Chilling out in Kabin Buri

ONE OF THAILAND’S best known chains of hotels and serviced apartments, the Kantary Hotel Group always guarantees guest satisfaction thanks to great locations, well-equipped and modern rooms, pleasant communal areas like reading and cosy meeting rooms as well as swimming pools, whirlpools, saunas and, most importantly, delicious food.
My recent trip saw me driving towards the lower Northeast, travelling through Nakhon Nayok to Prachin Buri province for a stay at the all-suite Kantary Hotel and Serviced Apartments in Kabin Buri. 

Overview of the hotel's building

Located conveniently on the road to the Cambodian border and the industrial estates in the Sa Kaeo special economic zone, Kabin Buri is frequented by both resident and visiting businessmen and the hotel has thus taken care to employ staff who speak English well.
The town is within easy reach of such tourist attractions as Sri Mahosot Ancient City and Khao Yai, Thap Lan and Pang Sida National Parks, which spread over more than 3,000 square kilometres. The province also hosts a fruit festival in May or June, Long Boat Racing in September on the Bang Pakong River, and a floral exhibition in December. There’s plenty for the golfing set too, with an 18-hole course at Kabinburi Sport Club designed by Japanese architect Yoshi Kazu said to be one of the country’s most challenging. And for the shoppers, it’s just a short drive to the well-known Rong Kluea border market.

The comfortable bedroom

Little wonder then that the 12-storey, five-star Kantary is a popular place to stay. Suites vary in size from 44 to 88 square metres and are clean, tastefully decorated and have the furniture and fittings required for make them into a home from home. 
The living room has a wide-screen television with international cable service, a small stereo system, a DVD player, plug-in Internet, a safe balcony and a dining area. There is a well-equipped kitchen corner fitted with refrigerator, microwave, hob and oven, toaster, quality crockery and cutlery, as well as a washing machine. The sleeping area is well appointed and the bathroom is equipped with all the necessary toiletries. 
Facilities include separate male and female sauna and steam rooms and a well-equipped fitness centre complete with instructor. Kids and older children will love the large swimming pool while their elders relax in the hot and large whirlpool.
A quiet executive lounge-cum-reading room is just off the lobby and can be used for small meetings. Businessmen are catered to through a secretarial service that provides fax, e-mail, computer and photocopying facilities. The Wi-Fi is free, as are the tea, coffee and snacks.

A mounth-watering steak with all the trimmings  

Meals are served at the California Steak Restaurant, which serves an appealing selection of the best cuts of meat from around the world as well as freshly baked pizza, seafood, international and Thai dishes and desserts, all fairly priced. 
You can also enjoy a light meal or coffee on the way back to Bangkok courtesy of another Kantary Group outlet. Cafe Kantary 304, which is in Prachin Buri’s Si Maha Pho district, offers a mix of international and Asian dishes including freshly baked pizza; Hokkaido Sashimi Salad and a delicious spicy stir-fried spaghetti with Salmon and Salmon Roe. Sweet treats include crepes, waffle, pancake, honey toast, and ice cream. 
It’s open daily from 10am until 10pm.
  

AT A GLANCE
High point: As conformable as your own home 
Low point: Poor sign posting to the entrance that makes the hotel easy to miss
Pay for it: See website for the best details
Find it: Kantary Hotel and Serviced Apartments, Kabin Buri, 349, 349/2 Moo 8, Suwannasorn Road, Muang Kao district, Kabinburi, Prachinburi 25240
Call it: (037) 282699, (037) 203193
Browse it: www.KantaryCollection.com.