Hotel Nice Beach Resort (Koh Phangan, Thailand)

Travellers choose this three-star property for its prime position along beautiful Thong Nai Pan Tai Beach, which many claim is the island's finest. The lauded spot has managed to maintain a tranquil vibe but has several bars and restaurants with picturesque views over the sheltered bay.

As a base for touring Gulf-of-Thailand island Ko Pha Ngan, this accommodation is ideally located. Reviews confirm that Bottle Beach is a 15-minute drive while Haad Rin beach, home of the famous full-moon parties, is a 30-minute drive, as are Thong Sala Pier and Wat Phra Yai temple.

This resort's beachfront restaurant is a favourite with locals, guests and passing travellers. Many say its chefs are the best in the area, and that the Thai and international dishes served there are exceptionally fresh and tasty. Reviewers often mention delicious cocktails served on the sand at sunset.

Guests have groused about unhelpful staff at this resort. Some take exception to elusive housekeepers who fail to appear at any point during stays, others find some senior staff rather sullen when additional requests or complaints are made. However, most travellers find the restaurant's waiting staff friendly.

Though most travellers like these beachfront bungalows, a few find flaws. Some complain that rather basic interiors contain tired furnishings and wooden walls that make the units look dingy. Others encounter a weak or non-existent Wi-Fi connection in some of the resort's outer units.