I stayed at Lamai hotel in Sweet Suite for 7 nights in July 2012 as first week of a two week holiday. Considering I paid for 7 nights less than 1/4 of what I paid for 6 nights at HIR down the road… the Lamai Hotel was a fantastic little hotel. Not a resort-style fancy hotel with all the trimmings. And still 80% of the resort "trimmings" without the resort-style price.

I booked online via their website and it was a little confusing when you're used to booking through major chain hotels or the big reseller sites. I got an email back but it was unclear if the reservation was actually made or not. I rang to confirm the next day and the kind young lady I spoke to was not sure either and my lack of Thai language did not help. A follow up email and reply from Lamai clarified that I had made correct reservation, and it had been accepted and I was booked in. Next time I will just ring them directly I think and book over the phone.

The room was very clean, neat and tidy. Was serviced daily with fresh sheets and towels. The minibar fridge was virtually street prices and the AC was amazingly efficient. Room very spacious. The curtains were very good at blocking out the light and letting me sleep in when I wanted to. Big plasma TV very good also. Did not use the PC or printer etc. Was older machine running Win XP, and I had my own laptop anyway. Frankly I would have preferred the extra desk space that the computer took up. But it's a very minor quibble. And I knew before booking how the rooms were laid out.

The staff were super friendly and created great family atmosphere that's great when staying in smaller non-chain hotels. The location is great, very central for Patong. everything you need is just meters outside the front door.

I had breakfast included in my room price but if it was not, I would have gone elsewhere to be honest. The food was very nice, but nothing spectacular and you can get better for cheap cheap at dozens of places nearby IMO. The restaurant seemed very popular during the day and at night for lunch/dinner though, lots of passing trade and the food looked good when I was walking past.

I love the open nature of the bottom floor foyer/restaurant area. Right on the street, right in the middle of it all. Would often order another coffee after breakfast and just sit and watch the passing parade, hang out with the staff.

The rooftop garden is a bit of a non-event. I only went there because I was staying on that floor. In the whole week I was there I saw not one single other guest go up there. It's simply too HOT in the day time.. But great at night to look out over the hustle and bustle of the streets below, once the sun goes down. With a pool this hotel would be almost perfect. Without a pool, it's very good.

The free WiFi was amazingly good. Better than my service at home. Rock solid and it simply worked all day everyday… I used iPhone, iPad and MacBook all without issue. Skype over WiFi was crystal clear. Where I am staying now and paying 4x the price could learn a LOT from how Lamai does it's WiFi.

I was sad to leave Lamai hotel even though week two of my trip was 5-star wing at Holiday Inn Resort. Same planet, different worlds. Lamai Hotel has the feel of a travellers hotel, real people, genuine staff, family atmosphere.

I will definitely be back to stay at the Lamai Hotel.

As per what to previous reviewers had said, rooms here are big, with PC, Wifi, printer and a Large TV avail in room. Did not have any noise problem from the street. Receptionist can't be bothered!
Did not try the restaurant as I understand the price were little expensive. The popular Let's relax spa is just two blocks away, 5 mins walking distance to Jungceylon and Bangla road, restaurants ant 10 mins walk to the beach!
Will recommend to anyone who needs a short stay while on a budget.

This hotel doesn't have the bells and whistles of a resort, but is in a great location only a short stroll to Jungceylon Shopping Mall and Bangla Road. The rooms are exceptional, very big with free use of a desktop computer with large screen, printer and internet. There are a lot of guys taking back thai girls to this hotel, but if this doesn't bother you then it's a great budget option with better than average rooms. I would stay there again for sure. The motor bike rental is cheap and hassle free. I'd rather book there than try elsewhere.