| Remote Design Hotel |
Guest Rating: 10 |
siri B.
|
Norway
Couple
Date of Stay: 10 Apr 2009 |
| Value for Money: |
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10/10 |
| Location: |
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10/10 |
| Staff Performance: |
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10/10 |
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| Hotel Condition/Cleanliness: |
|
10/10 |
| Room Comfort/Standard: |
|
10/10 |
| Food/Dining: |
|
10/10 |
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Beautiful design
gorgeous location
friendly staff
great food remote area and takes some effort travelling there (ferry from Koh Samui, taxi for about 40 min from the ferry)
Beautiful design in a remote location. Truly an unique experience of the "real" Thailand combined with personal luxury in a lovely atmosphere. The staff is super friendly and even the owner himself gave us personal attention and service.
We had a terrible thunderstorm which left the hotel without power and no water for a day. Inconvenient, but in a remote part of the island such must be expected from a small hotel. This hotel is so small that it does not have a power back up system and power outage is common on Koh Phagnan. However, the staff was super attentive and accommodating!
Restaurant Tip : Down the street from the hotel is a family owned sea food restaurant where you literary eat in the family's living room. It is on the same side of the street as the hotel, the last restaurant on the left (cannot remember the name).
Order whatever they recommend as "the catch of the day" and you will have a sea food meal of a life time!
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| Culture trip |
Guest Rating: 9.3 |
victoria M.
|
Australia
Other
Date of Stay: 03 Feb 2009 |
| Value for Money: |
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10/10 |
| Location: |
|
8/10 |
| Staff Performance: |
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10/10 |
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| Hotel Condition/Cleanliness: |
|
10/10 |
| Room Comfort/Standard: |
|
10/10 |
| Food/Dining: |
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8/10 |
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Great breakfast
Good location for what we were looking for
Clean
Great food
Good bar
Excellent service The only thing that I occaionally didn't like was the smell of fish as it is located in a fishing town, however, you adapted and it was not noticeable. The hotel was absolutely beautiful, the breakfast was included and you could choose a variety of things from eggs benedict to toast and jam to a continental breakfast; definately money for value. I loved the location as it was situated in a little fishing village. You weren't surrounded by the crazy full moon party goers and you could learn a little about the Koh Phangan day to day life. You were able to catch taxi boats to the sucluded beaches and a elephant safari was just down the road which was another value for money experience. When first arriving the fish smell did disturb me as it is located in a fishing town but you soon adapted.
Sightseeing/Attractions Tip : There is an elephant safari around the corner, maybe a 5 minute scooter ride. It is definately value for money. It is called Phangan Safari, definately look up the website.
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| Beatiful hotel |
Guest Rating: 8.3 |
kristin Z.
|
United States
Couple
Date of Stay: 04 Jan 2009 |
| Value for Money: |
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6/10 |
| Location: |
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8/10 |
| Staff Performance: |
|
10/10 |
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| Hotel Condition/Cleanliness: |
|
10/10 |
| Room Comfort/Standard: |
|
10/10 |
| Food/Dining: |
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6/10 |
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Hotel, not bungalow with beautiful, clean rooms. Helpful and friendly staff. Quiet area. Not much beach. Long ride from the ferry port (45min.) Although the ride in taxi was both long and expensive from the ferry dock i felt the Mandalai was worth it! Rooms were clean and so beautiful..this is not your beach bungalow that you find all over Koh Phagnan. When we missed the taxi for the ferry due to oversight in our time, staff went looking all over the island for us and then made special arrangements to book the speed boat to Koh Sumai so we wouldn't miss an afternoon flight. Not much beach though, but we also had the unfortunate problem of not seeing the sun the WHOLE time we were there BUT if it were sunny there was very little beach to hang out on. Also, location is very quiet but has enough right around area to ride a motorbike and see great things in the area and get some awesome food!
Restaurant Tip : Awesome burgers at the Lost dog restaurant close to hotel if you want a break from Thai.
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| Luxurious stay at the Mandalai |
Guest Rating: 9 |
katie M.
|
United Kingdom
Couple
Date of Stay: 02 Jan 2009 |
| Value for Money: |
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8/10 |
| Location: |
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6/10 |
| Staff Performance: |
|
10/10 |
|
| Hotel Condition/Cleanliness: |
|
10/10 |
| Room Comfort/Standard: |
|
10/10 |
| Food/Dining: |
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10/10 |
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Clean, trendy, minimalistic design, friendly staff
My partner and I stayed at the Mandalai for 4 nights in December 2008. We actually stayed on Koh Phangan for the NYE beach party on 31st and wanted to stay out of the hustle and bustle of Haad Rin.
The Mandalai is about a 40 minute drive from Haad Rin pier(500 - 1000 baht in a taxi). The hotel is a trendy boutique hotel that I would highly recommend. We were actually upgraded to a beach front suite which was fantastic!! The room was the perfect size and had a jacuzzi tub in addition to the shower which was great.
The staff were extremely helpful and hospitable and the food was top notch. Definitely worth a visit!
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| The Mandalai, Koh Phangan |
Guest Rating: 5 |
daniel H.
|
United Kingdom
Couple
Date of Stay: 02 Jan 2009 |
| Value for Money: |
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6/10 |
| Location: |
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2/10 |
| Staff Performance: |
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4/10 |
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| Hotel Condition/Cleanliness: |
|
4/10 |
| Room Comfort/Standard: |
|
8/10 |
| Food/Dining: |
|
6/10 |
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Nice modern hotel,very small. Away from Haad Rin about one hours drive and costs between 400-1000 Baht we got 1000 Baht the first night!!! We arrived after travelling the day to be told no room for us and taken to another hotel for 1 night. We had paid in full six months prior!! Whilst our stay there were at least 6 bookings not able to stay which had booked due to overbooks, some very upset people were here, there were even people who had contacted hotel day before to confirm stay and still on arrival NO ROOM.
Travel tip : If you want a quiet stay this is the place. Good luck with your booking.......!
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| Perfect 4-star service! |
Guest Rating: 9.7 |
svetlana O.
|
Russia
Couple
Date of Stay: 18 Oct 2008 |
| Value for Money: |
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10/10 |
| Location: |
|
8/10 |
| Staff Performance: |
|
10/10 |
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| Hotel Condition/Cleanliness: |
|
10/10 |
| Room Comfort/Standard: |
|
10/10 |
| Food/Dining: |
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10/10 |
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Staff are very friendly. Rest Sheesha have a handsome barman and food Very quiet around - some people may don't like it. Not many shops or rests, no hotels... But for us it was OK, we do love this area and this hotel. Mandalai is a really 4-stars hotel. It situated almost alone on the north side of the Phangan Island, right on the beach. Sea is OK there, but much better sea was at Haad Rin Nok (the opposite side of Phangan), but we don't like that Haad Rin Nok were too crowded (we visited Phangan at Full Moon Party).\nNot very big, but good equipted room, big wardrobe, lots of towels, pillows.\nThe swimming pool not too big, but it's not necessary, because the hotel stands right on the beach and we usually swum at the sea and layed on the white sand near the hotel.\nIt was a big pleasure to come to Sheesha - rest of Mandalai. Breakfast was delicious and everything we ordered also was very tasty.
Nightlife Tip : Nothing to do at Koh Phangan, unfortunately. Try to visit it at Full Moon Party - it was really gorgeous!
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| Manadai - Good modern design |
Guest Rating: 7.3 |
melvin T.
|
United Kingdom
Family with older children
Date of Stay: 02 Oct 2008 |
| Value for Money: |
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8/10 |
| Location: |
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6/10 |
| Staff Performance: |
|
8/10 |
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| Hotel Condition/Cleanliness: |
|
8/10 |
| Room Comfort/Standard: |
|
8/10 |
| Food/Dining: |
|
6/10 |
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Good location but only for private beach
Good room modern, new and clean
Good breakfast Isolated and require transport, only decent hotel for miles
Charged for extra coffee at breakfast, first time I have experienced this in all my years of traveling and living in hotels Sightseeing/Attractions Tip : A car is essential as the hotels location is isolated.
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| Manda WOW! |
Guest Rating: 9.7 |
joeri P.
|
Netherlands
Couple
Date of Stay: 01 Sep 2008 |
| Value for Money: |
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10/10 |
| Location: |
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10/10 |
| Staff Performance: |
|
8/10 |
|
| Hotel Condition/Cleanliness: |
|
10/10 |
| Room Comfort/Standard: |
|
10/10 |
| Food/Dining: |
|
10/10 |
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Where should we start? Great location, great rooms, great views, great food....etc.! Maybe after a years' stay, it will become boring? After check-in the wow-factor starts: a welcome with a fresh coconut. The next thing you see is an astonishing view at the Chaloklum bay. Rooms have a bubble bath and a very luxurious look, with an overwhelming amount of beautiful flowers to make sure this blows you of your feet also.
The hotel offers extras, such as a DVD player in every room (free DVD's for rent). The staff is very friendly and cooperative. Good breakfast on the veranda with the beach at your feet and the clear turkois water as far as you can see. Chaloklum is a small fisherman town, with a non-touristic and relaxed atmosphere.
All in all, this is what paradise looks and feels like!
Restaurant Tip : Okay, it is a bit strange to recommend an Italian restaurant in Thailand, but you should really visit the nearby Italian restaurant left from the hotel. This is run by an Italian guy who makes his fresh pasta every day (except for pizza night, but that's no punishment either...).
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| Very good choice! |
Guest Rating: 9 |
elena D.
|
Italy
Couple
Date of Stay: 17 Aug 2008 |
| Value for Money: |
|
8/10 |
| Location: |
|
8/10 |
| Staff Performance: |
|
10/10 |
|
| Hotel Condition/Cleanliness: |
|
10/10 |
| Room Comfort/Standard: |
|
10/10 |
| Food/Dining: |
|
8/10 |
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Ideal accomodation for those who are interested in diving: the bay offers at least 5 diving centers and the hotel is very close to the pier where the boats leave to the diving sites. More choice for breakfast menu. The area surrounding the hotel isn't as romantic as the hotel itself. Nicest hotel in the Chaloklum Bay! Small and cozy, just on the beach, modern elegant rooms...the perfect accomodation for a relaxing holiday in Koh Phangan! Helpful and friendly staff. A wide selection of dvd is at disposal of the clients. The Sheesha Bar just next to it is ideal for a drink at sunset...
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| Delightful and Unspoiled |
Guest Rating: 10 |
theresa N.
|
Netherlands
Couple
Date of Stay: 30 Jul 2008 |
| Value for Money: |
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10/10 |
| Location: |
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10/10 |
| Staff Performance: |
|
10/10 |
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| Hotel Condition/Cleanliness: |
|
10/10 |
| Room Comfort/Standard: |
|
10/10 |
| Food/Dining: |
|
10/10 |
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There are many positive aspects to the Mandalai Hotel. Visually fresh, clean and elegant the hotel blends well with the seaside environment. The staff combine professionalism and warm connection with ease. During our stay we experienced no discomfort, irritation or weakness in the hotel or its staff. We were recommended by a family member who had a very positive experience with the Mandalai Hotel. The warm greeting at the reception tipped off a chain of positive experiences. The room was lovely spacious and clean. The dining including food and staff was great! I would highly recommend the Mandalai and would happily return as a client.
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| Beach hotel |
Guest Rating: 8.7 |
lena A.
|
Sweden
Couple
Date of Stay: 25 Jun 2008 |
| Value for Money: |
|
10/10 |
| Location: |
|
4/10 |
| Staff Performance: |
|
10/10 |
|
| Hotel Condition/Cleanliness: |
|
10/10 |
| Room Comfort/Standard: |
|
10/10 |
| Food/Dining: |
|
8/10 |
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It is not easy to find a nice beach where its good to go swimming.
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| A boutique choice for a low key holiday |
Guest Rating: 9.3 |
karin P.
|
Australia
Couple
Date of Stay: 23 Jun 2008 |
| Value for Money: |
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8/10 |
| Location: |
|
8/10 |
| Staff Performance: |
|
10/10 |
|
| Hotel Condition/Cleanliness: |
|
10/10 |
| Room Comfort/Standard: |
|
10/10 |
| Food/Dining: |
|
10/10 |
|
Good diving nearby and lots of dive shops. Good local fishing if that is your thing. Local restaurants are a real hit. 50 baht for pad thai, or papaya salad, 150 - 200 baht for wonderful freshly caught huge servings of BBQ fish. Love lunch at restaurant with the grassy lawn on right hand side of pier run by a silver-haired soft-spoken woman with little English. And down the road, "2 Brothers" do a good meal. Was pretty amazed at prices at restaurants on other areas on the island. Double to triple and food often not as good. Getting to Chokalum Beach - it's 15 minutes and 150 - 200 baht from Thongsala pier. (Try not to get conned that it is 45 minutes from Thongsala. it is a pretty quick trip on the main road.)
Sightseeing/Attractions Tip : Hiring a motorbike--plenty available. Critical you check the brakes work and tyres have some tread on any motorbike you hire. It is renter beware! If you have an accident they will charge you an additional 1,000 baht - even if bike was not roadworthy! We were lucky not to have bad accident as I was experienced at riding a motorbike but not lucky as I did not check bike. As I was going down a steep unmade road I found the bike did not have any rear brakes. A shocking and scary revelation as the bike starts going faster and faster! Facing 300 metres of steep gravel road - not the time to find this out! Brakes - left side lever is back brake and very important. Having a back brake is critical for slowing down and controlling the bike going down a hill - otherwise with gravity and the weight of your bike - it will slide out from under you if you can only brake with front brakes. Don't assume any bike is in roadworthy condition and don't be afraid to check. Going down a hill is not the time to find out. Petrol - Get half full for a day's ride. You need about a litre and a half for a day's ride around most of the island. Try not to get caught without gas - it will cost you 100 - 200 baht a litre from small sellers vs 44 baht a litre (at time of writing) from gas station. The helmet: okay, the helmut may not look as cool - but it will save your head if you come off.
There is a hospital on the island that patches up plenty of white faces who have come off bikes!. It is reasonable but not a place to spend a few hours of valuable holiday time. Betadine is available from supermarkets if you get grazed. Wear shoes not thongs - and jeans not shorts if you are smart. And with care it is a great way to spend a day. Enjoy.
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| Hidden Gem |
Guest Rating: 9.7 |
jeffrey R.
|
United States of America
Other
Date of Stay: 19 Jun 2008 |
| Value for Money: |
|
10/10 |
| Location: |
|
8/10 |
| Staff Performance: |
|
10/10 |
|
| Hotel Condition/Cleanliness: |
|
10/10 |
| Room Comfort/Standard: |
|
10/10 |
| Food/Dining: |
|
10/10 |
|
This might be the nicest hotel on Koh PangNan, but it's definitely not the best deal.
Restaurant Tip : Breakfast at the restaurant is delicious, and for lunch or dinner I recommend the Penne with Prawns and the garlic bread or bruschetta. The food was all very good.
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| Unforgettable trip in a wonderful hotel! |
Guest Rating: 9 |
holly C.
|
Canada
Other
Date of Stay: 21 May 2008 |
| Value for Money: |
|
10/10 |
| Location: |
|
8/10 |
| Staff Performance: |
|
8/10 |
|
| Hotel Condition/Cleanliness: |
|
10/10 |
| Room Comfort/Standard: |
|
10/10 |
| Food/Dining: |
|
8/10 |
|
Would love to come back. This is a very quiet area (not for tourists looking for action), but we loved it as it was a way to escape from the madness (Full Moon Party).
Restaurant Tip : Eat at the nearby restaurants. Very cheap Thai food!
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| Mandalai Hotel - Koh Phangan |
Guest Rating: 6.7 |
james M.
|
United Kingdom
Couple
Date of Stay: 23 Mar 2008 |
| Value for Money: |
|
6/10 |
| Location: |
|
6/10 |
| Staff Performance: |
|
6/10 |
|
| Hotel Condition/Cleanliness: |
|
8/10 |
| Room Comfort/Standard: |
|
8/10 |
| Food/Dining: |
|
6/10 |
|
An ideal place to stay if you wanted to get away from the masses. Full moon party is still accessible if you are that way inclined.
Sightseeing/Attractions Tip : There is an elephant safari nearby which is good.
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