Viangbua Mansion
Last updated 2008-02-09
The Viangbua Mansion is a relatively new place and opened at the end of 2004. While a large part of their business is daily visitors, their core market is longer term residents and the overall feel is of a good quality serviced apartment building. They offer a range of room types but for this review we'll concentrate on the basic type 1 Superior Room, which is a 36 sq.m studio apartment.
The rooms are very nicely decorated and furnished, with fitted wardrobes and plenty of storage cupboards. Good quality tile floors, soft lighting, a large refrigerator and a really nice shower room make these an attractive long stay option. There are twin and double rooms (queen size bed) available.
If we can think of one criticism, it is a design flaw in the room layout. The bathroom is built at the window end of the room, drastically reducing the amount of daylight that enters the rooms, making them feel a little dark, even on a sunny day, although some people will appreciate this.
All rooms have an electronic safe, cable TV, silent running aircon and a balcony. There is WiFi internet service throughout the building although at the time of writing, 500 Baht per month is charged for access and when we stayed here, the internet was very unreliable for the whole of the month... We were not impressed with the fee charged for a shoddy internet connection that should have been free in the first place.
Other services include excellent security (lift access only if you have a room key), CCTV, 24 hour guard, laundrette, fitness room and a 24 hour coffee shop (drinks only). Disappointingly, the restaurant is only open for breakfast and lunch until 3 p.m. You'll have to go elsewhere to eat in the evening but there are plenty of options nearby.
The Viangbua is located in a somewhat remote northern part of the city and the ride into town will cost around 60 Baht in a tuk tuk. There is nearly always a tuk tuk driver hanging around outside the reception area hoping for a customer.
Overall, the staff were very friendly and most of them can speak reasonably good English. At the time of writing, monthly rent for the superior type 1 room is 12,000 Baht per month, not including electricity.
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