The hype
A beautiful, family-run boutique hotel with fantastic staff, spotless rooms, and one of the best cafes on the island.
Big Tree Boutique Hotel
$75-150/ night
Book this if You want a stylish, eco-friendly jungle oasis with an amazing on-site cafe, and don't mind being inland rather than right on the beach.
Why People Love It
- Lush, manicured jungle setting with a resident sea eagle's nest
- Incredible on-site cafe with a 10% discount for guests
- Impeccably clean rooms with high-quality organic toiletries
Quick Take: It's located on a busy main road and you'll definitely need a scooter to get to the beaches, but the lush courtyard blocks out most of the chaos.
Reviewed by @julestraveldiary: I absolutely loved my stay at this boutique hotel in Koh Tao. Waking up to the jungle views and bird sounds from my bed was incredibly peaceful. The downstairs cafe is a dream—I felt so healthy and zen eating their amazing brunch. I'd go back just for the food!
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The beds are a bit too soft and saggy for some, and the ground floor rooms lack natural light.
- You appreciate eco-friendly touches and organic bath products
- You want a quiet, jungle-vibe retreat away from the beachfront party scene
- You love having a top-tier breakfast and coffee spot right downstairs
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9
- Housekeeping: Immaculate. Guests consistently praise the daily housekeeping, noting rooms are cleaned every day without fail.
- Bathroom hygiene: Spotless and well-appointed, though one review mentioned a humidity issue in an attic room.
- Maintenance: Generally excellent and well-maintained, though the lush environment means occasional dampness.
- Linens & towels: High-quality linens and towels, though a few guests found the beds too soft.
- Odors & scents: Rooms smell fresh, and the provided organic toiletries have an incredible natural scent.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Traffic from the busy main road outside
- Occasional noise from other guests in the courtyard
Before you book
Good to know
- The hotel cafe offers a 10% discount to guests, but it can be pricey compared to local street food.
- There's a 24-hour 7-Eleven conveniently located right across the street.
- The hotel offers a very handy laundry service for 50 Baht per kilo.
What to pack
- Earplugs (just in case the road noise penetrates the garden buffer)
- Mosquito repellent (the lush jungle setting brings bugs)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Upper-floor Deluxe Rooms (brighter and less damp than ground floor)
- The 2-bedroom duplex/Comfort House for groups (features a terrace and kitchenette)
Rooms to avoid
- Ground floor rooms (guests report they are quite dark due to the dense foliage)
- Attic rooms (some reports of humidity and dampness)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“Hi team, I'm so excited for my stay! If possible, could I please request an upper-floor room to maximize natural light? Thank you!”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a swimming pool?
No, the hotel does not have a pool, and you'll need to walk or ride to the beach.
Do I need to rent a scooter?
Highly recommended. The hotel is inland on a busy road, making walking to the main beaches and nightlife a bit treacherous.
Is breakfast included in the rate?
It depends on your booking, but the on-site cafe is excellent and offers a 10% discount to all hotel guests.
Is it noisy being on the main road?
The rooms are surprisingly well-soundproofed and set back in a jungle garden, though light sleepers might still hear occasional traffic.
Are pets allowed?
No, the hotel has a strict no-pets policy.
Can the hotel arrange transport and tours?
Yes, the staff is incredibly helpful with booking taxis, scooter rentals, and diving excursions.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Look up! The hotel has a 200-year-old rubber tree in the back that is home to a family of nesting white-bellied sea eagles.
- ✨
Rent your scooter directly through the front desk to avoid the common island rental scams.
- ✨
Take advantage of the hotel's cheap laundry service (50 THB/kilo) instead of lugging it into town.
5 things to know before you go
💡The organic, natural soap and shampoo provided in the bathrooms smell absolutely incredible.
💡The traffic right outside the hotel is surprisingly heavy, making the first step out the door a bit of a shock.
💡The beds lean towards the soft and slightly saggy side, which might not suit those who need firm back support.
💡Ground floor rooms, while surrounded by beautiful plants, can feel a bit cave-like and dark.
💡There is a 24-hour 7-Eleven directly across the street, which is a lifesaver for cheap water and late-night snacks.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Big Tree Boutique Hotel is located and what's nearby.