the swimming area is fantastic first off. quite scenic and fun for all really.

however, rooms were ok for the price, but service was lacking. a pay per day in room safe? really? no wifi except by a horrendously over expensive daily rate? nickle and diming at its peak. and absolutely no help getting a reasonable taxi fare to other parts of the island.

a reasonable stay but lacking any sort of reason to return. there are better options in this area with better service and cheaper rates.

After touring round various different types and standards of hotel in Thailand, this place was like heaven for us and our 6 year old. We had a room overlooking the pool, which was surprisingly quiet and private. For such a big, busy hotel, we found our stay chilled, fun and easy. The guests were mainly Scandinavian and Russian, and some of the

The positives: 3 brilliant pools in the middle of the complex - hours of entertainment for the kids on slides, under waterfalls, etc; very comfortable rooms with good a/c; very friendly and helpful staff; couple of minutes to the gorgeous Karon beach; excellent breakfast; clean and well-maintained both in the rooms and common areas.

The negatives: why charge 50 baht per day extra to use the safe? slightly pricey and unappealing "featured" evenings with dubious "rhythm and emotion" band; don't come here if you're looking for an "authentic Thai experience".

Top tip: if you are leaving on an evening flight as we were, and have to check out hours before, the reception staff are very helpful in arranging a shower for you to wash off the suncream and sand before your flight.

Top tip 2: The "Relax Bay" beach at the top/north of Karon beach is just beautiful - quieter than the rest of Karon beach, and just lovely.

If you are looking for a family friendly hotel, this is for you. The hotel has many pools, activities for children, massage, pool bars, nice garden, daily doctor visits, buffet restaurant and all the other services close by, including the beach. If you have no children, look for something else.

The room looked a little old and needed some fixing. But all in all the room was clean and beds were ok. The room doors were quite thin because you could hear loud and clear people talking on the hallway. The safety deposit box was 50 b/day and you also had to pay for the Internet.

The breakfast buffet was nothing special. The food selection had all the basic buffet things but the quality was very standard and gave recollections of buffets in China. The bacon was ediple but not crispy.

Hotels location could be better. The beach, which has nice even sand, is close by and so are some of the restaurants, bars and stores. But the nicer restaurants and the main selection of stores are north in Karon center or south in Karon/Kata center. So, that means walking or using the local tuk-tuks or taxis that are very overpriced.

Very nice hotel in general. Location is good, just two minutes walk from wonderful Karon Beach, and many shops/restaurants/tourist services around. The swimming pool with Angkor Wat-like statue in the middle is just great. Breakfasts are OK. The only bad point is "cardboard" doors in rooms, so do not be surprised when you hear some child shouting "Mooooooom!" in the corridor as if he would shout it in your ear. When you make love in your room, everyone in the corridor would hear it too ;-). So, one point away for the lack of privacy. And if they ask more than 2500 Baht/night, better walk 5 minutes more and you'll find many cosy guesthouses for 1500 - without pool and breakfast but who cares.