Muang Kulaypan Resort

24 January 2009

I must admit, I didn't have high expectations for this hotel. Some of the reviews at other sites had me expecting a faded beauty - the all too common local hotel that was wonderful when it opened but had not been well maintained. So, it was a very pleasant surprise to find a spotless room that was not at all worn or tired looking.

Muang Kulaypan is situated at the far north end of Chaweng Beach. This gives it a rather good location: far enough away from the main area to give you some peace and quiet, but close enough to walk to the restaurants, pubs and clubs. The design of the hotel is also a pleasant change from the norm. Most 'boutique' beach resorts tend to be crowded affairs, without much open space, but Muang Kulaypan is quite spacious. The guest rooms are housed in a "U" shaped building facing the ocean, leaving a spacious open landscaped area in the center.

However, Muang Kulaypan isn't perfect. While the room is very nice, it lacked much privacy. Any one walking along the broad platform facing the ocean could see into the room. This seems to be a problem with most of the rooms. The standard rooms are especially problematic, so you should get a deluxe room if privacy is an issue for you. Other minor annoyances, for me, were the full length mirror facing the bed and the lack of a desk.

Hotel facilities include a restaurant, full service spa, swimming pool and gift shop.

Rooms feature air conditioning, refrigerator, color television with some English language channels, hair dryer and in-room safe. Some rooms have a wi-fi signal, which requires the purchase of a pre-paid card to use.

Pluses: heavy on 'local' style; easy access to shopping and restaurants on foot.

Minuses: Many rooms may lack privacy. You have to close the blinds to gain any privacy.