This resort could easily have a 4 to 5 star experience, especially since I got the honeymoon suite with a spectacular view of the half moon beach, however the staff, maintenance and cleaning was bad. ||The front desk was not helpful and has a "me against you" attitude. When we asked for help, it is always met with a "say no first" response, and we had to fight for the most normal things, like cleaning, after being told rudely that we didnt get our room cleaned because we didnt indicate it on our room sign, which was not very notificable. Even if we hadnt indicated for the room to be cleaned, she didnt have to be rude and blamed us for not indicating that our room needed to be cleaned. ||They were constantly trying to charge us for everything. I think she was making up these charges. We asked for extra blanket and she said that came with a charge. The first day, we asked if the room comes with unlimited water and she said yes. Later when we asked for more water, it came with a charge. You would think if you paid top dollar for the most premium suite they have, it would come with some extra basic amenities like water, but no. ||Even after the cleaning staff came, the room was really not cleaned well at all. The place was already needing some tlc, with only certain places cleaned well and others looked old and disgusting. The staff cleaned up the bed but the bathroom was left unattended, I find myself cleaning up instead.||The dining room breakfast has a large spread but nothing extravagant. The staff in the dining hall was similarly rude. When asked if we can have omelet, they pointed at the ready cooked eggs with a disgusted look and said "this is the omelet" as if we were idiots for not knowing that. This "you're an idiot" attitude carried throughout the whole dining experience.||Overall only the beach bar service was good. The food there was quite nice and the staff service n the beach bar is decent. ||The view from the honeymoon suites is amazing and the size of the suite is large and comfortable. It included a living room area that is big, but the resort couldn't care less to capitalize on its strength and provided an old couch. The jacuzzi and bathroom is well designed as it has a view of the sea but the jacuzzi is not usable as the water came out brown. I'm not sure if whole of Lipe has brown tap water but my room definitely has.|| Beware that they do not provide black out curtains, so you won't get a good nites sleep unless you bring eyeshades. ||Alot of mosquitoes!!!! Bring repellant.||A resort with alot of potential and beautiful views and a unique curved sandbank beach. The beach is beautiful! Unfortunately, the experience is lacking. || For the money, you can get a better managed place and come to the beach from your hotel...
Read moreOn the last morning my wife went to have breakfast before I did. When checking-in at the door she advised that I will be having breakfast a little later. So the person put one tick next to our room number.
When I went for breakfast, a man asked for my room number and put a second tick next to the room number.
Seconds later, a woman rushed towards me (apparently worried) and asked me for my room number. I said I just gave it to the person outside, but, as I looked, the guy was gone, so i gave her my room number. She went to check the register, came back to me and said that it can't be my room because there are already two ticks next to the room number. I repeated, yes it is my room and i gave the number to the other man. She asked me to produce my key but it was with my wife.... I said it again to make sure it was clear: "my room is xx, she said "no not your room" and she began to call someone to escalate the issue.
She practically called me a liar.
My wife was at the unit with the key. Because that person couldn't speak english, and i have no thai, ... She came back and insisted that I had to identify myself, I got really pissed off at that point. My patience has limits. I said to her that she made me feel embarrassed, and i was not expecting this from her. Other people around looked at me like I was a potential fraud. What a nightmare. I said to her "Look do what you have to do, I am seating there and will enjoy my breakfast". Of course I didn't enjoy it after all this.
Eventually she came back and showed me a message on her phone: "is the man travelling with a thai person?" to which I said "yes". And that was it. She disappeared and i could finish my coffee.
We clarified the situation with the staff at check-out time. When I turned up at the breakfast lounge, the man who checked my room number was actually filling in for the woman (the one who called me a liar) while she was away from her workstation. Apparently his job is to drive a van, but he went the extra mile and made sure I was not going to wait outside until the woman came back from her break. The man didn't let her know that I had checked-in. When she came back, she saw an unfamilar face (me) in the lounge, and instead she ran after me because apprently she (or someone else) was responsible for letting a stranger come into the lounge. But why does it become my problem?
She did her best to do her job, but she was not there to start with. Ppl can take breaks, but they must communicate with one another before accusing their customers for trying to cheat.
This makes my blood boil.
They told me they were trying to improve their processes. Well I can tell you, and i already told them that, they are not there yet. They have a lot more miles to run...
Read moreNestled amidst lush, jungle-like foliage, the hotel grounds are an oasis of tranquility, offering a sense of seclusion and serenity. The meticulously maintained landscaping adds to the allure, creating a picturesque retreat. Throughout my stay, the staff went above and beyond, exuding warmth and genuine hospitality with their ever-present smiles. Their eagerness to assist enhanced the overall experience, making every interaction a delight.Opting for a garden villa, I found myself treated to a spectacular vista from the balcony, perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the private beach. While the room's decor may have retained a touch of nostalgia from the 90s, the breathtaking view more than compensated for any lack of modernity. One unique aspect of the accommodation was the outdoor bathroom, which, although unconventional, added to the rustic charm of the villa. However, it's worth noting that the tropical climate might not suit everyone, particularly those wary of encountering local critters.Regrettably, the beds proved to be a minor discomfort, reminiscent of traditional Asian sleeping arrangements with their firm wooden plank mattress and concrete-like pillows. For some, this may pose a challenge to achieving a restful night's sleep. Furthermore, unfortunately nobody cleaned the room adequately, which was either laziness or lack of staff. Yet, the hotel's pièce de résistance undoubtedly lies in its pristine beachfront. With inviting lounges and well-maintained beach chairs, it offers the perfect spot to bask in the sun or explore the crystal-clear waters through snorkeling adventures.The breakfast buffet served each morning exceeded expectations, boasting an extensive array of delectable dishes spanning Thai, Chinese, and Western cuisines. The abundance of fresh fruits added a refreshing touch, ensuring a delightful start to each day.In conclusion, while the allure of the hotel's grounds, exceptional service, and picturesque beachfront are undeniable, the comfort of the beds leaves something to be desired. For those prioritizing a good night's sleep, it may be a deciding factor in their choice of...
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