Railay Princess Resort & Spa, Krabi

We weren't expecting too much here, since we knew we were on the cheap side of Railay- boy were we wrong. The location is perfect! After waiting for the next longtail boat in the heat, the choppy ride, and hauling your bag down the pier, most were then forced to trudge on to their hotels by foot (over sand!), but not us. Princess is the first hotel at the end of the pier, so while our boatmates were sweating with their bags we were cooling off with a wet cloth and fresh juice. The girls working the front desk were hands-down the sweetest hotel staff we met out whole trip. The were beyond friendly and had beautiful welcoming smiles- one girl even stopped my walking along the beach to see where I was going, and proceeded to give me a great spot to watch the sunset- I have no idea why she would bother, I think she was on break or going home. Too friendly. Much better than the more expensive hotels we stayed at! Our room was huge, clean, and had amazing views. The pools were both gorgeous, warm, and apparently open all night! We even had room service pizza delivered to one after-hours and it was no problem! This hotel was my favorite of the 8 we stayed at during our trip- and it was in the middle-range of the costs!! I wouldn't even consider staying anywhere else on Railay.

It was a hard walk from where we got dropped off by the Ferry. You had to walk down some alleys and lots of bob Marley shops. You were either sand or broken concrete, so it wasn’t good for suitcases. Once arriving at the hotel we could see that it wasn’t in a nice area. There was no beach, you had to walk back the way you came to go to the beach. Breakfasts was ok but that was only because it was included. The food from the restaurant was poor and the service was extremely poor. The pool side bar was disappointing, I asked for a drink, then the guy made me call the restaurant and ask for it myself. The order still was wrong. At dinner we waited around to be served then having to ask a few times where our drinks were! Top it off the food was undercooked. The next night we went to the hotel and restaurant next door. (Left hand side) it was lovely food and lovely dinning. I would recommend staying there rather than staying at this resort. When leaving we asked about booking a boat and a taxi to the airport. The resort wanted a lot of money. It could be because they got a cut of it? In the end we went down the road and found a company that did it a lot cheaper! We just couldn’t wait to leave this resort as soon as we arrive. Which was a shame as we didn’t enjoy our time in Railay so much.

The beach at which hotel located is not a beach but a mangrove swamp area. Not the best. Railay west is the best beach in Railay. However, the hotel is very nice and well maintained. Quite new as well. The only complain I have is the bathtub plumbing is not good as it reeks of a smell when water starts flowing. Not sure is it because its not used often or not cleared properly. The shower one is okay. The room is BIG and flooring is very nice. Everything else is clean and well maintained! Bed is excellent, king sized for a double bedroom. Nice infinity pool design. The location of hotel good for watching sun rise. The hotel staff at the counter speaks reasonable English. Breakfast is okay. If you want authentic better tasting Thai food go to walking street nearby. Railay is good for climbing activities. For other activities involving going to Islands alot everyday, cheaper to stay at Ao Nang but not sure the condition of hotels there. Lots of bars, massage parlors and dining places along this stretch of beach(Railay East) where the hotel is located. Have to go to viewpoint(google picture shown for Railay beaches) and lagoon but the trip is not for weak climbers. Difficult climb especially if raining or ground is wet. Clay soil makes rocks and ground very slippers. Very strep climb. Railay has the best beaches in the area. Lots of other activities like paddleboarding and kayaking that can be rented at local operstors there with having to book them online.

The resort is at a very convenient location, exactly at the point where the boats arrive at the island. The room was really huge, the bed was enormous, the A/C can accommodate all tastes (like making the room a freezer) and the stuff was very helpful and polite.The room was very clean and everything was changed daily.The provided amenities are very nice (Thai massage, gym, pool etc), fast and free WIFI in the room and balcony (plus, they provide complimentary bottled water daily). Very quiet, no noises, nothing to annoy you (maybe a couple of mosquitoes here and there when you sit on the balcony) great breakfast buffet that changes every day (including thai food). The restaurant is spacious and there is no chance of "could not find a seat". The restaurant food is good (better than other restaurants in the area) but could be better and with more variety on local food (also, a few dishes feel a bit smallish in quantity) but it also provides American/European/Chinese food. There is only boat access but no matter what time you leave, the hotel can arrange transport to the airport. The beaches around the hotel are the best in the area, traveling to Ao Nang does not worth the effort (Phra Nang is 10min walking and is amazing).Overall, judging from what we observed in the area, it will be hard to find anything that comes close to this one.It worths all the expenses.

I don't ever write bad reviews but my experience here was not great. Check in was good and the staff were kind but right after that they were rude. I am a younger female travelling on my own and was constantly asked if I was staying here, always in a rude tone, like someone my age couldn't afford to stay there-not very welcoming. I was given breakfast tickets when I checked in and the next morning got my food, was about to sit down when a manger came over and very rudely said come with me. She said the tickets were mistakenly given to me and that I had to pay, I understand it was a mistake but they made me feel like I was trying to steal! I did not pay and left because breakfast was not worth the 200 baht, many better places down the beach walk. Pools were nice, wifi would only work in lobby and beds and pillows extremely hard. I've stayed in way nicer places in Thailand for the same amount of money. Wouldn't recommend to anyone travelling on their own. Not very social or welcoming