I'm going to be arriving in Udon Thani for the first time on March 12, 2009. I'm from California. I'd like to stay in a very nice Apartment or Hotel. Can anybody give me any recommendations? I'm a a single guy traveling alone and looking to have a nice time. I hope to have companionship while I'm there. I don't want to be too far from the action. Any info would be nice.

Thanks!

David

Don't think you would go wrong with Tops Mansion. Cheap, convenient, clean and guest friendly.
Enjoy your stay.

As trubrit says Top Mansion central, cheap (I think 350 baht a night, but cheaper for longer) & very clean.
Ruy Suk about the same as TM, but a bit farther to walk. Neither do breakfast, but plenty of choice nearby.
Irish Clock same Soi as TM, more expensive (I think 850 a night) & only a few rooms (8 I think), but larger rooms than the two above. Some of the best Falang food in Udon - but you don't have to stay there to try it!!
None of above have lifts, but I think no more than 4 floors.
Charon a good hotel walking distance to most things - about 900 a night I think. Large hotel with lifts etc. but have heard the breakfast isn't too good.
Have a look in the Hotels section & you will find web sites & contact details if you want to book before you arrive.
Top Mansion is very often full - especially at weekends.

How about a private Villa? Are there any that are clean and have a private pool?
Thanks for the help.

As someone who has stayed in the heart of the city and on the outskirts (outside the Ring Road) for a less expensive place, I highly recommend that you pay the extra baht to stay "close to the action." Anything you save in hotel costs will be easily eaten up and surpassed by transportation costs and your time.

I've stayed at the Irish Clock and have absolutely loved it. Pakalang Mansion is also not too far from things, has good transportation opportunities, close to Big C and Makro and very nice and inexpensive rooms. Both the Clock and Pakalang have wireless Internet in the rooms.

If Lee has a vacancy at his place, that is also very nice.

There are some nice resorts with pools for certain. Englishman's Retreat, BB Resort, to name but two.
However these tend to be on the outskirts of town and will require transport if you want to visit the bars in the centre and get back to them.
By "Villas" do you mean private properties for rent? If so then yes, but that tends to be for long term rental (6 months/1 year), not short term.
There is very limited choice if you want a place with a pool in central Udon - I can only think of The Grand that does & you certainly pay for the privilege..

I've been spoiled by staying at the 5 Star Conrad in Bangkok every time I visit Thailand. This time I'd like to venture out a bit. I'm hoping to meet a nice young lady to enjoy some time with and spoil her a bit as well. From all of the posts I've read, Udon seems to be a great place to go. I heard about a place called Bamboo..... I can't remember but it mentioned private villas with swimming pool. Maybe I'm hoping for too much?

Thanks for the help. You guys are great. If there any other cities that are highly recommended please let me know.

bit out of main town, but bamboo would be good place to relax, though may want to rent motorbike, which can actually be done for 50 baht a day villa is a stretch, small room poolside is better, though stand alone and pieceful. while in bkk, and i you find some decent company there, i strongely suggest, that you keep that one and bring with you, as local udon options seem to be more expensive, and limited, unless you are aware of the free complany plan, then no problem.

It's the Bamboo Garden, but it's no were near the center of town or where the action is. It's about 20mins by car from BG to ctr of town. Bob & WBU pretty much nailed it in their posts.

villa is a stretch, small room poolside is better,

Unless it's improved a lot since I was last there LA, I think your still stretching it a bit .... garden was nice though

I've been spoiled by staying at the 5 Star Conrad in Bangkok every time I visit Thailand

You are not going to find this sort of quality in Udon. I think The President is the only place that is going to come remotely close.
I believe that The Sofitel in Kohn Kaen has a good reputation, not that I have ever stayed there - bit out of my budget.

Might be worth your while splitting your time between the two if you are after quality.
President is a bit out of the centre in Udon, I think Sofitel is right in the middle of Kohn Kaen.

p.s. LA's suggestion of bringing your own company with you from BKK is, undoubtedly, a good one...

We stopped at the Bamboo Garden at New Year and I would definitely recommend it for a relaxing break,
however if you are looking for night life stay in Udon as you dont wish to Drink and drive

Bob, The Sofitel in KK "IS NO MORE".

I spent about 20 mins looking for it when recently buying my camera near there. Finally gave up looking, and eventually found out that it is now called PULLMAN or something like that.

The Raja Orchid khon Kaen is an Accor hotel, they changed the category from Sofitel to Pullman, seems it did not fit the 5* criteria. I still find it the best hotel in Isaan and stay there 2x year. Nothin in Udon comes close.

You can book directly via Accor website, always have some pre-paid promotion running.

Stayed at Pullman Raja Orchid in KK last month again, normally average 6 times a year etc.

Im an Accor Advantage Plus member and the room fee for the promotions was 2145 B, inc breakfast, 500 B off any meals purchased , plus a free jug of beer, and 2 welcome drinks and 2 hours free karoke.


http://www.accorhotels-asia.com/advplus ... login=fail