Aloha Resort

Aloha Resort is a little easy to miss from the outside. Just a small sign near the road lets guests know they've arrived. In the somewhat dim lobby, a marble floor surrounds a teak pedestal topped with vases of tropical flowers. The carved wood ceilings and stone-accented front desk lend some style, but the interiors are a bit tired -- a quality that plagues much of the resort as a whole. There are also a few teak sofas and chairs with white cushions, for those waiting to check-in, though there's not much else here other than a travel desk and a few shelves with pamphlets and newspapers. First impressions aside, the resort's better charms are found outdoors or near the beach. The large carp pond, which sits just next to the entrance, is a bit more attractive and soothing, and there are some nicely landscaped tropical lawns as well. Most guests here are couples and families who want a relaxing, low-key beach holiday. 

Aloha Resort is located right on the beach at the south end of Lamai. It's quieter here than in the center of town, making it a good choice for those who want a kicked-back vacation without the partiers that flock to Koh Samui making things rowdy. The resort is right next to Beach Road, and there are restaurants, bars, and shops to be found right outside. For more choice of restaurants and nightlife, the center of Lamai is only a five- to 10-minute walk away depending on the destination. It's also easy to find taxis and other forms of transport to get around the island. Chaweng, Lamai's noisier and livelier sibling to the north, is about 25 minutes away by road. Expect a 30-minute drive to Samui Airport without traffic. 

The Aloha Resort has 74 rooms that are slightly different depending on the category booked. The fancier rooms -- the Grand Deluxe category -- have laminated wood floors plus upgraded furniture, like handsome solid-wood desks with modern silhouettes, and sharp fabrics in soft furnishings. A token piece of wall art -- a bright little tropical scene in a frame -- hangs over the bed, something of an afterthought. The lower-category Superior and Deluxe Rooms are bland and dated. These have white tile floors, old-school carved wood accents, rattan furniture, and overall show a good deal of wear -- from nicks in furniture to scuffs on tiling.

Standard amenities include wall-mounted flat-screen TVs and DVD players, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and minibars. The higher category Grand Deluxe Rooms include electric hot water kettles for making tea and coffee. None of the rooms have safes, although one can deposit valuables at the front desk. All rooms do have large furnished balconies, with the Deluxe and Grand Deluxe rooms offering pool views. Bathrooms in Superior and Deluxe Rooms initially look quite classy, with shower/tub combos set against small stone features. The Grand Deluxe rooms have bathtubs as well as separate walk-in showers, plus a large window that opens to the room if one chooses. Keep in mind that there are lots of complaints about hot water here -- that it takes forever to heat, and frequently doesn't work. Also, despite appearances, closer inspection of the bathrooms reveals abundant mineral staining on tilework and dirty grout.

With two tiers of lounge chairs overlooking the sand and the sea, the beach here is relatively compact, especially when the tide rolls in or it's stormy. Still, it's a fine place to cool off in the afternoon, and makes for a nice social-media ready snapshot, with the turquoise waters just offshore. For those who don't want to hit the sand, there's a free-form swimming pool that has both a whirlpool section and built-in kids' pool on one side. Sun loungers are set around the pool and towel service is provided.

Aloha Resort has two restaurants, which is slightly surprising for a hotel of this size. Makai is just off the lobby, looks out towards the grounds and pool, and only serves the free buffet breakfast. Most guests find breakfast here adequate, though nothing special -- fresh juices would have been a nice touch. For lunch and dinner, Maona Restaurant and Bar serves continental barbecue and grilled seafood. There's both an indoor dining area which has a live band at night, plus alfresco tables outside overlooking the beach.

Other facilities at the resort include ample free parking and a travel desk. Wi-Fi is free throughout the resort as well.