Khaolak Laguna Resort

“Not the best for cleanliness”

This hotel was an alternative choice after we were told our Tui Blue original hotel had building work being done. We chose an alternative because we wanted a restful holiday. The hotel is next door and in our arrival to the Laguna Resort we could not see any building work being done at our orig... more

This hotel was an alternative choice after we were told our Tui Blue original hotel had building work being done. We chose an alternative because we wanted a restful holiday. The hotel is next door and in our arrival to the Laguna Resort we could not see any building work being done at our original choice, in fact it looked very nice and the name had been changed. The Khoa Lak Laguna Resort is not for anyone with walking difficulties or elderly that struggle with steps, they are everywhere. Up to the reception, then down to the walkway the other side, there is a slope but then more steps if your in the rooms. Our room wasn’t very clean, the hand mirror in the bathroom was absolutely fifths, as was around the basin, and the toilet cistern. There are bamboo bins that looked awful for you to put used loo paper in and the shower glass was covered in splatters. The furniture in the room was dark bamboo type and was covered in dust, the net curtain was very stained and hand marks all over the window. I had to get the kettle changed due to the lid keep shooting open which was dangerous! The room was never cleaned thoroughly just top & tailed for replacing coffee and milk x 2 meaning only one drink each, toilet rolls, towels and making the beds. The breakfast was ok with plenty of selection and lovely hot coffee out of the machine. The Sundowner restaurant’s menu had some good choices but starters were very large and often meant it was wasteful. The prawn cocktail wasn’t the nicest and I had one that hadn’t been cleaned! The beach was always dirty and the su beds area on the grass had lots of rubbish around them that was never cleaned while we were there. We never saw anyone clean the swimming pool either and there was a lot of debris in the bottom. One gent pointed out the slippy slope at one side had green algae on the side making it really dangerous.

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“Can’t fault the staff but looks a little tired and had big issues with air conditionin.”

We arrived at the hotel at 10am and were greeted with a cold flannel and a drink. First impression was lots of steps, old style Thai decor but seemed clean. Within 30 minutes we were in our room, number 411, which was quite central for all facilities. The rooms are very spacious but in need of a... more

We arrived at the hotel at 10am and were greeted with a cold flannel and a drink. First impression was lots of steps, old style Thai decor but seemed clean. Within 30 minutes we were in our room, number 411, which was quite central for all facilities. The rooms are very spacious but in need of a little TLC. Air conditioning was fabulous for the first couple of days but became a real problem after. It seemed like it was on a timer and, after being on for a while, it sounded like it was still blowing but was not blowing cold air. We reported it to reception 3 times but it wasn’t until the 4th complaint that we were moved to room 415 but soon discovered this room had the same issue and it appears rooms 412 and 413 had the same issue. The shower is lovely and powerful and the bathroom has shower gel, shampoo, toothbrush, comb. There is also a pool/beach bag you can use and pool towels. The pool was lovely first thing but got warm by the afternoon with the sun on it. Not sure how often the pool is cleaned but there were dirty/slimey areas on the pool floor. There were room renovations happening while we were there but they didn’t affect our stay at all. They have fitted covers by the beach restaurant so you can completely cover the padded sunbed top. You need it as they get very hot. The pool staff are lovely and helpful. Benz was our favourite and works ridiculously hard but always with a smile on his face. The ladies in the restaurants are wonderful, lead by Ju, who is so funny, helpful and very welcoming. Oi, Jeab, Na, Poppy, Wi and May are so lovely that we felt relaxed and well looked after at mealtimes. I wouldn’t recommend this hotel for anyone with mobility issues as there are so many steps. It is located at the end of the Khao Lak shopping area but there’s not too much of a walk to the shopping area and there’s usually a taxi outside which can take you to the market for about 200 baht (approx 45 to the £ Jun 24) or just to the far end of the shopping area for about 150 baht. It was low season when we went so it was very quiet in the hotel and in the area. Sadly the beach directly in front of the pool area has a lot of debris on it when the tide goes out, bottle tops, flip flops, toys. It’s real sad to see but obviously nothing the hotel can control.

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“Doubt we will be back”

Firstly the positives, location was good, rooms, gardens, pool area and beach were lovely but that's where it ends for me. Negatives were poor check in, unhelpful staff on reception who despite me emailing them a couple of days before requesting room set ups as we had 5 rooms and some needed to ... more

Firstly the positives, location was good, rooms, gardens, pool area and beach were lovely but that's where it ends for me. Negatives were poor check in, unhelpful staff on reception who despite me emailing them a couple of days before requesting room set ups as we had 5 rooms and some needed to be twin beds and some king size. Eventually managed to sort it out but then wanted to charge an extra 1000bht a night for a bed sheet and duvet for the sofa which is in every room anyway. Wouldn't pay it so they took the linen away, never had this at any hotel before. Had dinner at the Sundowner restaurant on site and would say that the food was good although expensive but as it was included for 1 night of our stay we ate there. We had lunch most days there but every time we would either get the wrong food or the bill would be wrong. Breakfast was at the Oriental restaurant and was mostly OK but one day we arrived at 10.15 and they had already started closing despite it being until 10.30. Had to again find a manager to sort it out. At check out the lady at the desk totally ignored us, no greeting or acknowledgement that we were there and after a few minutes put our bill on the desk still without speaking, took the credit card, did what she needed and gave it back again without any conversation. The general fell of the hotel is that the staff aren't happy with the exception of the great guy who showed us to the room and a couple of the waitresses in the sundowner restaurant. Would I stay again, probably not, despite it being a lovely place the staff really need some hospitality training. Also avoid the red tuktuk who is often outside the hotel, always only paid between 100 and 200 baht to go into Khaolak depending on how many people, he tried to charge 400baht, totally refused to pay him that, he threatened to get the police but called his bluff.

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