ibis Samui Bophut

The ibis Samui Bophut is a pretty happening place, although not really a party central resort. It's frequented by lots of families as well as plenty of couples, and due to its brand name and low prices compared to the neighboring competition, it is a popular choice. While there is a small restaurant and poolside bar, the main hangout areas of this resort are the three swimming pools and adjacent beach area. With plenty of sun loungers, umbrellas, and water options here, just about every guest can be found in one of the pools or out on the sand. It's busy and raucous by day, but at night things get pretty quiet, as most guests head out to the nearby Fisherman's Village to eat or drink.

The ibis Samui Bophut is located along Bophut Beach on the north shore of Koh Samui, just a 10-minute drive from the airport. It's a bustling area, with many shops and restaurants right by the hotel, and the popular Fisherman's Village, full of dining and drinking options, just a 10- to 15-minute walk away. The main road out in front of the hotel is very busy with endless traffic, and the beach area here is also extremely crowded, but in terms of convenience, it is a great spot, and certainly is not noisy or "party central" the way Chaweng Beach farther south is.

The ibis Samui Bophut has over 200 rooms, all of which come with small flat-screen TVs, safe boxes, mini-fridges, electric hot water kettles for making tea and coffee, and free Wi-Fi. Rooms all have wood floors but are more sleek and simple than upscale, and are relatively small, with the exception of the family rooms. The bathrooms in every room category (Standard, Sea View, and Family) are really tiny, and none come with any amenities other than gel soap dispensers on the wall. At least there are balconies in each room helping to offset the lack of space, with lines on them for hanging wet clothes. The Family rooms come in several sizes and shapes, but the best ones are the bunk bed options, which come with cute bunk setups for the kids (including teddy bears), plus play stations. These rooms are far more spacious, yet only have the one tiny bathroom for a potential family of four.

The primary features of the ibis Samui Bophut are its many swimming pools. Set just off the beach, there is a kids' pool, and next to it a larger family pool that is divided by a bridge, with room for lots of folks. Next to this is yet another pool, this one more for couples and adults, with plenty of loungers surrounding it. In addition to all the pools, there is also the beach, which has umbrellas and loungers on it, plus kayaks for rent. While the beach is small, narrow, and pretty crowded, the water is still pretty, and looks just like a tropical paradise brochure. 

Other features at the resort include a petanque (lawn bowling) pitch, ping-pong table, and small playground. There is a poolside bar with food and drink to serve the sun-loving crowd, and the resort also has Taste Restaurant, which serves buffet breakfasts, as well as lunch and dinner.