Centara Life Phu Pano Krabi

The biggest issue during our 2 days here was the bathroom, which had no proper drainage. Water covered the floor throughout our stay, and I’ve seen other reviews mention the same problem, so it seems management hasn’t taken them seriously. They’re very strict about smoking and don’t even let guests smoke on the balcony. I understand keeping rooms smoke-free, but banning smoking on balconies doesn’t make sense when it means going outside the hotel for a cigarette. The peaceful setting is the hotel’s best point, about a 5 mins ride from Ao nang. The room was serviced during our stay, no complaints there, and pool view rooms have a great view. Breakfast was very mediocre. We stayed at this resort, though I’d call it a hotel. Overall, not great, but not too bad.

The entrance looked welcoming, and I liked the design and atmosphere of the dining area, even though breakfast itself was disappointing. The selection and quality fell short, and it was hard to enjoy. I chose this hotel for four nights because the reviews seemed promising, but I didn’t feel comfortable from the start. The hallway looked strange and uninviting. Some parts of the bed sheets in my room weren’t clean, which is a big issue for me. The connecting door was poorly insulated, so I could hear everything from the neighboring room. Their TV was on all night, and even ordinary conversation came through clearly, so I couldn’t sleep properly. I’d give it 2 out of 5 stars. There are some nice aspects, but important things need improvement.

The hotel is pleasant and well maintained, with a nice setting and convenient on-site parking if you’re exploring by car. The main downside for us was that none of the food offered was halal, so Muslim travelers should keep that in mind and plan meals around the hotel.

The lobby is quite nice, and the front office staff, including receptionists, luggage porters, and concierge, were lovely, helpful, and always greeted us. The beautiful surroundings also show how much potential the hotel has. Still, my stay was just okay, and I expected more, especially since I chose it over a cheaper option because of the Centara brand. It’s put me off staying at other Centara resorts. My room was basic and so small there was barely space for luggage. The balcony view was gorgeous and made up for that somewhat, but there were few amenities and parts of the room felt dated. Housekeeping often came at 3-5pm, when I was usually in the room, so it wasn’t cleaned most days. It would help if they cleaned earlier, like at other resorts. Breakfast was terrible, with hardly any choice. Everything seemed cheap and artificial, even the pastries and juice, which tasted like gasoline. The restaurant smelled nauseating, and nobody set the tables, so you had to find your own cutlery. The breakfast service and quality need a lot of improvement. The lobby could use more ambience too, like music or a scent. I knew the beach was a 20-25 minute walk away, but the distance was more inconvenient than I expected. You have to reserve the tiny shuttle at least an hour ahead or walk through town in 35C heat. The pool was tiny compared with the photos, though it was nice, and the small sunbed area wasn’t a problem for getting a lounger. I understand Krabi is focused on relaxation, but some quiet chill music by the pool or in the restaurant would add atmosphere.