15 minute check in - seated, comfortable, professional and not too long but could be speeded up. Very impressive pool villa, huge and well designed and furnished. We were in 2001 which is next to a bar so there was some noise pollution but otherwise good privacy. It limited playing own music - not a big deal and other pool villas/rooms not likely affected.
Food & room service was good and fairly priced for western, a bit expensive for Thai. Minibar 2/3x shop prices for alcohol but 7x for soft drinks. About a 10 min walk to the beach from our villa (its a big but uncrowded complex), and its a nice quiet beach. Lots of mosquitos in the room on first night despite closed doors but after requesting a spray the day after it was better. Repellent provided and recommend.
There are some nice restaurants on the beach outside the hotel - the only problem is the hotel closes the beach gate at 8pm. We scaled the wall (3m) but thats not going to work for everyone meaning an unnecessary taxi around to the front entrance. Hotel "black ginger" restaurant looked impressive and kids would likely love it. We didn't eat there but got the food delivered and it was decent.
Breakfast was pretty good with a range of asian/EU/US choices.7/10
Its a stylish and well run hotel - if you want a private large walled (no views) space with hotel amenities its a solid choice. Also only 10 mins from the airport - short break bonus. There are however lots of other choices with different pros and cons.
