Oasis in the city - don't be fooled by apperances!

we were so surprised when we arrived at this hotel. when you show up, the area of town is not all that great. you're away from the main attractions, in a fairly run-down area, and not immediately next to any restaurants or night-life options. but when you entered, it was as if you stepped into a different world. there are plants everywhere and it's so green you forget you're in the heart of a city. you couldn't even hear the traffic from the road immediately outside most of the time. so great. plus, the breakfast was excellent (and included!)

the only concerns i had were:
1.) the price of the spa. they only offered packages and there was no option for a true "budget traveler." i'd have loved to have gone there, but when there are cheaper places everywhere you do without the amenities. i simply wish they'd have offered some 1 hour packages that were of a less intense variety and for a value price.

2.) there were many staff members at the front desk who didn't speak much english and couldn't help us with basic questions about the city. one young man was fabulous though, and he deserves much praise. even as i say this, i acknowledge that the staff members were all doing the best they could and were very polite.

3.) the rooms don't lock well. you are given a padlock and a simple key to lock up your belongings, and at one point we locked our key in the room and were able to climb through our window (which wouldn't properly latch) and get inside without concern. they had a safe for the important stuff - but this would be an area i hope they'd improve upon, especially being in the heart of the city.

overall i would highly recommend the shewe wana - it's a distance from the old city - but nothing a cheap tuk tuk ride can't handle with ease.