Date of Travel : 30 August, 2011 – 1 September, 2011
We arrived at Krabi Airport on schedule, approximately 1.40pm local time. Our transportation from the airport to the hotel was pre-booked online for 750Baht/way for the both of us. It wasn’t until we reached the airport and found out that you can get way cheaper transportation from the locals nearby. Some of the taxis were even offering 500Baht/way before negotiation.
Just a self reminder on next trip to Krabi to arrange transport only when landed.
The journey was quite short, took us about 40-45min to reached our hotel, Aree Tara Resort in AoNang.
Above is the Main entrance of the Resort, was quite to my liking with the simple and clean outlook of the hotel.
The Resort is outfitted with the common facilities: Pool, Internet Access, on the Ground Floor, Restaurant on the 2nd Floor, Rooms are split between Superior, Deluxe, and Deluxe Pool Access.
That’s me there at the reception. We were greeted with a smile, several smiles to be exact, by their staff throughout our stay. Friendly staff and well trained. The lady even offered us tour package to PhiPhi Island hopping for 1,000Baht / pax. I was immediately sold, reason being that on our way to the hotel, the driver tried to sell us the same package for 1,800 Baht~!!! And told us we are getting a good deal for 1,500Baht… Managed to convince the driver to pass us his number and I will call him after I’ve done some walking around town. Thank goodness I waited, even though my Dear was bought by his sales pitch.
Later walking Around town we found some slightly cheaper tours as well, but the hotel arrangement was good enough for me. As they promised a refund if the weather does not permit it. The staff even offered transport for our trip back to the airport for 500Baht~! How I wished I hadn’t booked and PAID for the transport that was 50% more~! Lesson learned….
Hotel was close enough to certain key areas such as long tail boat counters (5min walk), Beach and Ao Nang Center (10-15min walk). You do however have the option of talking those red Tuk-tuk for 20Baht/pax to anywhere in Aonang.
We had 2 nights stay at the Deluxe Room for 1590Baht/night (Apprx. RM159). Room size as stated on the hotel website was 33square meters. For an asian couple like us, it was sufficient enough of a room size.
Our room was fitted with Air-con (Controled using thermostat), LCD Screen TV, Shower and Bath, Toiletries, In-room safe, Telephone, Hair Dryer, Mini Fridge, Tea and Coffee making facilities, and a Private Balcony.
According to the hotel website, the Deluxe Pool access room gets an extra day Bed at the private balcony at the expense of a bathtub. Not sure how that correlates…. but those who have taken that room can let me know if that is true.
(From L – R) : The Lobby, The Internet Cafe, and guy serving Alcoholic Beverages to Poolside Guest.
(From L – R) : The Restaurant (Morning view), The Lobby Walkway, and Services offered (you can get cheaper from town)
View of the room
(From T – B): Toiletries, Bathroom, Walkway from the door, View from Balcony
Experience of room: First impression walking in was clean, tidy and had a nice view of the balcony outside. The staff who showed us to our room pointed to us the free water, and the ones that will be charged. After thanking for the service, my Dearest straight away whipped out the camera and started snapping. There were many more photos, but I will share the relevant ones here as others a little more personal.
Room door was by use of manual key, not those digital key cards you see in modern / newer resorts. Another thing to note that our Room was at the end of the hallway, and the lighting was not done in the right way, where we had difficulty inserting the key to the keyhole Even during the DAY. The evening/night lighting was similar poorly positioned. If you have one hand carrying stuff and the other just fiddling away at the key, it will take a minute or two to insert the key.
Bed was made, Towels were folded into nice little Elephants and Trunks. very nice touch. Couldn’t put it back together myself once I destroyed it though… Bed was comfortable to offer a good night’s sleep, in fact both nights the two of us felt so comfortable and sleepy the moment we starting laying down.
Bathroom was spacious but facilities were a little short, you have your standard bottle of bath foam, shampoo, 1 bar of soap (Yes, 1 only), 2 Glasses, and shower cap. They do not provide toothbrush and toothpaste as others may. The Bathtub had a bit of black stains which we both could not identify, and could not wash off even with the hot water. So we skipped that. The shower however was a blessing, Good Strong Pressure offering both hot and cold options with a simple turn of the faucet.
The view from the balcony was nice enough to give you almost an entire view of what the resort has to offer. Directly opposite our room is the restaurant. At the ground you can see the pool and day beds. From the last pic above you can also see where the Deluxe Pool connects directly to the pool. Just a dip anytime of the day.
Safety deposit box came together in the room, simple enough instructions provided to reset and key in your code. What did not comfort me was the box was so light I could just carry it and ran away with it… But we did use them to keep our passports and money when we went for our Day Tour on the 2nd day.
Friendly staff : Check!
Clean & Tidy Room : Check!
Comfortable Bed : Check!
No funny odor / smell : Check!
Room service / housekeeping : Check!
Cheap Fares during low season : Check!
Definitely a lovely hotel to come back to. I would give it a personal 7/10 due to some of the minor faults mentioned earlier. Also noted at the time of our visit, there were couple more resorts bring constructed. How will this hotel fare once more competition crops up? Only time will tell.
