The Palmery Resort

I'd put it at about 4.5 stars, but on balance it deserves 5. The staff are really friendly and helpful, breakfast is excellent with a good selection and eggs cooked to order, and direct pool access from the room is a nice touch. The pools are small and only 1.2m deep. The location is great for walking to Kata or Kata Noi beaches, with restaurants and 7/11 very close by. Just two minor snags: there was a constant bad drain smell from the toilet. We arrived a little after 8pm and wanted room service, but although the menu said it was available until 9pm, reception told us the kitchen had closed.

The room was roomy, the bed was comfortable, and the staff were lovely. The pool-access suite is a great idea, but the rest of the property needs attention. Our door took ages to open, the pool could use some work, and the shower door had come off its hinges. Breakfast was very limited compared with other four-star hotels. They need to do better.

The location worked well for us, with restaurants, massage spas, shops, and the beach all nearby. There’s a pretty lobby with plenty of places to sit and read, and the grounds and lighting are lovely and well kept. We enjoyed the pool and the free breakfast, which had a good range of tasty food and drinks. Security is on site, with cameras around the property. Our room was spacious, with a king bed, sofa, tub, and shower, though the TV didn’t work for me. The staff were helpful and friendly, from the bellboy to the servers. I’d recommend staying here.

I’ve been staying at The Palmery for the same stretch over the past couple of years, and the team greeted me like an old friend again. They’re all fantastic. A special thanks to the breakfast 'egg man', who worked every day of my 17-night stay, and to Bird, the 'Bellboy', who was just as helpful and friendly as on my earlier visits. I love having a pool-access room, and I can’t think of another hotel I’ve stayed at here or elsewhere that offers better value. I’m nearing the end of this stay and will be back.