Anyavee Ao Nang Bay Resort

The resort consists of a few three-story, white-walled buildings with rust-colored, pagoda-style roofs and matching wrought-iron balconies. Guests -- most of whom are vacationing couples, friends, or families -- enter into a cheerful open-air lobby with dark-wood seating clusters, low ceilings, and sea-foam green and tangerine-orange walls that give the otherwise darkish space a feeling of lightness. There's also a small area off to one side with a selection of books for guests to browse. Decor in the restaurant follows a similar design scheme as the lobby, featuring wooden chairs and tables with teal tablecloths, and a few decorative wall hangings. A lagoon-style pool with swim-up bar and surrounded by greenery is the most appealing part of the property, though guests tend to spent their days outside of the resort.

The hotel is located on Ao Nang's main road in an area surrounded by jungle but otherwise dominated by other hotels. The beach is a three-minute walk away, plus plenty of restaurants and bars are just down the street. It's a 20-minute drive to Krabi Town and a half-hour drive to the Tiger Cave Temple. Railay Beach, popular with rock climbers, can be reached in about 20 minutes via long-tail boat. It's a 40-minute drive to the Krabi Airport and just over two hours to Phuket International Airport. Free parking is available at the hotel.

The decor is pretty similar across all 67 units, consisting of off-white walls accented by dark-wood beams, terra-cotta tile floors, and decorative touches in the form of colorful bed runners with matching throw cushions. Though there isn't a ton of artwork on the walls, some rooms have triangular curlicued wall hangings above the beds to contribute a touch of local flair. Many rooms also have wooden recliners and decorative lamps, and all have work desks with chairs and large closets with ample storage space. All rooms come equipped with flat-screen TVs, kettles with tea and instant coffee, electric safes, and mini-fridges with two free bottles of water that are replenished daily. Bathrooms have colorful vanity areas with pebble-trimmed wash basins, and bathrooms in the Deluxe Bungalows have matching soaking tubs. All units have balconies with tables and chairs, but not all have the best views. Note that there aren't any elevators.

The lagoon-style swimming pool is the hotel's star feature, with a long swim-up bar on one side, a sectioned-off kids' splash area, and lots of lounge chairs with big parasols. There's also a whirlpool hot tub off to one side. A restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating serves a free but basic buffet breakfast, though past guests have noted the lack of vegetarian options. It's also open for lunch. Kids under 12 stay free, although there's a fee for breakfast. Like many hotels in the area, the Anyavee holds a compulsory gala dinner on New Year's Eve, and it costs extra. The hotel doesn't offer spa treatments, but there is a small gym with a few cardio machines. Other hotel features include free on-site parking, free Wi-Fi throughout the property, and laundry service. Airport transfers and local excursions can be arranged through the front desk.