The hype
The location is 10/10 paradise, but the rooms are a solid 5/10 with smells and wear that betray its age.
Centara Grand Beach Resort And Villas Krabi (Sha+)
$150-280/ night
Book this if You want a private island feel on the mainland and don't mind a hotel that's a bit rough around the edges before its massive renovation.
Why People Love It
- Exclusive access to Pai Plong Bay (no public road)
- The adventurous 'Monkey Trail' hike to Ao Nang
- Dramatic limestone cliff backdrop that feels like Jurassic Park
Quick Take: A fading beauty in a world-class location that is currently limping toward a total gut-renovation to become a 'Centara Reserve'.
Reviewed by @travelwithhilla: I stayed here for my honeymoon and the seclusion is unmatched. Arriving by boat sets the tone immediately. My favorite part was soaking in the balcony jacuzzi while watching the monkeys in the trees. It feels totally cut off from the world but is just a hike away from town.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
Guests consistently complain about a persistent musty/moldy smell in the rooms and air conditioning units that struggle to cope.
- You want to feel isolated from the Ao Nang party scene
- You are fit enough to hike the Monkey Trail daily
- You prioritize epic cliff views over modern room finishes
Cleanliness & Maintenance
4.5
- Housekeeping: Hit or miss. Staff is overwhelmed. frequent reports of missed dusting.
- Bathroom hygiene: Major weak point. Grout often has black mold; drains can smell sewage-like.
- Maintenance: Tired. Peeling paint, sticking doors, and AC units that rattle are common complaints.
- Linens & towels: Worn. Towels are often graying or fraying at the edges.
- Odors & scents: Distinct musty/damp smell in many ground-floor rooms.
Sleepability™
6MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Longtail boat engines revving early morning
- Neighbors in connecting rooms
- Jungle wildlife (cicadas and monkeys)
Before you book
Good to know
- The hotel requires a 2,000 THB/night security deposit upon check-in.
- The free speedboat runs on a schedule; private transfer is available 24/7 but costs extra.
- Monkey Trail is unlit and dangerous at night—bring a headlamp.
What to pack
- Waterproof dry bag for your electronics (boat transfers get wet)
- Slip-on shoes/Sandals for the wet landing at Ao Nang
- Mosquito repellent (the resort is nestled in a jungle)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Ocean Facing Deluxe (Building 3 or 4) for views without too many stairs
- Beachfront Villas if you want to avoid the hill climb entirely
Rooms to avoid
- Garden View rooms in the back blocks (dark, damp, and mosquito-prone)
- Rooms near the generator/service area (noise complaints)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“Request a room in Building 3 or 4, upper floor for ocean views, and explicitly ask for a 'recently deep-cleaned room' due to allergy concerns.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the hotel really closing for renovation?
Yes, it is transitioning to 'Centara Reserve Krabi'. If it's open, you are staying in the 'before' version. Check exact dates as they shift frequently.
How do I get there from the airport?
Taxi to Nopparat Thara Pier (40 mins), then the hotel's boat (15 mins). You cannot drive to the hotel.
Is the Monkey Trail safe?
It's a steep, wooden walkway. Safe for fit adults, sketchy for kids/elderly. Monkeys can be aggressive—hide your food.
Do I have to pay for the boat?
The scheduled hotel speedboat is free. Private longtails cost ~800-1500 THB per way.
Is breakfast included?
Usually yes, but verify your rate. Walk-in price is steep (~1000 THB/person).
Are there elevators?
Mostly no. It's a hillside resort. Buggies are available but can be slow to arrive.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Walk to the far end of the beach (away from the Monkey Trail) for total privacy.
- ✨
Buy your beers/snacks at the 7-11 in Ao Nang before taking the boat back; resort prices are 3x higher.
- ✨
The 'Garden View' rooms are often just 'Jungle Wall View'—upgrade to Ocean Facing if you can.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'wet landing' means you might be thigh-deep in water when boarding the boat at low tide.
💡Monkeys will absolutely enter your room if you leave the balcony door unlocked for 5 seconds.
💡The mold smell in some blocks is structural, not just a cleaning issue.
💡Room service adds a hefty surcharge and takes forever because of the layout.
💡The 'private' beach is technically public, so longtails from Ao Nang drop day-trippers off occasionally.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Centara Grand Beach Resort And Villas Krabi (Sha+) is located and what's nearby.