Chaweng Bayview Resort Hotel

Khao Kate down the road is a good restaurant option. You’ll need to walk about 10-15 minutes to reach other good restaurants, and I wouldn’t recommend eating at the hotel. Chaweng Bay View is marketed as luxury, but it feels tired and run down, especially the rooms. The garden and pool area are lovely, though. The pool area has a drainage problem that makes a loud slurping noise, loud enough to drown out the music. When I asked a staff member, he told me a technician was working below and it would stop in a few minutes. It kept going for three days, so I guess the technician must have died down there, wherever that was. The mini bar is self-service, but they add 17% tax and service charge to items that are already really expensive. The breakfast was pretty crappy unless you want to make yourself a salad, because there was plenty of salad stuff. You can get much nicer hotels for much less in both chaweng and Lamai. I wouldn’t recommend Chaweng Bay View and won’t be coming back.

The free morning yoga was the best part of our two-night stay, and the location was good. The instructor is from outside the hotel, which probably explains why the classes were actually very good. The price didn’t feel justified, though, given the details that fell short. Our bungalow was high up on the hill. At check-in, staff drove us and our luggage up in a golf cart, which we appreciated. At checkout, the room phone issue meant we had to carry our bags down ourselves. The phone didn’t work properly, and when we tried to call reception, staff often couldn’t hear us. We used WhatsApp instead, but didn’t always get an answer. We’d booked a slightly upgraded room with a private jacuzzi, one of the main reasons we chose the hotel. But the drain wouldn’t block, the tap water was cold, and once we finally got it filled, the bubbles were so weak we laughed and got out. There was a kettle with just two tea bags, no coffee or milk. Although the hotel has two pools, you have to pay extra to use one. Breakfast was very average and forgettable. Luckily we stayed only two nights.

Champoo at the Maka is attentive to what diners need, and the service was excellent. The facilities are beautiful and extensive, though there’s no fitness facility. A Bolt or Grab ride into town costs 3-400 baht. I’d definitely return to this resort on a future visit to Koh Samui.

The staff were wonderful, polite, friendly, and so helpful. They helped with all my concerns from the moment I booked, and upgraded my room when I arrived. The little houses are brand new and have all the comforts. My room matched the pictures and was cozy, the bathroom was big and clean, and breakfast was included and brought right to my patio. There’s also a nice pool, sauna, and restaurant. I felt at home here and would definitely come back. Highly recommend!