Centra by Centara Phu Pano Resort Krabi

Ao Nang is experiencing a hotel boom, and Centra by Centara, opened October 2016, is a part of this construction spurt. Its newness isn't its only competitive edge; the hotel has clear cliff views, a near-full set of amenities -- large pool, all-day restaurant, business facilities -- and extremely reasonable prices that make it one of the most attractive options in the area. The "Phu Pano" portion of Centra's name translates to "mountain view" and this certainly isn't false marketing -- the hotel, set on a quiet side road to the south of Ao Nang's frenzied main drag, offers unobstructed and up-close views of the area's hulking limestone overhangs. Pool-view rooms are worth the ask and the price discrepancy, as they look down on the pool and out toward the mountains. However, from these rooms one can also see a small sea of corrugated metal roofs across the street from the property. It's hard not to wonder how long before a developer will try to level those shacks and displace their occupants, wanting to make way for what will become yet another brand-new Ao Nang hotel. 

Centra by Centara is located off of Ao Nang's primary thoroughfare, close to the striking karsts. The big drawback is that it's not on the beach (few Ao Nang hotels actually are) or even particularly close to it by foot: It's a 20-minute walk down to the shore from Centra. To compensate for the distance, the hotel offers a free shuttle to Ao Nang Beach. On the main road near Centra (about a three-minute walk from its front door), visitors will find restaurants, coffee and juice stands, massage spas, tour desks, pharmacies, and convenience marts. It's a 25-minute drive to Krabi Town and a half-hour drive to Krabi Airport.

Centra offers accommodations in three levels: Superior, Superior Pool View, and Family Residence. Decor is consistent across categories; all units have glossy white floors, white walls, and gray wood-finish furnishings. Muted gold wall sculptures depicting Thai dragons provide the main decorative element. The overall effect is minimalist and chic, which, in the case of the 260-square-foot Superior rooms, helps distract from the somewhat small size. Family Residence units offer twice as much space, including living rooms with sectional sofas and bunk beds built into the wall. All rooms have private balconies with chairs, air-conditioning (individual thermostats are in each room), and flat-screen TVs with 40-plus channels including Disney and BBC World News. There are minibars, electric hot-water kettles with free coffee and tea, and two free bottled waters (tap water not suitable for drinking in Thailand). Bathrooms have walk-in showers with wall-mounted shower gel, plus vanity kits.Superior Pool View units and the Family Residences overlook the pool and the soaring mountains nearby. Connecting rooms are available and cribs can be set up in rooms at no extra cost. Free Wi-Fi, umbrellas, and flashlights are provided in all rooms.

Centra by Centara has almost a full set of expected hotel amenities. The hotel's centerpiece is its beautifully tiled, zero-entry pool, which has lovely views of the jungle and looming rock faces. Sunbeds, some of which are built into the pool and slightly submerged, are first-come, first-serve. Next to the main pool is a smaller one for kids. Adjacent to the pools is Centra's one restaurant, which serves all three meals, including a big breakfast buffet that is included in the room rates. The morning offerings are impressive: There are mini pancakes, French toast, and papaya muffins, as well as Thai dishes like fried rice with egg, steamed chicken in ginger sauce, and fried noodles. To drink, there are orange and pineapple juices; coffee; and water infused with ginger, watermelon, or cucumber. Lunch and dinner are served a la carte, and offer items ranging from burgers, pizza, fish and chips, and pastas to pad Thai, Malaysian chicken satay, and beef massaman. Room service is also available during the day. There isn't a spa, but a fitness center is open all day. A small snack station near reception sells bags of chips and refrigerated beers and drinks. Babysitting can be arranged with 48 hours’ notice. Centra's ballroom can accommodate up to 160 theater-style (or 110 classroom-style) and a smaller meeting room can sit 14. Wi-Fi is free throughout the resort. Parking is free in a secure underground lot.