The Sands Khao Lak by Katathani

We recently stayed at the Sands Resort, the resort it’s self is pretty good just needs an big upgrade on some of rooms and amenities but our big disappointment was the staff at the hotel We left two of our girls backpacks in our room as we checked out when we were on our way to their sister hotel Katathani we realised we left them there an hour after we checked out. so we rang the sands hotel and asked the staff if the back packs were in the room for them to tell us they weren’t. It’s quite concerning to think we stayed in the same room for 7 nights these backpacks were in the cupboard the whole time they didn’t move (hence why we forgot them) for them to just disappear. The staff were not concerned their attitude was terrible. We thought a trusted 5 star resort would be more honest but we were wrong. So just be careful with your belongs. Overall we had a very disappointing experience with this resort.

Fantastic resort, great clean rooms and beautiful staff

I feel bad writing this, but I don’t want others to make the same mistake we did. We left yesterday after staying for two nights of our original five night booking. While this hotel is suitable for many, it is not Thai at all - you could just as well be in the Costa Del Sol (the bad bit). Cons: • The resort is FULL of children. If you’re not traveling with kids, avoid it like the plague, we have a six-year-old and even for us it was too much. We read somewhere it was great for adults and children alike, not true. Do not, I repeat do not come here if you don’t have children - unless you want to be put off them for life!! • The kids’ area feels like a waterpark canteen, not a luxury family experience. It is so busy and staff aren’t very friendly at all. Everyone looks absolutely miserable - staff and visitors. • Check-in/out was chaotic, we were completed ignored and the staff member who “welcomed” us was far from friendly. The lobby felt like a busy fairground. I think we both knew immediately we had made a mistake leaving our last hotel (The Ramada - lovely!) Our bags were dumped in our room and we were left, no explanation of room amenities etc. • Our junior pool access suite looked good on paper but was dirty on arrival (hair everywhere) and in desperate need of renovation. The bath wouldn’t drain and the main shower-head didn’t work. • Breakfast was decent but felt like feeding time at the zoo. • This is absolutely not a five-star luxury resort as advertised. It is four at best. • No free shuttle to the market surprising for a supposed five-star. • When we checked out early (after two nights instead of five), the refund was processed through Agoda; no one from the hotel spoke to us directly which again, are not the actions of a five star hotel. I do appreciate them refunding us as it was meant to be non refundable but not one member of staff asked us what the issue was. • The worst part, though not the hotel’s fault, was the other guests - it felt like “Butlins in the sun” with loud, drunk, obnoxious Australians. Pros: • Breakfast, despite the crowds, was nice. Staff at breakfast were friendly. • Lovely live singer at the Coconut Bar during happy hour. • Nice beach area and good local restaurants nearby (try Peter Pan the pizza place). If you’re happy with a resort experience that could be anywhere in the world and is more like a kids water park than a luxury hotel, this place might work for you. We booked based on rave reviews, but honestly, I question how well-traveled those reviewers are. Don’t come to Thailand and come to a hotel like this, it doesn’t do this beautiful country any justice whatsoever!!

This was my second stay at The Sands and, unfortunately, it will be my last. I returned hoping for another relaxing break, but this visit was filled with unnecessary stress and poor service. Extending my stay should’ve been a simple task, yet it was made incredibly difficult by staff – I eventually had to rebook online myself because it was easier than dealing with reception. On departure, I had a letter confirming a 5am luggage collection – no one showed up. I had to carry everything myself. Not a great way to end a holiday. The gym was unusable: stifling hot, broken air conditioning, and faulty equipment that was never fixed. Despite clear signs, there were often young children in there, making it neither safe nor relaxing. Entertainment was limited and dull, bar service was painfully slow, and staff rarely smiled. Getting a drink didn’t feel like a treat – just another frustration. Buffet prices were increased when the resort got busier, which felt unfair. Room layout felt awkward – bed in the middle of the room with the entrance directly behind. As a solo female traveller, I didn’t feel especially comfortable. My family also had multiple room-related issues. Even the resort shop offered nothing remotely healthy – just crisps, fizzy drinks, and processed snacks. No fruit or lighter options at all. The location is still lovely, and the food at the restaurants was enjoyable – but these positives were overshadowed by the overall experience. I left feeling disappointed, let down, and sadly, ready to go home. This was not what a 5 * hotel should feel like.

Wow... what a hotel. Facilities were top notch, optional activities galore, a day spa and also beach side massages, seriously we didnt want to leave the hotel it was so amazing. Loads of options for food, super attentive staff, everything lovely and clean, I actually cant think of anything negative to say

Overall was a good stay, however a bit of a swifty was pulled - we paid for a family pool suite, and clearly was the junior pool suite (difference of around $40 AUD per night) - but were told it was the right room just in a different area - but their room layouts on their own website disprove this. The room was probably preferable in the end (more private) but the fact we paid more, and they tried to do this secretly. Also happened to two other families we spoke to while there. Beds were rock hard and pillows too soft so we slept poorly (we left a feedback form after the first night, but was never picked up) The general manner of the staff was fine - FoH staff were not as friendly as you’d expect, but hospitality and room service were absolutely lovely. The facilities were good, great pools, and pool side rooms are a must to avoid noise all day long. BBQ buffet was sensational. I would give it a 7/10 overall, slightly generous seeing the room issue.

The Sands is a great resort for families and especially those with younger children. The pools are great and also there is a good playground area. We loved the rooms with their own pools,these were also great for young families. I'd highly recommend this resort.

Keep coming here several times always never disappeared, excellent staff, excellent welcoming, excellent services, excellent food quality and excellent ambiance that why we are kept coming back like our second home more than 10 years. Really happy and loved 💖

1st time in Thailand. Beautiful resort. Stayed for 9 nights in a family pool access room. Clean and tidy. Serviced daily with water bottles replenished daily. Pool at room was lovely. Was busy season however still felt like we had privacy. Kids club was amazing. 7 year old felt loved and comfortable. Ate in every food outlet in the resort. Could not fault. Massages by the beach were perfect after a day relaxing. Swim up pool bars were a great way to meet many of the international travellers. Staff polite and attentive without being intrusive. Booked again for next year. Staying longer then. Well done

We have stayed with our friends in a pool access room for 9 nights. The room was really nice. The attention from our staff was almost immediate! I don't know if it was because of the low season and there were a lot of staff members around or it was like that all the time, but it was great!!! Thank you to all staff members!!!!!! I really appreciate it!!! The grounds were nice, the food was good too. We were a bit concerned that being a family friendly hotel, we will be bothered with kids (no offence to families, i do have kids as well but when on vacation on my own ,i need peace) We were placed in adult wing and at breakfast we were able to have it at adult only area! So, to summarie - really good hotel for either groups of friends or family! I recommend!