Novotel Samui Resort Chaweng Beach Kandaburi

This resort offers a memorable stay, particularly noted for its direct beach access and the serene atmosphere it provides, making it an ideal choice for families and holidaymakers seeking a relaxing escape. Guests consistently highlight the exceptional service from the staff, the spacious and clean accommodations, and the diverse culinary offerings. The hotel's unique layout, spanning both beachside and hillside areas, caters to different preferences, with the beachside being favored for its convenience. For couples, the tranquil setting and beautiful views create a perfect romantic backdrop. To make the most of your visit, consider requesting a room on the beachside for easier access to the main facilities and be sure to bring mosquito repellent, especially if staying in rooms surrounded by lush greenery.

Facilities & Amenities
The resort features two distinct swimming pools, catering to different moods: a more tranquil pool area for relaxation and a livelier one with music and a bar. Guests appreciate the availability of a jacuzzi area within the pool. The spa receives high praise for its excellent quality massages and professional therapists, offering a truly rejuvenating experience. While the resort provides ample sunbeds, some guests note they can be old and fill up quickly, suggesting an earlier start to secure a spot. The hotel also offers kayaks for hire for those wishing to explore the shallow waters. A shuttle service to a nearby mall is available, though it is a one-way trip.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently commend the cleanliness of the rooms, describing them as spacious, huge, and well-maintained. The bathrooms are also noted for their generous size. However, some guests found the beds to be a bit hard. A recurring point of feedback for family rooms is the design of the bathroom, which some found to lack privacy due to an open layout or absence of locks, with the entrance sometimes leading directly from the bathroom into the bedroom. While some rooms are described as being a bit outdated or dark, many guests appreciate the complimentary mini-bar and the presence of a balcony. Mosquitoes can be an issue in bathrooms, particularly in rooms surrounded by plants.

Dining & Food Quality
The resort's food quality is highly praised, with many guests describing it as very good to excellent. The breakfast buffet receives consistent commendation for its wide variety, including hot dishes, fresh bread, juices, fruits, and various egg preparations. Breakfast is available at two locations, one on the beachside and another across the road, though some guests noted occasional issues with freshness or items running out. The beachside restaurant offers great views and is a popular spot. Guests enjoy the bar and highly recommend taking advantage of the happy hour for drinks. Specific dishes like the Thai Burger, club sandwich, and pineapple fried rice are highlighted as particularly delicious. The resort also features evening entertainment, including live singers and fire shows.

Location & Accessibility
The resort boasts a convenient location, being situated directly on the beach and offering easy access to the main Chaweng street, which is about a 10 to 15-minute walk away, either along the beach or the road. This proximity allows guests to explore nearby shops and restaurants while still enjoying a sense of isolation from the main festivities at night. Its location near the airport is also appreciated for convenience. However, the resort is split into two parts: a beachside area and a hillside area. Guests staying on the hillside note it can be a significant distance from the beach and main facilities, often requiring a walk across a busy road, though a guard is usually present to assist with crossing. Taxis and tuk-tuks are readily available outside the hotel for further travel.

Staff & Service
The staff at this resort consistently receives glowing reviews, frequently being described as the hotel's best feature. Guests highlight their exceptional friendliness, helpfulness, attentiveness, and professionalism. The check-in and check-out processes are noted as quick and efficient. Housekeeping is prompt and thorough, ensuring rooms are well-maintained daily. The staff's willingness to accommodate dietary requirements is also appreciated. Many guests recount instances of staff going above and beyond, such as assisting with lost luggage or providing excellent service during special events like weddings. The spa staff, in particular, are commended for their pleasant and kind demeanor, contributing to a relaxing experience.

Additional Information
A significant aspect of this resort is its two-part layout, with accommodations on both the beachside and hillside. Guests should be aware that the hillside rooms can be quite a distance from the main beach and pool areas, sometimes involving a steep walk or stairs, as there are no lifts in some sections. This layout can impact convenience, especially for those with mobility concerns. Guests are advised to bring mosquito repellent, as the lush greenery around the property can lead to their presence. While the resort provides towels for pool and beach use, some guests have observed a lack of respect for the towel policy, with towels left on sunbeds for extended periods without guests present. A deposit is typically required upon check-in.