Autumn by Sansiri: Thailand's Most Stunning Condo Development (CANCELLED?) - SHOCKING Details Inside!
Autumn by Sansiri: Thailand's Most Stunning Condo Development (CANCELLED?) - SHOCKING Details Inside! - A Real Talk Review (Plus, a Deep Dive…If You Can Get In!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to wade through the glossy brochure hype and get REAL about Autumn by Sansiri. And the elephant in the room? CANCELLED?! I've read those whispers online, the hushed tones of "project on hold." So, first: BIG DISCLAIMER! This review is based on what WAS – the promises, the dreams – assuming (and hoping!) they somehow materialize. If they do, and you can actually book a stay, you'll know why I was so hyped… and maybe a little heartbroken.
(Okay, deep breath. Let's pretend this isn’t a ghost yet, alright? For the sake of my sanity, and yours.)
FIRST IMPRESSIONS & THE ACCESSIBILITY ANGLE (Because, Priorities!)
Sansiri always aims for lavish, and Autumn’s renderings were… breathtaking. I mean, the pool with a view? Forget about it, I wanted to dive right into the pictures! They promised a sleek, modern aesthetic, tons of glass, and that quintessential Thai touch of serene elegance. (Think less neon, more perfectly placed orchids.)
Accessibility? This is where it gets tricky, and where I start peppering this whole affair with a skeptical eyebrow raise. While the facilities for disabled guests were listed, the details? Vague. That’s the problem, my friends, with these glossy magazines: specific information is often missing. There's talk of an elevator, which is a good start, and even facilities for disabled guests, but until someone tells me how wide the doors are, I'm reserving judgement. I'd love to see how well they have wheelchair access and facilities for disabled guests and how available the facilities for disabled guests are. I need to see the roll-in showers, the grab bars, the well-lit everything. Hoping for accessible bathrooms in all rooms, just saying…
ROOMS & RESPITE: The Promised Paradise (IF it Exists!)
Assuming the rooms are a reality (again, crossing fingers!), here’s what we were supposed to get:
The Basics (and the Good Stuff): Air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobes (YES!), bathtub, coffee/tea maker, hair dryer, in-room safe box, mini bar, private bathroom, refrigerator, satellite/cable channels, shower, slippers, smoke detector, soundproofing, towels, and Wi-Fi [free]. The blackout curtains are a MUST for me. Sleep is sacred. Complimentary tea, free bottled water? Bonus points! The additional toilet is a luxury I didn't know I needed… until now.
The Extra Touches: Extra long bed (thank you!), laptop workspace, mirror, non-smoking, on-demand movies (binge-watching, here I come), reading light, seating area, separate shower/bathtub, socket near the bed, sofa. The interconnecting room(s) available is perfect for families.
The "Meh" Bits: Ironing facilities are nice to have, but ironing service is better (laziness wins!). Internet access – LAN feels a bit… dated. They better have a blazing Wi-Fi in all rooms!.
CLEANLINESS & SAFETY: Pandemic Era Shenanigans (and Hopefully, Still Relevant!)
Alright, this is where things get really interesting. If this thing ever opens, it needs to be damn safe, right? COVID (and future plagues!) changed the game. Autumn supposedly promised:
High Standards: Daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer, staff trained in safety protocol, rooms sanitized between stays, anti-viral cleaning products, sterilizing equipment, professional-grade sanitizing services (phew!).
The "Opt-Out" Option: The fact that room sanitization opt-out available is an option is fantastic-- because, while it's great to sanitize, it's even better to provide the option for guests!
Beyond Basic Hygiene: Hygiene certification is critical, and individually-wrapped food options are a good sign in this day and age. Safe dining setup is more than important.
DINING, DRINKING & SNACKING: Food, glorious food!
Oh, the dining. This is where Autumn really teased. The promised restaurants, coffee shop, snack bar, and poolside bar got me drooling.
Variety Is the Spice of Life: Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, international cuisine in restaurant, vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant. Okay, I'm good with this. A la carte in restaurant and buffet in restaurant sounds divine.
Little Luxuries: Bottle of water, breakfast [buffet], breakfast in room, breakfast takeaway service, coffee/tea in restaurant, desserts in restaurant, happy hour, poolside bar, salad in restaurant, soup in restaurant. I'm in.
Room Service (24-hour)! This is what makes a vacation. A perfectly-served room service [24-hour] is the key to a good vacation.
THINGS TO DO & WAYS TO RELAX: Beyond the Pool
They promised a paradise of pampering and activity.
Spa Scene: Body scrub, body wrap, foot bath, massage, sauna, spa, spa/sauna, steamroom. The Spa/Sauna will be my home base. You bet. The pool with view is definitely a draw.
Keeping Fit (or Pretending To): Fitness center, gym/fitness, swimming pool, swimming pool [outdoor]. Because, you know, guilt after the happy hour.
The Extras: (If it's not cancelled) Babysitting service. For the kids… (or to have a child-free evening, wink wink). Family/child friendly.
SERVICES & CONVENIENCES: The Little Things That Matter
This is where a hotel earns its stars.
Essential Perks: Air conditioning in public area, concierge, daily housekeeping, doorman, elevator, front desk [24-hour], invoice provided, luggage storage, meeting/banquet facilities, safety deposit boxes, and taxi service.
Making Life Easier: Cash withdrawal, convenience store, currency exchange, dry cleaning, food delivery, gift/souvenir shop, ironing service, and laundry service are all pluses.
For the Business Travelers: Audio-visual equipment for special events, business facilities, meeting stationery, meetings, projector/LED display, seminars, Wi-Fi for special events, and Xerox/fax in business center… for those times when it's not all fun and games (unfortunately).
GETTING AROUND: The Logistics
- Airport transfer, bicycle parking, car park [free of charge], car park [on-site], car power charging station, taxi service, and valet parking. Well, I want to be able to get there, and getting around is a big part of that.
FOR THE KIDS:
- Babysitting service. For the kids… (or to have a child-free evening, wink wink). Family/child friendly.
THE SHOCKING TRUTH (MAYBE): The Cancellation and My Reaction!
Alright, here's the kicker. The whispers, the rumors, the online rumblings… THEY'RE WHAT'S STICKING IN MY CRAW! The cancellation talk – and I’ve heard it multiple times from different sources – is just… frustrating. Sansiri has always promised luxury, and Autumn looked like it was going to deliver. The high-tech hotel chain would have been a real treat. I was genuinely excited to experience the couple's room and go to the proposal spot. I’m so disappointed, and I truly hope that it’s just a temporary blip.
MY (HOPEFUL) OFFER: IF IT EVER OPENS
Okay, let’s pretend, for a blissful moment, that Autumn does rise from the ashes. If it does, and if the rumors of pets allowed are true (which is probably not), here's the deal:
- Early Bird Discount: If you book within the first month of opening, a sweet deal! (Because, you know, they'll be trying to make up for lost time).
- The "Don't Worry, Be Happy" Package: For any guest whose travel dates are
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your perfectly curated Instagram travel guide. This is real travel, Sansiri style (well, if Sansiri was a frazzled, coffee-dependent travel blogger like me). We're hitting Autumn in Thailand, and trust me, it's going to be less "Zen garden meditation" and more "almost getting eaten alive by a rogue street dog while trying to find decent Pad Thai."
A Chaotic Autumn Adventure: Thailand (Sponsored… by my credit card, probably)
Day 1: Bangkok Bonanza (Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Traffic)
- Morning (AKA: The Dawn of Despair): Landed in Suvarnabhumi Airport. Jetlag? Oh, honey, it's more of a jet-lagged tsunami. I swear, I saw a sign that said, "Welcome to Thailand! Prepare to feel perpetually disoriented." Grabbed a taxi and immediately regretted it. Bangkok traffic is an art form, a chaotic ballet of honking horns and near-misses that turns your stomach into a pretzel.
- Hotel (Probably): Found the swankiest Sansiri apartment I could afford, which, let's be honest, felt like a gilded cage after the sensory overload of the airport. Pretty, though. Stunning view, or in the morning I realized the view looked at other apartment buildings.
- Afternoon: The Grand Palace (and the Great Meltdown): Okay, so the Grand Palace? Absolutely breathtaking. The gold! The temples! The sheer, overwhelming splendor! Cue a three-hour existential crisis fueled by heatstroke and the crushing weight of history. Also, I think I saw a guy wearing the same t-shirt as me. Small world, or am I just losing it?
- Evening: Street Food Roulette: Headed to a night market. Ate something that looked vaguely like a meatball on a stick. It was… an experience. Let's just say my digestive system is currently staging a coup. Wandered the streets, got hopelessly lost, and was almost run over by a tuk-tuk driven by a man who appeared to have a vendetta against tourists.
Day 2: Floating Markets and Flailing Arms
- Morning: Damnoen Saduak (The Floating Market Fiasco): Booked a tour because, let's face it, I'm not brave enough to navigate the canals solo. Arrived at the market, got crammed into a longtail boat like a sardine. The market itself? Picturesque, sure. But also crowded. And I swear I saw a tourist fall in the water. I immediately became very conscious of not falling in.
- Afternoon: Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Or, My Back Hurts): Wat Pho: Stunning, the details, the gold, but the reclining Buddha? HUGE. And I mean, the sheer length of this Buddha… it's enough to make you feel inadequate. My neck hurts from looking at it for so long. Took a massage, immediately regretted the forceful treatment that I was too polite to stop.
- Evening: Rooftop Bars and Regret: Got my bearings and tried to enjoy the views, I did my best, maybe a local would guide me tonight. Maybe a quick tour, maybe some company, maybe even some of the local drinks, but I couldn't quite pull myself from my chair.
Day 3: Island Fever (AKA: Koh Phangan, Here We Come!)
Morning: Travel Day Blues: Decided on a ferry and bus combo cause, you know, saving money is my mantra. The bus ride was a sweaty, bumpy odyssey. Realized I'd forgotten my noise-canceling headphones. Started planning my eventual mental breakdown.
Afternoon: Koh Phangan Arrival Checked in to a beachside bungalow and immediately tripped over a rogue flip-flop. Welcome to paradise, people.
Evening: Full Moon Party?!
- Initial Thoughts: Heard whispers about this "Full Moon Party." Sounds like a disaster waiting to happen. But… also, maybe a little bit tempting?
- Decision: Alright. Alright, I'll do it. I will go.
- The Party: The next day I spent the entirety of the morning feeling like I was dying. The music? Loud. The crowds? Dense. The body paint I got on my face? Apparently permanent. I saw things that will haunt my dreams. Met some interesting people, who will probably be my friends for life, who are so lovely but I'll never meet again. And the sunrise? Spectacular. Worth it? Maybe. Probably not.
- The Downside: Lost my phone. Probably got a weird rash. Vowed to never drink another neon-colored bucket again.
Day 4: Island Recovery (and the Search for Sanity)
- Morning: The Post-Party Purgatory: Woke up in a haze of regret and sand. Scrambled for a pharmacy, where I was judged mercilessly for my appearance. Stocked up on electrolytes and sunblock, and began to slowly pick myself up.
- Afternoon: Beach Bliss (Or, Attempted Beach Bliss): Found a quiet (ish) beach. Read a book. Stared at the turquoise water. Briefly considered becoming a mermaid. Almost got attacked by a particularly aggressive crab.
- Evening: Finding My Happy Place Sat on a beach, watched the sunset, and started to feel almost human again. Ate some grilled fish. Made friends with a stray dog who now follows me everywhere.
Day 5: Elephant Encounters (and the Question of Ethics)
- Morning: Ethical Elephant Tourism (The Great Debate): I'm on the fence about ethical elephant tourism. Yes, the idea is cool, seeing these beautiful animals in their natural habitat, but, well, I don't know if I can be comfortable with any of the places.
- Afternoon: Elephant Sanctuary Experience (Or, My Heart Exploded): After a few hours of research, found a reputable sanctuary. Fed elephants bananas. Watched them frolic in the mud. Got splashed with water. Cried. Seriously. It was one of the most amazing moments of my life.
- Evening: A Dinner to Remember: A simple dinner with local produce, and the most incredible mango sticky rice.
Day 6: Chiang Mai Bound (And the Smell of Curry)
- Morning: Another ferry ride to Bangkok. This time, I was prepared. Earplugs? Check. Snacks? Check. Anti-nausea medication? Definitely check.
- Afternoon: Arrived in Chiang Mai. Immediately felt the difference. The air is crisper, the pace is slower, and the scent of fragrant spices hangs everywhere.
- Evening: Night Bazaar and Cultural Overload: Wandered through the night bazaar. Bought a questionable souvenir (which I'll probably regret). Tried some street food that defied description. Overwhelmed by the sheer amount of stuff, people, and food.
Day 7: Temples and Treks (AKA: The Day I Almost Became a Monk)
- Morning: Doi Suthep Temple: Climbed the stairs up to Doi Suthep temple. The view? Unbelievable. The intricate architecture? Stunning. Tried to meditate. Failed miserably.
- Afternoon: Trekking Through the Jungle: Booked a jungle trek. Got surprisingly good exercise, my legs hurt. Met some friendly locals and learned a few essential Thai phrases (mostly about food).
- Evening: Massage and Reflection: Got another massage. This time, better. Sat on my balcony, watched the sunset, and reflected on all of the things I’ve seen.
- Thoughts: Thailand? It's messy. It's chaotic. It's beautiful. It's challenging. And despite the occasional existential crisis, sunburn, and minor near-death experiences, it's absolutely, undeniably, worth it. Would I come back? In a heartbeat. Next time, I'll just pack more bug spray. And maybe a therapist.
Autumn by Sansiri: The Condo That Never Was? (Oh. My. GOD.)
Prepare to get your socks knocked off. Or, maybe, your down payment disappeared…
So, what *exactly* is (or WAS) this "Autumn by Sansiri"?
Okay, picture this: Luxury. Sleek lines. Infinity pools overlooking Bangkok. Swanky, right? That was the PR spiel. Autumn by Sansiri, or at least, the *dream* of Autumn by Sansiri, was supposed to be the pinnacle of condo living. Supposed to. Designed by, you know, those fancy architects who charge a gazillion Baht for a coffee break. It was supposed to be the *best*. I remember seeing the glossy brochures – the kind that make you drool and immediately start calculating your debt. And, well, it was all supposed to be. Now...things got messy.
Wait… "WAS"? Is it… cancelled? Please tell me it's not. I put down a deposit! (Or, at least, I *considered* it…)
Oh dear God. Okay, deep breaths. Yes. *Allegedly* cancelled. Listen, the real estate market is a fickle beast, okay? It’s like dating – promising all the right things and then ghosting you when you're most excited. *Supposedly*, and this is all whispers and rumors I've gathered, things went sideways. Construction delays, financial… challenges. The official line (if there even *is* an official line anymore) is probably something polished and meaningless. But, yeah. Cancelled. Or indefinitely *postponed*. Let's just say… the dream of infinity pools and private elevators is on a serious, *serious* hiatus. My uncle actually did put a deposit down, a hefty one. And… well, let’s just say he’s been making a lot of frantic phone calls lately, looking slightly like he's aged ten years in a month. He's not happy. Neither is his bank, I'm assuming.
What were the *supposed* amenities like? Because, if I'm getting screwed over, at least I want to dream bigger! (Kidding…mostly.)
Oh, the amenities. Let's dive into the fantasy bubble for a moment. We're talking infinity pools (yes, plural, *dahling*), state-of-the-art gyms (probably bigger than my entire apartment), rooftop gardens, concierge service that would probably anticipate your every need before you even *thought* of it. Michelin-star restaurant on site? Probably. Butler service? Most likely. And, the kicker, *private* elevators. I mean, come on. Private. Elevators. You'd never have to share with some sweaty dude who's just come back from a workout and forgetting his deodorant. Pure, unadulterated luxury. They had these renderings – oh, the renderings! You could *almost* smell the expensive fragrance they were using. And... now? Maybe you're smelling… something else. I'm trying not to be bitter. It's proving difficult.
What was the damage? (Price, I mean. And, probably, my bank account's future mental health… )
"Damage" is an excellent word choice! Prices? Oh, they were, shall we say, in the stratosphere. Think *multi-million-Baht*. Like, you'd need to win the lottery, inherit a castle, or sell your soul to afford a place there. And that's the starting price! Now, the *real* damage? The emotional kind. The despair of realizing you dreamed big, signed on the dotted line, and now… you're left with a glossy brochure and the sinking feeling that your investment is circling the drain. My friend bought into presales, paying a deposit, and she was *convinced* she was going to be living the high life. She even started planning her apartment – the furniture, the art, the whole nine yards. Now she’s battling the developer for her money back. It's… ugly. Really ugly. The stress alone is probably worth the price of a condo somewhere else in Bangkok, honestly. This whole thing makes my stomach churn. And my aunt actually thought her financial advisor, who recommended the project, was her best friend. Now she's questioning everything.
So, what's the deal with Sansiri? Are they… trustworthy? (Asking for a friend… who *may* have signed something…)
Oof. That's a loaded question. Sansiri is a major player in the Thai real estate game. They build a *lot* of condos. And, generally, they have a… reputation. Now, whether that reputation is deservedly "good" or "questionable" is a question for lawyers and angry investors, and probably a few therapists. Look, they’ve built some *beautiful* properties. Some of them are fantastic! But this… this Autumn thing? It's a serious blemish on their track record. It's like finding out your perfect boyfriend, the one who’s always showering you with compliments, turns out to have a massive gambling debt. It’s… unsettling. Do your research. *Thoroughly*. Check their past projects. Talk to people who have actually lived in their properties. Don’t just rely on the pretty pictures and the smooth-talking salespeople whose job it is to take your money. Really, I can't reiterate this enough: DO. YOUR. RESEARCH. And maybe, just maybe, consult a lawyer before you sign anything. Trust me. It'll save you a lot of heartache (and possibly a whole lot of money).
What happens to the people who actually bought into this thing? Are they all doomed?
"Doomed" is a strong word. But yeah, things are not optimal for the people who've poured their hard-earned savings into this dream. The situation is a complicated legal mess. They're likely dealing with endless paperwork, phone calls, and meetings with lawyers. There's the potential for protracted lawsuits, the possibility of getting their deposits back (eventually), or the even more unpleasant option of… well, losing it all. Some people might be lucky and recoup their money. Others might cut their losses. Others *might* even see the project somehow resurrected from the ashes – though that seems increasingly unlikely. It’s an agonizing wait, a constant state of uncertainty. My cousin, the one with the deposit? Let's just say she's added "vigilance" to her daily routine. It's a truly stressful situation. And honestly, it makes me want to avoid real estate altogether. Or at least stick to renting. It. Is. Rough.
Is there *any* silver lining here? Anything positive to take away from this whole debacle? (Please, give me something!)
Okay, deep breaths. Let's try to find some optimism, shall we? Silver linings… Hmm. Well, maybe it's a lesson in due diligence. Research EVERY. SINGLE. THING. Secondly, it's a reminder that nothing is ever truly guaranteed. In life, and definitely inPopular Hotel Find
