The Pen Villa Hotel is a quiet, family-run property with the personal feel of a guesthouse. The owners have created a relaxed, familial feel that attracts long-term visitors, thus explaining the number of repeat guests. Breakfast is served until early afternoon, and is cooked-to-order by the owner; guests can stick with Western eggs or try a Thai-style breakfast (with advance notice). There's no set menu at lunchtime; the chef goes to the market each day for the freshest local ingredients and cooks whatever guests would like to eat. In the evening, the owners serve cocktails and offer tastes of their malt whisky collection. The grounds are beautifully green and spacious, and although the property is older, everything is immaculate. There are no organized activities, but the hotel can arrange for Thai massages, rental cars, cooking classes, and sightseeing tours.

The Pen Villa Hotel is located in the Surin Hills, in a private enclave of luxury homes, far enough away from the main road for peace and quiet, but close enough that there are a 7-Eleven and several restaurants within a two-minute walk. Surin Beach is an easy 10-minute stroll from the property. The hotel offers free parking, and rental cars and mopeds can be arranged through the front desk. There are many interesting sights and beaches within a short drive, including the Thalang National Museum, which is 15 minutes away, and the Buried Golden Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Tong), which is a 20-minute drive from the hotel. The airport is half an hour away by car.

Rooms at the Pen Villa are enormous, with hardwood floors and rattan furniture made in Southern Thailand. Rooms are air-conditioned and come with flat-panel TVs and mini-fridges, but they lack safes; there is, however, a safe at the front desk for guests' use. Room decor is airy and sparse, but authentic, with large picture windows and humongous balconies or terraces decorated with lovely Thai wall paintings. All the rooms overlook the pool and gardens, and there are no noise problems. Corner rooms offer more privacy. Family Rooms have kitchenettes with microwaves, but not stoves. Bathrooms are big but simple, with wall-mounted soap and shampoo dispensers. Bathrooms in all Standard Double, Twin, and Triple Rooms were renovated in 2016: blue floor tiles were replaced with white, white stone counters were added, and pretty wall mosaics decorate the shower areas.

The Pen Villa Hotel features a pleasant outdoor pool with lounge chairs on a spacious deck lit for evening swimming. There is plenty of terrace space, and breakfast is served outside until early afternoon. Each meal is cooked to-order by the owner, who is an excellent chef, and guests can choose a Western-style breakfast or try some authentic Thai cuisine made with fresh ingredients purchased from the local market the same morning. There's also a casual bar with a few bar stools off to one side of the sunny, simple dining room. Cooking classes and even market trips can be arranged upon request, as can Thai massage.