AliSea Boutique Hotel

This hotel is housed in a lovely Mediterranean-style white building that certainly stands out in an area with more than its share of traditional Thai hotels and lots of pagoda roofs. It's a simple and immediate clue to the kind of personality on offer at the AleSea Boutique Hotel. Palm trees and other tropical plants surround the property, and guests climb a few stairs to access the lobby, an expansive space with a tile floor, huge white columns, and several seating areas where guests can hang out. Check-in takes place seated at a wooden desk, and guests are welcomed with a cool drink and towel. With an infinity pool that partially looks out to the sea as well as features like a cinema room, the atmosphere is laid-back and casual -- particularly appealing to couples. 

This little boutique property is located off the main street through Ao Nang within a five- to 10-minute walk of Ao Nang and Nopparat Thara Beaches. It's surrounded by other hotels and resorts, as well as restaurants and bars, though it's a bit quieter than the strip leading up to Ao Nang Beach, just around the corner. The hotel provides a free shuttle to Andamana Beach Club, and AliSea guests get free access to the club's beach and fitness center. The ride takes about 15 minutes. Krabi town is about a 20-minute drive away, and the airport can be reached in about 30 minutes. 

Rooms are nicely decorated in a stylish combination of Thai and Mediterranean decor, with lovely Mediterranean color schemes, warm wood furniture, and tile flooring. A bit of funky art hangs on the wall -- like the trompe l'oeil chinaware prints used in the Superior Room that we visited -- making a nice counterpoint next to more classic elements like golden drapes and brass light fixtures. Loft Suites are two levels, with a bedroom and bathroom on each floor. Amenities in all rooms include air-conditioning, flat-screen satellite TVs, free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and electric kettles. All have balconies or terraces, and some have outdoor wooden bathtubs -- an extra-charming touch that ups the romance factor in certain units. The Honeymoon Suite has a two-person outdoor tub. Bathrooms are attractive, with tile showers and rainfall showerheads in some. They include a decent amount of counter space plus toiletries and hairdryers. 

Despite its compact boutique size, there are a good number of features to keep guests happy here, including popular dining. Umberto's Italian Cuisine is open for lunch and dinner on most days, and gets high marks from previous guests. It's a sunny, casual space with brick walls, stained glass windows, cheerful blue tablecloths, and colorful lighting overhead. A buffet breakfast is also served. It includes plenty of hot and cold options, and is included with some -- but not all -- room rates. The rooftop infinity pool overlooks the Andaman Sea in the distance, and the views are partial, but lovely -- taking in the rooftops in the foreground and seaside mountains all around. Bean bag chairs or cushioned lounge chairs under umbrellas ring the perimeter and a pool bar provides refreshments. The AliSea Spa offers massages, aromatherapy, and a whirlpool. The billiard table and a small cinema with comfy seating are both popular on rainy days. A boutique in the lobby sells clothing and accessories, and a little mini-mart behind the reception desk has drinks and snacks. The hotel offers tours and activities such as cooking classes, white-water rafting, zip-lining, safari treks, boat rides, and island adventures. A free shuttle runs to the beach club, where guests receive free admission and are allowed to use the fitness center. Airport transfers can be arranged for a fee, and Wi-Fi and parking are both free.