The Diamond Cave resort, perched amidst a rock amphitheatre above Railay East beach, is currently Railay's best mid-range choice for those who want a swimming pool. For people who can do without a pool, and who have no mobility problems or small children, the Railay Highlands is a better bet.
The restaurant here at the Diamond cave resort is 20 metres away, down on the East side beach, and is not a good place to eat. Breakfast isn't too bad, but at dinner times during high season the kitchen staff simply can't cope with the visitor volumes, and service is consequently very slow. Arguments between impatient guests and the poor miserable waiters are common, making for an often unpleasant atmosphere. Visitors are advised to dine elsewhere. A stall nearby sells delicious duck noodle soup at a ridiculously low price, so hungry guests should consider eating there.
The resort's smallish pool occupies a fabulous and atmospheric setting at the base of the Diamond Cave wall, has enough loungers to go round, and is surrounded by shady trees. The whole resort, bar the restaurant area, benefits from an almost continual gentle breeze during high season.
Whilst the restaurant is best avoid, the rooms are not. Whilst they are by no means luxuroius and can not be described as immaculate, they do offer relatively good value for money.
Accommodation
Deluxe Room
These rooms suffer from a shortage of windows to the rear, making them rather cave-like. The front sides consist of floor-to-celing glazed sliding doors, however, so the overall effect is a pleasant if unimpressive one. The terraces on the ground floor rooms, and the balconies on the first fllor rooms, are equipped with sizeable loungers, making them comfortable choices, and ones surrounded by tropical foliage and trees. The paintwork could use a little attention, and the bathrooms are becoming due for renovation.
Air-con Bungalows
These bungalows will certainly not wow anybody, but won't upset too many people either. Some of them have been renovated recently and are a good choice, whilst others have not seen a lick of paint in years, and are over-due for renovation. If you book through this site we'll book one of the bungalows that have been recently renovated. The bungalows are situated far enough from the East side beach to make them peaceful, but near enough that guests can easily pop down the hill and enjoy the wholesome and hopping nightlife scene which is a daily certainty in high season. Each has a sizeable terrace equipped with a pair of comfortable loungers.
Diamond Room
These light and airy rooms contain two queen-sized beds and are in very good condition. the TVs are tiny, but thid doesn't bother many visitors over the age of 5, as they prefer to soend their time relaxing on the huge balconies, from where spectacular views of the the surrounding rockfaces are on display.
Prices
The above rates are net per room per night and inclusive of service charge and breakfast for 2 people. Note that when an extra bed is placed in a room, the occupant of the extra bed does not get breakfast included in the rate.
Compulsory gala dinner:
Compulsory gala dinner on 24 Dec 09 is Baht 2,500 per adult and Baht 1,250 per child
Compulsory gala dinner on 31 Dec 09 is Baht 2,500 per adult and Baht 1,250 per child
