Accommodation - Panmanee Hotel Review
- Michael
- Jan 5, 2020
- 3 min read
Suitable for 2 nights
4*
We stayed at the Panmanee for 2 nights while visiting the Phi Phi Islands. We were skeptical at first as it was one of the cheaper properties, however our overall experience was good. A major benefit is it is within a few minutes walk of Tonsai Pier so there is no need for a transfer or grueling walk. Additionally, it is ideally situated for exploring the island on a whole, yet still remains very quiet at night; even though we stayed on the ground floor, we were never disturbed by party goers or early risers outside.
Check in was simple and they require a 500 baht deposit for the room key (*note: you only get one key). Our room was quite spacious and we had adequate amenities like a safe, TV, shower gel and shampoo, kettle etc. Surprisingly they even provide an almost full size fridge so there is no need to worry if you are buying refrigerated products. One thing to note was a lack [not provided] hand soap meaning we had to use shower gel instead. There is daily housekeeping and they even provide beach towels on top of the bath towels so you can enjoy the islands beaches.
We can't comment on breakfast as we did not have this. The wifi at the property was as good as you'd expect on the Phi Phi islands. The toilet had a slight odour but nothing to bad, and the shower was fine. For a short stay the Panmanee is perfectly adequate.
On a separate note as guidance in general for those considering a trip to Koh Phi Phi (this had no bearing on our rating and review of the property, I just add this for convenience), we actually did not rate Koh Phi Phi that highly despite looking forward to it for months. What people write about the island being overrun by backpackers and partiers is wholeheartedly true, and sadly this has both tainted the relaxing vibe and cleanliness of the island, both detailed following. 1. Loh Dalum beach at night is absolutely deafening, we walked to the opposite shore and along the coast at low tide during the night and you still can't escape the blaring music, mainly from Slinky bar. 2. For some reason, despite all the signs and documentaries, though I doubt the type of people that do this have ever watched a documentary; people seem to think that chucking whatever rubbish on the floor is fine, so don't swim at Loh Dalum unless you want plastic wrappers and straws floating around you. 3. The streets around the town are so cramped and full of sketchy pop up stalls and bars, and the tightness makes it unbearably hot and smelly. We escaped to Long Beach on one day which does remain relatively untouched and tranquil, but Thailands drive for tourism is certainly at the expense of its beauty and I wouldn't be surprised if more than just Maya Bay becomes closed in the near future. Final point, disgracefully they charge you 20 baht per person for a 'cleaning fee' to enter the Island at Tonsai Pier, which firstly I think just promotes littering as people think they've paid for cleaning, but nonetheless I didn't have too much of a problem with it, until I saw the state of the Island and the final straw being a sign pictured below, ultimately suggesting that no cleaning whatsoever is carried out with the money, so where this money goes is anybody's guess....
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