The Lamai Samui

The Lamai is a beautiful hotel, and the staff at the front desk were genuinely kind and understanding when we raised our concerns. They tried to find a solution, but the options didn’t work for us, so we checked out after just one night instead of taking the longer stay we’d planned. We had asked about construction noise before booking, after seeing reviews from a couple of weeks earlier, and were assured it wouldn’t affect us. But on our first morning, the noise beside the pool was constant and disruptive. We’d hoped for a quiet beach break and couldn’t relax. The sunbeds were also all claimed despite nobody using them, and the hotel’s sign about reserving beds wasn’t enforced. Guests should be told clearly about the ongoing construction and significant noise before booking, so they can decide with that information.

The manager was so kind and approachable when construction noise came up, and generously gave us credit for part of our stay. That covered almost all our meals, the floating breakfast, and spa experiences, which we really appreciated. Fonny at the front desk was brilliant, and everyone else was welcoming and friendly. We had a wonderful time at The Lamai. The rooms are stunning, the private pool made the stay special, and the beach was calm and peaceful. Breakfast was excellent each morning. We loved the food, especially the floating breakfast, and the spa was a highlight. Thai iced tea with almond milk became our daily ritual, and the clear, starry sky at night was magical. There was some noise from construction on site, and the rooms aren’t very soundproof. Even so, the lovely service, beautiful rooms, private pool, and peaceful beach made up for it. We’ll definitely come back and would happily recommend The Lamai 🧡🙏🇹🇭☀️

The rooms were warm and tranquil, with comfortable beds, and the staff were very friendly. The hotel also has a gym, pool, spa, restaurant, bar, and laundry, and the location is excellent. Still, several details kept the stay from feeling like a true 5-star experience. Construction beside the hotel disturbed the pool area, and we hadn’t been told about it in advance. We raised the issue but received no compensation. Restaurant and bar service could be slow and inattentive. At dinner, we had to leave our table to ask for service, and the food was satisfactory. Some room details, especially the blinds and curtains, looked worn. Pool towels were worn out and stained, and some had holes. Breakfast also felt limited for a 5-star hotel, though the gluten-free bread was excellent. It’s a beautiful place with great staff, but some of the details fall short.

The peaceful location in town has its less pleasant side. Walking along the street, taxi drivers honk for attention and massage workers call out from a distance. There are small, poor-looking businesses doing their best to make a living, selling gasoline in bottles, offering basic food, bike rentals, second-hand clothes, laundry, massages, and cannabis. There isn’t much to see nearby. We chose a room away from the pool for privacy, but the builders working in front of the pool and dining area made it impossible to enjoy the loungers or relax. There are only about ten by the pool. Hammering and drilling went on every morning, including during breakfast, and once we’d just woken up it was only an arm’s length away. We asked the manager if the builders could at least stop during breakfast. He tried to offer credit for the disruption, but we were still put in a difficult position. Construction in the main pool and dining areas should be announced so guests can choose whether that kind of holiday suits them. We stayed from 7-15 December, and the hammering was part of every day. It’s a long journey to come for peace and relaxation, and this was not a cheap stay. Without the noise, this place would be paradise in nature. The houses sit separately from one another, so you don’t hear the next room. From our veranda we could see the sea as well as palms and bamboo forest, with nobody in the opposite house to overlook us. It was incredibly peaceful there, with only local birds singing. The resort and grounds were very clean, and the houses are lovely, though the air conditioning could be quieter. Rooms can be cleaned every day if you don’t hang the monkey sign asking for silence. Four large bottles of water, Nescafé sachets, and tea were replaced daily. The staff try their best and are very friendly, though communication can be difficult. Reception staff speak better English; the rest mostly follow their duties and training. Breakfast had fresh juice, fruit, and local food. The coffee machines are operated by staff rather than guests, which is a downside if you like very hot coffee. They rush to serve it, and what they call hot coffee is just what comes from the machine. The dining area by the pool and sea has a peaceful view of the endless blue of sea and sky.