P. P. Erawan Palms Resort

Breakfast was better than expected, and the beach nearby was one of our favorite parts of the stay. The staff were friendly and helpful, too. We stayed in a standard room, which felt especially dated, and the hotel as a whole could use an update. To reach the island center, you need either the public ferry, about 300 THB per person, or a private longboat for 1,500 THB. The lobby ferry tickets cost more, so buying through the official website is a better deal.

We had a great five nights here, and the staff were a real highlight. From Tonsai pier onward they took care of our suitcases, even carrying them through thigh-deep water from the boat to reception and then up to my room. The resort was very clean and well maintained. The beach had no garbage, and the cleaning staff did a great job getting the sand out of our room. Breakfast had plenty to choose from, and the person making eggs was a pro. Thai food was great, though about twice the price of what you get in Bangkok. Given the island location, that made sense to me, and it was still cheaper than Thai food in most of Europe. I can't comment on the pasta or pizza, though some guests said those weren't as good as the Thai dishes. A few practical things to know: Laem Tong beach is isolated. There's a paved path to the next village, but not all the way to Tonsai Pier, so you'll need a boat for that. A motorbike to the village costs around 100 baht, and I'd pick up snacks at the 7-11 before arriving. Getting off a longtail boat or ferry may mean walking several meters through knee-deep water, so sandals and shorts are handy. Longtail boats run 24/7, but after the last ferry they charge 1,500 baht, and more once it's dark. Our standard room was on the second floor. The air conditioning was excellent, WiFi was strong, and the mattress was fine even for someone like me who's sensitive to firm beds. I didn't have the bathroom smell others mentioned. The rooms are dated, but for the price compared with nearby places, ours was totally fine. The stairs were a little steep, but not an issue for me, and I've been around Thailand. If you have mobility issues, that's different. The walls are thin, though, and you can hear everything except normal conversation from other rooms. There's some construction or landscaping noise in the mornings. The tractor and motorbike noises people mention came by about once an hour in the late morning and afternoon, carrying guests and luggage. Locals live and work on the island, too. It's not a party area, so people were asleep by midnight. Some complaints from other guests seemed fair, and reading them did make me a bit anxious. My experience was still pretty great. I wouldn't expect a Four Seasons, but this also wasn't the worst Airbnb I've stayed in. In December, it was very quiet and the beach was amazing.

It was a very relaxing stay, and everyone was accommodating. Mikey was especially lovely, explained how things work at the resort, and was always ready to help make our visit better. One change I'd suggest: don't reserve the lounge chairs. The front row by the ocean sat empty all day.

In the evenings, local Thai people gathered on the beach to sing, dance, and share meals. I joined some local kids for football on the sand, which was so much fun. That local atmosphere, along with a very authentic breakfast with both Thai and Western choices, made the stay feel like a real escape. The hotel was peaceful, too. Rooms are basic and a little dated, but the place has a rare quiet feel.