Savage Hostel Koh Tao

Let’s be clear: this hostel/hotel is exactly what it says it is on the web site. It’s a stylish boutique property in good condition. We had a private room for THB1900 and it met our expectations. Bed linens were crisp and the room felt very clean. I was happy to find decent shampoo and shower gel and even toothbrushes and ear buds in the bathroom. There are large common areas on each floor for lounging around in. Staff were friendly and as check in was strictly 2pm we left our bags while we went out for lunch across the road on the beach. At 2pm, check in was fast but almost uniquely in Thailand they do not accept payment with Thai QR codes (and they charge 3% on Visa/MasterCard). This implies they really don’t expect Thailand residents to stay here or to buy food and drink from the restaurant because Thai QR codes are accepted everywhere from the smallest street vendor selling THB99 cocktails. It’s inexplicable and they missed our extensive spend on drinks, food, and breakfast because everywhere else we went on Koh Tao takes this ubiquitous QR code. I had to find a Bangkok Bank ATM to withdraw the THB1900 in cash because we live in Samui and don’t carry much cash any more. As well as the bathroom supplies, the room has a safe, fridge, and four large towels. I was expecting a kettle and there’s no communal kitchen to boil water so we went without morning coffee (I’d brought an Aeropress). The aircon in the room was strong. Soundproofing is relatively poor with returning partygoers waking us up multiple times during the night. There was a savage stink of sewerage in the bathroom in the morning. We spent our last morning before 12pm check out on the rooftop pool which is a lovely area. There’s a bar up there that apparently opens in the afternoon but we didn’t try it because of the QR payment issue and had drinks by the beach instead. This is a classy hostel that is ideally located in the middle of the Sairee Beach walking street for all the beachfront bars and restaurants. It’s less rustic and better designed than many of the older cabins and cottages along the beach and I hope they can maintain it in its present condition.

Lovely hostel. Rooftop pool is a bonus. Staff helpful and friendly. Especially, the manager Ros. Highly recommended. Right on the beach and has onsite restaurant and bar. Good location on Sairee Beach. Walking distance for many restaurants and bars.