The Small, Krabi

The Small Hotel stands out from the crowd thanks to its bright red and orange facade. The entrance is marked by a cluster of thick red poles reminiscent of a Shinto shrine, alongside large vases and well-manicured foliage. On the inside, the hotel is bright and modern with a relaxed vibe. The lobby has light tiled floors plus wicker seating areas and traditional Moroccan-style lanterns suspended from the ceiling. White tables and chairs plus outdoor seating facing the street, making the restaurant a great spot for people-watching. A sparkling blue swimming pool wraps around the entire building, surrounded by sun loungers and daybeds for tanning, and there's a rooftop pool which offers superb views over the town. Most guests tend to chill out poolside when they're not at the beach, but the area rarely feels overcrowded. The majority of those staying here are couples and groups rather than families, owing to the lack of family-friendly facilities.

The hotel is situated on a corner between Noppharat Thara Beach and Ao Nang Beach, both of which can be reached in less than five minutes on foot. It's set just outside the busy area of Ao Nang, offering travelers a slightly more peaceful stay. There are plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants within easy walking distance, plus there's a market with street food stalls just down the road. Sights like the Phra Nang Caves and Princess Lagoon are both a 10-minute drive away. It's also well-located for anyone planning excursions to neighboring islands. Nopparat Thara Pier, for ferries to Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, and Koh Lanta, just five minutes away by car. Krabi Airport is roughly a 35-minute drive from the hotel.

The hotel has 38 air-conditioned rooms and suites with a pleasantly modern Thai style. All are bright and spacious with warm red and purples tones, wood-paneled walls, large double beds, minimalist furniture, and seating areas. Each has a furnished balcony or terrace with either town or pool views; some with direct pool access and private jetted areas. Standard in-room amenities include flat-screen TVs, tea/coffee facilities, stocked minibars, safes, phones, hairdryers, free Wi-Fi, and free robes and slippers. Some suites add iPod docking stations, as well as rooftop moon decks for stargazing. Modern bathrooms are spacious and well-finished, and all include rainfall showers and toiletries. Upgraded rooms have separate deep-soaking bath tubs. Most previous guests report a good night's sleep thanks to minimal external noise. 

The all-day Parsley and Basil Restaurant is bright and modern, with white tables and chairs, plus outdoor seating facing the street. Its kitchen serves a mix of international and Thai dishes, plus a good breakfast buffet for a fee. Breakfast includes varied hot and cold options like eggs, pastries, toast, cereals, and coffee. Room service is available, but only during certain hours. The hotel has a tranquil wrap-around pool that's lined with sun loungers and daybeds for relaxing, plus a second rooftop pool with a decked area for tanning and great views over the town and surrounding hillsides. Keep in mind that the wrap-around pool doesn't get much sun. The only downside is the lack of a spa or fitness center. Parking and Wi-Fi are both free, and laundry services are available. Airport shuttles cost extra.