Dee Andaman Hotel

Most of Krabi Town's hotel inventory leans toward backpacker hostels or shabby old guesthouses, which makes Dee Andaman Hotel an appealing alternative. The property is a freestanding structure located on a residential street at the edge of town (so far from local nightlife; guests wanting to be near that should stay downtown). The six-story building is separated from the road by its parking lot, where the hotel's flower-strewn tuk-tuk is parked under palm trees when it's not shuttling guests downtown.

The colonial-inspired design at play here is appealing, especially when compared to the sparse, industrial-style look found in many nearby hostels. This throwback look is especially evident in the lobby/restaurant, a ground-floor area framed by tile flooring, a wooden ceiling, and a wall of floor-to-ceiling stained-glass doors. Antique-style wood furnishings and wrought-iron and green-glass lighting help along colonial vibe, and large and even life-size stuffed animals add a bit of hostel-esque quirk. Young travelers and families mill about, leafing through brochures for local attractions or asking questions at the front desk. A pretty pool area is in the back garden, where the atmosphere is similarly laid-back and friendly. The hotel attracts mostly couples and friend groups, and to a lesser degree, families and solo travelers. Most guests are here for short or one-night stays before or after a flight.

Dee Andaman is on a residential street without sidewalks. The hotel's neighbors are private homes, and there is no immediate commerce. A minimart and a place or two to eat can be found by exiting the hotel, turning right (north), and taking a short walk to a roundabout with these small businesses. Guests that continue to walk 10 minutes in the same direction, will find themselves in central Krabi Town. The Krabi Night Market is about 15 minutes from the hotel on foot. Travelers wanting to be close to the Krabi Town action and nightlife should stay elsewhere. A two-minute walk in the opposite direction, (turning left when exiting the hotel), will bring guests to Thara Park, the town's lovely riverside green space. Krabi Airport is a 20-minute drive away. 

Dee Andaman's 35 traditional Thai-looking rooms are all spacious and attractive, with canopy beds hung with mosquito nets, wood furnishings, and lots of wooden accents. Jewel-toned accent walls, thick curtains, and stained-glass panels on the bathroom and balcony walls add a good deal of rich color. All rooms have balconies, and rearward rooms on the upper floors have distant views of the karsts. Every room has air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a safe, and an electric kettle with free coffee and tea, plus free bottled water. Minibars come with Chang, Singha, and sodas. Two-room family units with double-length balconies are available.

Nicely maintained, orange-tiled bathrooms have walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads. A hairdryer and some toiletries are provided. Wi-Fi is free in all the rooms. 

As expected for a budget hotel, features at Dee Andaman are limited, but they're not without appeal. Behind the hotel is a large square-shaped pool with an attached pool for children. A wooden deck with plastic loungers and planted palms, and the back edge of the hotel, enclose the space.

Dee Andaman's lobby-adjacent restaurant serves a free buffet breakfast every morning. This includes eggs made to order, as well as toast, cereal, pastries, Thai dishes, and fruit. The restaurant is also open for a la carte lunch and dinner, but options are limited and service is slow. It's better to eat elsewhere in Krabi Town. During our visit, we heard rumors of the hotel opening a rooftop restaurant/bar in the future.

The hotel offers free tuk-tuk shuttle service into town. Airport transfers and local excursions, like the Four Islands, are available for a cost, but compare with rates offered by other operators. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.