Le Murraya

When it comes to style, everything about Le Murraya is pretty straightforward. On a rather nondescript block filled with simple local eateries, a metal flower marks the entrance into the hotel's large parking lot. There, the low-rise building hides behind a few trees in the back. Once inside, the aesthetic is a bit more pleasant and the lobby is filled with orange and maroon sofas along with wide chairs. The well-cushioned furniture surrounds a long table full of tourist brochures and information. All in all, the look is generically modern, a quality that defines most of the hotel. The foliage out front keeps the hotel's common areas shaded and cool, and the front desk is always staffed. Most guests are tourist couples who want a comfortable, quiet property with a central location and basic features. It's worth noting, however, that the next-door boxing stadium and traffic on the narrow street can sometimes upset the peace.

Le Murraya is located right in the center of Chaweng, Koh Samui's largest and most lively beach town. The resort is smack in the middle of town, with tons of dining options, nightlife, and shopping opportunities just outside the hotel. While the resort is not on the beach, it is only a five-minute walk from the sand. Keep in mind that there are potential drawbacks to the convenient location. First, the hotel sits next to the Muay Thai boxing stadium, so it can get fairly noisy here on match nights (though, alternatively, this makes it super easy to get to the stadium). Also, the street outside is quite narrow and full of traffic throughout the day. The airport is a 15- to 20-minute drive from here if the traffic isn't too heavy, and the hotel can arrange transfers for a fee.

Le Murraya has 41 rooms, all of which are enormous and a great value for the money for travelers who prize space over style. Like common areas, the look is generically modern, with dark wood-veneer accents, white walls, light tile floors, and simple pops of color like red and green in the abstract wall art. All rooms, including entry-level Deluxe Rooms, have separate living areas and bedrooms. Deluxe Rooms also include dining tables and chairs plus kitchenettes with sinks, mini-fridges, and kettles for coffee and tea. In higher-category rooms, there are also settees, desks, and extra TVs, though some rooms have older tube-style TVs, however. Additionally, all rooms have large balconies with simple furniture. The electric mosquito coils, free Wi-Fi, robes and slippers, and safes are nice touches. The Deluxe Pool Side rooms are located in the garden next to the pool, and tend to be the quietest. Junior Suites have several full-length sofas in the living rooms. Bathrooms are plain and contemporary for the most part, with beige tile and wood trim, vessel sinks and generous counter space, and basic toiletries. While rooms like the Junior Suite offer separate showers and bathtubs, the shower does empty onto the floor of the bathroom like a wet room. Showers in other rooms are only separated from the main body of the bathroom by curtain, and empty onto the floor as well.

This hotel has a fairly predictable number of amenities for a three-pearl property in central Chaweng. Though it's inland location means there's no beach, guests here do get free access to the beach club at its sister property, Synergy Samui. Le Murraya provides free transport to Synergy, where there are free sun beds right on the sand. For water-based relaxation without leaving the hotel, Le Murraya has a swimming pool set in its own tropical garden. It's best for a dip rather than laps, as the kids' pool and whirlpool take up much of the space. There are sun loungers on the deck, along with several small elephant statues spraying water into the pool. Le Murraya has a very small fitness center with a few weight machines, a stationary bike, and a treadmill (which was broken during our visit). Le Savour restaurant and bar sits just off the swimming pool. The bright-white space serves free buffet breakfast -- a fairly simple spread of hot and cold options -- and a la carte Thai and western dishes for lunch and dinner. It also doubles as a bar, and has a pool table and a few chairs for lounging. Limited room service is available. Staff can help arrange hiking and mountain biking excursions in the Samui hills. There's also plenty of free self-parking out front, which is a bonus in this part of Chaweng. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.