Samui Star Guesthouse

Take photos and video of everything when you arrive and before you leave. The room looked much like the photos, and the location was convenient, about eight minutes from Chaweng Beach. We chose this place because it looked good for the price, but several things went wrong. We were charged 400 baht for a towel that we were told we had damaged. It was already stained when we received it after cleaning, but we hadn’t photographed it, as marked towels aren’t unusual in Thailand. The owner suggested sunscreen or similar products caused the marks. We tried our cosmetics, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent on replacement towels, and none caused stains. The marks looked like bleach, reddish on a purple towel, and we don’t use bleach. We also tried salt water on a new towel, with no marks. The towel had been to the beach, but the room had no sign saying that wasn’t allowed, and the towels stayed in our backpack rather than on a motorbike seat. Based on our tests, nothing we had caused the stains. The 400 baht charge seemed high compared with other Thai hotels we’d stayed at, where many list 200 baht for a damaged towel. A written price list for damaged items could prevent misunderstandings. Staff entered daily even when the trash wasn’t full, moved things such as chairs back to their original places, and changed towels every two days. Some guests might like frequent service, but we’d rather not have people enter while we’re out. There was no Do Not Disturb or Please Clean Room sign, which could help avoid confusion and disputes about damage. The walls were the thinnest we’ve encountered in a hotel or guesthouse. We could clearly hear normal conversations next door, and even people walking by made the room tiles crack or squeak. Based on our stay, we wouldn’t return. I’d suggest future guests check reviews carefully and document the condition of everything when they arrive.