The Sarann Koh Samui

Getting into the driveway from a fast road on a bend was the one tricky part. Otherwise, the small property is laid out well. Our ocean front villa was right at the water's edge, with a plunge pool and its own sunbathing deck. At about 1300 square feet, it was well worth it. The restaurant served very good food, and the breakfast spread was good too.

A quiet beach, infinity pool, and secluded setting made this a great spot for a girls' trip. The in-house restaurant was really good, and all the housekeeping staff were very nice. The downside is the distance from popular tourist and market areas. Each time we wanted to go to a restaurant or a nearby 7 eleven, it cost 300 Thai baht one way.

We spent two weeks here and had a lovely time. Our jacuzzi villa was spacious and comfortable, and the pool was lovely too. The nearby beach was OK, with a new bar next door, though we had a car and drove to other beaches on the island. Road noise didn't bother us or disturb our sleep, even though my partner is sensitive to noise. The cheaper rooms closer to the road may be louder, though. Staff were very friendly and helpful. When the wrong people got into our pickup van, they called the tour company and sorted it out.

For a $380 room, the response I got to my noise complaint was unacceptable. The concierge and manager were extremely unhelpful. They said they'd already told their agency the area was noisy because the hotel is beside the highway, then told me to take it up with Agoda. This is far from a luxury hotel and doesn't deserve its star rating.