58 Moo 7 Tambol Ao-Nang, Amphur Muang, Ko Phi Phi Don, Thailand | (541) 362-3741
Nestled between Phi Phi Don’s stunning Tonsai and Loh Dalum Bays
Three-minute walk to Ao Tonsai Pier for ferries to Phuket and Krabi
Large, beautiful pool with great bay and karst views
Spacious rooms with air-conditioning and some sea views
Priciest suites have whirlpools
Conveniently located a three-minute walk from the ferry pier
Two restaurants serve local and international meals
Free breakfast buffet
Free Wi-Fi (can be spotty)
Rooms are dated; bathrooms are especially old-fashioned
Consistent reports of poor maintenance and housekeeping
Noise from beach parties reaches many rooms
Food quality gets mixed reviews
Patchy Wi-Fi doesn’t reach many rooms
The budget Phi Phi Island Cabana Hotel is nestled between two stunning beaches and conveniently located a three-minute walk to the ferry pier. The attractive pool is a highlight, but this expansive resort is showing its age in both public spaces and the 162 guest rooms. Bathrooms are especially dated, and there can be issues with the water supply, though the more modern suites feature lovely whirlpools. Housekeeping and maintenance also get poor reviews, and Wi-Fi can be spotty. Two restaurants serve local and international a la carte dishes, plus a free breakfast buffet. The quieter Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort has more modern rooms, plus a spa, gym, and swim-up bar -- but rates are predictably higher.
Scene
Grand hotel with some great bay views that's sadly past its prime
Open since 1990, and popular with couples and families, the Phi Phi Island Cabana is a grand-feeling beachfront resort that’s rather past its prime. Set around expansive and well-tended tropical grounds, six low-rise buildings sit between two stunning bays. The outdoor pool serves as the hotel's central hub. It's a large space with a palm-tree island in the center of the water. Bushes and palm trees surround the pleasant tiled deck, and the whole space was bustling with guests during our recent visit. Inside, the large and airy lobby features a traditional Thai-style design, but is dated with gray floor tiling, imposing dark-wood pillars, and elaborate gold deities displayed on a faux interior balcony. Nautical wood clocks display international time zones, but some of the labels have fallen off. Restaurants are equally tired. For instance, the Runtee Coffee Shop has old-fashioned circular tables set with overly formal white and red tablecloths in a low-ceiling room with a cafeteria vibe. While it may fit the bill for budget-conscious travelers, the worn style and other flaws do keep this from being one of Phi Phi's better options.
Location
Between two beaches and near beach parties; a three-minute walk to the ferry pier
The Phi Phi Island Cabana's location is both gorgeous and convenient. The hotel is sandwiched between Ton Sai and Loh Dalum Bays, along a narrow isthmus on tiny Phi Phi Don Island. The hotel is slightly more secluded than some of the island’s other resorts, and it’s still only a short walk from restaurants, bars, and shops. You are also likely to hear some noise from beach parties here, so beware. Ao Tonsai Pier is a three-minute walk away, and from there it’s a 90-minute boat ride to Krabi, or two hours to Phuket.
Rooms
Spacious, dated rooms, some with ocean views; lovely whirlpools in suites
The resort’s 162 rooms are spacious and air-conditioned, but the overall look isn't anything memorable. Deluxe Rooms are tricked out in lots of wood, from the vaulted ceilings to the dated dark wood furniture. Additionally, large built-in closets are showing their age on the inside. Floor-to-ceiling sliding doors sport neutral curtains, and decently sized balconies sometimes feature stunning beach views. Some of the rooms have two full walls of windows for additional light.Older-looking Junior Suites have worn dark-wood paneling, but natural light from windows across three sides keeps the space bright. Living rooms are furnished with old-school pieces, and there are lovely whirlpools on large balconies. Two-bedroom Andaman Suites add more modern touches like elegant objets d’art and indoor whirlpools placed in front of windows. There are flat-screen TVs in some rooms and tube-style TVs in others. Other amenities include phones, free Wi-Fi (but it’s patchy, and doesn’t reach all rooms), safes, minibars, and coffee- and tea-making facilities. Triple and connecting rooms are available. Note that there are consistent reports of poor maintenance and housekeeping, and that some rooms pick up beach party noise until the wee hours -- pool-facing rooms are quieter.Bathrooms are likewise uninspiring, with basic, rather grimy shower stalls featuring power showerheads. Hairdryers and toiletries are provided. Andaman Suite bathrooms are more modern, with black mosaic and green wall tiling. Bathrooms get some of the worst feedback across room categories, with reports of mold and poor water pressure and temperature, and showers producing saltwater.
Features
Lovely outdoor pool, free breakfast buffet, two restaurants and a bar
There’s a decent range of facilities here, and the highlight is the large, attractive pool -- there are plenty of sunbeds but visible maintenance issues on the deck. Guests have direct access to two stunning beaches, but moored longtail boats make swimming difficult. The free buffet breakfast is served at Maya Restaurant. All-day Runtee Coffee Shop and the evening-only Beach Terrace Restaurant serve a la carte Thai and international cuisine until late evening. The Jungle Beach pool bar offers drinks and light meals all day -- all three venues get mixed feedback. Thai massages are available, and there are billiards tables, karaoke rooms, and three event rooms. Free Wi-Fi is advertised, but the signal is patchy and doesn’t reach many rooms.