Although we travel frequently, this is one of the few reviews we have actually posted. We felt that as the hotel was recently opened (Dec 2011) it would be helpful to give some quality feedback (especially as we disagree with some of the earlier 'not so positive' reviews). We are quite critical so please keep that in mind.

We are actually still at the resort (day 10 of 12) but habit dictates that once I leave, I will get lazy and this review will get forgotten about.

I have purposefully tried to be as detailed as possible. This is because the resort is new and there is not much information readily available yet.

1. Check in

Before our arrival we were worried as some reviews had not been positive and we know that new hotels can have teething issues. However I can say that we had nothing to worry about.

This is a beautiful resort where service matches the high level of facilities provided. All the common areas look bright, modern and have been renovated to a very high 5* standard.

We initially booked a grand room which we found out was a little walk from the main facilities (beach, restaurants etc.). The room itself was lovely; well decorated, huge bathroom and overlooked the lagoon. However, as we have a young child (and a child on the way) we asked to be moved to somewhere more central. Viki and Sandra (duty managers) were very helpful and after one night in the grand room they were able to find us a room that still overlooked the lagoon but this time was a stones throw from the pool, beach and breakfast area. As a bonus/upgrade this was also a premier room which meant we had a separate living area too.

Again the room was bright and modern and had all amenities you would expect from a 5* resort.

2. Location

Angsana is in the laguna complex (5 or 6 hotels) on bang tao beach. The beach itself is beautiful (soft powdery white sand). We didn't venture too far into the sea but it was calm and the water was lovely and warm.

This is a perfect location for the quiet thai experience (especially for families). If you want the hustle and bustle of thailand then you are better off staying near Patong beach. As you can image the laguna complex is not going to be cheap. However there are restaurants/massages/laundry/excursions on the beach (short walk from hotel) which provide cheaper alternatives. Alternatively you can go just outside the laguna complex for even cheaper alternatives. Most places will provide a free shuttle to and from the laguna to get your business.

Restaurant recommendations:

Lotus - amazing thai food right on beach. Although its called a beach shack it is in fact very smart. You can get free transfer but its easier to walk. Just go to the beach from the hotel, turn right and you'll see it after 50 metres. We ate hear every other night (enough variety to do so). They keep tanks of seafood so you can select your own fish, crabs, lobsters etc.

Tatonka - eclectic menu and top quality. Very nice laid back atmosphere. Call for free shuttle. Has kids menu.

Toto Italian - next to tatonka and again free shuttle. Nice decor and good food. Atmosphere wise was quiet when we went. No kids menu but they make small portions.

Siam Supper Club - next to tatonka and again free shuttle. Really good food and lovely atmosphere. Decor is like a NY speakeasy. No kids menu though and no smaller portions. Owner is very friendly.

You can also change your currency just outside of the laguna complex for better rates than at the hotels (or use the atms).

3. Pool - Enormous pool which winds around the resort. One of the larger sections has a man-made sandy beach attached, which is a nice touch. Water was lovely and warm and provided a nice relief to cool down from the hot and humid weather. There are plenty of beds all around the pool. There is also a swim up bar and 2 jacuzzi areas. If you use the beds around the Bodega restaurant they come round with fresh fruit and iced teas.

4. Restaurants
Market place - one of the main restaurants and is also where the main breakfast is located. We didn't have dinner there so can't comment on the food but generally it was very quiet.
Breakfast on the other hand was nice and busy. Great variety (including dim sum and noodle & rice bar) and food was excellent. You could tell the general standard by the quality of the imported cold meats and cheeses they had on offer. They only offered veg sushi which was a shame given the quality of seafood available but this was not a big thing.

Poolside restaurant - lovely location and nice modern decor. We came here every day for lunch. Food was made in an open kitchen and was delicious. I must mention 'Fai' who took our daughter on little walks and gave us a few minutes of adult time.

Bodega - looked nice but we didn't try it.
Smaller breakfast selection offered here.

Beach club - should be opening in March.

5. Kids Club
This is, and will be, a big draw for families to come here. They have made a huge kids club which includes: enormous outdoor play area (climbing frames, slides etc), indoor soft play for infants (ball pit, slide etc), reading room, drawing/painting room, outdoor dance area, computer area and wii area. They are opening a first floor kids cafe soon too.

Although there were very few kids around there were plenty of friendly staff on hand.

Unfortunately our little one was too young to stay without parental supervision. However, from 4 years onwards, they can be left here all day.

6. Hotel Staff

The hotel staff have played a major role in making our stay so special. Customer service is excellent here with all staff taking the time to say hello and going the extra step to make our stay better. We felt very at home and comfortable here.

They also took the time to play with our daughter which we also appreciated.


7. Room

As mentioned the premier room we are in is very nice. The extra living space is good as were able to create a play area and also put the cot there.

The rooms have clearly been renovated but I think the bathrooms are the same as when it was a Sheraton (I'm not sure if this is the case for all the bathrooms).
This is not an issue as it is still very nice. Some of the small mosaic tiles in the bath/shower are missing but this is a very small thing.

The a/c works well but my only complaint is that it is a little noisy. Its not something that is going to prevent you from sleeping (even for light sleepers) but given how quiet new machines can be this is something that could be improved in the future.

The only real thing I would change is the front door to the room. It needs to be a tighter fit to make it more light proof (as it currently let's in a fair amount of light from the corridor) and sound proof (you can hear most activity in the corridor which is fine during the day but a little annoying when you hear trollies being rolled through in the early hours).

8. Elephants

The hotel has two baby elephants (shelly and lucky) that come through the hotel twice a day (9am and 3pm). You are allowed to interact up close with them (feed them bananas etc.).

Our daughter absolutely loves the elephants and our day are planned around their visiting times.

9. Wedding

Previous reviews have talked about the problems surrounding an asian wedding that took place at the hotel before we arrived.

When we found out there was another wedding to be hosted during our stay we were a little anxious.

There was actually nothing to be worried about. The wedding party did not interfere with our stay and the hotel and its staff handled it very well.

Big hotels like this are always going to host weddings and conferences.

10. Final note

We would highly recommend the hotel.