For people who are looking for the Hilton, this ain't it. That said, if you're looking for a relatively cheap room (fan not a/c) then this place is ok. I've read the reviews about rudeness of the staff. My take is that the people who felt this way aren't used to the way it is in Thailand. Ko Lanta is a mellow island, not crowded like Phi Phi or Phuket. I've found that if you are relaxed and open the way the Thai people are, you'll find that the people at New Lanta Beach Bungalows are wonderful people, giving and kind beyond most people. The staff at the beach bar became good friends over the days I spent there. Even though they didn't speak much English they genuinely wanted me to be happy and have fun and even invited me out with them at night. So, the bathroom might not be the nicest and perhaps you'll have to ask for a towel but the things that really matter, the experience I had and the friends I made far outweigh any flaws in the buildings. I'll be back. They also own the place across the street, Blue Andaman, where I also stayed as the rooms were cheaper and I only had to carry my bags about fifty feet. Beach is nice at high tide, at low tide it's rocky. Great pools, scooter rentals, decent food (I recommend trying the local street vendors) and cheap drinks including "Happy Shakes" made for a nice time. Side note: try the soft shell crab at Krau Kritsia a few minutes north of the hotel just before the Irie Bar.
