Phi Phi Arboreal Resort

The climb with luggage was the main drawback, around 50-100 stairs because of the elevated location. Once there, though, we had a very pleasant stay. The view was magnificent, and for what we paid, the food and staff were good. I'm completely satisfied with the stay.

The room was plain but clean, and the bed was really comfortable. The staff were lovely and helpful, and they kindly carried our bags up at check-in and down again at checkout. The views are gorgeous. There are more than 100 steps, but I didn't find them as bad as some reviews suggest. If you're young and reasonably healthy, you should be fine. I wouldn't recommend it for elderly guests.

We couldn't get proper rest in the first room, which faced an interior patio or corridor and had windows we couldn't open. It was noisy even late at night. Then the toilet broke. We reported it, but after it was supposedly repaired it still didn't work. Staff eventually moved us, but only after the second night, and the morning room change disrupted our plans. We stayed three nights and were disappointed with the overall conditions and service. In the second room we accidentally broke a glass, and the hotel charged us €2 at checkout. That seemed expensive for a glass in Thailand, especially since there was no goodwill gesture for the broken toilet and the disruption we'd dealt with. I wouldn't stay here again.

The staff were great at check-in and understanding when we decided to leave, and they offered to help with our bags both arriving and departing. The hotel has rustic charm and an amazing location, with a top-floor, sixth-floor room and balcony that gave us one of the best island views I've seen from a hotel. You really do have to walk up a steep hill, though, around what felt like a mile, and the humidity makes the climb tough. Staff help carry bags. We were saving money on this last stop of a two-week Thailand trip after staying in five-star places in Bangkok and Ao Nang, so we knew it wouldn't be the nicest. Still, the room was very dated, the beds felt like rocks, and there was a bad odor. My husband had a sinus infection before we arrived, and the climb was too much for him. We stayed one night, then found somewhere more comfortable and better suited to us. I didn't hate the place, but for good rest or an easier walk to your room, I'd advise against it. If you're on a budget and don't mind the trek, it could be a good fit.