Koh Chang Thai Garden Hill Resort

The amazing pool and the location near restaurants, 7/11 and the beach persuaded me to stay, even though my first room was only relatively clean. I stayed six nights in all. For the extension, I had to change rooms, and the “new” one was filthy, like it hadn’t been cleaned for months. The bathroom looked as if someone had only poured water over it. It was dirty and contaminated, like a public toilet. The man who showed me the room disappeared as soon as he saw my reaction. I asked reception to send someone to clean the bathroom, and that made it clear this wasn’t just years of wear, it was dirt and neglect. The doors didn’t close properly and had gaps big enough for insects and mosquitoes. I woke up with swollen eyes from bites. I immediately asked to move back to my previous room. Reception looked alarmed and asked if I wanted to cancel. I said yes, and got my money back for the four nights. That refund is the only decent thing I can say about the two unpleasant men there. They looked sour and never smiled, except when I smiled first, and then they twisted their lips into something like a smile. Apart from the beautiful pool, this hotel, really a trash dump, isn’t worth a cent.

The area was quieter than some parts of the island, which suited us, though it might not suit everyone. The pool was fantastic, easily the best thing about the place, and breakfast was okay. It was a bit run down, but repairs were underway around us at the start of the season, so some things will likely get fixed.

I left my headphones on the bed by accident and only realized after checking out. The next day I emailed the accommodation and contacted them on Facebook, asking them to send them to my home in the same country at my expense. Nobody replied. I followed up through both channels a week later and still got no answer. The silence gives the unfortunate impression they may have intended to keep the headphones. It feels very unprofessional.

It’s a pleasant place, and the pool was nice and clean, with only a few missing tiles that didn’t bother me, especially for the price I paid. The property is weathered, to put it politely, which I didn’t mind, though others might. Staff were friendly and always had towels and water for us. The location was good and not too touristy, with food, scooter rentals and laundry within walking distance. The beaches were a 5 minute ride away, and the hotel also offers rentals and laundry service.