Amy Adejokun
Section editor
Quite isolated from the crowds of the northeastern coast of Samui, the Imperial Boat House displays the complete recent renovation of its set of amenities, as well as perfect originality: it offers the possibility to live in a ship, a real one.
The Imperial Boat House Hotel - © Patrice Hauser / EASYVOYAGE
The Imperial Boat House Hotel - © Patrice Hauser / EASYVOYAGE
In the northeast of Koh Samui, bordering Choeng Mon Beach. Chaweng, on the east coast, is located 4 miles away to the south, the airport is only 3 miles away also to the south, and Nathon, the main village on the island on the west coast is 19 miles away, a 40 minute ride.
The Imperial Boat House has a total of 210 rooms: 165 Deluxe, which are the standard model, 11 Poolside Terrace rooms, slightly more luxurious and with direct access to the pool, and finally 34 private Boat Suites on the boats (28 of two floors and 6 of only one floor), the only rooms of the hotel that offer a direct view of the sea. Taking into account the recent renovation, the amenities of the Deluxe rooms are evidently at the level of international hotel standards, very complete, however there is a certain mediocrity in the decor and the arrangement, which does not make the space particularly convivial. The accommodation on the boats, totally wooden, since the original structures have been preserved, is evidently much more enjoyable, however it is not necessarily more comfortable.
Built in 1990 on a large flat land in front of the ocean, the Imperial Boat House looks like new after its renovation in 2000. After the reception building, which integrates the spacious lobby and one of the restaurants amongst others, the hotel is distributed in two large wings, each of four blocks, on three levels, all the rooms face the gardens and the first pool, totally new as well. However, the real originality of the hotel appears beyond this first block: suites particularly sought after by newlyweds have been built in a series of 34 authentic Thai old boats (which used to be rice barges) arranged at an angle on the site are announced by a small tower shaped like a lighthouse. This second section of the hotel is in front of a second pool (equally in the shape of a boat), connecting to the beach, where the second restaurant has been arranged.
There are only two restaurants in the Imperial Boat House, the offer is a bit insufficient, taking into account the capacity of the hotel: bordering the sea, the Beach Seafood offers a relatively ordinary menu, combining seafood, Thai specialties and European cuisine, while the Boat House Garden Terrace has a more distinctly international arrangement of colours. However, here it is possible to eat well, with the complement of a honourable wine menu. Additionally, the hotel has made an effort to provide diversity, by organising thematic culinary evenings six times per week. Two bars animated by a Filipino orchestra hired by the hotel complete the scenario.
The beautiful beach of Choeng Mon, which lies on this location of the island on the curve of the bay, constitutes one of the advantages of the Imperial Boat House Hotel. Very well isolated from the large touristic concentration points thanks to its location, it remains well maintained and although it is public, it offers an almost private access to the sea. All the necessary calm to relax properly as well as a water and slope quality that should totally satisfy swimming lovers.
The Boat House was reopened during Christmas 2000, after a total renovation: the hotel now has a luxurious lobby, a second pool and a spa, amongst other new amenities. In each block, a maid is available all night long. The hotel has two internal television channels with continuous films free of cost. The Imperial Thai hotel group, owner of the establishment, also has another hotel on the island, the Imperial Samui. The guests of the Boat House can freely use its facilities, especially the tennis courts.
massage, beauty salon, sauna, hammam, keep fit, spa, Turkish bath, wellness
tennis, gym, beach volley, sailing, kayak, canoe, badminton, water-polo, surfing, windsurfing, fitness, sports
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