The Mangrove by Blu Monkey

I highly recommend this hotel! My only complaint is that it's a bit far out. They offer a shuttle service from morning until afternoon, which is convenient for getting to the main areas. In the evenings, taking a taxi is easy enough. It's not crowded, so it's quiet, beautiful, and private. The beach could use a bit more attention, though. **Amenities:** Superb! **Cleanliness:** Exceptionally good, surprisingly so. I had a ground-floor room with a courtyard, and stepping out, I was surrounded by greenery. I still can't figure out how they managed to keep it completely mosquito-free! **Environment:** Beautiful, natural landscaping. **Service:** Excellent and very prompt. Staff would politely greet me and wait for me to pass by first.

Even though the beach is quite muddy and not ideal, the mangroves create a unique seaside landscape. At high tide in the evening, you can go boating, and the water is shallow enough (2-3 km out won't go above your waist), so it's very safe. The rooms are impeccable – clean, spacious, and equipped with a fridge and microwave, which is fantastic! You fall asleep to the sound of insects and wake up to birdsong. If possible, choose a room in the first or second row closest to the beach. Further back, it can get a bit dark at night, and some areas are still under construction, so the unlit spots can be a little spooky. For those who love peace and quiet, this place has everything you need. There are two restaurants, one of which also doubles as a small music bar with live singers in the evenings (they had singing the night we went, and I heard there's often a lawn cinema, but not when we were there). During the day, there's a shuttle service to a nearby beach after 7-11 (presumably a specific time or place related to the shuttle). Everything is great for a 1-2 day getaway to unwind, as it feels quite secluded. Aside from a few strange staff behaviors.

I chose this hotel because I was going out to sea the next day, and it was a bit closer to Chalong Pier (though still about half an hour away). Since it was during the Chinese New Year, the price was relatively cheap, so the value for money was decent. **Ambiance**: It was very quiet, spacious, serene, and had very few people with lots of greenery. Aside from some mosquitoes, it was comfortable overall. **Service**: Regarding the room assignment, as shown in the picture, it was in the furthest corner, a common issue often raised by Chinese guests. This time was no exception, but since I had argued with several other hotels, I didn't bother to 'battle' with this one, thinking it was just for one night. However, since the entire area is within this garden setting, it was still acceptable. The front desk service wasn't particularly enthusiastic, but it was adequate. If you're playing in the nearby area, like visiting the water park or dolphinarium, I would still recommend it. We had a very comfortable night.

I highly recommend this hotel! I absolutely loved the sunset here. The free kayaking was a blast too! The hotel food was also good. I really enjoyed the relaxed vibe of my two-day vacation.

The location is a bit out of the way, taking an hour to get to the airport, and you need to take a taxi to get around. Luckily, the hotel offers daily shuttles to 7-Eleven. Pros: The environment is great, very quiet, perfect for a relaxing 2-3 day stay. It's a good option for family trips if you prefer a peaceful setting.