The hype
Decent value for solo travelers with bikes, but families feel stranded and misled by the 'beach' in the name.
I-samui Lamai
$27-45/ nuit
Réservez si You have a scooter, a tight budget, and just need a clean-ish place to crash away from the party noise.
Pourquoi les gens l'adorent
- Legitimately quiet location away from the Chaweng chaos
- Pool is surprisingly decent for the price point
- Friendly staff who actually try (when they are at the desk)
En bref : A budget crash pad down a dark alley that confuses everyone with the 5-star 'The Lamai' resort—do not mix them up.
Évalué par @eatdrinkandbekerry: I arrived at the InterContinental Koh Samui late, and the room was pure magic. The bed is incredibly plush, and the bathroom feels like a private spa. I can't wait to open those curtains in the morning—I just know the view is going to be unforgettable.
Ce que les clients qui ont séjourné ici ont dit
Reality check
The 'Garden Villa' living rooms have been reported as locked/inaccessible in some bookings, turning a 'villa' into just a bedroom.
- You rent a motorbike immediately upon arrival
- You prefer local street food prices over resort dining
- You want absolute silence at night away from bass-thumping bars
Propreté et entretien
6.8
- Housekeeping: Daily service is provided, but they often miss dust under beds. 'Surface clean' is the standard.
- Bathroom hygiene: The biggest weak point. Wet-room design leads to constant dampness. Watch for pink mold in grout lines.
- Maintenance: Aging. Expect peeling paint, rattly AC units, and occasional cracked tiles.
- Linens & towels: Towels can be scratchy and graying. Linens are clean but basic cotton.
- Odors & scents: Musty smells are common in ground floor rooms due to humidity; occasional whiff of burning trash from outside.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENCIEUX
0-4BRUYANT
4-7.5MODÉRÉ
7.5-10SILENCIEUX
- Old air conditioning units
- Occasional motorbike noise from the access road
Avant de réserver
Bon à savoir
- Reception is NOT 24/7 despite what some listings say; late arrivals need to pre-arrange
- There is no elevator (it's a low-rise building)
- 7-Eleven is a trek; buy your water and snacks before you head back for the night
Quoi emporter
- Slip-on sandals (for the wet bathroom floor)
- High-strength DEET mosquito repellent (garden location = bugs)
- Flashlight or charged phone for walking the alley at night
Génie des chambres
Meilleurs choix
- Garden Villa (if available) for the extra space, but verify the living area is unlocked
- Upper floor rooms for slightly better breeze and less mosquito risk
Chambres à éviter
- Ground floor rooms near the reception (noise and privacy issues)
- Rooms facing the access road if you're a light sleeper
Génie de demande de chambre – copier & coller
“I am booking a Superior Room and kindly request a unit on the upper floor, away from the main access road. Please confirm the bathroom drain is odor-free prior to arrival.”
FAQ et astuces cachées
Tout ce que vous voulez vraiment savoir avant de réserver.
Is it really near the beach?
No. It is a 1.5km walk (20 mins) to the actual sand of Lamai Beach. The 'Beach' in the name is marketing fluff.
Is breakfast included?
Usually no. If you pay for it (~250 THB), it's a basic set menu: eggs, toast, muesli. No buffet. Better to eat at a local cafe.
Do they rent scooters?
Yes, they can arrange rentals, often without holding your passport (unlike some shady street shops).
Is the pool clean?
Generally yes, though some guests report heavy chlorine use. It's small but functional for a dip.
Is the wifi good for work?
It's free and generally usable for emails/browsing, but don't rely on it for critical Zoom calls. Speeds vary by room location.
Are there bugs?
Yes. It's a garden property in the tropics. Ants and mosquitoes are common, especially on the ground floor.
Conseils d'initiés
- ✨
Walk 500m to 'Kob Thai' restaurant – it's one of the best rated on the island and surprisingly close.
- ✨
The 'Lamai Night Market' nearby is the small daily food court, not the massive Sunday Walking Street (which is further away).
- ✨
Use the 'Grab' app or 'NaviGo' for taxis; local songthaews won't drive down the alley.
5 choses à savoir avant de partir
💡The road leading to the hotel has had issues with garbage pile-ups in the past, creating a smell in the heat.
💡The 'Garden Villas' sometimes have the living room section locked off, making them just big bedrooms.
💡Shower pressure is notoriously inconsistent—expect fluctuations from scald to freeze.
💡There is no separation between the shower and toilet, so bring a waterproof bag for your toiletries.
💡The staff often disappear from the front desk in the evenings; keep your key safe.
Guide local
Carte
Découvrez où se situe I-samui Lamai et ce qu'il y a à proximité.