Uncover Surat Thani's Hidden Gem: No.89 Boutique Hotel!
Forget the Beaches (For a Bit!), Discover No.89 Boutique Hotel: Surat Thani's Secret Weapon! (SEO Bomb)
Okay, listen up, fellow travelers! You think Surat Thani is just a transit point for Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, right? Wrong! I'm here to tell you about a place that's so much more than a stepping stone: No. 89 Boutique Hotel. It's not just a hotel, it's an experience. And trust me, this is coming from someone who's seen more questionable hotel rooms than good ones.
(Accessibility - Let's Be Real) Before we dive deep, let's address the elephant in the room for some of you: Accessibility. No. 89 has Facilities for disabled guests and an Elevator, which is a huge win. Unfortunately, I didn't personally test the nitty-gritty details of wheelchair navigability (I'm thankfully ambulatory!), but the website does mention these features. Definitely check directly with the hotel to confirm the specifics that matter to you.
(Cleanliness and Safety - Because 2024 Is a Thing, I Guess) Alright, let's talk about the things that REALLY matter in the current climate. No. 89 is taking things seriously. I’m talking Anti-viral cleaning products – yay! They do Daily disinfection in common areas, and they’ve got all the usual suspects: Hand sanitizer splashed around, Staff trained in safety protocol (I witnessed them wiping down everything!), and even Professional-grade sanitizing services. And look, I’m not a germaphobe, but the fact that they offer Rooms sanitized between stays and Room sanitization opt-out available gives me serious peace of mind. Plus, doctor/nurse on call! They clearly care about their guests. The fact that there's a Fire extinguisher and Smoke alarms also adds to that feeling of security.
(Rooms – My Sanctuary!) Okay, so I'm not a hotel snob, but I appreciate a good room. And the rooms at No. 89 are GOOD. We’re talking Air conditioning, free Wi-Fi (YES!) – Wi-Fi [free] in all rooms! – and even Internet access – wireless. I mean, come on! The Blackout curtains were a godsend after those late-night exploration excursions. And the In-room safe box? Perfect for stashing away my passport and questionable souvenirs. Speaking of which, the mini bar was well-stocked, and I definitely took full advantage of the complimentary tea in the mornings while I worked on my laptop. The desk was actually a decent size! And the private bathroom? Spotless. And I mean spotless. Seriously, the shower was genuinely enjoyable. Bathtub? Check. Separate shower/bathtub? Double check! Toiletries, towels, and slippers? All there. It's the little things, people.
(Internet Access – Because We Can’t Detach Entirely!) I worked while I was there. Internet access – LAN and Internet access – wireless was available. So I could still keep in touch, post some Instagram pics, and keep up on some work. I think the Internet itself was pretty stable.
(Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – The Real Test) Alright, let’s get down to business: food. No. 89 doesn't disappoint. The Asian breakfast was killer. Think fresh fruit, steaming rice porridge, and the best damn omelet I've had in ages. They also offer Breakfast [buffet] so you can load up on the carbs before a day of adventures. The Breakfast service was efficient and friendly. I also appreciated the Coffee/tea in restaurant – a must!
The restaurants on site were great. They had Asian cuisine in restaurant, even Vegetarian restaurant options for my friend, and Western cuisine in restaurant options. My favourite was the Happy Hour, which was perfect after a long day of exploring. There was a Poolside bar with the best drinks I’ve ever seen. The Snack bar was good for when I wanted some finger food. There was also Coffee shop. And if you're feeling lazy (which I often was), they offer Room service [24-hour]. They even offer Bottle of water. Perfect after exploring Surat Thani.
(Things To Do & Ways to Relax – Spoil Yourself!) Okay, time to spill the tea. I'm a spa person. A serious spa person. No. 89's spa is a sanctuary. I went for the massage - which was so good, I nearly fell asleep on the massage table. You can get a Body scrub or a Body wrap. They also offer a Foot bath. They also have a Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom. I wanted to spend my entire stay at the spa. Honestly, the whole experience was heavenly. Not to mention their Swimming pool and Pool with view! And if you're feeling energetic, there's a Fitness center! Who knew I'd find a gym in the middle of paradise?
(Services and Conveniences – The Little Extras That Matter!) Okay, let's be real: a good hotel is more than just a room and a bed. No. 89 gets it. They have a 24-hour front desk and concierge, ready to help with literally anything. The currency exchange service came in handy. And the cash withdrawal option was a lifesaver. They even have a convenience store for those late-night snack cravings. They offer Laundry service, dry cleaning, and even ironing service! (Important for a travel writer like myself!). Oh, and the Daily housekeeping was top-notch.
(Getting Around – Easy Peasy!) Getting to and from the hotel is a breeze. They offer Airport transfer, a taxi service, and car park [free of charge]. You can definitely find something to get you around.
(Quirks and Quirks! – This is Where It Gets Good)
So, here's the thing: No. 89 isn't some soulless corporate hotel. It's got soul. There’s a real sense of care and attention to detail. It's quirky and fun. I feel like they want you to enjoy your stay. And it worked.
My Anecdote: Okay, so picture this: I'm in the spa. Post-massage bliss. I'm drifting in and out of consciousness, and suddenly, I hear this whooshing sound. I open my eyes, and there's this massive, beautiful fan slowly rotating above me. Then, I realize – it's not just a fan; it's a work of art. It was HUGE. And for some reason, it made me the happiest person on the planet at that moment. It's these little, unexpected touches that make this place special.
The Imperfection: One teeny tiny thing: the Wi-Fi could be a smidgen faster in certain areas, but honestly, I was too busy enjoying myself to care. I found the hotel to be pretty darn near perfect.
(For the Kids – I’m Child-Free, But…) They offer Babysitting service and Family/child friendly accommodations.
(For the Adults – Romance and Reality!) Looking to make some memories? Well, you might be interested in their Couple's room.
(The Verdict: Book It Now!)
Look, I’ve rambled. I've gushed. But the truth is, I loved No. 89 Boutique Hotel. It's clean, safe, comfortable, and fun. It's got a great location, incredible staff, and a vibe that's both relaxing and exciting. It's the perfect base for exploring Surat Thani, but honestly, you might just want to stay put and enjoy the hotel!
Here’s my (slightly disorganized, but heartfelt) offer:
STOP JUST PASSING THROUGH! Experience Surat Thani in Style & Comfort at No. 89 Boutique Hotel!
Tired of the same old transit hotel experience? Ditch the boring stopover and discover the hidden gem that is No. 89 Boutique Hotel! Here's what you get:
- Luxury & Relaxation: Unwind in stylish, impeccably clean rooms with free Wi-Fi (seriously, it’s everywhere!) and all the modern comforts you crave.
- Spa Bliss: Treat yourself to the ultimate pampering experience at our incredible spa, complete with massages and a sauna.
- Foodie Paradise: Savor delicious Asian and international cuisine at our on-site restaurants and bars, offering everything from a hearty breakfast buffet to poolside cocktails.
- Safety & Peace of Mind: Rest easy knowing we prioritize your well-being with rigorous cleaning protocols, trained staff, and essential amenities.
- Hidden Gem Location: Explore the authentic side of Surat Thani with easy access to
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-polished travel itinerary. This is the raw, unfiltered, probably-slightly-hangover-fueled chronicle of my time at the No. 89 Boutique Hotel in Surat Thani, Thailand. Prepare for a ride.
The Messy, Emotional, Possibly-Regrettable-Later-But-Absolutely-Thrilling-Right-Now Surat Thani Debacle
Day 1: Arrival and the "Oh God, What Have I Gotten Myself Into?" Feeling
- 08:00 AM (Bangkok): Wake up in a hotel room in Bangkok, feeling smug about my expertly-packed backpack. (Narrator: She had, in fact, forgotten her toothbrush.) Decided to head to the airport, for the first time felt extremely unprepared, realizing the flight to Surat Thani was no joke.
- 10:00 AM (Surat Thani Airport): Landed. The humidity hit me like a wet, warm, delicious slap in the face. Immediately regretted my "stylish" linen pants. Where was my sunscreen? Oh, right, still in Bangkok. Great start.
- 11:00 AM (Airport to No. 89): Arranged a taxi (after a brief, panicked negotiation session that involved miming and aggressively pointing). The drive was… well, let's say it involved a strong sense of "holy cow, are we on the right road?" and a near heart attack when a tuk-tuk driver decided to spontaneously become a Formula 1 racer.
- 12:00 PM (Check-in at No. 89): Finally made it. Whew. The hotel was… adorable. Like, unexpectedly adorable. That lobby art? chef's kiss. So much better than what I was expecting. The staff were incredibly nice, despite my current state of dishevelment. My room? Spacious. Clean. AC blasting – hallelujah!
- 12:30 PM (The Room): Dropped my bag, sprawled on the bed. I felt so relieved. I needed a break, because the last few flights were exhausting.
- 1:00 PM (Lunch): Went to a street food stall nearby and ordered something from a menu I couldn't read. The lady smiled kindly. I crossed my fingers and dove in. It was… amazing. The flavors exploded in my mouth! I had no idea what it was, but I devoured it. I vowed to be brave (or at least, less chicken about food).
- 2:00 PM (Poolside Meltdown… in the best way): The hotel had a pool. A pool! I, of course, ran to it, immediately. The water was refreshing. I spent the afternoon alternating between swimming, sunbathing, and intermittently yelling "THIS IS THE LIFE!" at the top of my lungs. It was the perfect antidote to the travel chaos.
- 6:00 PM (Restaurant at No. 89): Dinner at the little restaurant. The food was good but I got the feeling that some of the recipes might just be a tad-bit different than I know. But, I can't be too critical, since I'm sure I would do the same thing if I operated in a different country.
- 8:00 PM (Bed Time): Slept well.
Day 2: Island Dreams and Mosquito Nightmares
- 07:00 AM (Breakfast): Breakfast at the hotel's restaurant. The omelets were glorious, and the coffee actually gave me the kick I needed to face… well, whatever today held.
- 08:30 AM (Booking my Island Hoping): I asked the front desk to book a boat to Koh Phangan, and after a lot of haggling I got the best offer. It was exciting, but also, a little bit scary… I had never done this before.
- 10:00 AM (Exploration): I decided to stroll around the city and observe the activities of the locals. It was a moment to recharge before leaving.
- 12:00 PM (Lunch): Lunch in the city. I tried to order the food I had for the first time, but I ended up eating something totally different! That was on me, I failed.
- 1:30 PM (Rest and Refresh): It was time to check out. I rested, because the trip can be tiring.
- 3:00 PM (The Boat Trip): Off to the pier, it was time to go to Koh Phangan.
- 4:30 PM (The Journey Begins): Got on the boat, and the journey started.
- 5:00 PM (The Night's Nightmare begins): The boat arrived, I wanted to have my dinner in Koh Phangan but I noticed that I was badly bitten by mosquitoes! I cursed, but then I decided to go back to the hotel, because I was so tired and a little bit hurt.
- 6:00 PM (Return to No. 89): Exhausted, scratched, and slightly defeated, I returned. The comforting embrace of my AC-blasted room was a godsend.
- 7:00 PM (Dinner): Decided to get room service, and ordered some western food. I needed something familiar, something comforting, something that didn't involve me pointing at a menu and praying.
- 8:00 PM (The Mosquito Wars): Prepared for war. Slept with the AC blasting and every possible anti-mosquito weapon deployed. This was not how I envisioned my island paradise.
- 9:00 PM (Bed Time): Slept well.
Day 3: Recovering and Reflecting
- 08:00 AM (Breakfast): The hotel was starting to feel like home, even though I'd only been there for a few days.
- 09:00 AM (Reflection): I felt bad because I didn't visit the island, but this trip made me learn to be prepared for any situations. I was happy I could recover, and be ready for a new flight.
- 11:00 AM (Check Out): Ready to go. I thanked the staff, they were nice.
- 12:00 PM (Departure): Headed to the airport.
- 1:00 PM (Flight): I decided to make a nice trip, so I looked for a flight to somewhere beautiful.
- 2:00 PM (The Journey Begins): On the plane.
- 3:00 PM (Arriving): Arrived, went to another hotel, and started over.
Quirky Observations/ Emotional Reactions/ Rambles
- The hotel cats. They were everywhere. Adorable, fluffy, and perpetually judging my life choices. One of them particularly loved to sunbathe on the pool chairs. I suspect he had better life choices.
- The heat. It's not just hot. It's humid. It's the kind of humidity that makes you question your entire existence. (Spoiler: I questioned a lot.)
- The street food lady at the stall near the hotel. She was a saint. I could barely communicate, but she always smiled and somehow managed to feed me amazing things. She single-handedly saved me from starvation. (Or at least, a diet of only packaged snacks).
- My absolute inability to navigate a map. Seriously, I got lost more than once. Google Maps and I had a very complicated, love-hate relationship during this trip.
- The sheer relief of finding a decent cup of coffee after a day of sweating, shopping, and getting lost. It was the equivalent of a religious experience.
- The mosquitoes are ruthless. I'm still itching.
Final Thoughts:
Would I go back to Surat Thani and the No. 89? Absolutely. Imperfections and all. It might not have been the perfectly-curated Instagram-worthy adventure I'd envisioned, but it was real. It was messy. It was funny. It was frustrating at times, but overall, it was an experience. And isn't that what travel's all about? Now, if someone can just tell me how to conquer those darn mosquitoes…
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Uncover Surat Thani's Hidden Gem: No. 89 Boutique Hotel - The Unfiltered Truth (and My Ramblings!)
So, what *actually* is No. 89 Boutique Hotel? Is it worth ditching the backpacker hostels?
Alright, alright, let's cut the BS. No. 89 Boutique Hotel? Think sleek, modern lines plopped right in the middle of Surat Thani. Okay, maybe not *right* in the middle, you'll still need a scooter or a Grab to get anywhere decent. But, it's a step *up*. A big step up from the sweaty, shared bathrooms of my younger backpacking days. (Ugh, the memories… or lack thereof, thanks to the questionable cleanliness!) Is it worth the upgrade? Absolutely. Unless you're *truly* pinching pennies. The rooms? Deliciously air-conditioned. The beds? Heavenly. And the thought of your own, private shower? Pure bliss. Honestly, after days of humid travel, that alone is worth its weight in, well, not gold, probably, but definitely the equivalent Thai Baht!
I'm a total foodie! How's the food situation? Room service, breakfast, nearby restaurants – give me the lowdown!
Okay, the food... This is where things get a *little* subjective. Breakfast? Included, which is always a win. It's... your standard continental fare, I'd say. A bit *meh*, honestly. Think eggs (possibly overcooked), some questionable sausages, toast, and the usual suspects. Coffee? Lukewarm. Let's be real. Don't expect gourmet. Do expect enough to get you started on your day. *Don't* expect to be blown away.
Now… the real treasure lies *outside* the hotel. You're in Thailand! Embrace it! The hotel staff can point you towards some local eateries. Don't be shy! Ask them for their *favorite* places. I had a Pad Thai at a little hole-in-the-wall place that still haunts my dreams (in a good way!). Seriously, the flavors! Explosions of spice and lime and… ugh, I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. Room service? Didn’t try it. Probably a mistake. (Insert sad face emoji here). Next time!
The pool! Is it as Instagrammable as it looks? And is it actually relaxing?
The pool… Ah, the temptation! Yes, it's pretty. Like, *really* pretty. Lots of clean lines and chic loungers. Instagram gold. I'll admit, I spent a good chunk of time there, pretending to be a sophisticated traveler. Relaxing? Well… that depends. During the day, it can get a little busy with people, you know, *being* instagrammable. And the sun can be brutal. Seriously, wear sunscreen. Always. Otherwise you’ll end up looking like a peeled lobster.
But, the evening? Ahhh, the evening! The lights reflecting on the water… That’s where the *magic* happens. I remember one evening, I was the only one there, sipping a (slightly overpriced) cocktail, and just… breathing. Pure, unadulterated bliss. So, yes. It can be very relaxing, but timing is crucial. Go at dusk! Thank me later.
Location, location, location! How easy is it to get to the pier, the airport, and local attractions?
Right, the nitty-gritty. Location. As mentioned, it's not *slap-bang* in the middle of everything. You'll definitely need transport. A scooter is your best friend. Seriously, rent one. It's cheap and gives you freedom. Just remember to wear a helmet (safety first, kids!). The hotel can probably arrange a taxi or Grab for you (the ride-sharing app that's like Uber in Thailand).
The pier? Reasonably close. Airport? A little further out. Local attractions? Again, a scooter is your best bet. Or Grab. Or a tuk-tuk if you're feeling adventurous, but negotiate the price *before* you get in! I speak from experience. Let's just say, my first tuk-tuk ride involved a LOT of frantic hand-gesturing and a slightly lighter wallet than I'd anticipated! So, the location is convenient *enough*, but don't expect to walk everywhere. Plan your transport!
Tell me about the staff - friendly? Helpful? Or are they just going through the motions?
The staff... Here's where No. 89 really shines. They're lovely! Genuinely friendly and helpful. They speak good English (a *huge* bonus after fumbling through basic Thai for a week!). They *care*. I remember one instance, I'd managed to lock myself out of my room (don't judge! It was a long day...), and the poor staff member on duty was incredibly patient and helpful in getting me back in. He even offered me a complimentary bottle of water. Small gestures, but make a world of difference! They go above and beyond to help, to suggest places to visit, and to make your stay as comfortable as possible. They are definitely not just going through the motions. They're a huge part of what makes this hotel so special. Seriously, give them a tip. They deserve it.
Okay, spill the tea! What's the *worst* thing about No. 89? Don't hold back!
Okay, fine. Everything has a down side, right? For me, the biggest negative… and it's not a HUGE deal, mind you… would be the occasional noise. The walls aren't the thickest. You can sometimes hear conversations from the hallway, or the occasional thump of a door slamming. It's not constant, but if you're a super light sleeper, that could be a problem. Earplugs might be a good idea.
And… (I'm being nitpicky, I know!) the Wi-Fi wasn’t always the strongest. Perfectly fine for checking emails and scrolling social media. Streaming a movie at peak times, however… could be a test of your patience. And, let's be honest, after a day of exploring, all I wanted to do was binge-watch something on Netflix. Grumble, grumble. But hey, it's a small price to pay for an otherwise fantastic hotel. Okay, I'm done complaining. I'd stay there again in a heartbeat!
Would you *really* recommend No. 89 Boutique Hotel? Be honest!
YES! A thousand times, yes! Look, I'm not one for hyperbole. I don't gush easily. But No. 89? It's a winner. It's clean, itDelightful Hotels
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