Beyond Resort Kata

Room without Free WiFi

We booked with Hotels.com which came with free wifi, daily breakfast and a 22% F&B discount. But when we arrived, we had to change room because we were initially assigned a dingy mildew smelling dark room on the ground floor; we then ended up on the top floor corner unit partial sea-facing and lots of natural light. Everything was fine thereafter though ‘free wifi’ meant only in the lobby. This fact should have been indicated in Hotels.com correctly ‘free wifi in lobby’ as ‘free wifi’ is misleading since it does not include being in the room. When we checked out, we were not given the F&B discount and paid full for everything. Even tho Hotels.com stated a discount, the Cashier at checkout and the Reception at Check In obviously are not in sync with their systems; hence the oversight. I have written a letter to the GM 2 days’ ago so no idea if there will be a recourse on this. Other than that, the location was nice and other than the 1st day, everything else was fine. I would recommend this hotel but do read inbetween the fine lines and make sure you clarify what is free/boundaries, etc.

On arrival there was a problem with payment which I had to resolve. Communication in English was poor and I had to pay a THB 1700 telephone bill to cancel the first transaction with my bank. In the end I have received confirmation that the funds although not reflecting at the resort, was approved and at the Thai bank merchant. The resort was clean enough although more effort could be made to keep flies away from the buffet meals. An average experience at an average hotel.

Beyond Kata Resort is a three star property in a five star location. The location on the beach is Five Star. The pool area is 3.5 Our room was 3.75 ( Nice location looking over the pool and onto the ocean. Good size, with a nice porch and window seat. A little dated decor but nice. Bathroom was fine although the sink stopper didn't work. The AC took a while to cool the room and doesn't stay on unless your are in the room. Also unless you are in a Superior Room you will need to pay for wifi which is slow and only allows you to use two devices. The "dining area" off the lobby was 3 star with tired decor. The staff was fine. Solid 3.75 star. I'm comparing this property to the Peninsula Hotel Bangkok which is a true Five Star Hotel.

Great location right on the beach. Staff was very nice. Pool was large and clean. Room was a good size with nice ocean view. Free breakfast buffet was best variety I have seen in 5 weeks of Asian travel. Resort is in town so it is close to everything.