Krabi Hotels Scramble For Rating

Krabi aims to shine the brightest among Southern beach resorts recovering from the Tsunami. Several hotels are upgrading from three to five star status, while new five star accommodation is booming on Khlong Muang Beach and Lanta Island. This has resulted in a 10% to 30% rise in room rates.

Peace Laguna Resort revealed it is adding 60 rooms to be opened by November 2008. The estimated Bt 120 million investment includes facility upgrades such as a kids club, small conference room, mini theatre and spa.

Pimalai Resort and Spa will upgrade all its rooms to deluxe by this October and increase the lodges from seven to 10 by the end of the year, Occupancy should reach 75% to 95%.

However, low season bookings are still a problem, as the Aonang Princeville's annual occupancy for 2006 only reached 60% to 70% through the high season but needs 8% to see it through the low season lull. This year's trend is the family market and the Aonang Princeville revealed it will have 24 rooms for the family market, ready by November 2008. They will feature more space accommodate a single and double bed. Activities for children are also being added such as batik painting and sports.

Lanta Sand Resorts and Spa said the renovation of its 48 existing rooms will be ready by November 2007, while construction of 35 new rooms will commence in December. Lanta Sand Resort and Spa is also adding 35 new rooms, seven of which will be designed for families with 120sqm and 150 sqm of space.