Centara Hotel Hat Yai is a 4-star city-centre property in southern Thailand that trades on a prime location above Central Department Store, a full suite of facilities, and rates that routinely drop below US$35 per night. This review draws on verified guest feedback, OTA listings, and official brand data to answer the questions most travellers ask before booking.
Last checked: 2026-06-21
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Hotel Name: Centara Hotel Hat Yai · Location: Hat Yai, Thailand – city centre, above Central Department Store · Rooms: 248 · Amenities: 2 restaurants, outdoor pool, full-service spa, free WiFi, free self parking · Star Rating: First Class (4-star equivalent) · Owner: Centara Hotels & Resorts
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-06-21.
Sources reviewed: official property website, KAYAK listing, Momondo listing, Booking.com reviews, Agoda listing, Hotels.com listing.
No on-site inspection, no staff interview, and no independent price verification beyond published rates.
- Starting Rate: RM 134 per night (approx. USD 29) – lowest published rate on KAYAK
- Location Score: Rated ‘excellent’ by guests for proximity to shopping and dining (TripAdvisor)
Snapshot: Centara Hotel Hat Yai
- 3 Sanehanusorn Road, Hat Yai 90110, Thailand – 4-star equivalent (KAYAK)
- 248 rooms, apartments, and suites, 25–76 m² (Centara Hotels & Resorts)
- Outdoor pool, full-service spa, fitness centre, free Wi-Fi, free self-parking (KAYAK)
- All-day café, Thai restaurant, coffee corner, lounge with live music (Centara Hotels & Resorts)
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Hotel Name | Centara Hotel Hat Yai |
| Location | Hat Yai, Thailand – city centre, above Central Department Store |
| Rooms | 248 |
| Amenities | 2 restaurants, outdoor pool, full-service spa, free WiFi, free self parking |
| Star Rating | First Class (4-star equivalent) |
| Owner | Centara Hotels & Resorts |
Is Centara Hotel Hat Yai a good location?
The hotel sits at 3 Sanehanusorn Road, roughly 1 km from Hat Yai city centre and adjacent to Odean Shopping Mall. Being placed directly above Central Department Store gives guests covered access to one of the city’s main retail hubs. The Reclining Buddha statue is within a short walk, and the Hat Yai train station is about a 10-minute drive away.
Guest reviews on Booking.com consistently highlight the location as a major advantage. One Malaysian reviewer noted: “Central location, close to shopping and food outlets.” Another called it “perfect for exploring Hat Yai city.”
Proximity to shopping and dining
The attached Central Department Store is a two‑minute walk from the lobby, and Odean Shopping Mall is across the street. Night markets, local eateries, and the Kim Yong Market are all within 1.5 km. For cross‑border shoppers arriving by car, free self‑parking is included.
Access to public transport
Taxis and tuk‑trucks queue outside the hotel. The Hat Yai bus terminal is 3 km away; the train station is about 2.5 km. Most guests use the hotel as a base for walking or short rides into the city core.
The bottom line: For anyone wanting to be in the thick of Hat Yai’s shopping and dining scene, this hotel’s location is hard to beat.
Is Centara a 5 star hotel?
No – Centara Hotels & Resorts classifies this property as a First Class (4-star equivalent) hotel. Multiple major OTAs, including KAYAK and Momondo, list it as 4-star. The brand’s true luxury tier is the Centara Grand line, which operates 5-star properties in destinations such as Bangkok, Phuket, and Krabi.
Star rating clarification
The Centara Hotel Hat Yai was originally built as a Novotel (hence the old Booking.com URL that still reads “novotel-centara-hat-yai”). Its facilities – outdoor pool, spa, multiple restaurants, business centre – align with a solid 4-star standard. Guest review aggregates on Booking.com typically place it in the 7.5–8.5 out of 10 range, consistent with mid‑tier 4-star properties.
How Centara Hotel Hat Yai compares to Centara Grand
The Centara Grand brand targets the luxury segment with higher room prices, larger suites, and resort-style facilities. The Hat Yai property offers a practical, full-service experience at a lower price point – not the luxury of a Centara Grand but far more than a budget city hotel.
The implication: If you need a 5-star brand name for a corporate policy or a special occasion, look at the Centara Grand in nearby destinations. For a comfortable, well-equipped stay in Hat Yai, the 4-star rating here is appropriate.
Is breakfast included at Centara Hotel Hat Yai?
Breakfast is not automatically included in all rate plans. According to KAYAK, many online travel agencies list both “room only” and “room with breakfast” options. The hotel’s all‑day café and Thai restaurant serve breakfast, but you must check your specific booking to see if it’s covered.
Breakfast package options
On Agoda, the 2026 listing shows that breakfast is offered as a payable add‑on for approximately 300–400 THB per person. Some promotional rates include it; premium room categories (executive and suites) often bundle breakfast.
How to check your booking
Look for “breakfast included” in the rate description on the OTA or direct booking page. If it’s not stated explicitly, assume it is not included and plan to pay separately at the hotel.
The catch: The published US$34 rate on KAYAK is a room‑only rate. Adding breakfast brings the effective nightly cost closer to US$45–50, still competitive for a 4‑star property in Hat Yai.
How far is Centara Hatyai from the airport?
Hat Yai International Airport (HDY) is approximately 13 km from the hotel. A taxi ride takes about 15–20 minutes depending on traffic.
Distance and travel time
Guests arriving at the airport can expect a straightforward drive along the Rachayindee Road corridor. The hotel’s city‑centre location means you bypass most out‑of‑town congestion. Private taxis from the airport terminal typically charge a flat rate of around 200–300 THB.
Transport options
Taxis are the most common choice. Ride‑hailing apps such as Grab operate in Hat Yai; a GrabCar ride from the airport to the hotel costs roughly 250–350 THB. The hotel’s free self‑parking is a bonus for guests driving from Malaysia.
The pattern: The airport distance is well within the convenience range for a regional city hotel – closer than many resort properties on the outskirts.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Check-in / Check-out | 15:00 / 12:00 (Momondo) |
| Pool | Outdoor pool with city view |
| Spa | Full-service Cenvaree spa |
| Fitness | Well-equipped gym |
| Free Wi-Fi | Throughout the hotel |
| Parking | Free self-parking (valet not mentioned) |
| Kids’ amenities | Kids’ club, indoor play area, babysitting, interconnecting rooms |
| Accessibility | Accessible rooms available (generic OTA description) |
| Languages | English and Thai spoken; some reviews mention Malay-friendly staff |
| Safety | CCTV, 24-hour security, in-room safes (Hotels.com) |
Pros and Cons of Centara Hotel Hat Yai
What guests appreciate
- Prime location above Central Department Store and near shopping malls
- Full amenity set: pool, spa, fitness centre, multiple restaurants
- Family‑friendly features: kids’ club, play area, interconnecting rooms
- Free self‑parking – a draw for Malaysian travellers driving in
- Consistently high ratings for cleanliness and staff friendliness on Booking.com
What guests caution
- Rooms and décor are dated – “old but clean” is a common phrase (Momondo)
- Some standard rooms are relatively small
- Occasional cleanliness lapses noted in low‑tier room categories
- Breakfast not always included – check your rate plan carefully
- Noise from internal venues (live music lounge) may affect some rooms
Pricing band: What you can expect to pay
The cheapest published rate on KAYAK for a superior room is US$34 per night. Average nightly prices on Agoda cluster around US$63 for standard room types. Executive rooms and suites can exceed US$150 per night during peak periods. The hotel sits in the budget‑friendly end of the 4‑star segment – guests pay a slight premium for the location and full facilities compared to basic city hotels.
The trade-off: Paying the lowest rate means you get a dated room. Upgrading to an executive floor or suite brings larger space and better appointments.
Location and getting there
Centara Hotel Hat Yai is at 3 Sanehanusorn Road, Hat Yai 90110, Thailand (Momondo). Walking distance places you in the heart of the shopping district. The hotel is 0.6 miles from the city centre and about 13 km from Hat Yai International Airport. Cross‑border travellers from Malaysia often arrive by car or train; the free on‑site parking and proximity to Hat Yai train station (2.5 km) are practical advantages.
Alternatives to consider
If Centara Hotel Hat Yai doesn’t meet your needs, these properties offer different trade‑offs:
- Crystal Hotel Hat Yai – a newer mid‑range hotel with modern décor, no full‑service spa but lower rates.
- Centara Krabi – a 4‑star Centara beach resort in Krabi, suitable if you want the same brand but prefer a coastal setting.
- Lee Gardens Plaza Hotel – a budget‑friendly option directly connected to a shopping mall, though with fewer facilities.
Our pick: Who should book Centara Hotel Hat Yai?
Based on the data reviewed, this hotel works best for:
- Budget-conscious travellers who want a 4‑star full‑service experience at a 3‑star price – the US$34 starting rate is hard to beat for a hotel with a pool and spa.
- Shoppers who value being attached to Central Department Store and steps away from markets.
- Business travellers who need reliable Wi‑Fi, a business centre, and a central location.
- First‑time visitors to Hat Yai who want convenience and a safety net of full amenities.
Our recommendation: If you can tolerate slightly dated rooms for the sake of location and facilities, this is a strong value choice. If modern décor is non‑negotiable, consider the Crystal Hotel or a recently refurbished unit within the hotel.
““The hotel is a bit old but room and amenities wise are still a great and clean Centara standard.””
– Unnamed guest review cited by brand, Guest quoted on official Centara site
““Probably the best option to stay in Hat Yai.””
– Booking.com guest, Verified guest reviewer
Related reading: Hyatt JB Hotel Review � Sheraton Kuching Hotel Review
For travelers interested in the brand’s expansion, the Centara Grand Hotel Osaka offers a five-star experience in Japan’s bustling Namba district.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Centara Hotel Hat Yai have an outdoor pool?
Yes – it has an outdoor pool with a city view, confirmed by KAYAK and Agoda.
Is free parking available at Centara Hotel Hat Yai?
Yes – free self‑parking is included for guests.
Does the hotel have a spa?
Yes – a full‑service Cenvaree spa is on‑site.
Are there connecting rooms at Centara Hotel Hat Yai?
Yes – interconnecting rooms are available for families.
How many restaurants are on‑site?
Four dining venues: all‑day café, Thai restaurant, coffee corner, and lounge with live music.
What is the hotel’s official website?
https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centara/chy
Is there a gym or fitness center?
Yes – a well‑equipped fitness centre is open to guests.
Sources cited
- Centara Hotels & Resorts – Centara Hotel Hat Yai official page
- KAYAK – Centara Hotel Hat Yai listing
- Momondo – Centara Hotel Hat Yai
- Booking.com – Centara Hotel Hat Yai reviews
- Agoda – Centara Hotel Hat Yai
- Hotels.com – Centara Hotel Hat Yai
- TripAdvisor – Centara Hotel Hat Yai reviews