Sofitel Raja Orchid in Khon Kaen, Thailand

"Wow! Can I afford this place?"

Actually I didn't think I could because I was on a tight budget for a longish trip and planned on staying a few nights in Khon Kaen. So I did the next best thing and checked in next door so I could spend some quality time at the Sofitel Raja Orchid brew pub.

The Sofitel stands in a plaza just off Prachasumran Road. Two other significant buildings in the square are an upscale massage parlor and the Kosa Hotel.

The Sofitel is one of those rare finds .. a 5 star hotel for less than Bt 2,500. Two terms I use to describe the Raja Orchid are "elegant" and "well done".

I really appreciated the brew pub. Besides having outstanding beer, the place is laid out to look less cavernous than it is . and gives you some seating choices. You can sit at a table a section near the entertainment, in a quieter location ate the end of the room .. or in a booth, which seems cozier.

Cleo's is an upscale "cocktail lounge' with some of the prettier maidens thereabouts.

All this fun takes place in the "Underground", which has a separate entrance as well as lobby access. The disco, light show and DJ stuff takes place at "WOW!"

Restaurants at the Sofitel range from Western to Thai to Chinese to Vietnamese.

As I was not a guest I didn't try the fitness center, but it looks state-of-the-art.

One of my friends was working at the Nam Pong gas field while the drilling operation was in process. He spent a number of weekends at the Raja Orchid and praised the rooms.

So they must be okay, because he is a picky bugger!

Issan Hotels