Holiday Villa Beach Resort & Spa Langkawi, Langkawi

I fail to understand the negative reviews as Holiday Villa Langkawi to me, is a very satisfying hotel. At the price you pay you can hardly expect the same standard of service as Four Seasons, Westin or Sheraton but it was definitely worth it in my books. Arrived at the hotel at 1pm and was warmly greeted, short of them worshipping the ground that I walked on. Got checked in within 20 mins which was fine as I was on holiday on a laid back island and was hardly rushing to a seminar or a high powered meeting. Yes, the room was a little outdated but not shockingly bad. Spacious, comfortable bed, lovely balcony overlooking the pool and a flat screen TV featuring all the channels you would ever need (who watches TV on an island anyway). Saw my favourite team got beat on ESPN though and was a little upset but nothing that a lazy dip in the magnificent pool the next morning couldn't fix. The beach was absolutely fine and clean enough for a swim but dont expect crystal clear waters. Langkawi is facing the Straits of Malacca where the sea water is not as refined as those beaches that would find on the east coast of Malaysia. I personally avoid dining at the resort when I'm on holiday as I would prefer to sample the local outlets, and this is where Holiday Villa is head and shoulder above the rest. Its location is ultra convenient. A wide selection of eateries as as soon you leave the hotel compound and a short 2 min drive or 15 min walk to Pantai Chenang for even more variety. As such, I can't comment on the price or the quality of the food at the resort. All in all, I was very satisfied with Holiday Villa and would definitely stay here again. It was a short weekend getaway so didn't get the chance to do any watersports (jet-ski, parasailing) which was available at the hotel. This would be a great resort if you know how to manage your expectations.