We booked Kata Beach Resort through Asiarooms.com without any problems. I emailed ahead requesting a ground floor pool view room, this was confirmed and we got exactly what we asked for.

Breakfast was the usual buffet and very nice too and set you up for the day. Two eating areas inside (where smoking was allowed) and outside on the deck again with the smokers.

Our room was big enough with king size bed and was very clean, although it was very dark and smelt of must/damp... we must have got used to it as we didn't notice it after a couple of days.

The pool menu was great serving up wonderful satays and other tasty dishes at reasonable prices.

Kata Beach resort is set on a lovely beach but not all the rooms face the beach and a large majority face the car park or noisy road... I'd hate to have been in those rooms.

As in most hotels in Asia entertainment is limited within the hotel. However, there are plenty of bars and restaurants just out of the hotel.

The sun bed situation is crazy... the hotel allows you to reserve sun beds from 6pm (any towels left overnight will be removed) I'm an early riser, I grab a coffee and sit out watching the procession of sun bed hogs... often leaving towels all day and never using them. I witnessed a group of ladies travelling together reserve 4 beds pool side beds and 4 beach facing beds... they were following the shade.

The staff are very nice and friendly, however, on our last full day we did have an unpleasant incident with a staff member regarding an umbrella. He removed our umbrella leaving me fully exposed to crisp up in the direct sun... I don't think so!! anyway, we stood our ground and called for the manager who replaced it. There was absolutely no need to do this as the brolly wasn't needed elsewhere (I counted 59 towelled vacant sun beds) we got the distinct impression that the staff were 'under orders' as they were running around lining up beds and brollys in perfect unison. I half expected us to be asked to stand to attention at the bottom of the sun bed for inspection :-)

On the beach in front of the hotel are heaps of sun beds and brollys... these are privately owned and to use them there is a charge. I personally think that stinks.... if it rains during that day then it's tough luck!!

Kata Beach Resort appears to be heavily marketed in Europe... just for a moment I thought I was on another planet because I was unable to communicate with anybody and felt a bit socially isolated. Next time I'll take a better book :-)

Cheers Geri