Khao Lak Laguna Resort

We arrived here after spending an amazing few days in Phuket at a 4* hotel. We arrived in reception, first impressions it looked a bit tired for a 4.5 * hotel. We were told when we booked that this hotel was a higher standard and more expensive than the one we stayed in Phuket. We were shown to our room which as soon as you walked in it smelt very strongly of damp. There was mould all around the air conditioning unit. The room it’s self was very shabby, floor all scratched, lamp shade dirty, wood discoloured, scuff marks all over the wall. We complained and were shown another room which also smelt very damp. Eventually we were moved to a villa which didn’t smell, but still scruffy. Chipped tiles in the bathroom, very old looking shower, discoloured wood work. Room very dark even with all the blinds open/lights on. Breakfast was awful. In an open air restaurant area and some food was uncovered. Found insects in the fruit numerous times. We ended up only eating food that was covered. Birds were flying around in the breakfast area and were on the surfaces where the food was. Saw a member of staff eating while working in the breakfast area. The other hotels we went to in Thailand the breakfast was in an air conditioned room and the food covered. The grounds has numerous half filled pools with murky water in with lots of mosquitoes surrounding, not nice to look at. Pool bar very shabby, and food not great. Location was nice right on the beach, and by the shops restaurants thankfully as could eat out every lunchtime and evening. Reception staff were nice and very apologetic about the room. I could see that this hotel was beautiful when it was first built 12 years ago, but doesn’t look like any refurbishment/ work has been done on it since. Breakfast definitely needs to be improved. A 4.5* hotel shouldn’t have insects in the food. Compared to the other 4* hotels we stayed at in Thailand this hotel was not up to the same standard. Massive disappointment to our holiday, couldn’t wait to leave.

We had a thoroughly enjoyable stay here in a spacious Oriental Villa. The hotel lobby is absolutely beautiful, and designed in a classic Thai style. In the evenings they have live music played on a grand piano which makes for a very tranquil ‘night in’ at the hotel bar. On arrival we received a very warm welcome with cold towels and a complementary drink. We were then shown straight to our room. The villa was by the beach, which made for the most spectacular views on the walk down to the pool and restaurant. The room was spacious with a good standard of air conditioning, a comfortable bed, pleasant bathroom and an outdoor veranda area. We do also have a few criticisms of the room. The WiFi was very weak in the rooms (was reasonable in the rest of the hotel), and only available in very limited spots. The bed linen had holes in which is not acceptable for a hotel of this standard. Also, only 2 fairly small bottles of complementary water were provided per day, with further water from the mini-bar charged at around £3.60 for a 500ml bottle and circa £5.00 for a 1.25L bottle. Water was available cheaply from local shops, but we did get caught out on the first night. There were lots of cultural activities within the hotel on offer at a reasonable price. We took part in a free Tai Chi lesson, as well as paid (although not expensive) Thai Boxing lessons, Yoga lessons and Thai Cooking lessons. All of these were 1on1 with the instructor. Free Pilates were also on offer but we did not take part. The various classes really were the highlight of our stay. The Tai Chi, Yoga and Thai Boxing were in a studio room with very enthusiastic coaches. The cooking class was in the restaurant with a very knowledgeable team of chefs, and we were served the meals we had made as a free lunch immediately afterwards. The restaurant had a sea view and the food was to a good standard. The service was a little inattentive. The staff in the hotel were very friendly and helpful. Despite a few little criticisms, we had a lovely time and would recommend this hotel. In particular we would recommend taking part in the activities on offer which were excellent value for money.