Phi Phi Banyan Villa

This hotel offers a convenient and central base for exploring the island, with its prime location just a short walk from the pier and main attractions. Its signature feature is a tranquil garden and pool area, providing a peaceful retreat despite being in the heart of the bustling town. Guests often highlight the attentive staff and the ease of access to shops and restaurants. It is particularly well-suited for short-stay visitors and travelers who prioritize location and a welcoming atmosphere over modern amenities. To ensure a more comfortable stay, many suggest requesting a room in the Garden Wing, which is generally newer and quieter, and it is advisable to document the room's condition upon arrival to avoid any potential issues at checkout.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a pleasant pool area that guests find clean and inviting, offering a refreshing escape. However, a common point of feedback is the limited number of sun loungers, often only six or seven, which can make it challenging to find a spot, especially during peak times. The fitness center is noted for being large and well-equipped, though many guests report a lack of air conditioning, making workouts uncomfortably hot and humid, with only fans available. Some also mention the gym can appear dirty and requires a voucher from reception for access. While Wi-Fi is available, its performance is inconsistent, with many guests experiencing slow speeds or connectivity issues within their rooms.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is notably mixed. Many guests describe rooms as spacious and generally clean, but frequently point out that they are tired, old, or outdated, with worn furniture and dark interiors. Common complaints include persistent musty smells, mold in bathrooms, blocked drains, and issues with air conditioning being ineffective, noisy, or turning off when guests leave the room. The beds are a frequent source of discomfort, with numerous reviews describing them as "rock hard." Noise is a significant concern due to thin walls and the wooden structure, leading to disturbances from neighboring rooms, street noise, and music from outside, though some rooms in the Garden Wing are reported to be quieter.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers breakfast with a pleasant beachfront dining view, which many guests appreciate. The quality and variety of the breakfast receive mixed reviews; some find it "decent" or "sufficient," particularly praising the freshly made omelets. However, others describe the options as "basic," "limited," or "disappointing," with some finding the coffee unpalatable or the hot food options unappetizing. Despite varied opinions on the food itself, the setting by the sea is consistently highlighted as a positive aspect of the morning meal experience.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is overwhelmingly praised as its strongest asset. It is exceptionally convenient, situated just a few minutes' walking distance from the pier, making arrivals and departures hassle-free. Guests find themselves within easy reach of all essential amenities, including numerous shops, restaurants, and convenience stores like 7-Eleven. Despite its central position, many guests report that the hotel manages to maintain a relatively quiet atmosphere, particularly in certain wings, offering a peaceful retreat from the island's more lively areas. The hotel often provides luggage assistance to and from the pier, further enhancing convenience.

Staff & Service
Guest experiences with staff and service are quite varied. Many reviews commend the staff for being friendly, helpful, attentive, and polite, contributing positively to their stay. They are often praised for their willingness to assist with requests and for providing a welcoming atmosphere. However, a significant number of guests report negative interactions, describing some reception staff as rude, arrogant, or uncooperative, particularly during check-in and check-out. Recurring issues include accusations of missing items like towels or spoons, with guests being asked to pay for them, though these situations are often resolved after persistent clarification. Luggage assistance to the pier is also inconsistently provided, with some guests receiving help while others are left to manage their bags independently.

Additional Information
The hotel's wooden structure is a recurring theme in reviews, contributing to both its traditional aesthetic and issues with noise transfer between rooms. Many guests emphasize the hotel's urgent renovation needs, particularly for older rooms and bathrooms, to improve overall comfort and address signs of wear and tear. A notable point of concern for some guests is the hotel's policy regarding missing item charges, with reports of staff attempting to charge for towels or other small items at checkout, even when guests assert they are not missing. It is advisable for guests to be vigilant about room inventory upon arrival and departure to prevent such misunderstandings.