Ohana Resort and Restaurant

Breakfast was the best we've had at a hotel, including on trips to Thailand, Bali, Japan, Vietnam, and Fiji. Nothing unusual on the menu, just good coffee, hot bread and croissants, and a choice of eggs, cereal, fruit, and juice, all done really well with quality ingredients. We also loved how green the grounds are. The plants and pools make it feel cooler than the area around it, and the grounds look great lit up at night. Our room was spacious, the air conditioning was quiet and could stay on all day, and most rooms have a decent balcony overlooking the pools with big bean bags. Ours also had a jacuzzi. Both pools are large and have shallow sections for kids; one has a sandy, beach-like edge with big flat rocks. The staff were a real highlight, friendly, efficient, and happy to help without hovering. We'd give their service 11 out of 10. Ohana is in a quieter part of Rayong, about 200 metres from the 7-11, beach, and mostly seafood restaurants, and a 10-minute drive from town and the Koh Samet ferry. Our main complaint is that the room needs a small table and chairs. There was nowhere indoors to sit except the bed or a wooden bench that isn't really meant for it, which made talking, reading, working, or eating awkward. There was plenty of room for a table and a couple of chairs. It's a relaxing, somewhat romantic place for couples, and practical for families too. We can't recommend Ohana highly enough. The staff, rooms, grounds, and breakfast made it a great value and a very enjoyable stay.

The room was comfortable, and I really liked the dogs and the breakfast. We paid 2,000 THB a night for a deluxe cottage within walking distance of Mae Ram Phueng Beach. Breakfast was included because we booked through Agoda.com, and for the price it felt reasonable. The owners and staff were possibly the nicest people my sister and I met on our whole trip. There were two issues that kept this from being five stars. The artificial pool looked quite dirty, and I didn't think anyone would want to swim in it. I was disappointed, since I'd planned to use it. Also, our cottage bathroom, number 106, smelled like rotting fish or rats for some reason we couldn't work out. The smell had gone by the next day. I'd book again if I return to Rayong, and hope the team improves those things.

The bungalows have modern interiors and plenty of room to relax. Each has a private garden with an outdoor shower, handy if you want an all-over tan. Breakfast was excellent, with both traditional Thai and continental choices. It's just a five-minute walk to the beach and 711, and bikes can be rented for a reasonable 350 baht per day. A perfect resort for couples.

After three hectic days in Bangkok, I found real peace here for two days, with sun, sea, seafood, and hardly anyone around. The New Year was celebrated in a warm, family-like way. The reception was so sweet and welcoming, and the moment brought up strong positive feelings that made me happy. I'll never forget Joe's. Thank you for such a lovely place and atmosphere.