Al's Laemson Resort Koh Samui - Inspection Report

I stayed at Al's Laemson resort in June 2013 as part of our on going process to check the standard of the hotels that we offer. To be honest, I didn't warm to this resort. That's partly because I was staying  there by myself and the resort was virtually empty of other guests. Al's Laemson is a resort more suited to couples than solo travelers. This resort gets very good reviews on Trip Advisor.

Al's Laemson Resort swimming pool

Al's Laemson has a good swimming pool and a nice spacious setting that winds down to the beach. The beach restaurant is cool and fresh. The design of the rooms seemed somewhat clinical to me and the layout of the stand alone bungalows was a bit odd with the verandas all facing in towards each other. Inside the rooms the facilities were fine, everything was spotlessly clean and the rooms are certainly big. The veranda of my bungalow was huge but as it got the sun nearly all day long was usually too hot to sit out on. I personally didn't like the styling of the bungalows, others may like the minimalist style.

Al's Laemson Resort is located in the north east of Koh Samui. It's actually on the north part of Chaweng Beach but it feels like a different place altogether. It takes 10-15 minutes to walk into Chaweng centre, or a free shuttle is available several times per day. It's a picturesque little bay that is nice to stroll on but it's too shallow for swimming.

Watch this space over the coming weeks as we will be adding more Koh Samui resorts to our Easy Day Thailand Selected Resort recommendations in Koh Samui.

More on tours in Thailand at www.easydaythailand.com

Al's Resort Koh Samui Inspection Report

I stayed at Al's Resort in the first week of June 2013 as part of a Koh Samui hotels inspection trip. My opinion of the resort is a bit mixed and whether it's suitable for you will depend on what part of Koh Samui you want to stay in. Basically it's all about location, location, location.

Al's Resort Courtyard

For many people, the best thing about Al's Resort will be that it's in the centre of Chaweng, right on the beach and close to the best bars and restaurants. If you want to be near to the action then this resort will suit you. It's a short stumble along the beach to get back to your room if you've spent all night at the Ark bar. It's also conveniently close to Top's supermarket, very handy for stocking up on bits and pieces.

Chaweng Beach June 2013

The resort itself is only ok, nothing fancy. I can imagine that it was nice when it was newly built but like a lot of resorts that I've seen in this Chaweng beach section of Samui it looks slightly dated, particularly the old fitted furniture and the bathrooms. I stayed in one of the older Deluxe Garden rooms and in fairness I was there just before high season started. I did see several men busy with paint brushes giving the place a spruce up. 

For the location and the price it's hard to complain about Al's Resort though. It's what you get in this part of Chaweng beach for around US$100 per night. If you want to be slap bang on Koh Samui's most popular beach and only pay 3,000-4,000 baht per night for a room you have to compromise a bit. (If you are happy to be a little out from the centre of Chaweng we can recommend other resorts that offer you more for your baht). 

Al's Resort Swimming pool

Al's Resort Restaurant

The resort's beach side swimming pool looked ok although I never saw anyone in it, the sea was flat and calm and was much more inviting to me. The resort restaurant is an ugly concrete and glass building designed to look like a boat's hull, they should really lose it altogether and just build a nice breezy beach restaurant out of bamboo. Breakfast was the usual buffet style, neither good nor bad but plenty of it. WIFI was available at the resort but there was an extra charge. I always think that's a bit mean but there are free internet terminals for guest use in reception. The hotel staff seemed friendly and they gave me a free lift to my next resort when I checked out.

Deluxe Room

We inspect the resorts that we offer on a regular basis to verify that they are up to standard. So to summarize,  I'm happy to keep Al's Resort on our list of Easy Day Selected Resorts because of the location which will be ideal for some people. If you want to be in the heart of Chaweng then for the money Al's Resort is a decent choice. If you prefer to stay a bit further out of Chaweng then we can recommend other resorts that offer better rooms at a similar price.

For more information or to book please visit Al's Resort
More on tours in Thailand at www.easydaythailand.com

Varinda Garden Resort Koh Samui - holidays package

Back to Nature

The Varinda Garden Resort is located on the hillside to the south of Lamai Beach on Samui Island, Thailand. It is two minutes walk to Lamai beach as well as Lamai restaurants, shops and beer bars.

This quirky family run boutique resort is set within natural gardens and each room has it's own unique style. It's quiet, peaceful and very friendly. There are excellent views over Lamai bay from the restaurant and swimming pool areas.

• Boutique resort. Suitable for couples or families who want somewhere quieter than Chaweng beach.
• Away from the crowds but just 2 minutes walk to the beach. Great views over the bay. 
• Swimming pool, kids pool, restaurant and spa. Rooms have satellite tv. 
• WIFI is available in the rooms for a small extra charge. 

The Gardens

Deluxe Room

A lovely natural garden setting full of wild flowers and unusual ornaments. Friendly, family run boutique resort. Only a few minutes walk to the beautiful Lamai beach.

Enjoy your holidays at Varinda Garden Resort

More details here...

Inclusive of: 2 nights twin sharing accommodation in a superior room, breakfast, private airport transfers (Samui airport or Pier), tax and insurance.

Single supplement: 3,350 Baht

For information and booking don't hesitate to ask Easy Day Thailand team

We last visited this resort in June 2013: Easy Day inspection report

Restaurant with sea view

For more information or to book please visit Varinda Garden Resort

82/3 Moo 3, Tambon Maret, Koh Samui, Suratthani, 84310 Thailand

If you have stayed at this hotel please leave a comment.

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Varinda Garden Resort Koh Samui Inspection Report

I stayed at the Varinda Garden Resort in early June 2013. This small Thai family owned and run resort is located on the hillside at the southern end of Lamai beach. It's about two minutes walk from the beach and from Lamai centre where bars, restaurants and shops can be found.

I arrived in the evening as the sun was setting and immediately liked the place. The friendly greeting from the owner and the secret garden setting, full of quirky ornaments, provided a relaxed and welcoming vibe. There is nothing formulaic about Varinda resort, it hasn't been designed by numbers, it feels like it's been grown with love. Every room is unique, each painted multiple different colours that blend with the natural setting. The style will appeal to old hippies, wannabe eco warriors or anyone else who hates the idea of staying in just another identikit resort.

The gardens are full of quirky ornaments

My room was a Deluxe double room with separate living room and bedroom, both of which had large teak doors opening onto the balcony. It had a very nice view of Lamai bay which had me asking myself, why is this resort called Varinda Garden Resort and not Varinda Lovely Sea View Resort. I later realised that my room (number 39 if you want to request it) is the only one with a seaview, all the others are in a garden setting. 

Each room is individually styled

The best sea view is actually from the resort restaurant, a cool and breezy room with a rustic ambiance. Breakfast was included in the room price and if I hadn't been so busy doing all kinds adventurous stuff on  Samui day tours which picked me up at the crack of dawn each day I could have happily whiled away an hour there over coffee and croissants. Although the menu sounded delicious I never did eat dinner at the resort, choosing instead to eat in Lamai centre which has plenty of local eateries to choose from.

The swimming pool also overlooks Lamai bay. It's a small pool but does have a slide which you might fancy trying after a few cocktails.

Sea view swimming pool

The resort location will not suit everyone because it's not on the beach front and access to the beach, as well local restaurants and bars, is down some rather rickety steps. It's not ideal for pensioners with dodgy hips, it's certainly not wheelchair friendly. 

In summary, the Varinda Garden resort is an idiosyncratic resort. Not luxurious and not directly on the beach but full of unique character run by a charming local family who will make you feel very welcome. We are  happy to offer it as one of our Easy Day Thailand selected resorts.

More on tours in Thailand at www.easydaythailand.com