1/5 Moo 7, Ko Phi Phi Don, Thailand | (888) 635-3814
Great location on Ao Ton Sai Beach
Outdoor infinity pool is relatively large and well-maintained
Restaurant and beach bar offer fun nightly shows
Bungalows and large villas come with private balconies
Full-service spa offers a variety of treatments
A mini-market and fitness center on-site
Free breakfast
Fee for Wi-Fi
Some noise from late-night bars
Some areas show wear and tear
Even "luxury" rooms have bland decor
The mid-range Phi Phi Villa Resort is far enough from the action around Ton Sai Pier to have a relatively peaceful stretch of beach, yet still close enough to town to be within walking distance of restaurants and bars. It has its own party bar, too, complete with fire shows and live music that amp up the scene at night; those paying for beachfront villas should make note of if they prefer quiet evenings. The hotel's air-conditioned bungalows and large villas cater to a range of budgets, though some are in better shape than others. The Phi Phi Bayview Resort farther down the beach has similar amenities and rates, but isn't as updated.
Scene
Beachfront villas and bungalows
Like all the neighboring resorts up and down the beach, Phi Phi Villa Resort staked its claim on a beautiful section of white sand, where long-tail boats dot the shoreline. The hotel's beach bar, Carpe Diem, has a party scene that lasts into the night, but during the day the atmosphere is more relaxed. Most of the building are open-air including the small lobby set to the back of the property, adjacent to small shops and a convenience store.
Location
On Ao Ton Sai Beach east of town
Phi Phi Villa Resort is on the southern shore of Ko Phi Phi Don ("Ko" means island in the native language) within walking distance of many bars, restaurants and shops clustered along this stretch of beach. Public ferries leave for the island from Phuket or Krabi on the mainland, delivering travelers to Tonsai Pier (from which guests are met by a bell boy and walk to the resort). Expect a three-hour trip, which includes the 30-minute drive from Krabi Airport to Krabi Pier (also known as Klong Jilad Pier) and the voyage by ferry or private boat to the island. Phi Phi Don is the largest of the Phi Phi Islands, with attractions on the smaller Ko Phi Phi Le, like Maya Beach and Viking Cave, accessible by boat.
Rooms
Large and air-conditioned with private balconies and simple decor
The resort has 62 rooms split between standard rooms in a newer building, and the Thai-style bungalows and villas closer to the beach. All have private patios or balconies with air-conditioned interiors. Standard rooms and bungalows have a more contemporary decor with wood furnishings (many showing some wear), while the villas have more colorful pink and green palates with ornate fabrics. All have Thai decorative touches with mini-fridges and flat-screen TVs. The bathrooms have open showers and unfinished poured cement walls and floors, but those in upgraded villas have more stone and tile work. The large Luxury Villas (which come with second bedrooms) have beachfront views and big covered decks with timber railings. Their tiled bathrooms have glass walk-in showers and separate soaking tubs.
Features
Beach bar and restaurant, infinity pool, spa, and free breakfast
From this section of beach guests can swim, snorkel, or go boating with equipment available from the hotel. Guided tours and excursions can also be arranged (for fees). At night, the lively beach bar Carpe Diem has fire shows, DJs, and live music. Phi Phi Villa Beachfront Restaurant serves Thai and European dishes, along with a nightly seafood barbecue. The included breakfast is buffet style, with typical continental options as well as eggs cooked to order. Past the beach, the outdoor infinity pool is surrounded by a lawn and a sun deck with covered loungers. Adjacent to the pool area is a small fitness center and a full-service spa that does manicures and pedicures along with a typical range of body treatments and Thai massage.