stefano B.
|
Italy
Couple
Date of Stay: 24 Jun 2009 |
| Value for Money: |
|
6/10 |
| Location: |
|
6/10 |
| Staff Performance: |
|
8/10 |
|
| Hotel Condition/Cleanliness: |
|
8/10 |
| Room Comfort/Standard: |
|
8/10 |
| Food/Dining: |
|
8/10 |
|
Need motorbike to go centre Excellent resort, very good food, nice beach, staff kind and nice, just a bit far from centre but rent a motorbike and all is good
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stefano B.
|
Italy
Couple
Date of Stay: 18 Jun 2009 |
| Value for Money: |
|
6/10 |
| Location: |
|
6/10 |
| Staff Performance: |
|
8/10 |
|
| Hotel Condition/Cleanliness: |
|
8/10 |
| Room Comfort/Standard: |
|
8/10 |
| Food/Dining: |
|
6/10 |
|
nice staff, a bit far from centre but rent a motorbike and all is ok, room clean, all is been ok
|
| nice hotel |
Guest Rating: 7 |
abbasov N.
|
Azerbaijan
Solo Traveler
Date of Stay: 31 Mar 2009 |
| Value for Money: |
|
8/10 |
| Location: |
|
2/10 |
| Staff Performance: |
|
8/10 |
|
| Hotel Condition/Cleanliness: |
|
10/10 |
| Room Comfort/Standard: |
|
10/10 |
| Food/Dining: |
|
4/10 |
|
hotel far from Chaveng center.
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| FIRST RESIDENCE IN SAMUI |
Guest Rating: 8.7 |
tse Y.
|
Singapore
Couple
Date of Stay: 16 Mar 2009 |
| Value for Money: |
|
10/10 |
| Location: |
|
6/10 |
| Staff Performance: |
|
8/10 |
|
| Hotel Condition/Cleanliness: |
|
10/10 |
| Room Comfort/Standard: |
|
10/10 |
| Food/Dining: |
|
8/10 |
|
reasonable price/ friendly staff/ clean room location slightly out of the way. thats ok. overall feel was great. value for $ place to stay. pricing was reasonable given its quality, room size. good homely feel hotel. modern in its design too. Free internet usage was an excellent bonus too. attached balcony was an extra throw in for us.i was strongly urged u guys checking this hotel out,,its a good value for $ hotel to stay in for sure.i liked it
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| Good Hotel for Location |
Guest Rating: 8.3 |
keith R.
|
United Kingdom
Couple
Date of Stay: 17 Feb 2009 |
| Value for Money: |
|
10/10 |
| Location: |
|
10/10 |
| Staff Performance: |
|
6/10 |
|
| Hotel Condition/Cleanliness: |
|
8/10 |
| Room Comfort/Standard: |
|
8/10 |
| Food/Dining: |
|
8/10 |
|
Lovely rooms. Quiet Hotel away from the main strip.
Nice beach to go to as it is the sister hotel to the Samui First House Hotel.
Breakfast good and enough choice.
Free internet.
Breakfast staff miserable!
Pool area porr really with no sun on it all day.
Internet is free but people spend too much time on it. They should offer a voucher system where you get 15 mins max each when busy.
min. 50 words
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| Greetings from Penang Island (Malaysia) |
Guest Rating: 4.7 |
khee B.
|
Malaysia
Other
Date of Stay: 01 Feb 2009 |
| Value for Money: |
|
6/10 |
| Location: |
|
6/10 |
| Staff Performance: |
|
6/10 |
|
| Hotel Condition/Cleanliness: |
|
4/10 |
| Room Comfort/Standard: |
|
2/10 |
| Food/Dining: |
|
4/10 |
|
For Pros:
The staffs are friendly.
Free WIFI. There are 3 desktops at the time we stayed 28 - 31 Jan 2009 located next to the check-in counter.
Reasonable size of swimming pool.
There are safety box at reception area.
Breakfast is quite reasonable in term of variey.
Size of the room is good and spacious with the rate that we paid for per night.
The location to happening & shopping area is just a walking distance.
There's a private beach at Chaweng Noi which is belongs to First Hotel/First Bungalow. First Residence is under the same management. So, any guests from First Residence is allow to use the private beach. For Cons:
The room that we stayed is with very bad sanitary odour, suspected might due to the poor ventilation.
Shower intermittently running with hot & cold water. This is very unpleasant while having bath.
There's no proper parking space. It is important to those or like us that rent-a-car. Yes. In term of the room rate I might be back to stay here if there's any visiting Ko Samui in near future. Perhaps, they have improvement in term of the toile ventilation as well as shower condition with hot & cold water running through intermittently, 1 min hot & 1+ cold or vice versa.
Ko Samui Travel Tips (Rate we obtained during our stay):
(1) Ko Samui car rental - THB 1,200 Toyota VIOS(24 Hours). Gasoline for car is approx. THB 400 that enabled us to round the whole island from 8:00am to 8:00pm. Almost 12 hours. Certainly, having a few stops for attracting places visiting and lunch.
(2) Breakfast need improvement to start at 6am instead of 7am. Too late for those who plan to catch Ko Samui earliest ferry at 7:30am.
*Note : Journey from First Residence (Chaweng Noi - Nathon Pier takes about 30 ~ 45mins)
Sightseeing/Attractions Tip : Ko Samui Travel Tips (Rate we obtained during our stay):
(1) Ko Samui car rental - THB 1,200 Toyota VIOS(24 Hours). Gasoline for car is approx. THB 400 that enabled us to round the whole island from 8:00am to 8:00pm. Almost 12 hours. Certainly, having a few stops for attracting places visiting and lunch.
(2) Breakfast need improvement to start at 6am instead of 7am. Too late for those who plan to catch Ko Samui earliest ferry at 7:30am.
*Note : Journey from First Residence (Chaweng Noi - Nathon Pier takes about 30 ~ 45mins)
(2) Island Hopping.
(2.1) Ko Tao + Ko Nang Yuan trip - THB 1,300 per pax (lunch, snorkelling gear & tea break included)
Ko Samui - Ko Nang Yuan via Ko Phangan ~ 3hrs
Ko Nang Yuan - Snorkelling + View Point trekking only 1hr given which is too little.
Ko Tao - Snorkelling (La Fi Bay, not an idea place for snorkelling with dead coral and finger-countable fishes) 1 hr given.
Ko Tao - Ko Samui via Ko Phangan ~ 3 hrs.
Conclusion : 6 hours travelling time & only 2 hours fun and relax time. This trip is too tiring. (Not recommended).
(2.2) Angthong Marine Park trip - THB 1,200 per pax (lunch, snorkelling gear, kayaking & tea break included)
Ko Samui - Ko Wau Talab (Angthong) (~1½ hr)
Ko Wau Talab - Ko Pee : Kayaking round Ko Pee (1 hr)
Ko Wau Talab view point trekking (up & down journey 1 hr for experienced hikers)
*Note : Easy to Intermediate for experience hikers. It's good to hike with a pair of good hiking shoes. Starting point to viewpoint summit is 500meter. Last 20meter to the summit is with pinnacles climb (Be extra careful for pinnacles climb, always stay with the rope)
Ko Mae Koh : Emerald Green Lake trekking (Easy 10 - 15 mins) with ready staircase.
Ko Wau Talab - Ko Samui (~1½ hr)
Conclusion : 3 hours travelling time. Worth a visit and surely rewarded for those who reach the viewpoint summit of Ko Wau Talab. The view is just magnificient.
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| First Residence, Koh Samui |
Guest Rating: 4.7 |
james O.
|
United Kingdom
Couple
Date of Stay: 01 Feb 2009 |
| Value for Money: |
|
4/10 |
| Location: |
|
6/10 |
| Staff Performance: |
|
4/10 |
|
| Hotel Condition/Cleanliness: |
|
4/10 |
| Room Comfort/Standard: |
|
4/10 |
| Food/Dining: |
|
6/10 |
|
Very clean, food was of a good standard and attentive staff. Spacious rooms. We stayed here for 4 nights and we were very pleased to find a clean, bright hotel with very helpful staff. Our room was large and the only thing wrong with it was the smell that came from the toilet (nothing to do with us!) that lasted for the duration of our stay.
They have a great pool for lounging around although there was one day that the pool man was 'off' so it wasn't cleaned and we were unable to use.
The hotel is also a fair walk into the main part of town.
Another couple of plus points, though, is the fact you can use the private beach of the sister hotel round the corner and they have free internet.
Overall, nice clean hotel with food facilities but you pay a little more than average 'budget' hotels to get this.
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| The First Residence sent us to The First House |
Guest Rating: 9.3 |
nathan C.
|
United States
Couple
Date of Stay: 30 Jan 2009 |
| Value for Money: |
|
8/10 |
| Location: |
|
10/10 |
| Staff Performance: |
|
10/10 |
|
| Hotel Condition/Cleanliness: |
|
10/10 |
| Room Comfort/Standard: |
|
8/10 |
| Food/Dining: |
|
10/10 |
|
Very helpful staff.
Very clean reception area and restaurant. Overbooked hotel and did not have a room for us.
Location was a bit further than described and about a five minute walk to the beach at their other properties.(The First House and First Bungalows) Being overbooked at The First Residence they sent us to The First House without any extra charges. Not bad since the beach was located at The First House property about five minutes away. They did say we would have to pay for the taxi if we didn't want to walk though.(Luckily we had hiking packs and not large suitcases) At the First House they were very helpful and the hotel was very clean. Our bed however was made by pushing two twin beds together. As well, the balcony view was an amazing 10 foot view right into our neighbors balcony. They made it very convenient to lock personal belongings safely behind the main desk which was nice. Overall, The First House was a great place to stay with the right location, clean beach and water, helpful staff, and wonderful food.
|
| first residence |
Guest Rating: 9 |
emma C.
|
United Kingdom
Couple
Date of Stay: 21 Jan 2009 |
| 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 |
|
good rooms and a bit out of the hustle and bustle but an easy 20 min walking to the thick of it. the staff were very friendly and helpful. The rooms were spacious and very clean as was everywhere in the hotel. The breakfast was good and so was the happy hour. I would recommend this hotel if you don't want to be in the center of the action. the beach is very close and great.
Restaurant Tip : ninja cafe is great for cheap food!
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| First Residence - Chawenge Beach Rd. |
Guest Rating: 9 |
nikolay K.
|
Russia
Couple
Date of Stay: 18 Jan 2009 |
| Value for Money: |
|
10/10 |
| Location: |
|
6/10 |
| Staff Performance: |
|
10/10 |
|
| Hotel Condition/Cleanliness: |
|
10/10 |
| Room Comfort/Standard: |
|
10/10 |
| Food/Dining: |
|
8/10 |
|
Really 3-star hotel, new, equipped with a pool not to close to nightlife spots Stayed in this hotel in Jan. 2009 for 1 night. Convenient, friendly staff, really fast free internet access in the lobby. Cheap restaurant. To reach all Сhawenge Beach Rd. facilities use red taxi (big country vans) or cyclist-taxi
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| budget luxury! its the way ahead |
Guest Rating: 9.3 |
estelle S.
|
United Kingdom
Other
Date of Stay: 13 Jan 2009 |
| Value for Money: |
|
10/10 |
| Location: |
|
8/10 |
| Staff Performance: |
|
10/10 |
|
| Hotel Condition/Cleanliness: |
|
10/10 |
| Room Comfort/Standard: |
|
10/10 |
| Food/Dining: |
|
8/10 |
|
the bedrooms are of a fantastic standard, they have the appearance of a boutique hotel at a fraction of the price the pool ares did not get the sun for much of the day and there was a lack of sun loungers the general feeling in the hotel is laid back with helpful friendly staff. the hotel is situated at the far end of the resort which makes it perfect for those who want to go to bed before the pubs close. the bedrooms are of a surprisingly high standard and we opted to stay longer than we had originally booked for. free internet access is a nice touch.
Hotel Feature Tip : we were able to extent our stay more cheaply on line in the foyee than the reception could offer
|
| fantastic |
Guest Rating: 9.7 |
sally C.
|
United Kingdom
Other
Date of Stay: 13 Jan 2009 |
| 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 |
|
located at the quieter end of Chaweng, however, still really easy to get to the heart of everhyting by foot or by taxi. A fantastic property. Rooms and facilities are excellent. Staff are great and nothing is too much trouble. We loved this hotel and would definitely base here is returning to Chaweng. Pool is lovely but doesnt get the sun until around 11am, excellent. would highly recommend you give this hotel a try.
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| Good clean modern hotel |
Guest Rating: 7.3 |
andrew B.
|
United Kingdom
Couple
Date of Stay: 12 Jan 2009 |
| Value for Money: |
|
8/10 |
| Location: |
|
6/10 |
| Staff Performance: |
|
8/10 |
|
| Hotel Condition/Cleanliness: |
|
8/10 |
| Room Comfort/Standard: |
|
8/10 |
| Food/Dining: |
|
6/10 |
|
location - 20 minutes walk or 5 minutes in taxi to chaweng Overall nice hotel. Spotless and good value for money
|
| First Residence Samui. |
Guest Rating: 9 |
adrian H.
|
Australia
Couple
Date of Stay: 08 Jan 2009 |
| Value for Money: |
|
10/10 |
| Location: |
|
8/10 |
| Staff Performance: |
|
10/10 |
|
| Hotel Condition/Cleanliness: |
|
10/10 |
| Room Comfort/Standard: |
|
10/10 |
| Food/Dining: |
|
6/10 |
|
Only a year & a half old - new and clean, at the end of the main drag so quiet at night sleep-wise. Helpful friendly staff. If you were on the 4th floor you would have a problem - no lifts. Breakfast could have had more variety and been warmer. Value for money overall and close enough to be handy to the main party and shopping areas yet far enough away to have some peace and quiet at night - good for family groups with a clean easily accessible pool area. Staff were friendly and helpful and the access to free high speed internet was much appreciated by us and most we spoke to. They were also accommodating in organising motorbike hire etc
Sightseeing/Attractions Tip : DON'T rely on the taxis-they refuse to use their meters and many of the travel agents charge like wounded bulls - if you can ride a scooter - hire one and travel the Island and sights yourself!
|
| First to give a great deal! |
Guest Rating: 9 |
james R.
|
United Kingdom
Solo Traveler
Date of Stay: 04 Jan 2009 |
| Value for Money: |
|
10/10 |
| Location: |
|
6/10 |
| Staff Performance: |
|
8/10 |
|
| Hotel Condition/Cleanliness: |
|
10/10 |
| Room Comfort/Standard: |
|
10/10 |
| Food/Dining: |
|
10/10 |
|
The price, the food, bar/ minibar prices, the swimming pool, the cleaniness, free internet access Reception staff could be slow, especially if someone else was checking in and you wanted something. Bathroom toiletries not replaced. A little bit of the beaten track for some Excellent value for money and service for the price. I felt previous reviews were rather unwarranted. Newly opened. It will become very popular soon!Airport pick-up excellent, and they transferred us to their sister hotel(First House)on the beach free of charge. You can use the beach facilities of the sister hotel which is 5 minutes walk away.Hotel was quiet, great prices and pool. Would definately ecommend it.
Travel tip : Samui transport prices are extortionate- expect to be ripped of by the sawngtaew (truck)and taxi drivers (90 Baht charge added to the meter price, if they will even deem to use the meter). Chaweng is quiet compared to other places. The south end of the beach is quietest and most beautiful. Difficult to get authentic Thai food especially after midnight.Three good transvesitite cabaret shows to take in (Star, Christies & Starz, in that order)!
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