Jirawan Hotel in Samet Island

I have to start with the excellent customer service at this hotel. Everyone from management to staff are so friendly and helpful. I was really amazed at the customer service here.

It's rare for a Thailand hotel to have a toilet, usually only a place to squat. Jirawan has a toilet, large restrooms, big clean beds with the sheets changed daily, and air conditioning.

Since the hotel is on an island, the only way to get there is by boat. If you take the cheap route with the ferry, it is a long trip and then you get dropped off about a 15 minute bus ride away. I paid the 400 Baht ($12 USD) for a speedboat that dropped me off on the beach right at the hotel. I had to wade from the boat to the dry land in only about 4 inches of water, so the speedboat gets really close to dry land. The hotel staff promptly ran out to carry my luggage from the beach to the check-in office.

I booked the room with the breakfast option and they provide coffee or tea with your choice of either an "American" style breakfast or a Thai style breakfast.

The daytime is all about enjoying the beach and water, while the nightlife is full of dinner, sites and sounds. This area of the island is all about partying, drinking and having fun at night. So expect loud music from other hotels nearby till around 1am or earlier if there are no customers.

If you want relaxing days with an active nightlife, stay at Jirawan.

Room Tip: Request a Sea Side room for a decent view of the water, but not the beach.