Buri Tara Resort

Opened in 2006, Buri Tara Resort is the first of a trio of locally owned hotels that includes the Aonang Buri Resort, a similar mid-range hotel that opened in 2009 on Noppharathara Beach, and the contemporary BlueSotel, which opened in 2016 on Ao Nang's main strip. Buri Tara not only pre-dates its sister hotels, but the area's hotel-building boom -- since it opened, several other hotels and shopping centers have popped up as neighbors. The property's buildings frame three sides of the pool, where a few guests can be found during the day, sunbathing and drinking at the swim-up bar. However, most of the clientele -- primarily Asians and Europeans, typically staying for two weeks but sometimes up to four during the high season -- is out on island tours or visiting mainland sights during the day, leaving the hotel quiet and relaxed. The Buri Tara experience is quite comparable to the one at Aonang Buri Resort; that hotel faces the beach (Buri Tara's beach views are blocked by a small mountain), but is farther from the heart of Ao Nang town.

Buri Tara is located near the intersection of the main beach road (4203) and Aonang Soi 8, between Ao Nang and Nopparatara beaches. The hotel shares its side street with a 7-Eleven, a supermarket, and other conveniences, like halal restaurants, laundry drop-offs, tour operators, massage salons, and money changers. The Ao Nang Night Market (nightly) is at the end of the block. After about a 10-minute walk heading south on the beach road, guests will find themselves in the beating heart of Ao Nang, where the street's non-beach side is wall-to-wall with souvenir shops, party hostels, and places to eat. Walking in the other direction will bring guests to sleepier Nopparatara Beach. There are restaurants and bars here, too, but fewer than down in Ao Nang. Both beaches have gorgeous sunsets. A fleet of motorbikes is parked outside the hotel, waiting for hire.

Buri Tara's 70 rooms fall into one of three categories: Superior, Deluxe, and Deluxe Pool Access. Categories are essentially the same, the only real differentiating factors being the pool views and access. The 18 Superior Rooms look onto the road and the next-door Ananta Burin Resort, the 47 Deluxe Rooms overlook the pool, and the five Pool Access units lead directly to the water. The entry-level Superior Rooms are a generous 345 square feet (this includes indoor and outdoor space), while Deluxe and Pool Access rooms are a little larger, at 366 square feet.All rooms come with 43-inch flat-screen LED TVs; minibars; and free coffee, tea, two bottled waters (replaced daily), and Wi-Fi. Air-conditioning, balconies or terraces, and safes are all standard. There are separate bathtubs and showers in every bathroom, as well as double washbasins and hairdryers. Pool Access rooms come with bathrobes. Families or groups should note that there are only two units (both in the Deluxe category) in the hotel that connect. 

Buri Tara tends to function as a home base for travelers generally out exploring the town or on excursions, but it covers most of the basics in terms of hotel features. It's built around the all-important pool, which here tapers on one end to a swim-up bar (the only place in the hotel to get a drink). One of its long edges is dedicated to the swim-out terraces of the Pool Access Suites, though there is a line of loungers on the other side. A tall wall helps to insulate the pool area from the street traffic. The swim-up bar backs up to an all-day restaurant, which serves Thai and Western fare for all meals and room service (available during the day). Breakfast is included in some room rates, but guests, especially longer-term ones, are generally underwhelmed by the selection, which reportedly never varies. There is a shower room for early arrivals or guests with late flights. Thai massages are available in the hotel's communal massage room, but there is no exercise room.At the front desk, guests can book tours and vehicle rentals (cars and motorbikes). Computers are available for guest use (free), and a conference room can be booked for meetings. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.