The L Resort Krabi – Refurbished – An Updated Review By Punam Mohandas
This is an update to the previously published review of the L Resort, Krabi, which can be found here.
I must say I was looking forward to re-visiting the L Resort at Krabi, which has completed a significant chunk of its expansion plans, pretty much on target.
The low-ceilinged, unpretentious lobby remains the same, staffed by visibly relaxed personnel relieved at all that has been accomplished fairly quickly by Thai standards. The inventory now stands at 52-keys. Two swimming pools are in place, while the spa and fitness centre are part of the soon-to-be-undertaken phase three.
The purple colour theme remains firmly in place. There are now ladies and gents toilets on the ground floor, just off the lobby. A thoughtful touch is to have a disabled toilet in place as well, with easy ramp access. As promised by the management, there is a room available for guests who do not wish to pay extra for a late check-out but have a late flight; essentially, a wash-and-change facility, although it is called the ‘Recreation room’ and has two purple full-length sofas, a large-size TV, a shower room and a small box room to keep the luggage, while the toilet is the common one just across the passage.
The low-rise building is now up to four floors, with an elevator (also with lavender and deep purple interiors!) till the third floor. The newer room categories include the Pool Access rooms at 40sqm where literally, one steps off the patio and into the pool. A pale lavender and black runner on bed contrasts with bright purple cushions, while clever use has been made of the door to the connecting room by installing a full-length mirror there. The Pool View rooms on the upper floor have bigger balconies although the room size is the same, at 40sqm. Pool facing rooms are available on the lower level as well. All rooms have either patios or balconies.
The new Junior Suites are at at 72sqm, with a sea view and a large living room with study desk. The bathroom is really spacious too, with weighing scale, magnifying mirror and bathtub as well as shower cubicle. This room category has two balconies overlooking the sea, with the one attached to the living room being larger. The suites have big- screen TV’s in the bedroom as well as living room.
A really welcome touch is to have espresso coffee makers in all the rooms, apart from the usual amenities of tea/coffee maker, electronic safe, hair dryer, iron (both purple, of course!) and ironing board, umbrellas, dressing gowns and four bottles of complimentary water, as also beach towels.
All guests are given iPads upon check-in, from which they can order room service, book a tour, or book a massage appointment (once the spa is in place.)
As mentioned above, both the swimming pools are in operation now, small but charmingly designed, with palm trees around them and sun loungers around them.
Pest control still remains efficient. The staff too are looking more spruced up, with front office employees in grey T-shirts and black pants with narrow purple belts, while housekeeping staff wear purple tees and black pants.
F&B is still limited to the 60-seater Wanna’s Place although, as the L Resort is bang in the centre of the promenade, restaurants and shops abound in the vicinity. It must be said though that the fare at Wanna’s Place still remains consistently satisfying and reasonably priced. The advantage is that one can order room service from here.
Krabi is easily accessible by air as well as rail. If you have the time and an adventurous spirit, I would recommend taking the comfortable overnight train from Bangkok to Surat Thani (THB 750, 2nd class AC sleeper.) An additional THB 250 gets you the combo bus/van ticket that takes you to Krabi town. From there, take a songtaew from the 7Eleven for a mere THB50 per head, to Ao Nang beach – or get a taxi. If you would like to be spared the hassle, fly into Krabi’s small but efficient airport (approximately 90-minutes from Bangkok.) Krabi is also close to the islands of Phuket (three hours) Phi Phi (roughly two hours) Koh Lanta (two hours) and Koh Lipe (about four hours.)
THE L RESORT
TEL: +66 7563 7484-6
FAX: +66 75 63 7322
EMAIL: [email protected]
WEBSITE: www.thelresort.com
Punam Mohandas asserts her right to be identified as the author of this work. Any views or opinions expressed in this review is that of the author. This is an update to the previously published review of the L Resort, Krabi, which can be found here.
