Guests who book a stay at Taatoh Resort definitely don’t do so for the quality of the rooms or facilities. They come exclusively for the gorgeous white-sand beaches and low rates. Considering there really isn’t much to do at the hotel except for hang by the beach, it’s not surprising that much of the guest activities are concentrated here. The main beach, Taatoh Beach, has an upbeat vibe and includes a bar, plenty of lounge chairs, hammocks, and a volleyball net. On the far end of the property is Freedom Beach, which is more undeveloped and tranquil, and offers decent snorkeling plus a second bar. The two beachfront bars are where most guests dine, but are essentially just makeshift open-air beach shacks with Thai floor cushion seating. Rooms and facilities are scattered organically throughout the jungle cliffside and amongst the granite boulders that jut out along the seafront. Freedom Beach and seafront rooms are linked to the main property via a long and narrow cement walkway the stretches out along the oceanfront. The hotel mainly attracts young couples, solo travelers, and groups who don't mind the tired rooms in exchange for low rates and beach access.

The hotel is located along Koh Tao's sleepy southern coast, overlooking two stunning white-sand bays. Besides the beach, another main attraction attached to the property is the John-Suwan viewpoint (about a 20-minute walk to the top), which features one of the most spectacular views on the island. Although, the strenuous jungle hike to the viewpoint is highly challenging and not for those with a fear of heights. The nearest restaurants and shops are located in the quiet little town of Chalok Baan, a 15-minute walk or five-minute drive along steep and pothole covered roads. Guests without motorbike transport (no car rentals available on Koh Tao) will want take the added transfer costs into consideration, as Koh Tao's taxis are pricy and going to-and-fro can quickly blow the budget. The island's port, Mae Haad Pier, is located around a 10-minute drive from the hotel. Sairee Beach, the island's main tourist hub, is a 15-minute drive away.

The budget hotel features wooden bungalows and concrete dwellings spread out along a steep cliffside and seafront. The only highlight of the rooms are the spectacular ocean views from the balconies. The Wooden Bungalows are dingy, dark, and rundown. They're constructed with simple wooden framework clad in thin plywood, and ancient wooden floors. Also, they don’t include any amenities, except for a tiny wall fan and get extremely hot. Another huge issue are the bugs -- as wooden bungalows are set within a fairly thick jungle hillside (challenging climbing and dimly lit).

Upper-category rooms are set seafront and are closer to the facilities. Although they're also highly dated and underwhelming, they are a bit of a step up and include air-conditioning and standing fans, plus they have better natural light and airflow. Only the highest-tier rooms are outfitted with TVs and mini-fridges, but none of the rooms have safes. Furnishings are basic and rundown, with wooden platform beds and firm mattresses, tiny clothing wardrobes, and balcony chairs.

All bathrooms are quite primitive and include just a small freestanding sink, a tiny mirror, and a bar of soap. The shower head (poor pressure) is set in the middle of the space, with no divider to keep everything from getting soaked. Wooden Bungalow bathrooms are especially nightmarish, with claustrophobic spaces you can barely turn in, dangerously steep steps, and awful odors.

Taatoh Resort doesn't have much on offer in terms of facilities, with the one and only real attraction being the beach. Facilities are limited to a restaurant and two beachfront bars, plus the hotel rents out kayaks and snorkeling gear. The restaurant and bars are highly rudimentary and the food reviews are quite a mixed bag. The menu consists of a selection of Thai favorites and simple Western meals, plus an a la carte breakfast to order (for a fee). Overall, guests will find much better food at nearby Chalok Baan. Wi-Fi is free but unreliable, especially in the rooms.