Strong insecticide vapors blown into our room from the central aircon; we had to change hotels near bedtime because insecticide is toxic. Restaurant closed; had to eat at a table near the pool where the seat was too low. Food quality poor compared to how it was before they closed it, although at least it was included free in the room price. They said they were doing ”pest control” in the restaurant, the reason it was closed. How it got into the central a/c is anyone's guess. Unstable wifi. Old outlets on 3rd floor would not accept a US 3-wire plug, even though the ones on the 8th floor were fine; floors 4-9 were closed. I have always stayed on the 8th floor and suspect other floors were closed then. Construction noise in the room and breakfast area during the day and early evening. Relined bathtubs had cracks in the new lining, exposing some black stuff (mold?). New manager seemed callous about problems, including the insecticide problem. The third floor elevator area was filled with construction tools and debris when we arrived. 30 years ago, it was the nicest hotel in town, the only 4-star, but the owners did not keep it up. Now they could film The Shining there. I have stayed at this place several times in the past 7 years and been satisfied. I was always given a room on the 8th floor, which was ok, if shabby. It appears to have been sold to new management, who wants to have customers during renovation (which it desperately needs). My guess is that the new management will do the minimum amount of renovation to keep it open. There is a nightclub, massage parlor, barbershop, and more on the first floor, but they have all been closed for years. The elevator has tape over the 1 button. Location is about 1km from the bus station at the edge of the city center. Walking around the city center requires the 1km walk first (and last) to the edge; no taxis or tuk-tuks around hotel, and not many in the city center. Nearest restaurant is about 700m away. It does have a nice pool suitable for lap swim or children, but I wonder if it is being maintained properly during the construction. They really should have closed the hotel for a year or two for major renovations. I suggest not staying there in 2023 at least, maybe 2024.
