Krabi Resort

This resort has been in business since 1982 and has continually expanded and updated its facilities. As such, the style here is a mix of modern and dated areas, though at the end of the day the Krabi Resort is a decent value considering its location right on the beach and the reasonable number of features on offer. Guests are welcomed in an expansive lobby with a soaring wooden ceiling, tiled floors, and several seating areas. Traditional Thai-style beds are especially lovely for lounging, though given the resort's size, the space can get noisy at times, as can the pool areas. The hotel draws all sorts of guests looking for a well-priced beach property close to the action. It's worth noting that the hotel is currently building 19 pool villas to replace its old bungalows. The project is due to be completed at the end of 2016. 

This resort is located on bustling Ao Nang Beach, with direct and private beach access. It's surrounded by other hotels and resorts, as well as many restaurants, bars, and shops. Hat Noppharat Thara - Mu Koh Phi National Park is a 20-minute drive away, while it's about 25 minutes by road to the popular canyon-kayaking spot at Ao Thalene. Krabi town is a 20-minute drive from the hotel, and the airport is about 30 minutes away. The hotel provides airport transfers for a fee, as well as other transportation services. 

The hotel offers rooms, villas, and bungalows with views of the sea, gardens, or pool. Decor is either traditional Thai or modern with an Asian touch. All are spacious, attractive, and tastefully done, though the look is a bit old school in some rooms. Elegant details might include wooden ceilings and patterned hardwood floors -- as in the Luxury Grand Room that we saw -- but faded art in gilded frames can diminish the elegant effect. Furniture can also come in mid-tone veneers that don't exactly scream "chic." Standard features include air-conditioning, furnished balconies or terraces, electric kettles, minibars, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are modern and fresh, with a shower only, tub/shower combo, or separate tubs and showers. They include hairdryers, toiletries, robes, and slippers. The two-bedroom suites in the main building have separate living areas and overlook the pool. Pool Villas have their own private pools and outdoor areas overlooking either the Andaman Sea or the gardens. 

The resort's main restaurant, the Boat Restaurant serves a mix of Thai and international food for all meals. It's a large open space with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto the beach. A free breakfast buffet is set up daily with a mix of eggs, fruits, and pastries among other dishes, and a seafood barbecue is offered in the evening. Bars by the beach and pool serve drinks and snacks. 

The two outdoor pools are popular spots for swimming, sipping drinks at the bar, or relaxing poolside in the cushioned lounge chairs under purple and blue umbrellas. One section of the pool is shallow so sunbathers can stay cool in the water. Lounge chairs also are set up for guests on the beach. Other activities include diving, bird watching, canoeing, fishing, snorkeling, jogging, and boat cruises. The fitness center is basic, with cardio and weight-training equipment, as well as free weights and exercise balls. Large windows allow in natural light, and a flat-screen TV helps entertain or distract.

The hotel's four events spaces can accommodate gatherings from small to large. Weddings can be held indoors or out on the beach, and planners are available to assist with all the details. The hotel can also arrange airport transfers and other tours and excursions. Wi-Fi is free throughout the resort and parking is also free.