New Ananda Beach Hotel

The location is unbeatable for the ferry, and the service was good. We arrived late and were shown to a room near reception, with a balcony over the courtyard. The hotel is being refurbished, though it seems overdue. There was rubbish left by previous guests, but the room was moderately clean. The decorations were a nice touch, and it looks like the repainting I think the place needs is underway. The bed was basic but comfortable, and the bedding was more than adequate. The aircon was the main problem, sputtering warm air like an asthmatic breathing through a straw.

I tried several times to get more information about the rooms, calling two numbers and sending texts and an email. I only got bits of information, with no one answering directly, and the email reply came days later. I’d booked, but cancelled just 10 minutes later. Be aware.

We had a ground-floor room with a terrace, and there was loads of space in it. The hotel sits right by the sea, with a long promenade of cafes and restaurants nearby. Staff were really friendly and helpful too. We stayed a few days and loved it.

The view was the only decent thing, and I barely got to enjoy it because I checked out again straight away. The room was filthy, including the bed and pillows, which had stains in all sorts of colors, from red and brown to yellow and black. It smelled so bad that when someone brought me a towel, they also handed over air freshener without me asking. The bathroom was awful too, with other people's rubbish on the sink, an empty toilet paper holder, and trash on the floor. I can't understand the reviews giving this place more than one star.