The Scene Cliff View Villas Hotel

The views of the cliffs and the location were great, and we liked seeing monkeys in the trees every day. The shuttle into Ao Nang was handy. We were a family of four for seven nights, but wouldn’t stay again. The pool chemicals seemed too strong. Children from at least six different families got rashes and irritated skin, and the kids were very uncomfortable. We had to go to a pharmacy for medicine, and our swimwear was stained or ruined. Breakfast was very average. The evening restaurant had no atmosphere, and ordering through an app instead of speaking with staff felt strange. Our room was only cleaned or made up about three times in the seven nights.

The room was spacious, and the AC kept it at a comfortable 23c. There’s a small sink in the walk-in area. After a long day, the slightly cool pool felt great. The gym isn’t much, though. If they added dumbbells from around 5kg to 30kg, it’d be perfect for a hotel gym. I stayed five nights while getting my dive cert, and the place was absolutely worth the money. Breakfast was just alright but had enough options: eggs fried, scrambled, or made as an omelet, fresh fruit, breads, and some random Thai stuff. The espresso machine made a good cup. Lunch was hit or miss. It wasn’t bad, but you’d do better heading toward the beach.

We loved the peaceful setting away from the busy, noisy Ao Nang strip, and the staff were the best part of our stay at The Scene Cliff View Villa. They were kind, attentive, and really caring. Breakfast was a highlight too: eggs cooked to order and the best coffee machine we came across in Thailand, with cappuccinos, flat whites, and Thai milk tea. Room service was excellent and only about 20 baht more than the cheapest street options. For instance, garlic rice was 150 baht at the hotel versus 130 baht outside, so eating in was convenient. Beach towels were provided, and the free shuttle to Ao Nang Beach helped. We wished it ran more often: after leaving at 2pm, the next pickup was at 6pm. Still, walking back around 5pm took only about half an hour, so it wasn’t a big issue. Dum Dum and Fye, the resident cats, were a lovely extra. Dum Dum is vaccinated, neutered, and very friendly with guests. When staff found out I love cats, they let me feed him lunch and dinner. That was a special memory. The room was on the small side, and the AC didn’t really reach the living room with the sofa and TV. A large fan helped. They don’t provide hair conditioner, but there’s a 7-Eleven a five-minute walk away. The gym was basic: only 8 kg dumbbells, an old-feeling treadmill, and little room for YouTube or bodyweight workouts. Laundry was convenient and good value at 60 baht per kilogram. We dropped it off in the morning and had it back around 8 pm that day, faster and only a little more than nearby shops at about 55 baht per kilo. It was a welcoming, relaxing stay.

We just didn’t want to leave. The decor is gorgeous, though the room could use a bit more care. What made our stay so good was the service and the staff, with their smiles and all the help they gave us. One complaint: they should change laundry services. Two of our items came back ruined, and the clothes smelled really bad.