The precast private pool with jets sits in front of the villa along with two sun beds in yellow-and-white stripes. Villas are clustered near each other, so if you roll deep, your squad can have a little village of your own. I checked into a Standard Pool Villa, which ranges from 99-106mВІ.

The accommodation choices range from the 35mВІ Superior King, Superior Twin with upsized beds to Bayside Villa, the poshest room with a view of the main swimming pool and beachfront from its private terrace. Every room is treated to a garden or beach view from private balconies. The buildings of The Standard, Hua Hin have a minimalist white facade, possibly an architectural ode to the now-closed The Standard, Hollywood (Google to see what I mean). And that's probably the first of many surprises you'll experience during your stay. The lush surroundings may fool you to look for actual birds but there are none to be found - it's an artificial sound. While exploring the beautiful landscape of the 199-key property, your ears will pick up on birds chirping, adding a sense of serenity. You'll be refreshed with the signature welcome drink Pink Malai, made of pomegranate, peach and rose. The garden surrounds an open-air lobby that is inspired by a train station, complete with a double-side train station bench. Opened on Dec 1, The Standard Hua Hin isn't as rowdy as the aforementioned two, being a lush resort that sits on the calm Hua Hin beach. Or more recently, pictures of the star-studded Met Gala after-party in the Boom Boom Room of The Standard, High Line where Katie Perry once showed up as a glorified hamburger. You may perhaps be aware of The Standard via two episodes of Sex And The City (if you're among the oldest millennials such as moi) that used The Standard Hollywood as their location. It serves as a hint that your stay will come with surprises, turning your expectations of hospitality upside down. The inverted red iconography against a granite wall is the first thing that catches your eye once you arrive at The Standard, Hua Hin on Naresdamri Road, the first Thai property of the famous US hotel brand.

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