Irene Resort Koh Lipe

The beach front villa with its pool was incredible, and the location is stunning. But we're leaving tomorrow disappointed, and I wouldn't return or recommend the hotel. It's one of the island's more expensive places, so we expected service to match the price. Maybe our experience wasn't typical, and I hope others weigh it alongside the more positive reviews, since the truth may sit somewhere between them. When we arrived, we waited while the room was prepared. Then we found a bedroom flood from the air conditioning, and cleaners had to come deal with it. I don't know how that was missed during the preparation just minutes earlier. On the first night, the bath tap was broken; maintenance fixed it after about half an hour. Breakfast was another problem. The first morning's room delivery never came, even though the restaurant had confirmed it the night before. A manager took an active interest the next day and made sure breakfast arrived, and it was wonderful. But on the third morning, after another pre-order and confirmation, it failed to show up for the second time. These are first world problems, of course, but paying a premium makes it reasonable to expect the promised service. The visit was tarnished, and it felt like there simply weren't enough people available to deliver it.

Andrea was upfront that wind might make the outer island tour less enjoyable, so we cancelled rather than go ahead. We appreciated the honesty and that the resort put the guest experience ahead of selling another tour. The inner islands trip he led, including snorkelling, was lovely too, and he helped take photos we’ll remember. Ae, the F&B Manager, looked after us so well each morning at breakfast. We were at Irene Resort Koh Lipe for 4 nights over Christmas 2025, arriving Christmas Eve, and it was an easy 5/5. The northeast location by Sunrise Beach is one of the island's best, just minutes from our room to the sand. The pool bar area was great for unwinding. Our room was spacious and comfortable, and the breakfast buffet had a good range of western and asian choices. I thought the food tasted better than at many hotels we've stayed in. A couple of things could be improved. There was a strange smell near the entrance when we first came into the room, though it disappeared in the living area, possibly because of recent renovations. Service was friendly, but sometimes, especially when we were at SOL Beach Resort, it felt a bit understaffed and less smooth. The recently built gym had the basics and worked, though I'd like to see it better equipped in future. That may not matter to everyone. We had a wonderful, memorable stay with great food and staff, and we'd happily recommend Irene Resort and come back.

We had a villa with a private pool and direct beach access, which was wonderful. Koh Lipe itself is beautiful, with clear water and gorgeous beaches, even with the high-season crowds. There were a few snags on arrival: delayed luggage, a broken chair, and a safe that wasn't working. We told reception, and Front Office Manager Mr. Irfan handled everything quickly, professionally, and in a friendly way. The stay went very well overall, and I highly recommend the hotel. Many thanks again to Mr. Irfan for sorting things out so well.

Paradise, with an open view of the beach and ocean right from our bed. The room felt like a 'Presidential Suite'! I don't usually book anything 'Up Market' or 'Posh' when I travel alone, so two days here was a real treat. At £400, it cost more than the rest of our 10 days of accommodation put together, which felt extravagant. We were delighted with everything: amazing food, cocktails brought to us on the beach, and efficient room service. Every staff member was super helpful, polite, and always smiling. I can't recommend this place enough!