173/41 Moo 4, Rob Koh Road, Maret, Suratthani, Lamai Beach, Thailand | (618) 248-8274
Located across street from lovely beach with loungers and bean bags
Elegant rooms have furnished outdoor spaces, bathrobes, and minibars
A couple of family-friendly rooms provide bunk beds and toys
Large outdoor pool overlooks the beach
Four restaurants include Thai eatery and Irish pub, plus a poolside bar
Available room service
Spa offers massage treatments and small gym
Kids' club and supervised activities
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Crossing guard assists with street crossings
Beach, pool, and one restaurant are across a busy road
Breakfast not included with standard room rate
Previous guest have complained about traffic noise
Wi-Fi connection can be spotty and slow
The four-pearl MANATHAI Koh Samui has elegant decor and upscale features, though getting to some of them -- including the lovely beach and pool -- requires a stroll across a busy street. A crossing guard is on duty to keep guests safe. The main section houses a spa and small gym, as well as two restaurants and an out-of-place Irish Pub. Families will likely appreciate the kids' club and a couple of rooms with bunk beds. The 148 rooms are bright and spacious, equipped with air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV, furnished balcony or terrace, minibar, and free Wi-Fi (although service can be unreliable). Note that some guests have complained of traffic or AC noise. Couples looking for a more intimate and exclusive hotel should consider the adult-only Beluga Boutique Hotel.
Scene
Family-friendly hotel with bright, elegant, and upscale decor
MANATHAI Koh Samui's property exudes elegance and style with its colonial design and tropical color scheme. Think: White shutters, palm trees, and a yellow exterior with white wrought-iron Juliet balconies that add charm. The beachy vibe carries into the open-air reception area with lots of natural light and a color palette of blue, white, and green. Decor throughout is sophisticated and contemporary, with furnishings that look like they were pulled from a Pottery Barn catalog. Though the style of the hotel seems geared toward couples, MANATHAI Koh Samui is suitable for families and offers quite a few features for kids to enjoy. It's important to note that while the hotel has a private beach and outdoor pool, they're actually across the street from reception and the rooms. Guests will have to walk across a busy road to get to the sand, but crossing guards are there to safely stop traffic.
Location
Across the street from the beach, walking distance to restaurants and bars
In addition to the hotel's beach across the road, Silver Beach is an 18-minute walk away for those who want a change of scenery. From the hotel, guests are within walking distance of ample shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants. Many previous guests have recommended taking a trip to the night market, which is a 19-minute drive. Guests can rent motorbikes nearby, or catch a ride on a songthaew. Samui Airport is 26 minutes away by car, while the popular Big Buddha Temple is just over 30.
Rooms
Spacious, stylish, and upscale -- some with four-poster beds
Like the common areas, guest rooms have elegant colonial-inspired decor in a white, blue, and green color scheme, plus a bright and airy feel thanks to sliding glass doors that lead to furnished balconies or terraces. It's worth noting that some rooms have balconies that are quite small, and views are underwhelming. Rooms vary slightly and though all are comfortably sized, the suites provide the most space. The design consists of hardwood floors, white wood-paneled walls, colonial-style furniture that includes four-poster beds in some, and attractive pops of blue and green in the bedding, artwork, upholstery, and artwork. For families traveling with children, there are a couple of rooms that have bunk beds and kids' toys.Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, lightly stocked minibars, and coffee- and tea-making facilities, as well as bathrobes and slippers. Pristine bathrooms have free toiletries, hairdryers, walk-in showers, and/or bathtubs. Some bathrooms have interior windows that overlook the bedrooms, but there are shades for privacy. Be aware that some guests have complained of noise from nearby traffic and air-conditioning units.
Features
Pool overlooking the beach and several dining options
Getting to the most alluring features at MANATHAI Koh Samui requires crossing the street. Most notable is the gorgeous stretch of beach that's lined with loungers, umbrellas, bean bags, and hammocks. Overlooking this is the well-sized pool surrounded by plenty of cushioned sunbeds and umbrellas. A spa is on-site for massage treatments, and there's a small gym with adequate equipment. Parents may be happy to know that the hotel has a kids' club that offers a wide variety of activities including dancing and yoga. There are multiple dining options offering a good selection of cuisine. Colours serves a buffet breakfast, while Pad Thai offers local cuisine. Waterline is the beachside eatery, plus there are a pool bar and oddly, an Irish Pub. Room service is available throughout the day and into the evening. Breakfast isn't included with the standard rate. Food mostly receives positive reviews. Wi-Fi is free but can be spotty.