Small landing area and the water is not deep enough, even for kids.

The hotel features a large conference center, several restaurants, niteclubs, etc.
https://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gif
02-10-2009, 08:49 AM
Thungsongsausage

looks good BUT a tad expensive for me.
02-10-2009, 09:19 AM
aging one

Thanks Bexar we think alike. I am taking the kids and family down mid October.

I got 3 nights for 9800 for a family deluxe sea view with 4 breakfasts daily. Now negotiating with management to get a family residence room with two bedrooms.
02-10-2009, 09:21 AM
MeMock

Nice review, well done but 3750 baht for a room with no tub or bath? Crikey! My stay at the Lebua was 3,600 baht included both as well as the room being a suite (seperate bedroom and lounge room.)

https://teakdoor.com/thailand-hotels-...gkok-good.html
02-10-2009, 09:38 AM
dirtydog

That sort of price it has to have a bath in it :(
02-10-2009, 10:03 AM
aging one

I just checked the internet site for Centara, and it seems you may have a choice between rain shower bath, and bath tub.
All 555 elegantly appointed guest rooms & suites offer a unique “Lost World“ theme style decor with a king-sized bed or 2 double beds complete with extensive private furnished balcony or terrace, all overlooking the breathtaking resort gardens and ocean, featuring a minimum size of 42 square meters, individually controlled air-conditioning, spacious private bathroom with extra-deep bathtub and/or heavenly rain shower, flat screen TV with international satellite TV channels/programmes, radio and in-house music, DVD player, in-room safe, mini-bar and refrigerator, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer, Wi-Fi and LAN internet access, and IDD line telephone.
02-10-2009, 10:11 AM
Bexar County Stud

Quote:

Originally Posted by aging one

I just checked the internet site for Centara, and it seems you may have a choice between rain shower bath, and bath tub.
.

Dude, I stayed there 2 weeks ago, I think I know a little bit about the subject from direct experience. The "choice" you quote from their marketing material is misleading.

You have a choice between staying in the basic "deluxe" room, with shower, or you can pay more for the "premium deluxe" which has a tub.
Your choice has a price tag. I know because I asked about this specifically when I stayed at the hotel.

BTW, you might want to check around on other travel websites for a better rate. Centara's website prices are again slightly misleading as they don't include the 10% service charge and 7% tax. In other words, add 17% to whatever you see on their website.
I worked it out and got a better rate at ratestogo.com
02-10-2009, 10:20 AM
aging one

Sorry about the confusion bexar. I will get a rate of 9825 for the 3 nights with all taxes included. They have also included 4 breakfasts. Dont think I can beat that as I have looked around. But shall look more.
02-10-2009, 10:32 AM
Thai Pom

Great review, but I must admit I would have preferred the old Central Wong Amat to be there.
02-10-2009, 10:44 AM
klongmaster

More PR nonsense then...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bexar County Stud

Flat screen TV, but no DVD player.

Quote:

Originally Posted by aging one

All 555 elegantly appointed guest rooms & suites offer a unique “Lost World“ theme style decor with a king-sized bed or 2 double beds complete with extensive private furnished balcony or terrace, all overlooking the breathtaking resort gardens and ocean, featuring a minimum size of 42 square meters, individually controlled air-conditioning, spacious private bathroom with extra-deep bathtub and/or heavenly rain shower, flat screen TV with international satellite TV channels/programmes, radio and in-house music, DVD player, in-room safe, mini-bar and refrigerator, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer, Wi-Fi and LAN internet access, and IDD line telephone.
02-10-2009, 10:50 AM
dirtydog

Quote:

Originally Posted by aging one

and it seems you may have a choice between rain shower bath, and bath tub.

Quote:

Originally Posted by aging one

or heavenly rain shower

It seems that you have made up the word Rain Shower Bath, your quote from the web site has no such beast.
02-10-2009, 10:54 AM
Bexar County Stud

Quote:

Originally Posted by klongmaster

More PR nonsense then...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bexar County Stud

Flat screen TV, but no DVD player.

Quote:

Originally Posted by aging one

All 555 elegantly appointed guest rooms & suites offer a unique “Lost World“ theme style decor with a king-sized bed or 2 double beds complete with extensive private furnished balcony or terrace, all overlooking the breathtaking resort gardens and ocean, featuring a minimum size of 42 square meters, individually controlled air-conditioning, spacious private bathroom with extra-deep bathtub and/or heavenly rain shower, flat screen TV with international satellite TV channels/programmes, radio and in-house music, DVD player, in-room safe, mini-bar and refrigerator, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer, Wi-Fi and LAN internet access, and IDD line telephone.

Some room classes have a DVD player. Not the basic "deluxe" room in which I stayed however. AO was quoting from a general description of the hotel's accomodation.

If you look at the room class descriptions on the hotel's website you will see the breakdowns.
02-10-2009, 11:02 AM
Bexar County Stud

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirtydog

Quote:

Originally Posted by aging one

and it seems you may have a choice between rain shower bath, and bath tub.

Quote:

Originally Posted by aging one

or heavenly rain shower

It seems that you have made up the word Rain Shower Bath, your quote from the web site has no such beast.

Attention whore much? Yes, let's make this thread about what you and AO think the hotel website says. Put down the beer and bong, the both of you.
Tell me more about my stay at the hotel
02-10-2009, 11:37 AM
aging one

shit I thought I had made my apologies and complemented you on the review and advice. cheers Bexar.

Bexar also explained the wording on promotional material. I gave a hotel overview which is not exactly straight up I now see.

Here is the deluxe family ocean view room. Notice no bath, and no dvd player.

https://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gif Room Description
106 Deluxe Family Ocean View rooms accommodate up to 3 adults OR 2 adults and 2 children per room. This spacious room comprises 42 square meters and offers a unique “Lost World“ theme style decor with 2 double beds complete with extensive private furnished balcony or terrace, all overlooking the breathtaking resort gardens and ocean view, featuring individually controlled air-conditioning, spacious private bathroom with heavenly rain shower, flat screen TV with international satellite TV channels/programmes, radio and in-house music, in-room safe, mini-bar and refrigerator, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer, Wi-Fi and LAN internet access, and IDD line telephone.
02-10-2009, 05:04 PM
Bexar County Stud

Some more pics.
Nicely appointed fitness center with jacuzzi whirpools in both male and female locker rooms. Not sure I want to sit in a jacuzzi located in the men's room, amongst all the farts and towel-snapping, however :)
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These little huts are for rent (several of them scattered about). That's right, if you want to enjoy that spot, you have to pay extra. How much, I didn't ask. This will perhaps encourage the obnoxious practice of "booking" pool chairs - you know, those assholes who get up early in the morning to drape towels and paperbacks over poolside chairs so that they can hog them all day.
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My curiosity has been satisfied, and I don't see myself returning. Too expensive, and made for mass tourism obviously. Much better deals to be had elsewhere.
If you're interested, I'd say go check it out now during the soft opening period, before the hoards of Chinese and Russian package tourists take over.
02-10-2009, 05:19 PM
aging one

great Bexar you got my kids chompin at the bit. I really like the overview picture of the gardens and pools. Keep that. In ten years time you will have the contrast photo of all time. I still have old shots of the opening of Disneyland Anaheim.
05-10-2009, 11:49 PM
buycondojomtien

It seems that Centara always have incredible locations with private beaches

Have a look Sofitel Centara Krabi (Ao Nang), they own the first bay on the way to Railey.
06-10-2009, 06:10 PM
Fabian

The price seems reasonable, at least at the rate you got, Bexar. What would you say about the location? It seems to be a bit out of the way, can you confirm that?
06-10-2009, 07:28 PM
aging one

No its not. Its just at the tip of North Pattaya. The visitor there is probably not going to be on walking street would be my guess.

its great from bangkok. Just at an hour and a half from my house leaving early.
07-10-2009, 02:13 PM
Bexar County Stud

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fabian

The price seems reasonable, at least at the rate you got, Bexar. What would you say about the location? It seems to be a bit out of the way, can you confirm that?

I disagree, I don't think the price is reasonable given the abundance of good, if not great hotel deals in the area. But I was willing to put up with it just for the experience. It was an enjoyable good time, but I don't see myself returning.

I agree with AO, it's not out of the way at all. Tons of other Hotels and restaraunts in this part of town, and in addition I believe that this hotel offered a free shuttle to the new Central Shopping mall on beach road. Got my own transport, so I didn't use it.
07-10-2009, 06:28 PM
BarnacleBill

I see in your review, Bexar, that there is access to the sea. I haven't been to Pattaya for over ten years. At that time you avoided sea water around Pattaya like the plague! Is it cleaned up now?
07-10-2009, 06:33 PM
Bexar County Stud

Quote:

Originally Posted by BarnacleBill

I see in your review, Bexar, that there is access to the sea. I haven't been to Pattaya for over ten years. At that time you avoided sea water around Pattaya like the plague! Is it cleaned up now?

Some people go swimming in it, I wouldn't.
08-10-2009, 02:51 AM
Fabian

If they have a free shuttle service it seems convenient for those without their own transport.
08-10-2009, 07:53 AM
puppy

Don't see what's cheesy about this place. Looks quite rustic to me.[

quote=Bexar County Stud;1184686]Pattaya's newest gigantic twin tower 18-story megahotel. Not normally the kind of hotel I frequent, but I thought it would be fun to have a look.

Supposedly it's a 5-star resort, so they charge 5-star prices. 3750 a night was the cheapest rate I could find for their most basic room. Includes breakfast. Normal rack rates for this kind of room is over 9 grand a nite. Good luck with that.
https://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gif

The resort has a kitschy "Lost World" theme that is carried out throughout the resort quite well. Cheesy, but fun.
https://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gif
https://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gif

Nice enough room with a sea-view balcony. Flat screen TV, but no DVD player. Also, no bathtub. Both should be included at this price-point IMO.
https://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gif
https://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gif

The resort's swimming pools and water park areas are the main attraction. Very nice swimming pools. In addition to the main large pool, there is a quiet area infinity pool & a lap pool near the fitness club.
https://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gif
https://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gif
https://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gif
https://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gif
Of course, poolside drink and food prices are outrageous. My GF innocently ordered a bottle of water. 130 baht for a small bottle! Plus 10% service charge and 7% tax.

The water park features, which were not completed yet, featured water slides and a "river" tube float attraction. The tube float includes passing through a cave area and some waterfalls. Not very exciting and interesting, but OK for kids I suppose.
https://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gif
https://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gif
https://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gif
The slides were kinda fun, but as you can see from the photo, very poorly designed. Small landing area and the water is not deep enough, even for kids.

The hotel features a large conference center, several restaurants, niteclubs, etc.
https://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gif[/quote]
08-10-2009, 10:47 AM
aging one

what do you know I emailed them complaining of only getting two breakfasts and paying for a family deluxe seaview. 18 hours later came the reply from a Front of House Manager. " You are right we will provide 4 breakfast vouchers a day, plus one free lunch during your stay". Never hurts to ask.
08-10-2009, 04:11 PM
terry57

Good report matey, but the prices are OTT.

130 baht for a small water :ourrules: Bolliks to that.
08-10-2009, 10:05 PM
Bexar County Stud

Quote:

Originally Posted by aging one

what do you know I emailed them complaining of only getting two breakfasts and paying for a family deluxe seaview. 18 hours later came the reply from a Front of House Manager. " You are right we will provide 4 breakfast vouchers a day, plus one free lunch during your stay". Never hurts to ask.

Good for you, ya gotta stand up for yourself, but damn that can be frustrating in Thailand. Smart move in emailing the manager, who's probably a farang.

Breakfast was good. Farang chefs who are on the ball and on patrol, walking around to make sure everything's done right. We only stayed one night, so I don't know if the breakfast menu is changed from day to day. Good variety, though, full euro-style spread & rice gruel for the Thais of course.

Hope you have a nice time - I think it's a slam dunk for kids.

Quote:

Originally Posted by terry57

Good report matey, but the prices are OTT.

Without doubt, but to be expected in a place like this. All ya gotta do is take a look around to surmise what's going down. And how hard is it to look at the menu to check the prices before ordering?

I don't mind splashing out from time to time, and usually come prepared with my own stash of poolside goodies. I don't like the way these kind of places are always pinging you with egregious charges, but there are workarounds I suppose.

I think it's about time for one of those all-inclusive resorts in Thailand, ala Sandals resorts, in which you pay one price and everything's included.
10-10-2009, 01:03 PM
aging one

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bexar County Stud

I don't mind splashing out from time to time, and usually come prepared with my own stash of poolside goodies. I don't like the way these kind of places are always pinging you with egregious charges, but there are workarounds I suppose.

Bingo, thats one of the keys, plus I tip the room maid well so she doesnt talk about the fact I changed around the entire mini bar.

I am sure the kids are gonna love it. Thanks again for the great review. And the manager I am dealing with is a Thai woman. :)
19-10-2009, 01:46 PM
Bexar County Stud

Quote:

Originally Posted by aging one

And the manager I am dealing with is a Thai woman. :)

Did a little research, and the head manager is German. Most luxury or luxury-wannabe hotels in Thailand have farang managers IME.
28-10-2009, 11:31 PM
Gio

nice buddy
12-04-2010, 07:01 PM
Bobcock

Took the family to this hotel a couple of months ago. 4700 THB per night for a deluxe Sea View Family Room, 2 large double beds and because we were on a lower floor a huge balcony.

The gym is also excellent. The kids had a blast expecially as some school friends were also there, so i basically just relaxed by the pool for 3 days and drank.

Took some piccies too...

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13-04-2010, 02:10 AM
jarne

they also have a deal for guests that if you prepay ex 10000/20000/...100000 bath into an hotel "account" you get 25-50% discount on beverage,spa,food , activeties, I believe everything the hotel is selling are discounted.
That is a great option. The amount is not refoundable so better spent it all.

listen
now this is important
wow i ve had so many great girls lately. Im happy to shear this with you. Thank you.