Phi Phi Nice Beach Hotel Hip

The room was in terrible shape, with broken beds and doors, ugly furniture eaten by termites, and walls that had been built but never painted. I assumed that might be the rustic style, but it made the hotel look unfinished. There were no cleaners around and only one person at reception. Most importantly, termites came out at night and bothered me while I slept. When I went to tell the security guy, he was extremely rude, repeatedly telling me not to shout even though I said I was just talking. The main door lock also felt very insecure. The hotel was unkept, and I couldn't get anyone to take care of things. It's sold as a four-star property, so people should be careful. The nearby Cabana Hotel, within walking distance, is awesome and lives up to its promise.

The beach was awesome, with fewer people and plenty of room to sit quietly for hours. The views from either side, mountain or beach, are great. Rooms and bathrooms are small but okay. It's a small operation without much staff, but our rooms were kept clean and service was available during the day. We had a great stay for the price and would return. I don't understand the low ratings. We did have to carry all our bags ourselves from the pier. They should send someone to meet guests at least during ferry times.

For what it costs, I thought this was excellent value. It's not a five-star resort, and you shouldn't expect one at this price. The hotel has its own beach with loungers, plus a nice pool with guest loungers. We saw them clean and treat the pool after hours, which was a welcome change from places that close a few times a week for it. There's also a beachside bar and canteen, and town is about a 10-minute walk away. Our room was very clean and smelled fresh. The sink and shower were a bit worn, and the toilet area was small, but everything still worked. The staff were kind, the bed was comfortable, and the AC was excellent. I really don't know what the other bad reviews are about.

The hotel is well located, but that's about all it has going for it. The pool was dirty, and the rooms were awful: mosquitoes everywhere, a musty, stinky mold smell, and a perfume dispenser trying to cover it up. You couldn't even close the bathroom door. The AC blew straight at the bed because of where it was positioned, and it was clearly leaking. Black mold was growing on the wet ceiling, and I suspect the AC was spreading those mold spores around the room. Even the mirror was rusty. People saying this is good value for an island don't know what they're talking about. They expect you to pay to sleep in those conditions. I'd need to be paid to stay there again. Don't book anything below four stars on Phi Phi, and even then, do your research.