124/264 Moo 3, Located in the heart of Lamai city centre access to the entrance of Lamai public beach, Lamai Beach, Thailand | (618) 248-8274
Quiet Lamai Beach location, walking distance to bars and restaurants
All rooms have AC, TV and DVD player, a mini-fridge, and kettles
Rooms have furnished outdoor spaces
Open-air beachfront restaurant serves well-reviewed Thai and Western fare
Ocean-view infinity with plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas
Pool service allows guests to order food and drinks poolside
Massages available on the beach
Free Wi-Fi and parking
Rooms are bland and showing wear
Reports of occasional maintenance issues
Wi-Fi service is spotty
No gym
The mid-range Lamai Wanta has an excellent beachfront location within walking distance of bars and restaurants, and a short drive from popular sights. It's on a quiet strip of Lamai Beach, offering a calm respite from the usual hustle and bustle of the area. Features include a well-reviewed beachside restaurant, a handful of loungers along the sand, and a small oceanfront infinity pool, but there's no gym and the free Wi-Fi can be spotty. The 74 rooms are showing wear, and have minimal decor and occasional maintenance issues. They do come with free Wi-Fi, TVs, air-conditioning, kettles, and mini-fridges. There's not much to keep kids entertained, so families should consider the more kid-friendly Rocky's Boutique Resort, though rates are higher.
Scene
Affordable beach hotel with minimal frills
Despite its proximity to Lamai's lively city center, the scene at Lamai Wanta is surprisingly calm and quiet. It's a family-friendly establishment, but seems to bring in a crowd that consists mostly of couples and adult friends. Simplicity is the name of the game here. There aren't many frills to speak of, both in regard to decor and its on-site features, but this spot provides all the basic necessities including direct beach access. Decor throughout is basic but contemporary, with most furnishings in a neutral-tone color scheme. The occasional statue and pop of color from floral artwork add some interest to the otherwise underwhelming spaces. While on-site, guests are on or oriented toward the beach, with both the restaurant and infinity pool overlooking the water.
Location
Quiet beachfront location on Lamai Beach
Lamai Wanta offers guests a prime location along Lamai Beach. Although it's close to the popular and bustling center of Lamai, it's still a relatively quiet spot. In the immediate surrounding area there are plenty of restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops within walking distance. Some nearby popular spots include Swing Bar Samui (six-minute walk) and Samui Shamrock Irish Pub (four-minute walk. There are popular tourist attractions within easy driving distance, too. Hin Ta & Hin Yai Rocks is a seven-minute drive away, while Wat Ratchathammaram is six minutes. Samui Airport is 30 minutes away by car.
Rooms
Spacious guests rooms with basic, minimal decor
Guest rooms at Lamai Wanta are spacious but underwhelming in terms of decor. The design includes off-white walls, pale-brown or terra-cotta tile floors, dark-wood furniture, and white bedding accented with colored throw pillows. Framed floral paintings above the beds adds some much-needed color to the spaces. All rooms have furnished outdoor spaces, with almost all overlooking the gardens and pathways. All rooms have desks and some add cushioned benches. Also standard are TVs with DVD players, mini-fridges, air-conditioning, safes, free Wi-Fi, and coffee- and tea-making facilities. Contemporary bathrooms have well-sized walk-in showers, free bath products, and hairdryers. Note that rooms are showing wear and some guests have complained of occasional maintenance issues.
Features
Beach with adjacent infinity pool and well-reviewed restaurant
Lamai Wanta's features are unsurprisingly centered around the beach. The lovely and peaceful strip of sand is lined with loungers and umbrellas. Overlooking this is the small infinity pool, which is surrounded by plenty of cushioned sunbeds. The hotel's restaurant is just beside the pool and overlooks the beach, too, offering both indoor and outdoor seating. Food offered at the restaurant receives positive reviews, particularly breakfast, and consists of both Thai and Western fare. A beach hut serves fruit smoothies that previous guests have raved about, while a second hut is available for massages. As a downside, there are no kid-centric or fitness facilities. Wi-Fi is free but spotty.