Escape to Paradise: Dream Factory Hotel & Rooftop Bar, Udon Thani
Escape to Paradise: Dream Factory Hotel & Rooftop Bar - Udon Thani - My Chaotic, Sparkling, and Slightly Sweaty Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just escaped to paradise (or at least Udon Thani's version of it) and I’m still buzzing. Dream Factory Hotel & Rooftop Bar… the name already has a certain… je ne sais quoi don't it? And frankly, after battling a rogue suitcase, questionable taxi etiquette, and the sheer, unadulterated humidity of Isaan, I needed a dream factory. And boy, did I get one. Though, it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows, folks. Let's dive in, shall we? Get ready for my unfiltered, possibly over-caffeinated review…
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, But Mostly Okayish.
Right off the bat, I'm not in a wheelchair, so I can't give you a definitive "YES, ALL ACCESS!" statement. But honestly? It felt pretty good for accessibility. The elevator was a godsend (especially after that suitcase terror!), and the public areas seemed manageable. They had a few facilities for disabled guests listed, and that already put me in a good mood. I mean, any hotel that thinks about these things gets bonus points in my book.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: Didn't notice specifically labelled ones, but I'm willing to bet that with the generally open plan and ramps, getting around shouldn't be a major issue. More on that later, because…
My Room: A Sanctuary of Sorts…With Some Quirks
Available in all rooms: This list is loooong. Air conditioning (essential!), alarm clock (which I ignored), bathrobes (yes!), desk (yes, thank you!), free bottled water (saved me from the heat), high floor (yay views!), in-room safe box (always good!), internet access (duh!), ironing facilities (useful!), mini bar (tempting!), non-smoking (thank you!), satellite/cable (binge-watching material!), shower, slippers (luxury!), soundproofing (bliss!), telephone (never used!), toiletries (lovely!), towels (soft!), wake-up service (useless for a night owl like me!), and wi-fi (essential for an internet junkie like myself)
My room, a non-smoking haven (praise be!), was… nice. Clean-ish. Okay, let's be honest: the carpets might have seen a few thousand tiny feet, but hey, I'm not expecting pristine perfection in the heart of Udon Thani. The bed? HUGE. Cozy. I could roll around like a beached whale. The blackout curtains were a lifesaver. Seriously, the Thai sun is brutal. My only real complaint was the slightly temperamental air con. One minute freezing, the next… a vague, lukewarm breeze. But hey, I survived. The internet? Glorious. Streaming? Seamless. My inner couch potato was thrilled. I could write a whole novel on that wi-fi. I almost did!
Safety and Cleanliness: Sanitized Reality or Marketing Hype?
Okay, this is where things get interesting. They really pushed the sanitation. Like, REALLY pushed it. Daily disinfection in common areas, anti-viral cleaning products, rooms sanitized between stays, staff trained in safety protocol. All the buzzwords! And honestly? I felt relatively safe. You could almost smell the bleach in the air (metaphorically, of course). The hand sanitizer stations were everywhere, and the staff were masked up and ready to go. They even have options for “Room sanitization opt-out available,” I mean, seriously? This was a big plus for me. I’m a nervous Nelly when it comes to germs, and even a bit of a hypochondriac. (No judgement, please!)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure!
Oh, the food. My stomach is rumbling just thinking about it.
Breakfast [buffet] Was a thing. The buffet was… fine. The usual suspects: eggs, bacon (always a win!), toast, fruit (deliciously ripe!), and some unidentifiable Thai delicacies that I bravely – and cautiously – sampled. Asian breakfast was a solid contender, but I preferred the western options. I mean, I can eat Pad Thai every day, but who doesn't crave an American style breakfast? The coffee/tea in restaurant… also fine, but after the third lukewarm cup I ordered from room service.. I started to smuggle my own sachets from my hotel.
Restaurants: The main restaurant was a decent spot. The a la carte in restaurant options were extensive and the international cuisine in restaurant menu offered something for everyone. The happy hour at the poolside bar was a MUST. Cocktails at sunset, overlooking the city? Yes, please! And the desserts in restaurant… oh, those desserts. I gained five pounds, probably. No regrets.
Snack bar was useful for a quick bite. Asian cuisine in restaurant, western cuisine in restaurant: A good balance. Just remember, bring a good appetite.
The Rooftop Bar: Where Dreams (and Cocktails) Are Made - My Personal Paradise for the Day!
This is where Dream Factory truly shines! The Rooftop Bar… siiiigh. This is where I got distracted! I mean, the views! Literally breathtaking. You're up high, overlooking the city, the sunset painting the sky in fiery hues, drink in hand, music in the background… pure bliss. Pool with view also has the view, but the bar itself is the place. The cocktails were inventive. The music wasn't too loud. It was the perfect place to unwind after a day exploring the city or simply spend all day at the bar.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: A Spa Day… with a Twist!
They had a spa! Spa, sauna, steamroom, massage, body scrub, body wrap, foot bath. I'm all about pampering myself, so I booked a massage. The massage itself was… intense. The masseuse, bless her heart, was serious about her craft. Deep tissue? More like "soul-crushing." I’m pretty sure I left with fewer knots, but also a few bruises. But, hey, that's the price of relaxation, I guess. The fitness center was there… I saw it. Didn't use it. (See: desserts, above.)
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Mattered
Daily housekeeping – Fantastic! My room was cleaned every day, the bed was made, and everything was sparkly. Contactless check-in/out – easy peasy. Concierge - Helpful with suggestions and directions. Elevator - Always welcome. Laundry service - did exactly what I was after. Cash withdrawal and currency exchange: convenient! Doorman - Helpful and friendly. Front desk [24-hour] - Great, for any issues that might occur.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly, But…
I didn't have any kids with me, but I did see a few families. They had babysitting services, however, I'm not sure if I would be recommending it. I'd say its Family/child friendly if you want.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy (Mostly!)
Airport transfer – Available. Useful. Car park [free of charge] – Brilliant. Taxi service – Available. Bicycle parking – There.
Overall: Would I Go Back?
Absolutely. Despite the minor quirks, the Dream Factory Hotel and Rooftop Bar was a fantastic experience. It's not perfect, no, but it's got that certain something that makes it memorable. It's clean, reasonably priced, and the rooftop bar is pure magic. It's a great base for exploring Udon Thani, and a perfect place to escape the everyday. Just be prepared for intense massages, and maybe bring your own coffee. 4 out of 5 stars. Highly recommended!
Jintana Bangkok: The Condo Everyone's Obsessed With!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. We're diving headfirst into the swirling vortex of Udon Thani, Thailand, and my brain's already starting to hum a little off-key. This is more of a "what-the-hell-happened" log than a meticulously planned travel guide, so expect… well, expect the unexpected. And a lot of questionable food choices.
Dream Factory Hotel & Rooftop Bar – The Beginning (and the potential for an epic hangover)
Day 1: Arrival and the "Where's My Luggage?!" Blues
- 14:00: Landed in Udon Thani. Sun blazes like a malevolent eye. Immediately sweat through my airport-chic linen shirt. Already regretting that "tropical paradise" aesthetic. The airport's… functional. Let's call it that.
- 14:30: Taxi to the Dream Factory Hotel. The driver, bless his heart, clearly missed the memo on "smooth driving." My neck is protesting.
- 15:00: Check-in… and disaster. No luggage! Apparently, my bag decided to take a scenic route. Cue the internal freak-out. Breathe, breathe. At least the hotel lobby has that cool, industrial-chic thing going on. And the staff are genuinely lovely, even if I'm a sweaty, luggage-less mess.
- 16:00: Settle into my room. It's actually pretty damn cool. Exposed brick, funky artwork, a balcony overlooking… well, something. Possibly a construction site. Embrace the chaos!
- 17:00: Reconnaissance mission: Rooftop Bar. The views are… okay. I was expecting more "glamorous infinity pool overlooking the jungle," but it's more "concrete jungle overlooking… other concrete." Still, they serve beer. And beer fixes everything, right?
- 18:00 - 20:00: "Dinner" at a street-side food stall. Attempted to order something… vaguely recognizable. Ended up with mystery meat on a stick. Tasted mostly like… stick. But hey, it filled the void left by my missing luggage.
- 21:00 - ?: Rooftop Bar. Beer, questionable cocktails, and a burning desire to find my suitcase. Met a lovely (or possibly delusional) Australian couple who swore they'd seen Elvis. Maybe the cocktails are kicking in.
Day 2: Culture Shock and Sticky Rice Adventures
- 08:00: Woke up. Still no luggage. The sun is unforgiving. Breakfast at the hotel. The buffet is… overwhelming. So many choices! Went for the familiar: toast and questionable-looking fruit.
- 09:00: The Sacred Heart College Tour – Double Down! Okay, hear me out. Initially, this was just a "check it off the list" kind of thing. But the sheer beauty of the campus, the vibrant life even in the rain, and the friendly locals made me pause. And the stories of the campus's history, so rich in love, loss, and community, made a deep impression on me.
- 12:00: Lunch, an adventure in itself! I finally tried Tom Yum soup! And I loved it. The flavors danced on my tongue like a Thai street dance. Spicy, sour, everything. It was amazing.
- 14:00: Visit to the Udon Thani Provincial Museum. More "interesting" than "thrilling." Lots of dusty artifacts, some blurry photos, and a profound sense of "I don't know what's going on." Still, I appreciate the effort.
- 16:00: "Relaxing" Thai massage. Turns out, "relaxing" in Thailand is really pushing the boundaries of human flexibility. My masseuse was a tiny woman with the strength of ten oxen. I may have yelped. A lot.
- 18:00: Dinner. Found a small restaurant. Ordered something that smelled amazing, but turned out to be another "mystery meat" situation. It was very spicy. I shed a tear.
- 20:00: Rooftop Bar. Apparently, Elvis is still in town. More cocktails.
Day 3: The Lake and the Real Taste of Thailand
- 09:00: Breakfast. I may or may not have attempted to eat a durian fruit for breakfast. It was an experience. Let's just say the hotel staff now avoids eye contact with me.
- 10:00: Visit to Nong Prajak Park. Finally! Some actual scenery. The lake is peaceful. The locals are friendly. The ducks are… aggressive. All in all, a much-needed dose of calm.
- 12:00: My search for the best restaurant continues. I stumbled across a small place. Every meal was a masterpiece. The Pad Thai was the best I have ever eaten and the smoothies were incredible. I loved it. The restaurant owner was delightful.
- 14:00: Back at the hotel, a massage. This time, I was prepared. Knew what to expect. Survived.
- 18:00: Packing for my next destination. It's going to be a messy flight.
Final Thoughts (Or, My Brain is Fried)
Udon Thani, you weird and wonderful place. You challenged me, frustrated me, and occasionally terrified me. But you also gave me moments of genuine joy, unexpected beauty, and enough stories to bore my friends and family for years to come. Would I go back? Absolutely. Just maybe with a slightly better plan (and my luggage). And a very, very strong tolerance for mystery meat.
Candiland Apartment Semarang: Your Dream Home Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Dream Factory Hotel & Rooftop Bar - Udon Thani - Or is it a Nightmare? Let's Find Out!
What's this Dream Factory place *actually* like? Is "Paradise" even remotely accurate?
Okay, so "Paradise"? Big, BIG exaggeration. Let's just say it's... an experience. Think slightly faded glamour meets a very enthusiastic attempt at modern chic. The Dream Factory Hotel in Udon Thani? Yeah, it *exists*. Honestly, I went in expecting something… well, "dreamy." Instead, I got a slightly chaotic, but undeniably memorable, stay. The lobby has these weird, almost aggressive, neon lights. I swear, the first thing that hit me was this sickly sweet air freshener that felt like it was trying *way* too hard to mask something. (I'm not saying what, but let's just say I kept picturing a rogue durian explosion.)
But here's the thing. The staff? Absolutely lovely. Unfailingly polite, even when I was clearly struggling to figure out the elevator (which, for the record, had a mind of its own). They really try, bless their hearts. So, paradise? No. A good laugh and a decent place to crash after a long day in Udon Thani? Potentially, yes. Definitely.
Is the Rooftop Bar any good? Is the view actually worth it?
Okay, the rooftop bar. This is where things get interesting. The *view*? Okay, yes, the view is actually pretty decent. You see quite a bit of Udon Thani laid out before you. It's not some breathtaking, jaw-dropping panorama, mind you. Let's be real, Udon Thani isn’t known for its dramatic landscapes. But it’s a pleasant enough vista, especially at sunset. That’s the good. THE GOOD. *Cue dramatic music*
Now, the... let's call it "ambience." It's… a bit trying-to-be-trendy. I got the distinct impression they were aiming for a "Miami Vice" vibe, but sort of landed in "Karaoke Night." The cocktails were… inconsistent. I ordered a Mojito that tasted like a very aggressive, minty bath bomb. My friend got something that was suspiciously purple and probably contained more sugar than actual alcohol. It was the kind of drink that makes your teeth hurt. BUT! The music was catchy, and after a few drinks, the view *did* get a whole lot better. And the little snacks they give you? Surprisingly good. Those little fried things? I have no idea what they were, but I demolished them. So, worth it? Maybe. Go for the view, brace yourself for the drinks.
What are the rooms like? Clean? Comfortable?
The rooms… okay, let's be real. They’re not *bad*. They’re… functional. Cleanish. The bed was surprisingly comfortable, which is a major win in my book. After a long day wandering around Udon Thani, a good bed is EVERYTHING. The décor? Well, it's… modern. In the way that a 2008 IKEA catalogue is modern. Lots of sharp angles, stark lighting, and… beige. So much beige. My room felt like it was actively trying to absorb all colour out of the world. Which, if you're hungover, might actually be a good thing. The bathroom was clean enough, although the water pressure was, shall we say, “enthusiastic.” It felt like a tiny, aggressive water cannon had taken up residence in the shower. But hey, at least it works! Bring your own extra towels though, because those weren't exactly plentiful. And the aircon? Worked a treat, which is essential in Udon Thani.
Is it noisy? I need my beauty sleep!
Noise levels… well, that depends. My room faced the street, and I could, um, *hear* the street. Let's just say Udon Thani isn’t exactly known for its silence. Motorbikes, tuk-tuks, the occasional blaring karaoke from a nearby establishment… it's all part of the charm. (Or, you know, the assault on your eardrums.) I'd recommend earplugs, or possibly a sound machine app. The real noise factor, though, comes from the *other* guests. It’s a vibrant place, the hotel, and that means people coming and going at all hours. Walls aren't exactly thick. I did get woken up one night by what sounded like a karaoke competition taking place in the hallway. So… yeah, bring earplugs. And maybe a weapon for when you find the offenders. (Just kidding... mostly.)
Is the breakfast any good? And what kind of food do they serve?
Breakfast… okay, this is where things get a bit… confused. They *offer* breakfast. Technically. It's included in the room price, which is always a bonus. But let’s be honest, it's not exactly a culinary masterpiece. Think a buffet of… well, a little bit of everything. Some lukewarm scrambled eggs. Some rather rubbery sausages. Toast that’s either burnt black or still practically raw. The coffee tasted vaguely of dishwater. (I’m being dramatic, but not *that* dramatic.) There were some pastries that looked… concerned. I’m not saying they were stale, but I'm also not *not* saying it. They had a noodle soup station, which was probably the best part. Made to order, actually quite tasty, and a welcome bit of warmth and flavour. The fruit was decent. But honestly, if you're a breakfast person, I'd recommend venturing out and finding a local cafe. Your taste buds will thank you. Or just stock up on instant noodles and snacks from 7-Eleven like I did. Survival is key.
How's the location? Is it easy to get around?
Location-wise, the Dream Factory is… central-ish? It's not directly in the thick of the action, which has its pros and cons. It's a reasonable walk to the main shopping areas and the train station, but during the heat of the day, that walk can feel like an eternity. Tuks-tuks and motorbike taxis are readily available, and they're cheap. Hail them, bargain a little, and you're good to go. Getting to the airport is easy though - a taxi will do the trick, though again, make sure you negotiate a price beforehand. But it's not in the most "happening" part of Udon Thani. There were some bars and restaurants nearby, but nothing that really blew me away. The area felt… functional, not exactly charming. Convenient, yes. Charmingly situated for a romantic getaway? Definitely not. I felt like a walking billboard for "tourist."
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