Smile House Resort

Smile House Resort is all about its natural surroundings. It won't win any design awards for its buildings or interiors, but the property sprawls on both sides of one of Bo Phut's beach roads, with a restaurant overlooking the sandy beach on one side, and a long garden-filled interior on the other side that's pleasant for walking or just kicking back. 

The look throughout much of the resort is fairly traditional, and right away guests are greeted by a typically Thai building with a low, red-tiled roof that houses the lobby and reception area. The lobby has a terra cotta-tile floor and features thick teak chairs, stools, and tables, with some long tables full of brochures and Samui travel information. Other than a couple of nice vases and silk cushions, there isn't too much in here of note, and guests mostly just pass through on their way to their rooms, the beach, the pool, or the restaurant. This an old-fashioned Thai beach resort aimed at the sun-loving crowd. Families with kids, couples, and large groups drawn by frequently reasonable rates all stay here. 

Smile House Resort is located in the middle of Bo Phut, one of the small beach towns along Koh Samui's north coast. It's a 15-minute drive to the airport from here, and another 30 minutes to the mainland ferry terminal on the west coast of the island. The resort is off the main road and takes up both sides of the small beach road -- which means guests have to deal with occasional traffic when crossing back and forth between the beach, restaurant, and rest of the property. 

Bo Phut is one of the more laid-back towns in Samui, especially when compared to Chaweng, which is a 20-minute drive away. Less than a 10-minute walk down the road is Fisherman's Village, a shopping and dining complex which is one of Bo Phut's top draws, and there are countless other restaurants and bars all within walking distance. Overall, it's quite a convenient spot to stay as it offers beach life, services, and is far less hectic than the towns on Samui's west coast. 

There are 56 rooms at Smile House Resort, and they are spread out in a fairly sprawling complex -- the higher-priced rooms sit right next to the beach, while others are set amid the tropical gardens on the other side of the road. The style is a bit of a mixed bag, with older Standard and Superior Rooms that are basically wooden bungalows and newer Deluxe Spa Rooms and the like that are closer to the beach. 

Lower-category rooms have traditional Thai decor and include an abundance of warm wood, from the walls to the intricate carvings that are hung above the beds. Furniture is likewise wooden, but a bit dated, and floors come in white tiling. Deluxe Spa Rooms are more special. These were originally the hotel's spa, and the style is brighter and more contemporary. Expect light-wood veneer furniture with clean lines, interesting accent wall panels, and an overall beachier and brighter color scheme. All categories include some sort of private patio or terrace, but the Deluxe Spa Rooms come with tiled hot tubs on the patios. Keep in mind that in the cheaper rooms -- particularly Standard Rooms -- walks to the beach can take a few minutes. The resort also has a few Two- and Three-Bedroom Villas, which have a loft, a kitchen area (although it isn't outfitted), and several bedrooms and bathrooms suitable for large families or groups. 

Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, electric hot water kettles, minibars, and safes. Wi-Fi isn't available in any of the rooms. Higher-category rooms have enormous mirrors (both on the cabinets and in the bathroom) and larger 42-inch flat-screen TVs. As expected, bathrooms in lower-category rooms are simple, with granite vanities and walk-in shower stalls. Higher-category rooms have nicer and more spacious bathrooms, with rainfall showers.

While the beach here isn't one of the best on Samui, it is one of the hotel's biggest draws. The strip of sand is fairly narrow, but backed by tropical trees, and the hotel has set some lounge chairs up for its guests. There are also two swimming pools for those needing relaxing alternatives. The main pool at the front of the resort has a whirlpool section as well as a kids' pool, and gets plenty of sun. White lounge chairs surround it. Further back through the gardens is a somewhat hidden rear pool, which is smaller, a bit more shaded, and also has a kids' section. It's a pleasant place to escape any crowds.

In addition to the pools, the resort has a beachside restaurant that serves free breakfast buffet to guests. Options include hot and cold items, like muffins, omelets, and fruit -- it gets solid marks from guests. A la carte Thai and international dishes are available throughout the rest of the day. At night, there's usually a grill set up for fresh seafood offerings, and a comprehensive bar as well. The restaurant has both indoor seating in a long house on the beach, as well as tables set up alfresco on a wooden deck outside. 

Wi-Fi is free in the lobby and restaurant. The hotel can arrange airport transfers for a fee, and provide help with motorbike rentals and tour bookings.