If nothing else, P10 gets full marks for being noticeable on Ko Samui. Driving down Bang Rak’s main road, it is hard to miss the bizarre orange winged and floating roof that sits atop this modern glass building, and from an architectural perspective, it can be appreciated. It reflects the modern look of the Petcharat Marina building directly opposite, and is a sharp contrast to the bungalow-type resorts, small shops and restaurants surrounding it.

Look at me!

The hotel consists of 18 duplex poolside rooms, all identical in layout, only varying in artwork and soft furnishings. Each duplex is 90 square metres, with a spacious living room downstairs, and a bedroom upstairs. There is a bathroom on each floor, including a rain shower in the en-suite. An exceptionally long lap pool is the central focus of the building, with the nine rooms on either side overlooking the pool.

Can you hold your breath underwater the length of the pool?

A somewhat bizarre aspect of this hotel is the complete lack of privacy. Opposing rooms look directly into each other, both the downstairs living area as well as the upstairs bedrooms (though there are curtains). It’s a good thing that dressing gowns are provided, as there’s no chance of walking around in the buff here, unless voyeurism is your thing. When management was asked if this has posed a problem to guests, their reply was that the ‘hotel encourages interaction between its guests’. This is emphasised by the pool verandas and outdoor showers attached to each duplex, and the pool that invites one to swim past your neighbour with a cocktail in hand.

Howdy neighbour. Not for the shy.

The hotel offers another innovation by providing a smart phone app, both for iPhone and Android, to guests. This app serves several purposes: it acts as a local guide to the area, walks guests through the in-room facilities, allows direct contact with reservations, reception, management, security and a taxi service, and best of all, it offers discounts to hotel guests at restaurants and bars in the area. The app also allows guests to communicate with each other, continuing with the theme of guest interaction.

Chill on the couch, just make sure the dressing gown is closed.

The rooms themselves are comfortable and stylishly furnished, but sitting on that plush corner couch, I personally would find it hard to not feel as though in a fish bowl — each to their own. Room facilities include flat screen TV, safe, fridge, and a coffee maker. WiFi is included in the room rate as are four bottles of water a day. Breakfast is definitely a plus factor, served across the road at the Marina Lounge, right on the Petcharat Pier — no boring buffets or stodgy fry-ups here. Four options of breakfast are available, with huge portions served sushi-box style. The food is fresh and vibrant, and the coffee is great. Try the restaurant for lunch too, a great place to watch the boats leaving the pier, and a cool breeze wafts through the restaurant.

Swan? Elephant? No it's a peacock, the folded towel, that is.

The hotel is new, so does not have a regular customer base yet, though it’s likely to be popular with hipper, younger crowds. P10 Design Hotel is not the best spot for those with very young children, due to the easy pool access as well as an open-sided staircase to the bedroom area. Those looking to meet fellow travellers may enjoy the social aspect of this hotel, but those wanting privacy may prefer bungalow or villa-type accommodation.

Full marks for creativity.

Rooms are midrange in price, starting at 3,500 baht in low season, to around 5,000 baht in high season, based on two people sharing and including breakfast. Long-stay rates are available. Those preferring bungalow-type accommodation might want to try Samui Pier Resort, directly across the road.

P10 Samui Design Hotel
30/21 Moo 4, 4171 Road, Bang Rak, Ko Samui (opposite Petcharat pier, central Bang Rak)
T: (077) 417 333/(085) 188 1858
www.samuihotels.in.th

Check discounted rates for P10 Samui Design Hotel at Agoda.com.

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