Pros

  • Great location a little off Ao Nang’s main drag, a 20-minute walk from beach
  • Cute, modern design throughout
  • Flat-screen TVs, minibars, and bathrobes and slippers in all rooms
  • Rooms fitting up to six people available; great for families and groups
  • Suites available with king beds and outdoor wooden bathtubs on balcony
  • Already-affordable rates include free breakfast
  • Small dipping pool hedged by tall bushes
  • Fantastic views of town and cliffs from rooftop sundeck
  • Lobby gift shop selling local crafts
  • Tours, excursions, and airport transport can be booked at reception
  • Free shuttle service to the beach
  • Free Wi-Fi throughout
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Cons

  • About 20 minutes from the beach by foot
  • No full restaurant, bar, or gym on the premises
  • Small pool suitable for quick dips, not for swimming
  • Little to no bathroom counter space and unreliable hot water
  • Treacherously steep (and rail-less) stairs in Duplex units
  • Some signs of shoddy construction
  • Not all rooms have walk-out balconies
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Bottom Line

LaRio Hotel Krabi is a 25-room value hotel located 20 minutes by foot from the beach in Ao Nang. Built in 2017, the hotel has a fresh and stylish coastal-inspired design (picture lots of blues and rattan accents) throughout its common areas and rooms. Guest rooms come with flat-screen TVs, minibars, and free safes, and larger units -- including two-bedroom suites with bunk beds -- are great options for families and groups. In the mornings, a simple breakfast is served in a small breakfast room alongside LaRio's narrow dipping pool. Guests generally love the hotel for its tidiness, modern design, and friendly staff. Nonetheless, it's worth comparing LaRio's rates to the ones at the across-the-street Centra by Centara Phu Pano Resort Krabi, which has a full-service restaurant and a proper swimming pool.

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Hotel & Amenities Photos

Oyster Hotel Review

LaRio Hotel Krabi

Scene

Budget-friendly hotel with pleasant rooms and staff, but little in the way of features

Since its 2017 opening, LaRio Hotel Krabi has been a hit with guests for its spotless rooms and public spaces, helpful management and front-desk staff, fair rates, and pleasant location set back from Ao Nang's busy main road. The hotel has visual appeal, too, with a clean coastal-inspired design defined by raffia lamps, dried shells, and pale blue walls. That look extends to the hotel's rooms (ranging from studios to six-person family rooms) and common areas, which are few -- just a lobby, breakfast room, and tiny outdoor pool. Another public space is found on the hotel's rooftop, which is split between a wooden sundeck and artificial turf. LaRio plans to add a small bar up there in high season.

Such limited features could be considered a drawback, but the hotel and its slight offerings tend to suit most guests just fine, as they are mostly out on excursions during the day. The average stay here is two to four nights, though it's not uncommon for guests to try to extend their stay and for parties to book one full month. During its first high season (end of 2017/early 2018), the hotel operated at nearly 100 percent capacity -- this in an area where the hotel supply outweighs the demand. Word of mouth and consistently positive reviews on TripAdvisor have helped LaRio carve a name for itself in Ao Nang's crowded hotel market.  

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Location

Two blocks from the main street in Ao Nang

LaRio Hotel Krabi is set on a side street off of Ao Nang's main road. The distance between 4203 and LaRio makes a big difference: LaRio and its environs are noticeably quieter than the nonstop motorcade of the highway. And once guests walk two minutes from LaRio's front door toward the road, they'll find all manner of restaurants (many halal), bars, tour operators, currency exchanges, juice/smoothie bars, pharmacies, and minimarts. The location's main shortcoming is that it's about a 20-minute walk from the beach, though the hotel will drive guests to the beach at no cost. The driving time between the hotel and Krabi Airport is around 25 minutes. As LaRio is a new hotel off the main road, and in an area choked with hotels, it's likely that taxi and tuk-tuk operators won't know it by name, so be sure to map its location on your smartphone in order to show drivers. 

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Rooms

Beach-inspired rooms -- fitting one to six guests -- with flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi

Guest rooms at LaRio have the same simple, chic look found in the lobby, with splashes of teal, blue, yellow, and red livening up the light-wood floors and furnishings. On the wall above the beds are sweet clusters of wooden embroidery hoops, some filled with blue fabric, some with traditional Thai patterns, and others intentionally left empty. Hanging rattan lamps, seagrass mats, and bamboo bathroom shades add a bit of beachiness. Many items found in all rooms, including pillowcases, slippers, and beach bags filled with pool/beach towels, are made by local artisans.

The hotel's 25 rooms are broken into seven categories, all similar in terms of style and amenities. These start with the one-person Deluxe Special and the two-person Deluxe Twin, both around 250 square feet. These entry-level categories have one and two twin beds, respectively. Deluxe Queen Studios are the same size, but have one queen bed. LaRio has two Deluxe Family categories, one for four to five people and another for six. The four-to-five-person version offers one queen bed, one set of bunk beds, and one twin, while the six-person option has two queens and a set of bunk beds, plus nearly 50 percent more space over the lower Deluxe Family category (750 square feet versus 495). Separate bunk-bed rooms have their own flat-screen TV, plus toys for kids.

There are four bi-level, 495-square-foot Duplex Studios, which have a living room on the lower floor and a bedroom/bathroom on the top floor. But note that the stairs in these units are steep and their laminate covering is quite slippery. They're also designed without handrails, so the Duplex units are not good for young children or anyone prone to falling. Finally, there are the King Suites, which are popular with couples as they have king beds and all-teak bathtubs set out on their balconies. This is the only category we saw with a full, walkable balcony; most rooms have Juliet-style balconies too shallow to actually walk out on.

For all the square footage and bed configurations, the rooms' amenities are largely the same. All have flat-screen TVs with satellite (albeit, entirely Thai-language) channels. All have personal air-conditioning units, free safes, umbrellas, and free Wi-Fi. There are minibars, electric water kettles with free coffee and tea, and free bottles of drinkable water. Roll-up rattan curtains give the peek-a-boo bathrooms some privacy, but the doorless walk-in showers (found in all rooms) do not. Hot water is not a given. Neither is counter space, though some room types have a sliver of surface for placing dopp kits. Waffle-weave bathrobes and slippers, disposable toothbrushes, and cotton buds are provided in all room types.

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Features

Free breakfast, a razor-thin pool, and a rooftop terrace

LaRio's primary feature is its teensy pool area, which features a slender rectangular pool designed for dipping and cooling off, not actual swimming. On one end of the pool there is just enough space for two lounge chairs, and on the other there are two wooden tables and chairs, plus a small fountain. The pool area is attractively walled in by a green hedge.

Facing the pool is LaRio's breakfast room, which is decorated with rattan chandeliers, pale furnishings, and a wavy design on the tile floors. A free breakfast of croissants, fruit, juice, eggs, and sausage is served in the mornings. The hotel does not offer lunch, dinner, or room service, but it does put on the occasional barbecue night by the pool, plus it allows guests to use its kitchen.

The only other common space is the top-floor terrace, which has synthetic turf and a sundeck with benches. The rooftop provides great views of the town, the jagged cliffs to the south, and the green hills to the north. To the west, one can make out the sea past the golden-onion-domed Ao Nang Mosque.

Laundry service, airport transportation, and excursions can be arranged at reception. Hotel staff will also drive guests to the beach, free of charge. For purchase in the lobby are locally made woven mats, bags, and blankets. Wi-Fi is free throughout.

See More Features

Oyster Hotel Review

LaRio Hotel Krabi

Scene

Budget-friendly hotel with pleasant rooms and staff, but little in the way of features

Since its 2017 opening, LaRio Hotel Krabi has been a hit with guests for its spotless rooms and public spaces, helpful management and front-desk staff, fair rates, and pleasant location set back from Ao Nang's busy main road. The hotel has visual appeal, too, with a clean coastal-inspired design defined by raffia lamps, dried shells, and pale blue walls. That look extends to the hotel's rooms (ranging from studios to six-person family rooms) and common areas, which are few -- just a lobby, breakfast room, and tiny outdoor pool. Another public space is found on the hotel's rooftop, which is split between a wooden sundeck and artificial turf. LaRio plans to add a small bar up there in high season.

Such limited features could be considered a drawback, but the hotel and its slight offerings tend to suit most guests just fine, as they are mostly out on excursions during the day. The average stay here is two to four nights, though it's not uncommon for guests to try to extend their stay and for parties to book one full month. During its first high season (end of 2017/early 2018), the hotel operated at nearly 100 percent capacity -- this in an area where the hotel supply outweighs the demand. Word of mouth and consistently positive reviews on TripAdvisor have helped LaRio carve a name for itself in Ao Nang's crowded hotel market.  

See More Scene

Location

Two blocks from the main street in Ao Nang

LaRio Hotel Krabi is set on a side street off of Ao Nang's main road. The distance between 4203 and LaRio makes a big difference: LaRio and its environs are noticeably quieter than the nonstop motorcade of the highway. And once guests walk two minutes from LaRio's front door toward the road, they'll find all manner of restaurants (many halal), bars, tour operators, currency exchanges, juice/smoothie bars, pharmacies, and minimarts. The location's main shortcoming is that it's about a 20-minute walk from the beach, though the hotel will drive guests to the beach at no cost. The driving time between the hotel and Krabi Airport is around 25 minutes. As LaRio is a new hotel off the main road, and in an area choked with hotels, it's likely that taxi and tuk-tuk operators won't know it by name, so be sure to map its location on your smartphone in order to show drivers. 

See More Location

Rooms

Beach-inspired rooms -- fitting one to six guests -- with flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi

Guest rooms at LaRio have the same simple, chic look found in the lobby, with splashes of teal, blue, yellow, and red livening up the light-wood floors and furnishings. On the wall above the beds are sweet clusters of wooden embroidery hoops, some filled with blue fabric, some with traditional Thai patterns, and others intentionally left empty. Hanging rattan lamps, seagrass mats, and bamboo bathroom shades add a bit of beachiness. Many items found in all rooms, including pillowcases, slippers, and beach bags filled with pool/beach towels, are made by local artisans.

The hotel's 25 rooms are broken into seven categories, all similar in terms of style and amenities. These start with the one-person Deluxe Special and the two-person Deluxe Twin, both around 250 square feet. These entry-level categories have one and two twin beds, respectively. Deluxe Queen Studios are the same size, but have one queen bed. LaRio has two Deluxe Family categories, one for four to five people and another for six. The four-to-five-person version offers one queen bed, one set of bunk beds, and one twin, while the six-person option has two queens and a set of bunk beds, plus nearly 50 percent more space over the lower Deluxe Family category (750 square feet versus 495). Separate bunk-bed rooms have their own flat-screen TV, plus toys for kids.

There are four bi-level, 495-square-foot Duplex Studios, which have a living room on the lower floor and a bedroom/bathroom on the top floor. But note that the stairs in these units are steep and their laminate covering is quite slippery. They're also designed without handrails, so the Duplex units are not good for young children or anyone prone to falling. Finally, there are the King Suites, which are popular with couples as they have king beds and all-teak bathtubs set out on their balconies. This is the only category we saw with a full, walkable balcony; most rooms have Juliet-style balconies too shallow to actually walk out on.

For all the square footage and bed configurations, the rooms' amenities are largely the same. All have flat-screen TVs with satellite (albeit, entirely Thai-language) channels. All have personal air-conditioning units, free safes, umbrellas, and free Wi-Fi. There are minibars, electric water kettles with free coffee and tea, and free bottles of drinkable water. Roll-up rattan curtains give the peek-a-boo bathrooms some privacy, but the doorless walk-in showers (found in all rooms) do not. Hot water is not a given. Neither is counter space, though some room types have a sliver of surface for placing dopp kits. Waffle-weave bathrobes and slippers, disposable toothbrushes, and cotton buds are provided in all room types.

See More Rooms

Features

Free breakfast, a razor-thin pool, and a rooftop terrace

LaRio's primary feature is its teensy pool area, which features a slender rectangular pool designed for dipping and cooling off, not actual swimming. On one end of the pool there is just enough space for two lounge chairs, and on the other there are two wooden tables and chairs, plus a small fountain. The pool area is attractively walled in by a green hedge.

Facing the pool is LaRio's breakfast room, which is decorated with rattan chandeliers, pale furnishings, and a wavy design on the tile floors. A free breakfast of croissants, fruit, juice, eggs, and sausage is served in the mornings. The hotel does not offer lunch, dinner, or room service, but it does put on the occasional barbecue night by the pool, plus it allows guests to use its kitchen.

The only other common space is the top-floor terrace, which has synthetic turf and a sundeck with benches. The rooftop provides great views of the town, the jagged cliffs to the south, and the green hills to the north. To the west, one can make out the sea past the golden-onion-domed Ao Nang Mosque.

Laundry service, airport transportation, and excursions can be arranged at reception. Hotel staff will also drive guests to the beach, free of charge. For purchase in the lobby are locally made woven mats, bags, and blankets. Wi-Fi is free throughout.

See More Features

Hotel & Amenities Photos

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Airport Transportation

  • Babysitting Services

  • Concierge

  • Dry Cleaning

  • Internet

  • Laundry

  • Mini Bar (with liquor)

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.