Tempo D Hostel

The market street is only a 4 min drive away, about a 15min walk, and I'd definitely recommend going there if you're staying here. We had a lovely one-night stay, with super-comfy beds, great shower pressure and temperature, and delicious breakfast. I'll be back in a couple of weeks for a longer stay!

The staff were very friendly, and we booked a day trip through reception to Chiao Lan Lake, Khao Na Nai Luang Dharma Park, Headwater Forest, and Ban Nam Rad. Highly recommended. Breakfast can be booked in the morning for 150 per person. There are free bananas and cookies on the ground floor, a few gardeners from Karaffe, and bicycles you can borrow for free. The beds are very large and firm, but didn't give us back problems. The place was clean, and the room had a hairdryer, wash lotion, and working air conditioning. It's great value for money, though you can hear noise from the hallway. We arrived two hours before check-in, but couldn't check in until exactly 2:00 p.m. A little flexibility would've been nice, especially after a 20-hour journey.

The service could have been better. At check-in, the front desk didn't seem very attentive, there wasn't a proper greeting, and nobody explained the hotel's facilities or services. At breakfast on checkout day, the restaurant staff greeted me politely, but didn't pay much attention to the food stations. Several items ran out and guests had to ask before anything was refilled. I stayed for one night, and otherwise things were quite okay. The room was clean, the location was convenient, and bicycle rentals were a nice option. I might look at other hotels in a similar price range next time, since I prefer a warmer, more hospitable and attentive welcome.

The design is quirky and industrial, with monkeys everywhere, and the rooms have comfortable beds. The buffet breakfast was great at 150 baht. My only complaint is how much sound comes through the thin walls, from other rooms and the corridors. I'm a light sleeper. Recommended for a stay in Surat Thani.