Lanta Paradise Beach Resort

The staff were nice enough, and breakfast was okay, but one night was already too long for $100 USD. Being right on the beach doesn't excuse charging that much for a place this neglected. The owners hang around by the dining area, but don't seem present. The property felt beat up and depressing as soon as we arrived. There's a dirty pond with koi fish that looked trapped, surfacing for air before disappearing from view. It had no circulation. In my room, there was nowhere to put luggage, holes in the wall, chunks of concrete, peeling paint, stained sheets and bath towels, and an old, rusted, stained mini fridge. The bathroom towel rack had broken off, the fixtures were corroding, and there was no exhaust fan. I didn't want to shower there, and didn't. Even the shampoo came in packets that needed scissors to open. Outside by my patio, there was a random open, dirty plastic trash can with beer cans sitting in the bushes. The pool felt dirty, and the chairs and other areas hadn't been cleaned.

The location is handy, down in the south of the island, right on the beach and near restaurants and shops. Renting bikes at the hotel is easy, and the laundry service is quick and simple. Our room was a letdown, though. It didn't match what we expected from the photos, which were probably taken years ago. There were lots of little problems: a broken window, a missing drawer, and a wardrobe door that wouldn't open. The place just felt a bit sad, since we'd expected better.

The beach is only a few steps from the resort, with clear water and a nice place to swim, though there wasn't much sea life for snorkelling. There's plenty nearby along the road and beach, including bars, restaurants, shops and smoothie huts. I'd recommend Mr Love Bar, Nature House Cafe and Restaurant, and the shake hut just to the left as you leave the resort. There were always sunbeds available around the pool and by the beach. The rattan ones were larger and more comfortable than the plastic ones. The pool and its surroundings were clean, and the water was a good temperature for a swim. My standard room was clean and comfortable, with daily service that included fresh towels and bottles of water. The bed was comfy, and I liked having a seating area outside with chairs and a drying rack. The large fridge had a freezer compartment, which was handy for keeping water cold. Nothing to fault in the room. The staff were always there to help with questions, trips or taxis, and greeted us warmly. Breakfast came with the room, but it was basic and didn't taste great, which was disappointing when everything else was so good. There was fresh fruit, fried or scrambled eggs, ham, sausages, rice, toast, fresh juices, tea and coffee.

The staff were great, and it was a peaceful spot right on the beach. Breakfast in the morning was pretty good. The place is dated, though, and the bathrooms need maintenance and updating, especially at this price.