The Varana Hotel has great curb appeal—beautifully decorated and spacious. But that’s where the compliments stop. As a “wellness” hotel, nearly everything comes at an extra cost, including many activities and access to the beach club. Their sustainability efforts seem more about cutting costs than guest experience.
We paid for an Ocean View Room but only saw trees. Rooms on the 1st and 2nd floors do not have ocean views. Walls are thin, so expect noise—from guests, birds, or the 5:30 AM mosque call to prayer. The Olympic pool is 3 meters deep at its shallowest, with no bar or lounge area. Happy hour is a scam—prices increase before offering a “deal.”
Hidden fees are everywhere: 1,000 Baht fines for towels on railings, mini-fridge drinks promised as “complimentary” but charged at checkout, and constant upselling of their own services while refusing to recommend outside options. Housekeeping came at 5 PM despite our 6 AM request, and a promised 6 AM boxed breakfast was “confirmed” with a 4 AM wake-up call. In wall safe was not secured tot he wall and easily taken away.
Management ignores complaints, offering only “we’ll discuss it in a meeting.” A waste of money—there are better options nearby. Avoid.