Bayview Sunset Resort

We were there for two weeks, and the peaceful setting and view were a big part of why we loved it. There are lots of stairs, so be warned if stairs are difficult for you. We liked walking to whichever part of the island we wanted, then coming back to this quiet spot away from the mess. This is a bungalow with a restaurant on site, and the food is amazing. If you're after a high-end hotel, it probably isn't for you. The front desk ladies could be a bit odd to communicate with, and they didn't pick us up from the ferry, so we had to sort out a taxi ourselves. That's why I'd take off a star. Still, it was beautiful.

Breakfast with that sea view was a favourite, and it was filling and healthy: eggs, toast, bacon, tomato, fruit, a smoothie and two coffees. There were other choices too. I also liked being able to snorkel from the beach and see many of the same fish as on the snorkeling trips. Some coral is patchy or dead, but afterward I could sit in a deckchair with a beer and enjoy the view. Mr.Tan and the staff were attentive without hovering, and the large Chang was the cheapest I found on the island. The Bayview sanctuary sits in its own bay at the end of Sunset Beach, about a 10 minute walk from the increasingly packed hotels on Pattaya and Sunrise beaches and their crazy prices. Walking Street is busy, but nice to dip in and out of. Anywhere on the island was about 10-15 minutes away on foot. This was the best value place I found on Koh Lipe. I booked seven nights and extended to eleven. My room was made up each day, with fresh water, towels and nice linen. I stayed in four rooms, and the air conditioning, size and position varied, but broadly you get what you pay for. The staff include three brothers from Burma (Myanmar), who are still learning Thai. I thought it was great that the owner gave them an opportunity after they left their troubled country. I enjoyed chatting with them. I also saw the owner putting flowers around the trees, painting one of the new rooms, laughing with staff and helping with breakfast and drinks. She seems to wear her heart on her sleeve, so you may get the attitude you bring to the conversation. She accommodated my extension, just, during the very busiest period at a very reasonable price. She also gave amusing, frustrated updates about the garbage tanker leaving, and I feel sorry she has to deal with that on and off. Although some people apparently find her unreasonable and aggressive, I saw her pitching in herself. Seasoned travellers who understand what they are and aren't getting, and can be thoughtful when things go wrong, should enjoy the experience. If you're there more than a few days, road noise may bother you in the roadside garden rooms, including GR 10. It's not the worst, just something to consider. I hope the staff gain confidence and experience and worry less about getting every bit of paperwork, orders and admin right. You can see their diligent worry, and people will love getting to know them as they become more themselves.

The rooms were basic but acceptable, and the view was nice until the garbage boat came. The rest of the premises didn't seem well maintained, with rubbish and furniture debris visible around the property, and there didn't seem to be enough staff. The employees we consistently saw were at the café bar, and they didn't seem especially friendly or willing to be there. Service felt very poor for what we paid, though room prices may have been higher because we stayed during lunar new year. Each month, beginning on the 15th and lasting four days, a large flat garbage ship parks about 50 meters from the hotel to collect waste from the whole island. Trash builds up on it and creates an overwhelming, unbearable smell. We understand the need to collect waste, but we wish we had been told beforehand that the beach on the hotel side becomes completely unusable. The stench spreads across the grounds, even in front of the rooms. Having breakfast near it felt extremely unsanitary. We gagged just walking in and out, and didn't feel the air was safe to breathe. The hotel still charges full price during those conditions, and staff seemed completely indifferent when we raised the problem. Breakfast wasn't worth the cost either. You're limited to two coffees in the morning, and some of us were charged for the second. We had to check every bill closely because there was a mistake in the hotel's favor every time.

I contacted the property before arriving to ask whether the room had air conditioning, while free cancellation was still available, but got no reply. I booked mainly because the pictures clearly showed air conditioning and breakfast included. It cost more, and I expected better comfort. On arrival we learned our room only had a fan. They said air conditioning was available if we upgraded for another 400 baht a night. That felt misleading, since the photos didn't match the room. I asked if I could upgrade later if I needed to, and they said yes. The room was extremely hot, so the next morning I went to reception to ask for the upgrade. The staff member, probably the owner, raised her voice and refused, even though I was willing to pay. The way she handled it felt very unprofessional and unpleasant, and I felt uncomfortable for the rest of the stay. Nights were hot, and we also found cockroaches after turning off the lights. Breakfast and the kittens around the property were the positives, but I wouldn't stay again. The accommodation wasn't clear about what it actually offered. Booking from photos and getting something different made for a very negative stay. I can only give it one star. Unfortunately it ruined my time on the island.