Beach Club by Haad Tien

Shark Bay is gorgeous, and that’s the main thing this hotel has going for it. For the price, I found the stay really underwhelming and not close to what I’d expect from a four star place. My room was a long climb from the pool and dining lounge, around 5-10 minutes up stairs each time. At night it was so dark I had to use my phone flashlight to see even a metre ahead. Other guests were doing the same. As a young woman traveling alone, I felt uneasy. The road out of this more remote part of the island is also very dark after sunset, so you need to feel comfortable driving. There’s nothing within walking distance, and a taxi costs about 400 THB each way. The restaurant food was okay but overpriced. Service could be painfully slow: I waited 15 minutes for a menu, then had to ask again before anyone took my order. Some staff were lovely, but the daytime team at the capri restaurant weren’t as friendly, and I sometimes felt like I was bothering them. The place had a general air of people not wanting to be there, though I can see why staff might be worn out carrying luggage up and down all day. Coffee took 15-20 minutes in the morning with only two machines for the whole resort. Both days my food was cold by the time I sat down. The rooms are very basic, and I found it odd there wasn’t even a robe. It has potential, but I’d save the money for somewhere nicer. I’ve had more attentive service in hostels. I feel for the staff, since this isn’t their fault, but management has a lot to improve.

The views are what make this place worth considering. The location is stunning, and that’s why we booked it. The hotel shuttle is useful, but you’ll often need a taxi, which costs 400 baht, and the restaurant food is very expensive. We stayed in the hotel, not the beach resort, and our room was at the top after about four flights of stairs. That wasn’t as bad as some reviews suggest. Reception and the concierge were friendly and helpful, while restaurant service was noticeably different. The food and overall stay felt overpriced for the standard, but people will keep coming for the scenery. I can’t comment on the beach resort itself.

It’s worth knowing how the place is laid out before booking. The Beach Club has rooms in two-storey buildings, while the Resort side is made up of overwater bungalows and costs around 2.5-3 times more, mainly for the higher room standard and distinctive stay. Both sides use the same shared facilities, which are the strongest part. The beach, pool, and breakfast area feel like a solid five star experience. The beach is among Koh Tao’s prettiest, and people who aren’t staying at the hotel pay about 500 baht to get access. Breakfast is a buffet that isn’t huge, but it’s fresh, tasty, and satisfying. Service was good, and staff handled each request properly. The main letdown is the rooms: they’re basic, with a very simple bathroom, and sometimes there were sewage smells, possibly related to the construction. There’s no gym either, which I think a resort should have nowadays. Also, there are no lifts. My room meant climbing 81 steps. I was fine with it, but it could be difficult for older visitors or anyone with mobility issues. I paid £115 a night and thought that was good value, especially since Koh Tao has few high-end hotel choices. Just be clear on what you’re booking.

We paid 500 baht each to visit the beach, which included a soda and a meal. It took nearly half an hour for our order to arrive, and one waiter ignored us several times before another came over to take it. I’m glad we hadn’t booked a room here. We stayed at Jamahkiri dive resort, which I recommend.