Phi Phi Natural Resort

Living up to its name, Phi Phi Natural Resort -- built in the 1980s and showing its age a little -- is comprised of several buildings with slanted, red-tile roofs set amid tropical vegetation. The open lobby has high vaulted ceilings with wooden beams and red-and-black tile pillars. It features a shiny black and grey tile floor and several wooden tables and cushioned chairs. Most of the restaurant is open-air and its patio stretches out onto the beach with panoramic views of the water and the incoming and outgoing long-tail boats. The beach is tucked into a tranquil bay -- it's ideal for snorkeling, although long-tail boats are lined up in one area. The majority of the clientele are couples seeking a quiet vacation and a few families.

Situated on the northern tip of Koh Phi Phi, the resort is accessible only by boat, a trip that can be expensive and that takes about 30 minutes to reach Tonsai Pier, the island's main area with shops, restaurants, cafes, and ferry service to the mainland areas of Krabi and Phuket. The hotel is next to Zeavola Resort, about an eight-minute walk away, which has a restaurant and spa. There are a few hotel bars plus local restaurants and a convenience store within a short walk of the hotel, as well as the area's beautiful sand beaches for snorkeling, fishing, and scuba diving. From Tonsai Pier, Phuket and Krabi (home to the closest airports) are a two-hour ferry ride away.

Standard Rooms, Villas, and Cottages are all spacious and have modern comforts like free (though spotty) Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs (in most rooms), safes, minibars, air-conditioning, and electric kettles for coffee and tea. Don't expect ultra-modern decor here, though, and many rooms have dated brown-and-tan design schemes, like tiled accent walls over the beds. Simple, modern wood furniture shows a bit of wear and tear, and wood floors run throughout. Standard Rooms only have narrow balconies that look directly onto neighboring rooms, and Villas and Cottages are worth the extra money -- they each have a large decks equipped with sun chairs and sea, jungle, or pool views. Villas and Cottages also have a sofa bed or other additional seating, plus wall-sized windows -- they feel far more private than Standard Rooms. Pool Villas are feature a small private pool. There are no tubs in any of the tan-and-white tiled bathrooms, though they are all roomy, with toiletries, stand-up glass rainfall showers, and small vanities.

Situated on the northern tip of the island, Phi Phi Natural Resort is only accessible by long-tail boat, which can get pricey, especially if traveling daily. The resort itself offers free (though spotty) Wi-Fi access, free daily breakfast, and a welcome drink upon arrival. The on-site restaurant serves decent local and western fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and bar service is also available. Guests have free access to the small but refreshing pool and the hotel's beautiful white sand beach. Snorkeling gear is available to rent and the hotel runs dive trips, though they can be expensive and there are other local outfitters in the area with more reasonable rates. Transportation can be arranged through the hotel, as can massages, laundry, fishing, and trips to neighboring islands.