S3 Hua Hin Hotel

If you want a clean, modern room in central Hua Hin without paying resort prices for a stretch of private sand, this is the sort of place I'd point you toward. It sits right on Phet Kasem Road, which means the beach, the night markets and most of the town's eating is a short hop away rather than a taxi ride. Rooms are contemporary with smart TVs and Wi-Fi. Nothing showy, and that's rather the point.

There's a pool, which matters more than people think in April and May when the heat sits on you all afternoon, and a cafe on site for when you can't face going out again. It suits couples, solo travelers and small groups who plan to spend their days elsewhere and want somewhere quiet and comfortable to come back to. Anyone after a full beachfront resort experience with kids' clubs and three restaurants should look elsewhere.