Kanok Buri Resort

This is the best Koh Samui hotel I've tried for a quiet, uncrowded, non-party stay. It's a bit far from Chaweng and the central spots, but worth the distance. The staff were amazing and helped us with a lot, especially unexpected things. The restaurant food was delicious, and breakfast let you choose and combine different meals. Our room was very clean, and the beach had no waves. It's a great place for a relax-and-do-nothing kind of vacation. Probably will come back!

The villas are the best part: bright, spacious, well designed, and recently updated, each with a small pool, two loungers, and a table and chairs. The room itself was a great stay. The beach is beautiful too, but the old furniture and dated common areas, especially the lobby, bring down the feel of the place. The area is quiet and authentic, which suited us, but you'll need a car or scooter. Taxis cost much more in this part of the island. Service didn't feel like a resort. Our welcome was cold and a bit rude, more like a cheap hostel. Most staff were friendly and tried their best, but there didn't seem to be a manager keeping things organized. Breakfast was disappointing: the omelets were great, but the rest was basic and a bit scarce. The coffee machine even used powdered milk. How hard is it to provide fresh milk? It feels like someone bought the hotel a few years ago, gave it a quick face-lift, then let it slide. The original design was well thought out, but the place has clearly seen better days. It has lots of potential, but isn't being managed well right now.

The beach is stunning and right there, which seems to be the only thing keeping this hotel going. The accommodation feels tired, and the staff don't seem to care. I found patched sheets, a cramped shower with worn seals and tarnished surrounds, wobbly taps, and no bedside lights. Breakfast was poor quality and badly presented, and staff let food run out without making an effort. The fruit wasn't always sweet either. I wouldn't serve this breakfast to a friend staying over. When I raised the quality issue, staff said they didn't know what to do. Nobody eats there in the evenings, see photo. They want to clean rooms before checkout and clean the pools while you're still in bed. It feels soulless, like they just can't be bothered.

A quirky place set among palms, with walkways running around. The pool is small. Breakfast was good, but the other food was average, and the bar shut early every night. There are too many steps and no railings or banisters, so it isn't suitable for anyone with mobility problems.