Phayao Hotels with Swimming Pools

The good points: a well-built fairly new hotel with large comfortable rooms and a great view (Lakeside rooms).  Spotlessly clean. Bad points: No management, or anyone of responsibility on site above the two young and rather timid receptionists over our 2 day stay.  I needed a second key card as had I suffered a back injury (no fault of the hotel) and was confined to my room initially.  My partner also required a key card to be able to gain access to the lift, and also to the room if I could not get up from my bed.  The receptionist‘s response was that “the system did not allow for 2 cards to be issued”.  I accepted that they might not have the authority to override this rule and asked to see the duty manager.  I was told he would not be in till 10 am the next day. I asked to be notified when he arrived.  He did not come in all day.  When I pressed the receptionist to see him on the third day before we left it was admitted that he wouldn’t be in that day either, in fact no one could say when, or if, he would be in attendance.  I would add that the reception staff appeared fearful when I asked for the manager’s name which I was only provided after making an absolute demand.  It is unsafe that a hotel of this size be left unmanaged.  In the event of an emergency there was no one of any authority to take charge. Breakfast was very poor;  it was served in a coffee shop by the pool instead of the dining room - I presume as there were not many guests.  I had no problem with this, but for a middle range hotel the breakfast itself was a disgrace.  Perhaps what you might expect from a cheap budget motel but not for the price we paid here.  For example, one had to make one’s coffee from an unpleasant tasting powder in a jar by an urn of hot water.  Minimal choice and scanty quantity. I didn't bother with it after the first day and went to a near by cafe instead. Room - no safe, no hairdryer. Kettle but no coffee or spoons. This could be a really good hotel but it needs hands-on management. A bit of a walk into the town but doable and worth it for the peaceful location.

I went to Payao on Jun 11-12, 22. I stayed at Naga Tara. The resort staff were so nice. The female reception in daytime was so friendly and kind. She tried to help us rent a motorcycle, even it had been fully booked. Unfortunately, there was not a name tag nor we did not know her name. The staff escorted us to a villa at the first time by resort buggy. The room was nice, well decorated, and well designed. In the morning, we could experience the atmosphere of Payao lake, sitting by the lake and felt the wind on our faces. The breakfast was good. We could swim at night since the pool was accessible from our room. The floor near the pool was broken, I thought it need to be fixed. The resort is not far from the bus terminal and easy for travelling. I will absolutely visit again next time that I go to Payao.