This charming resort is not located on the beach, but is situated only 200 metres away, across a very quiet road. Many guests at this resort spend much of their time at the Bangtao Lagoon Bungalows across the road, giving them the benefit of that great beach-front spot, and the better rooms the Bangtao Beach Chalets offer.
Whilst it suffers from some of the standard mid-range resort irritations, like staff who speak minimal English, poor Western breakfasts and a policy of charging for breakages which are not the guest’s fault, this is a good choice for couples who want mid-range accommodation and easy access to a quiet beach. It is a small resort consisting of only 10 bungalows, with a small pool and a miniscule children’s pool, so is not really that great for families, unless they spend most of their time by the beach at the Bangtao Lagoon Bungalows. There are always enough loungers for the resort’s guests, so if all the guest wants is to lie by the pool with a book, taking the occasional dip to cool off, then the shady pool is ideal.
The resort is 13 years old but, unortunately unlike this travel journalist, doesn’t look its age. The trees and foliage have had time to mature and enhance the ambience, without excessively enveloping the hotel. The koi carp pond, covered by a beautiful trelliswork sheathed in vines and hanging plants, is particularly beautiful. The spa is also attractively decorated, with a highlight being an elephant fresco that would seem more at home in a 5-star hotel than in the Bangtao Beach Chalets.
Recently renovated, the bungalows at the Bangtao Beach chalets are well equipped, comfortably furnished and tastefully decorated. They can not be described as 100% immaculate, but are very close to that state and are also reasonable value for money. There is a distinct lack of usable surfaces, both in the bedroom and bathroom, to put ‘stuff’ on.
Food
According to www.tripadvisor.com contributors, this is not the resort’s high-point. Breakfast is tolerable, but the guest may have to send back half-cooked eggs. Something simple like a club sandwich for lunch will probably be OK, but plan to eat dinner out. Anybody who likes dining directly on the beach is in luck, as there are lots of beach eateries nearby.
