BANYAN TREE RESORT Phuket, Thailand【4K Tour & Review】HORRIBLE "5-Star Resort"

[@brilliantbutblue]

All l can say is thankyou, there needs to be more honesty on YT, l know your intent was not malicious you are a genuine and fair reviewer and l appreciate your reviews 👍

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@Kushtan1987]

Used my Amex platinum (SG) for a free night at Banyan tree phuket over the weekend. i can also confirm everything has been addressed, My pool villa felt brand spanking new, and the overall resort was very well maintained... loved it!

[@tfft]

Glad to hear it! Thanks for watching 🩴

[@marquis51]

amazing review, thanks, we had similarly a very disappointing experience at a high price banyan tree in a nearby country and decided to give up on the brand all together

[@tfft]

It’s crazy to think they’re launching FIVE new hotel brands next year and want to double their hotels in the next three years. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@HaiYenNguyen-ij1cl]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. Your patience is greatly admired...I would have left the resort after 5 minutes entering the first room... Disrespectful!!!

[@tfft]

I greatly appreciate your kind words and thank you for watching 🙏🏻

[@MadFrancois]

Great video Kevin! Thank you for your work, greetings from Peru, hope to see you one day here

[@tfft]

South American is a tough audiance to crack (look at my Brazil and Argentina video views haha), but I'm determined to make it work. Hope to be there next year. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@MadFrancois]

@@tfft I have watched almost all of your videos, I'm saving all Vietnam series for the weekend, I can assure you that videos from Peru will make the channel take off, not for nothing Peru is the king in tourism in this part of the world (I'm not saying this because I'm Peruvian hahaha) hope to see you in my country soon

[@MadFrancois]

@@tfft maybe if you put subtitles in Spanish, not only South America, all Hispanic world will sum to the project

[@thanh6455]

Cheers for doing these reviews. Saves me lots of hassle going through the frustration 😅.

[@tfft]

Haha no worries. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@Berzyberz]

Wow, I empathise. Imagine how much worse for folks like myself who save for years for a lovely holiday, imagine those who spent their savings and perhaps didn't have the gall to complain and just stayed with that first villa. How heartbreaking. I think this is the reason now that I literally obsess with reviews, videos and blogs before booking anywhere. Thank you for your honest reviews.

[@tfft]

Appreciate that! Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@S87-p6c]

I stayed there a week ago. All of the things mentioned in this video have been addressed. Funnily enough another golf tournament was underway during our stay. Regardless, our stay was wonderful. The food, facilities and Villas were top notch. The staff were very polite as well. The only downside was the large number of mosquitoes in our villa for the first 2 days, but they cleared up after judicious use of repellants. Still, I'd definitely plan a second visit to the place.

[@tfft]

Good to hear. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@sebastianschafer9814]

We are here right now. Many of the things you stated where changed (a Bamboo fence where you had a Look at the garbage for example). They have started to refurbish the villas last year, we got a new one. Tight doors, all new Pool and Pool area. Loving it 👍

[@tfft]

Glad to hear!

[@orangeclockwork6199]

@sebastianschafer9814 We are heading there on Sunday, just found this review and I'm getting nervous. How was your stay?

[@sebastianschafer9814]

@@orangeclockwork6199 We really loved it. It was out fourth or fifth stay

[@orangeclockwork6199]

@@sebastianschafer9814 Ah thanks for the quick reply, glad you did, any recommendations, tips?

[@sebastianschafer9814]

Not really. Just enjoy your stay :)

[@CookieTheBordoodle]

Thank you, this really helped as we were almost going to book it.

[@tfft]

I have heard it’s improved (but I also had many people commenting that I was lying within days of posting it…)… but I think you’re wise to not risk it. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@bluebiry_axolotl]

great review! Say I also expirienced the same things and u are so honest abput this! Hope you come in Banyan tree Lang Co!

[@tfft]

In due time! Thanks for watching 🩴

[@Qqqqqqqqqaaaaaaa]

Have to ask, what resort is it in the intro at 0:17? Thx

[@tfft]

That’s the beautiful Hyatt Regency Koh Samui. My review of this one hopefully will be coming out next week. Unfortunately, waiting for a copyright claim on the music to be settled! Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@samsonwilkinson8090]

Stayed there 10 years back. The lagoon had garbage floating in it, some of which had washed up in the garden.

[@tfft]

I suppose old habits die hard at the Banyan Tree. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@business_max]

Hi! I'm a big fan of your videos. I've noticed some tearing effects, particularly during camera pans across landscapes, like at 2:57. This can be a bit jarring visually. Not sure if it's just on my end, but I thought to mention it in case others are experiencing it too. It might be something to look into in your video editing process. Thanks for your great content!

[@tfft]

Thanks for that, I just watched it at that mark quite a few times and I don’t see anything. Could be a YT glitch in a specific resolution which you’re watching in.

[@michaelhaaser2201]

Really enjoying your videos!

[@tfft]

Thanks very much for watching 🙏🏻 So much more content to come this year.

[@spoteefai5361]

I checked in this resort 2 days ago and my nightmares began right after I checked in. My experience wasn't as bad as yours but not far.... Really.... The first room that they assigned to me was 'Signature 2 bedroom villa' which I think the room had not been touching up in the past 10 years or so. Everything was so rundown, and I had to get the Duty Manager to come by and see herself. No hot water from the tap, unusable power points, spider webs can be seen in some of the down lights etc. They eventually changed my room to the 'Grand 2 bedroom villa' which the manager claimed was recently renovated but I find the room cleanliness wasn't up to a 5 star resort standard. I wish I had seen your video contribution before I decided to book my holiday with Banyan Tree Resort Phuket. Extremely disappointed with their room quality.

[@tfft]

Sorry to read this. From the comments I’ve been seeing recently I was under the assumption that things at BTP were on the up and up. Seems more renovations are still needed. Hope you’re able to make the best of it! Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@bigd5084]

I"m going in end of June, hopefully the renovation woudl be completed by then?

[@tfft]

I would certainly hope it was done some months ago- but, I haven't been back since. Thanks for watching 🙏

[@jayargo2109]

I found this review very thorough and hopefully, very honest ( of which I'm sure it is ) Thank you very much, I won't be spending my money on this place next year flip flop, whether the place has been renovated and ready , or not! Shame really, but there you go!

[@tfft]

I’d agree. Even if it’s beautiful now, there’s something wrong with the business standards if they thought the previous condition was acceptable for their flagship property for even a minute.

[@jayargo2109]

@@tfft Absolutely!

[@averyyee7795]

Can anyone confirm whether is this still the case for the pool villa? Just booked and considering whether to cancel or not …

[@tfft]

I can’t imagine they’re still in the same state of repair by this time. I’d contact them directly and ask for detailed photos of the room category you’re interested in. Any legit hotel that is proud of their rooms would be more than happy to oblige. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@itsanouo1951]

I stayed in Bayan Tree Phuket in 2004 and now, in 2023 Dec but in the Double Pool Villa. They have improved a lot and changed the Lobby, service, cleanliness and overall experience. All the things you mentioned have finally improved. I think you should give it another try in 2024.

[@tfft]

Glad to know they've improved, unfortunately I'm fully booked through all of 2024 already! Thanks for watching 🩴

[@sebastiann1163]

The review is of really high quality - thank you for putting so much effort into the video. I am staying at the Banyan Tree Phuket just now and have no such issues. I even stay in one of the supposedly older villas and they are well maintained and clean. Also no sign of any rubbish lying around. Staff is extremely attentive and helpful. I can fully recommend this hotel now! Your review probably made a difference and they really improved!

[@tfft]

Thank you very much for your kind words and for “seeing” the video through its intended angle. I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay! Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@shchong2]

Love it ! Did you give extra Flip-Flop Bonus Points for the "mini-bar service person" making you SCREAMED TWICE and completely cured of caffeine dependence for the rest of the day? :D

[@tfft]

I suppose they earned an extra point for not having to scream three times ☺️ Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@bombayteddy]

Very informative review! But it makes me think twice about booking their new hotel in Krabi. Speaking of which, do you plan to review that and also the Phulay Bay resort?

[@tfft]

It’s a valid concern but I think “new” is the key word here… if the property speaks to you, go for it. As for me, I won’t have any more content from Thailand (except for 1 or 2 Bangkok hotels) coming in 2022 as I begin to include South America, Europe and Africa in the channel. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@bombayteddy]

@@tfft Thank you for your incisive reviews! Let me know if you’re ever coming to India.

[@gilbydog7350]

I loved your review, can't say I'll be heading to the Banyan Tree Phuket any time soon. I can see that it would have been a wonderful hotel during the late 1990s.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@michi1995-DeLe]

I really like honest and critical reviews. Thank you. We had been twice there (2018 and 2019). We stayed at a SPA Pool Villa. We had really a great time, but honestly, the villas could have deserved a refurbishment already back in those years. After three year of pausing due to Covid we travelled this year (March 2023) back to Thailand. Based on your review we decided not to stay at the Banyan Tree and stayed at The Surin. As we were there in Phuket, we checked with the Banyan Tree whether we could have a look at the resort and eventually also some rooms. The reason was simply to get an idea, helping us to decide whether to book for 2024. To get this done was really a nightmare. People at the Banyan Tree obviously were not really interested showing us the resort or some rooms. Somehow disappointing as we considered us potential (actually returning) guests. The overall impression however was, that this resort has lost its shiny days.

[@tfft]

That’s incredible that even knowing you were previous guests they wouldn’t graciously arrange for a tour for you and I think it speaks volumes to the management style and priorities here clearly. Even if all of the rooms have been updated (I’m not sure…), it’s still not worth a go. Thanks for sharing 🙏🏻

[@michi1995-DeLe]

@@tfft May I ask you, whether you have reviewed the Shore at Katathani in Phuket?

[@tfft]

I’ve not. You can find all of my Thailand Beach Resort reviews in this play list. 10 in there atm with 8 more coming soon. Thailand Beach Resort Reviews kzbin.info/aero/PL83ZLLu2Le8OP-TOwhcv6VKPdhXm6cP0P

[@michi1995-DeLe]

@@tfft Thanks.

[@youtuber261]

@@michi1995-DeLe Im keen to see a review on this hotel also!

[@d16y8]

Wow, I hope that won’t happens in Banyan Tree LangCo Vietnam. Thank you for your great review again. 👍

[@tfft]

Yeah I’ve delayed my trip to Lang Co (had a reservation at Banyan and Angsana for last week) because of my experience in Phuket. Will try it out next year after things are back to normal travel-wise. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@d16y8]

@@tfft stay strong and stay safe, we are looking forward to watch all your reviews in 2022 Mr. Kevin. Thank you so much 😊❤️

[@Mediacom-su6go]

Man!!! I was planning to go there next Spring… I think I must go find another accommodation. I’m so sad because I was so enthusiastic to go there and relax 😪

[@tfft]

Maybe things have changed since I was there 🤷🏼‍♂️ Thanks for watching 🩴

[@hidebo444]

I will be happy to have a pool villa at USD 360! I was so surprised to hear your comments here. Nowadays I can’t even get any pool villa at 600 USD even.

[@tfft]

I’ll assume you don’t live in an ASEAN country. $250-$450 will give you a multitude of different pool villa options in Thailand, Vietnam, Indo, etc. - most of them quite a bit nicer than what’s seen in this review. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@aracelib7336]

OK...I'm already confused...some say it's gotten better and some that it's the same....SO what is it? I hadn't seen this video and will be staying there next wk... I hope it's not disappointing. I've been wanting to go to Thailand but this summer I wanted to go to England and Ireland... BUT my travel group wanted Thailand so here I go... I hope 🙏 I have a good experience...

[@tfft]

I have not been there since my review, so sure, there’s a chance that it’s still in the same condition- but there’s no reason why they couldn’t have fixed everything by now and the more recent comments on the video suggest they have completed the renovations. Hope you enjoy your trip and thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@aracelib7336]

Ok....just got back from Thailand. I stayed at the Banyan Tree Resory and I LOVED IT!!! Everyone was so friendly and willing to help. Our pool villa was beautiful and we'll kept. I would definitely recommend this resort.

[@paulsmith6204]

Thank you for sharing your review and my dealings with the resort prior to check in affirmed my decision to cancel. Based on my pre arrival interaction with the staff that work here this is not a five star hotel. Interesting is the posters hashtag and lack of management response it’s indicative of my aforementioned comments and the reviews comprehensive video.

[@zacghent8564]

Where would you recommend staying in Phuket if looking for a 4/5 star Hotel accommodation?

[@tfft]

My favorite recently has been The Naka Island, though on my next trip back I’ll likely by putting more emphasis in staying in the Mai Khao area as I loved the beach at the Melia so much (but wouldn’t stay At the Melia again…). Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@zacghent8564]

@@tfft have you ever stayed at Marriott Merlin Beach or Graceland Resorts or heard of any reviews on them?

[@lucasparris3997]

Than you so much for these video

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@gotamd]

I think a lot of the rust, mold, and other issues you saw were likely a result of damage from the 2004 tsunami that hit the island and damaged the hotel. That definitely doesn’t excuse the sad state of affairs at the hotel 18 years later, but I suspect they never properly repaired things after it all got soaked in salt water back then. Hopefully they are able to finish fully refurbishing the hotel and clean up the trash soon.

[@tfft]

As devastating as the tsunami of 2004 was, if there’s any 5-star resort that 18 years later has still not brought their property (or in this case, their flagship property) back up to international standards- then that’s a hotel brand I’d choose to avoid. I personally do not think the state of the resort during my stay was in anyway connected to events so long ago as the resort was renovated and “relaunched” just back in 2015. I do like you hope it’s back up to standards soon (or already…) Thanks very much for your insight and watching 🙏🏻

[@gotamd]

@@tfft yeah, it could certainly be unconnected, but that rust in particular is something that wouldn't have immediately been evident as needing particular attention and has degraded over time. Given that things like the base of a floor lamp featured rust...that, to me, looks like the result of exposure to salt water. Anyway, that's certainly no excuse, especially for a luxury, 5-star hotel! I also have no idea what they thought they were doing with that sliding door "repair." They might as well have used duct tape!

[@tfft]

Duct tape would probably have been more effective, but shhhh! Don’t give them any ideas 😂

[@tanletran7270]

Thanks for your honest review , something has not changed . We stayed here in 1997 and disappointed for the service given by the local staff. It was not good value for the money paid . Have you review the sister property in Lang Co Viet Nam?

[@tfft]

I actually had Lang Co booked for this past January but ended up cancelling it due to my stay here. Not to say I won't ever go, but I certainly didn't want to have another similar experience at a Banyan Tree just a month later. Thanks for watching 🙏

[@DaninThailandH]

Welcome to Thailand 🤣 I have lived in Thailand for almost 6 years full time and I have stayed in hundreds of "so called" 5 star luxury hotels all over Thailand and less than 5% have been up to standard, nowadays I'm not naive to pay a fortune for a room as I know I will always be disappointed so it's best to go with something cheap and only spend time in your room to sleep and shower 👍

[@tfft]

We’ll have to agree to disagree. I’ve lived in and traveled around ASEAN for many years and very rarely have I encountered such a poor experience. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@DaninThailandH]

@@tfft I was referring to Thailand only and I am going off my REAL experience staying in some of the best hotels in Thailand in Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Koh Samui, Koh Samed, Koh Chang, Phuket, Buriram, Korat, Udon Thani, Bangkok I have limited experience as I never like to stay there, Khao Yai, Ubon Ratchathani, ROI Et, Sisaket and Hua Hin. I have always found the most expensive hotels to be a disappointment, once I learned the Thai language and started speaking to Thais and having Thai friends they informed me that they never pay for the expensive hotels as they are never worth the money, best to stay in cheaper rooms and get out and about and explore Thailand 👍

[@hidebo444]

I totally agree that paying only 350USD for a pool villa at Phuket, I am so shocked to hear so many complaining. As if you pay 50USD for the city hotel then complain so much about hotel services and facilities.. I think he should do a review of the hotel with the price paid fairly.

[@huyhuyable]

Wow unbelievable for a very famous 5 stars resort like this . This resort was received alot of good comments before the pandemic . They shouldn't open during the renovation

[@tfft]

I completely agree with you. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@jaca7584]

There’s a reason why you didnt have a great experience there at the time you went. Ive taken my hubby and 3 boys there for every yr for the last 10 yrs.. albeit not during Covid. I went last Oct2022. We’re on first name basis w the staff there and it was relayed that during the height of Covid in 2020- they had to close for 3 mths due to restrictions . They had redundancies like all … But during those 3 mths- nearly every Villa had been broken into . Nearly all the villas had been ransacked. Upon return- due to the tropical weather they have there- the place turned their well manicured gardens into a jungle. It took them a near year to get it back to a functioning hotel again. Like most industries- especially travel- they were rehiring and retraining new staff. Limited old staff returned. So I can see by your experience you were one of the patrons who probably saw the remaining damage they were still fixing. I went for my 11th return last October- and I can couch that the area you stayed in is still being renovated. I can understand your disappointment- but truley believe you should give them another chance. The staff make Banyan for what it is.. 👍

[@tfft]

They are perfectly valid points that you make, my view is this: If all of that happened, it would have been better for the resort (and the brand) in the long term to stay closed until they could ensure an all around five star experience for their guests. Maybe this means blocking off certain parts of the resort or maybe it just means to stay closed until it's completely renovated. I understand it's not a financially attractive option, but I've been through at least 20 different hotels and resorts in Thailand during/just after Covid and this was one of only 2 that I had anything but a wonderful experience at, despite all of the challenges from COVID and staffing. I'm sure now, it's a much better experience. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@apostoll1881]

I am at the resort presently and i reckon these issues have been fixed. From other comments, it seems perhaps they were suffering from effects of the tsunami years ago. Definitely would have been freaked out if i had seen this review before arriving.

[@tfft]

Well, the tsunami was 19 years ago…

[@ghost_busters]

I stayed in angsana and that was better than this .. I stayed in June end .. I had some minor issues with initial 3 Bedroom villa and later I requested them to downgrade me to smaller villa cause I was afraid all big villas having same issues ..

[@tfft]

Sounds like the Angsana may not have been they great either! thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@andrei-ps2ge]

i went one year ago and it was great i had the big pool villa its obvios that if you got the cheaper room it will be bad

[@tfft]

Your comment makes absolutely no sense for a supposed five star resort.

[@tseumd58]

Decent review

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@quen4747]

wow, a total disaster for this Banyan Tree property. They should have done much better. I was considering Lang Co Banyan Tree for this May, but after reviewing this fair review, I will re-consider it. Meanwhile, will you have a review from Rosewood Phuket in a near future?

[@tfft]

Yes unfortunately it was very disappointing. I have most of my travel planned out this year and not sure I’ll be able to have a chance to make it back to Phuket before 2023, but I do have more reviews coming from Thailand. From Phuket I still have Melia Mai Khao coming and from Samui I’ve got Vana Belle, The Library, Hyatt Regency and The Ritz Carlton- plus Capella, Kimpton Maa Lai and SO/ from Bangkok. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@edward88881]

I thought Banyan Tree was a reputable luxury chain of hotels in Asia. I wonder if all their resorts are mediocre - or worse. That last photo, as the credits roll, really set the mood - a bleak sky, construction debris, and a ladder to an ostensibly leaky roof. Thanks for this review.

[@tfft]

That’s what I thought too! I had a trip planned to the Banyan Tree in Lang Co, Vietnam planned for last week that I ended up cancelling. I’ll go in the future, but didn’t want to risk a repeat so soon. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@huyhuyable]

@@tfft i been stayed at Bynyan Tree in Lang Co and i can tell you that my experience there at their hill side villas was wonderful

[@tfft]

I hope so! I definitely will book there again later this year.

[@DeborahEdelen333]

I've stayed at this resort multiple times, the last time was probably 2014. I stayed in the Spa Pool Villas, which have a bedroom made of glass on a lotus pond and feature daily massages and a special lobby with tea and snack service. I've also stayed at the double pool and classic villas. My stays there were truly some of the most memorable, magical five star resort experiences I've ever had, and I've stayed at five star resorts in Mexico, Venice, Mauritius, Bahrain, and more. Every time at the Banyan Tree Phuket, the welcome, villas, staff, buggy service, pools, beach, breakfasts, dining were always outstanding. I have beautiful memories of in villa barbecues, massages by the lagoon, romantic orchid and candlelight baths and more. I have noticed that once in a while, someone leaves a bad review after starting off on the wrong foot in an older villa, then finds problems throughout their stay. But that is the exception. In some areas, it's all how you look at it. For instance, the "admittedly beautiful melange of pools". Try the pools at another resort filled with screaming kids and loud, drunken guests. Then try the Banyan Tree again.

[@tfft]

You had your experience and I had mine. With the exception of staff uniforms that were literally falling apart and some poor customer service experiences, both of which I did not film for obvious reasons, every single gripe, complaint and compliment I had for the resort is backed up with video footage and is here for you to see. It's wonderful that you had a great experience in 2014. In 2021, I did not. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@UserAstr6]

I stayed there 2022 and 2024 and hotel is amazing.Well decorated..none of those issues.i think the author stayed during their repair months ..Which this all could be possible..

[@malindatsai8794]

謝謝您在視頻的忠實報導,我在未看到您的介紹之前就已從悅榕莊換另一家連鎖五星級約400多平方米的Villa,而且比悅榕莊便宜 US35,月

[@malindatsai8794]

剛剛拿手機給老公看,他很開心幸虧我提議要換,假期就在7月月份,覺得很幸運,否則萬一住不愉快一定會很生氣,尤其是這種高檔的酒店

[@tfft]

非常感謝您的客氣話和觀看我的視頻 🙏🏻

[@malindatsai8794]

更正,1晚比悅榕莊便宜US35,目前我改訂的這家5星級400多平方米的Villa現在已漲到300美金1晚,比悅榕莊貴了

[@tfft]

我希望你有一個愉快而平靜的假期。

[@Design_no]

That's why we always pick new resorts, or ones that have had a recent makeover. Eg The Datai, Langkawi. Exceptional.

[@tfft]

It’s a valid point, but I’ve also had some shaky experiences at newer properties as well. New or old, it’s all about how they’re managed. That said, I’m looking forward to going back to Langkawi, which was my last trip pre-pandemic. A beautiful island. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@Design_no]

@@tfft yes, we stayed at the Banyan Bali during soft opening. Construction was meant to be complete, but it wasn't.

[@enzomichieli8177]

dude, go to the watercourt restaruant for breakfast, thats where it shines

[@tfft]

The Watercourt Breakfast is in the video… wasn’t shining too bright when I was there. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@dustbean]

Actually i am surprise by your review...i went and stay there for a week at Banyan Tree Phuket double pool villa 2015...each villa had their own butler and every time(twice a day) they came to clean the rooms had at least 5 cleaners including clearing leaves from the pools....I think you went after covid where the resort suffered retrenchment and closed to bankruptcy ...i guess the resort needs time to get back to their best.

[@tfft]

From other comments on this video and from what I saw when I was there- the double pool villas are treated as a separate hotel within the hotel and receive very different treatment. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@osmanakman]

I am a hotelier. I am so sad to watch this video. I really wonder what the management told you about this issue. Even head office of Banyan? Thank you

[@tfft]

It was sad. I was told nothing that I didn’t share in the video. I was expecting someone to ask some service recovery questions at checkout but they were too busy trying to overcharge me for laundry :) Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@silverfox5554]

Wow how disappointing! This was on my shortlist for March 2022 but not now. This is not what I would expect from a Banyan Tree resort, especially when you consider how much they charge. When Thailand is desperately trying to rebuild its tourist industry this level of service is unacceptable and the Banyan Tree should hang its head in shame. Great vlog and looking forward to the next one. 🙏🙏

[@tfft]

Thanks very much for the comment. I agree, BT needs to get a pair of fresh eyes to Phuket pronto. If you’re looking for pool villas, I highly recommend The Naka Island Resort, which I’ve reviewed previously. Also have a review of the beautiful Hyatt Regency Samui coming out soon- they have some sleek pool villas there. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@silverfox5554]

@@tfft Thanks we are looking for a pool villa and will check out your recommendations 😎

[@themergen1]

When you notice could you please say when there is a 🥩 ?

[@hendok2927]

Well, I won't be booking my stay there anymore. Rosewood Phuket it is then.

[@tfft]

Even during Banyan Tree’s best of times I would still go for the Rosewood instead if it was possible ☺️ Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@davidjenkinson6864]

Just come back from staying at the Banyan tree and can only say that it was superb. Had a pool room, very clean and tidy. Grounds were well looked after, food was excellent. All the staff were brilliant. They have put a lot of effort into making this a top resort. I would have no hesitation in going back. April 2022.

[@tfft]

Glad to hear they’re giving guests a proper experience these days. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@s.s.1801]

what you missed is the ghost in such a place! 😱😱

[@mancunianinlondon]

Perhaps this was the result of COVID? Many places struggled to get back on their feet after 2020/21. It is understandable. I will look for more up to date video. Thanks anyway

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@vjayleo2142]

Very sad conditions right now. They had plenty of time to renovate the hotel rooms and facilities (the time during the pandemic)

[@tfft]

Agree it’s a sad condition, but fact of the matter is there are ways to get it back to its former glory without ruining the experiences of the other guests staying there. Still blows my mind that they’re no thought or consideration about that. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@HotelSnob]

If a beach doesn’t have clear swimmable water it’s not really that exciting to me. If there’s a reef and a bay with clear water, many extra points

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@hoanghung9774]

Such a disappointing experience, especially for the Banyan Tree standards! I’ve stayed at many other properties and they were all amazing, maybe I need to reconsider this one when traveling to Phuket…

[@tfft]

I had four other experiences recently in Phuket ranging from Good to Outstanding (Check out The Naka Island). I put these problems squarely in the lap of Banyan Tree... certainly not Phuket as a whole. Thanks for watching.

[@connor1923]

elite level gatekeeping

[@tfft]

🤔

[@ianmounstephen3403]

Objective and succinct. Thank you.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@eduardmanfredertl4335]

First time in Thailand?

[@tfft]

I’ve got around 40 Thailand videos on the channel, you tell me.

[@jenserikjohansson6228]

Its was Nice for 20 year ago..

[@tfft]

Surely cutting edge at the time. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@MarkBates566]

my wife went to get a massage and they sent her to the workers rest room thinking she was staff this upset her immenselly

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@benistehpwn]

Lmao that’s hilarious

[@ありちゃん-t5k]

Thank you. Almost stayed in the hellhole

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@tfft]

🤷

[@themergen1]

I'm an American living in Thailand for 7 years, but I miss a big steak 🥩.

[@jmcclure2317]

I love coming here this BS

[@tfft]

Cool story

[@marti_in_tx]

Sad you had to experience this. Would it be rude to say it made me laugh? I was reading some reviews and they complained about rats in their villa. Really looked and sounded like a huge systemic failure.

[@tfft]

Certainly was!

[@米米-s6s]

I just stayed at banyan tree Bintan. All the issues listed here are the same as Bintan one…… so dusty and rusty of everything, cockroach’s in room, stains everywhere, bathroom was even smelly! Breakfast was so lousy, almost nothing to eat. Even a fly was enjoying the meal on our table! I can not believe banyan tree is categorised as lux hotel, the normal 4 stars hotel can do better. There is no beach bag for guests to use, no mention give kids some toys by checking in. Banyan tree is in my blacklist now and I will not visit any banyan tree hotels anymore.

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@liamdelahunty5264]

I stayed there 3 weeks ago and had no such issues at all. This was a fantastic hotel. That difference of experience aside, I think you might do well to remember that COVID has had a terrible impact on the tourism industry. In Thailand in particular, their borders were closed for a very long period of time and the industry has been very hard hit. It does not surprise me that perhaps they are in the process of trying to repair some rooms and perhaps this is a process which may take some time. Seems a bit excessive to describe a bar temporarily closed due to low tourist numbers as "the pinnacle of deception". There are also maps available on the website. Overall this seems like you were looking for things to complain about. Maybe if you had tried to enjoy your holiday and been thankful you actually can travel, you wouldn't have spent such a miserable time focused on finding issues.

[@tfft]

I’m glad you had such a great time. In the past year I’ve had fantastic experiences at numerous hotels and resorts in Thailand- around half of them (so far) have reviews on this channel- my stays at The Naka Island, IC Phuket, Vana Belle, Hyatt Regency Samui, SALA Chaweng, Four Seasons Bangkok, Kimpton Maa Lai, etc etc we’re all exceptional. I’m no stranger to the effects COVID has had on the tourism industry in Thailand and neighboring countries- I am (outside of this channel) part of that industry. Any service changes are completely understandable to me. The “pinnacle of deception” was not that the bar was closed, but rather the decrepit state of it contrasted to the “breezy beach bar high above” language to describe it. If your experience was so great, I’m genuinely glad for you and that they’ve improved so much in a short amount of time- but that doesn’t negate what happened during my stay. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@excessboss7261]

I can just agree with your comment Liam. I have stayed here 3 times now and never had any problems except once were we arrived at 2:30pm and the checkin time was at 3pm but we had to wait until 3:50 until we got the room. We were a bit pissed because its just a long time to wait but once we got into the room they had prepared a nice bottle of complementary champain as apologize for the waiting time. Once I saw that kindness especially in Thailand were its super difficult for locals to confess a mistake i totally forgot about that waiting time and had another great stay. I also stayed at the serenity pool villa and everything just worked fine. I can just recommend this hotel.

[@tfft]

If you don’t believe that fake reviews do indeed exist, that’s your prerogative- but they are a fact of daily life in the hospitality and restaurant industry and they are easy to spot- it would be dishonest of me to not acknowledge what I see. My review was a moment in time that did in fact happen- and all of it is documented in the video, as with all of my 80+ videos. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@excessboss7261]

@YouOnlyLiveTwice hahaha no chance. Mate I gave my opinion which is 100% honest, take it or leave it.

[@bladeds100]

@@tffthow are they disputing your review when it’s all on camera?? 😂

[@3dB123]

Stayed here but only one night last week. It was ok nothing special. The buffet wasn’t that all that. Stayed at twin peak and thy felt much better and food was way better.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@73tydy]

I'm sure the purpose of your channel is to help people choose a great hotel and to hopefully have a wonderful holiday experience. In short if you can't update the whole video at least put something at the end of the video to say whatever issues you found may have been addressed.

[@tfft]

I think it's reasonable to expect that I cannot find the time or funds to revisit every single hotel or resort I've ever visited to check in on how they're doing years later. The date this video was published is public and like all of my videos, it was a snapshot of a moment in time. Whether or not things there have changed since my visit, I cannot say since I have not personally been back. (On another note, changing/updating videos after they're published is not possible.)

[@carlarosarioguerreiro1473]

Was there in 2019,for my second honeymoon, and was amazing,better then I was expecting.. I didn't have that problems...we book more vacations for 2020 September, but because of the covit,we can't go.. after this 3 years waiting,the hotel tell us we still have the booking for this December ,very nice.. any other resort they didn't thats. So we are very grateful to go this December 2022. Something you have to understand, because of the pandemic most people were fired from ther jobs,some go back home...so probably there was no time to fix some problems..

[@tfft]

I am happy you enjoyed your honeymoon and happy you’ll go back but I’ll need to disagree with you fully. The facility problems in my first villa were not the result of 1, 2 or 3 years’ neglect. If you are sticking a plastic bug sweeper on a door instead of repairing it, that makes it clear what your priorities as a resort are. Plus, if you have construction staff all over the property- you can’t really say that they didn’t have staff available to fix these things. I am very well aware the effects of Covid. I live in this region, lived through all of the military lock downs and closed my business because of it. Hope you enjoy it again.

[@MONTWEIO]

thanks , reservation canceled .

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@markfoo567]

Not a 5 stars facility. Poorly maintained.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@JayDrones-hx1ec]

Great marketing by banyan tree .. look a bit of a scam

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@HotelSnob]

Plant based. Blah. Nothing about that says luxury vacation

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@AliHassan-cb7lr]

an d CNN traveller ranks this the best resort in thailand

[@aurelipltd3007]

I havent stayed at this resort but i have stayed at Banyan Tree Samui and i must say i have never experienced a better more professional service in any other 5 star resort anywhere in the world. This specific channel doesnt come through as fair. I guarantee you this guy has something personal with the brand. Banyan tree phuket has a 4.7 score for service in tripadvisor. Thousands of people that actually stayed there. Maybe they didnt agree to give him a better price or whatever so he made this video on them. So i suggest you think twice before trusting everything this guy says. I sense malice and intend to harm a business. And he can say whatever he wants about his “fair review”. I would still trust the thousands of people returning to banyan tree and posting their amazing experience instead of a youtuber.

[@tfft]

Yea surely my publishing of over 200 videos, 83% of which have positive scores above an 80/100 is all just so I could make one review to drag this resort through the mud. You said it yourself, you’ve never been here. Get a grip numpty. And please, if you’re going to be a troll, at least have the decency to learn how to do it well.

[@Anonymous-zz7sm]

Still surprised you're responding to a "troll" all these years later (who probably haven't even watched the video), best advice is to ignore those people

[@tfft]

I only delete or prevent truly offensive (for whatever reason) comments. Anything else is fair game… but that means that I need to reply to every comment (it stays in my inbox unbox I reply, no way around that lol). Plus, what’s life without a little counter-trolling? 😅

[@Anonymous-zz7sm]

@@tfft Fair enough, still appreciate the fact you reply to everyone. Keep up the good work!

[@mianewell8199]

I’m not sure if you may be aware what country you were in, economic and social cultural differences. And devastating uncontrollable weather perseverance. Something to consider re your standards and expectations.

[@tfft]

I’m not sure if you’re aware have have many many other videos posted from Thailand and live in the region. If what you’re saying is a valid excuse for a neglected resort- then surely the rest on offer in Thailand wouldn’t be so incredible.

[@saratoews4628]

Booooooooooo thumbs down just try to enjoy your visit to me it looks amazing and be thankful that you even have a roof that on your head🤯😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻

[@tfft]

Feel free to see me enjoying my visit at over 50 other resorts on this channel. No reason to pretend poor experiences didn’t happen. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻