Ramada Khao Lak Resort

Ramada Khao Lak Resort is an (optional) all-inclusive beachfront resort that features a property brimming with tropical plants, a huge freeform blue outdoor pool, and the ever-so subtle Ramada red umbrellas that peek through the mix. The decor is a modern Thai style featuring a mix of tile and dark wooden floors, hints of ocean blue accents, colorful artwork in the buffet restaurant, open spaces, large floor-to-ceiling windows, and little air-conditioning besides the restaurant and the rooms. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by free drinks and cool towels to help offset the heat and to provide a sense of the type of friendly service they’ll receive. The clientele are mostly couples and families. It might be a bit crowded, but it’s not running kids that are the noise issue here -- it’s the next door construction site with long hours of bothersome noise that’s been going on since July 2015. 

The hotel is located on the beach and is surrounded by a number of other resorts. It’s fairly quiet here, when there’s not construction next door. The location is perfect for those who want to charter a boat to the Similan Islands. Within a 10-minute walk, guests will find plenty of bars and restaurants, plus there’s a supermarket that takes 13 minutes on foot to reach. There’s not much shopping in the immediate area besides the Bang Niang Market (a 13-minute walk away). For those with a car, the Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park is a 15-minute drive away. The Bun Tao Gong Temple takes nine minutes by car. It’s a 21-minute drive to the Tublamu Navy Golf Course. Phuket International Airport takes an hour and five minutes to reach by car.

Rooms here are clean and spacious with an upscale, contemporary Thai look. Style and decor varies as some rooms have dark wooden floors and furniture while others have white tiles and blond-wood furniture. Most rooms feature an intricately carved wooden wall that separates the bedroom from the bathroom. Some have accent colors like blue or red, but for the most part, they all feature a cream, white, and gray color scheme. The rooms have a romantic atmosphere, but there are some places where they’re looking a bit tired or dated, according to guests. All rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, minibars, and coffee- and tea-making facilities. Deluxe Lanai Garden Rooms feature a private ground-floor terrace. Ocean Front Villas are placed right on the beachfront and provide direct beach access, loungers, and umbrellas. Pool Villas include their own private garden and pool, plus outdoor rain showers. Upper-level rooms have espresso makers and separate whirlpool tubs and showers. Bathrooms in all units are lovely with free toiletries, hairdryers, robes, and slippers. Take note that some rooms might be subjected to bothersome construction noise from a neighboring building project. Past guests have reported musty smells in rooms. 

Ramada Khao Lak Resort offers plenty of entertainment options and activities to keep visitors occupied, including popular Thai cooking classes. Guests have direct access to a private beach which is supplied with loungers for relaxing. One of the prettiest on-site amenities is the large freeform swimming pool with an attached children’s pool and swim-up bar. There’s also a spa for massages and facilities include showers, hot tub, and a sauna. The hotel’s fitness room isn't air-conditioned, but it’s outfitted with a variety of cardio and weight equipment. Along with free Wi-Fi, there are five meeting rooms that hold up to 300 people. The resort offers a supervised kids’ club with indoor and outdoor play areas. On-site parking and valet parking are available for a fee. 

Dining options are plentiful and all-inclusive rates are available. Free hot breakfast buffet is included in all rates. Sassi’s Beach Club offers lunch and dinner indoors or on the outdoor patio. Thai and international cuisine is on the menu, live bands are usually available in the evenings, and sometimes there are live cooking stations. There's a coffee bar with public computers, a book and DVD library, and cozy chairs where guests can relax.