Samui Paradise Chaweng Beach Resort & Spa

Peace and quiet can be luxuries in Chaweng, but this traditional hotel -- at the far southern end of the beach -- manages to offer both in a pleasant package. The resort's old-school vibe is clear from the outside, as pagoda-roofed buildings emerge from tropical greenery. The hotel's lobby is fairly small, but bright, and -- like the rest of the resort -- it has a distinctly Thai atmosphere. There are large colorful paintings on the walls depicting seascapes, traditional Thai boats, and temples. There's a computer station which guests are welcome to use, a comfortable brown fabric sofa, and some contemporary cream and dark wood chairs. The reception desk is made of dark solid wood too, and there are vases of fresh flowers to perk things up. The property has a calm, quiet feel, and a slightly dated look, and attracts guests of different ages. It's a more family-friendly resort than many in Chaweng, as there are good facilities for those traveling with children including babysitting services, a children's pool, children's menus in the restaurants, and cots and high chairs are provided too.

This beachfront property is set on the south end of Chaweng Beach. Guests will find it much quieter in this area than being right in the heart of the raucous party town, but it’s close enough to visit easily. The immediate area is pretty sedate, with just a few bars and restaurants within a five- minute walk, and most of the hotel's neighbors are other hotels. Chaweng Walking Street is a 15-minute walk from the property. Those who want to head to the well-known nightspots like the Ark Bar and the other attractions of Chaweng’s center, such as the Central Festival Mall, can get there in about 10 minutes by taxi. Other popular tourist attractions nearby include the Big Buddha and Bang Rak Beach, which are both around a 15- to 20-minute drive from the resort. Koh Samui Airport takes 15 minutes to reach by car.

The 43 guest rooms at the Samui Paradise Chaweng Beach Resort are decorated in traditional Thai style, with wooden flooring and charming wooden furnishings. Throw pillows and abstract wall art add a little life to the otherwise straightforward spaces, though the look is a bit dated and we did spot some wear on the wood floors in some rooms. They are fairly light, as they have lots of large windows that look out onto the sea or the resort’s tropical gardens. Villas have a cabin-like look, with lots of wood paneling on the walls. Most rooms are on the compact side of things, though some have a bit more space.

A range of categories are available, Standard Rooms to Grand Villas, which are set in the hotel's gardens, to the Honeymoon Suite which is right on the beachfront and has an indoor hot tub, large balcony, private garden, and swimming pool. All rooms have welcome fruit baskets, free bottled water, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, air-conditioning, safes, minibars, tea- and coffee-making facilities, balconies, bathrobes and slippers, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are spacious and modern, with large walk-in showers. Some have a white color scheme with wooden-clad walls, while others have neutral, contemporary tiling with sections of mosaic.

The hotel has a small swimming pool that's surrounded by tropical plants and redwood decking with sun loungers and parasols. There are two hot tubs and a separate children's pool. The pool bar is open during the day for drinks and snacks. The other dining option is the Paradise Restaurant which is set right on the beach and open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It serves a mix of international and traditional Thai cuisine, and also features lots of fresh seafood -- the dishes are well-liked by previous guests, though breakfast is not included in room rates. There's a separate children's menu and a bar as well. The property also has a lovely spa where treatments such as traditional Thai massages can be taken in the open-air pavilion next to the beach. It also has a hot tub and steam room. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and concierge services are available.