Queen Resort

Only positive was the good coffee you can buy at reception. Getting to the room was dangerous and dark at night, and elderly or injured guests would definitely struggle. Only one fan worked properly, the accommodation was basic, and there was no hot water in the bathroom. Outside my room was a broken bathtub with discarded joints in it. The host was rude, and there was no clear sign or name plate visible from the road. A terrible stay, my first bad review, and that says a lot.

The room was comfortable, with a good bed, a fridge, kettle, two fans, and plenty of hangers if you want to do your own laundry. It was cleaned once during our five-night stay, and there was hot water. We paid extra for the room with a terrace bath, though the bath didn't work. The view was excellent, and the privacy screen on the deck seemed to be unique to that room, so the extra cost felt worthwhile. The owners, a mother and daughter, are very nice. Tell them when you're arriving or check in at the shop left of the jewellery shop, or you may wait a while. The bungalow path isn't great, and the Wi-Fi was very poor in the room, where we could barely get a signal, though it worked on the terrace. There was just one of each dish, glass, and cup. We asked several times for more, but got only paper cups, which helped temporarily. Air conditioning costs an extra 500 Baths per night, and there were no bottled waters in the room.

The road to the cabin looked like a garbage dump, and the bungalow itself was old and poorly maintained. Inside, the heat was unbearable without air conditioning. The stained walls needed paint and had electrical tape on them, and the wiring looked frightening. We booked four nights but left after two, without getting our money back. I told the receptionist we hadn't been comfortable at all, but she didn't seem to care much. It was one of the most uncomfortable places I've stayed. I know Koh Tao prices aren't as low as in other parts of Thailand, but this “resort” was poor value.

The bungalows are a good deal: small, peaceful, private, and perched by the sea on a little cliff, yet close to the main activity on Sairee beach. You can choose a fan, air conditioning, or both in the same room. Air conditioning costs a few hundred baht extra, and reception switches on power to the unit. The staff are fine. Be polite and smile, and they'll treat you with respect. I've lived in Thailand for four years, and to me, in the land of smiles, a sour or entitled attitude won't get smiles back. I saw a grumpy European woman post a bad review after being rude to the staff in her video. The no-refund policy is clearly stated, so I think she was in the wrong.