The Sands Khao Lak by Katathani

An extremely relaxing stay. The rooms (and the balconies) are well planned and kept clean. Very positive and friendly, helpful, and efficient staff. The hotel has a varied offer: areas popular for kids/families, with nice aqua park ; also a calm adults-only pool/area. Also two separate breakfast restaurants, one for families with young children and one for adults without kids. Beautiful sandy beach with lifeguards, perfect for walks. Beachfront garden with many sunbeds (no difficulties to find a suitable spot). Massage possibilities both in-house or by the beach (great experience with the ocean sounds and breeze). Good variety of activities (e.g. yoga, Thai boxing, cooking classes, gym, billard, ping-pong) and a very agreable library room. Amazing buffets for breakfast and dinner, also à la carte restaurant by the sea. Live entertainment in the evenings during restaurant hours. We also benefited from an incredible romantic seaside candle light dinner. We will surely come back!

As a family this was our 4th time to the sands and we keep coming back , the safe the room set up the location is fantastic. As we have a 7 year old son the pools and the kids club are fantastic

The hotel is perfect for families, so much to do for the kids, great kids club. Service at front desk was top- especially Matc, thank u so much!!

This is not a true 5 star hotel. More like between 3 to 4 stars if stretching. Upon arrival, first impression at the lobby was quite good. However, as soon as we started the long walk to the room, the hotel exterior looks dated like a 3 star motel. Good thing the room itself though dated was well maintained. Next time I will stick to an international chain to have a better standard of true 5 stars. Pros: Good room service - fast, tasty, reasonably priced. The restaurant by the beach, Talay, had lovely staffs who provided great service. Pool from the pool access room is clean. Water is warm (no shades). Cons: Breakfast spread is the worst that I have experienced at this price point in Asia. It's also crowded and chaotic, even when arriving before 8am. The resort is huge, yet without sufficient buggy to go around. There's a long line to wait for buggy. Each time the wait is at least 10-15 minutes. The beach is terrible. No soft sandy area. The ocean has large black rocks standing out. Water is not clear, kind of muddy color. It's not a place to enjoy swimming in the ocean or walks on the beach. Quite disappointing to have wasted my vacation here. Definitely would not recommend this hotel.

Good. Great staff, relaxing, lots of activities particularly for younger kids.