Crystal Bay Beach Resort is a convenient and budget base set overlooking one of the most scenic beaches on Samui's eastern coastline. The intimate bay is framed by large granite boulders and features picture-perfect white sand plus clear blue waters. The beach is the hotel's main selling point and tends to be a hub of activity with both in-house and outside guests, at times to the point of overcrowding. Though in the mornings before the throngs of tourists arrive and in the evenings (no bars around) it's usually quiet and peaceful. There is little to do at the hotel itself, with limited facilities, except for a narrow swimming pool, a beachfront restaurant, and a small garden patio with a few lounge chairs. The hotel feels far removed from the island's busy party scenes and tends to mostly attract families and couples, drawn to the beachfront setting.

The hotel is set overlooking idyllic Haad Thong Takian or Crystal Bay Beach. Guests can use the facilities at the hotel's sister property (Crystal Bay Yacht Club) which is located a two-minute walk away at the far end of the beach. The immediate area doesn't have much else on offer for tourists to do, but there are a few restaurants and convenience stores within walking distance. However, the busy main road in front of the hotel is a bit hectic and has steep challenging inclines. Lamai is the closest tourist hub (a 10-minute drive away) and features a wide range of restaurants, shops, and local bars, as well as a number beachfront dining venues and beach clubs. Featuring a long white-sand beach, it's also a popular area for water sports, with Jet-Skis and other watercraft rentals available from numerous tour kiosks along the beach. Chaweng (20-minute drive) offers tons of nightclubs, cabaret shows, bars, restaurants, and shopping venues. Samui International Airport is located around a 30-minute drive away.

Crystal Bay Beach Resort has a range of room options to suit a variety of budgets and needs. Guest rooms have simple interiors, white walls, light-colored tile floors, and dark-tone wood furniture. Upper-category rooms include balcony seating areas and ocean views, but Economy and Standard Rooms have neither, and are essentially budget crash pads. Also, due to their proximity to the street they tend to be noisy. Overall room interiors are uninspired and highly dated, although they've attempted to add some local flair with colorful textiles, paintings, and wood carvings. Furnishings include king-size wooden platform beds, armchairs, clothing drawers, and small hanging racks. Rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, safes, mini-fridges, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and bottled water.

Bathrooms in the higher-tier room types are for the most part clean, with walk-in rainfall showers, roomy bathroom vanities with twin sinks and large mirrors, plus a full set of toiletries. Economy and Standard Room bathrooms are poorly maintained, cramped, and have open showers which get the entire space soaked during use. Past guests have complained of water pressure and temperature issues. During our tour of the hotel we noticed rooms showed heavy wear and tear throughout, with peeling paint, dated decor, and musty smells.

Crystal Bay Beach Resort is a compact hotel that has limited and basic facilities on offer. The restaurant has unobstructed views of the bay and serves a range of Thai and Western meals. Breakfast is served buffet-style and is an added charge. The pool is only suited for cooling off as it is too narrow to swim, and there aren't any lounge chairs laid out for sunbathing. There aren't any lounge chairs set up along the beach, either. Tours and vehicle rentals can be organized through reception, plus Wi-Fi and on-site parking are free. Guests can use all the facilities at the hotel's neighboring sister property, Crystal Bay Yacht Club, free of charge. The Yacht Club's main features are a large outdoor swimming pool and a beachfront bar and restaurant.