The 13 Best Hotels in Koh Samui To Book Using Points [Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton, IHG]

Koh Samui is one of Thailand’s most postcard-perfect islands. It’s also one of the largest islands in the country, which means that visitors have many different accommodation options. While it’s not quite as touristy as Phuket, it’s still accessible, thanks to the Samui International Airport (USM). The island is also a jumping-off point for travelers who want to visit smaller, airport-free islands like Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Tao.

Lodging takes many forms here, from backpacker hostels to family-friendly home rentals and luxury resorts, but the good news is that most Koh Samui hotels are fairly affordable, whether you’re using points or cash.

These are Koh Samui’s top hotels for your next visit to Thailand.

Where To Stay in Koh Samui

Since Koh Samui is a larger island, you’ll want to be intentional about what area you stay in. The island does have a more touristy feel, but certain parts of Koh Samui are less developed.

Here’s where to stay in Koh Samui:

• Bo Phut: Once a fishing village, this area has golden sand beaches and lots of accommodation choices from budget to luxe. Popular for its famous night market, this is an excellent area for families.
• Mae Nam: Home to smaller hotels and home rentals, this area still retains a village feel and is quieter than some of the other resort areas. It’s also a solid jumping-off point if you’re taking the ferry to other islands like Koh Pha Ngan or Koh Tao from the Mae Nam pier.
• Chaweng: The most popular area in Samui has lots to do and see. It’s home to lots of bars, restaurants, and nightlife, making it ideal for backpackers or college students.
• Lamai: The second-largest resort area on the island, this stretch of sand is calmer than Chaweng but still has plenty to do.
• Choeng Mon: This quieter beach area is close to the airport and ideal for those taking short trips to Koh Samui.
• Southeast, Southwest, and South Koh Samui: These areas are furthest from the main tourist zones and airport, meaning they have a less developed, more local feel. Do note it will take longer to get there from the airport (upward of 45 minutes or an hour), so plan accordingly.

Hot Tip:

A couple of beaches in Koh Samui made our best beaches in Thailand list: Chaweng and Lamai. If finding the right beach is important to you, consult the list before booking travel to ensure you’ll stay on or near your favorite one.

5 Best Marriott Hotels in Koh Samui

Marriott has 5 properties on the island of Koh Samui, and we’re including them all. From the W’s chic private villas to the Sheraton’s beachfront lagoon pool, every single one of the Marriott properties in Koh Samui is worth consideration.

1. W Koh Samui

On a quiet stretch of sand in Mae Nam, W Koh Samui offers 1 thing many of the hotels on this list don’t: privacy. Each of the 74 villas features a private patio and pool, which means you can probably go a few days without seeing another human if you want to. Many villas also have massive soaking tubs and outdoor showers swathed in jungle foliage, while others feel less private but have gorgeous ocean views.

But while holing away may seem tempting, you shouldn’t miss the hotel’s Woo Bar, which has circular sofa seating directly inside an infinity pool that overlooks the ocean, or the Away Spa, which claims to have Asia’s first Thaimazcal herbal sauna. Rates start at $400 or 70,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

2. The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui

The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui is one of the most luxurious hotels on the island, with beachfront villas set upon a 58-acre property. With 175 guestrooms, pick from lowest-category rooms with balconies and soaking tubs to tropical pool villas that have private plunge pools and outdoor dining space.

Even if you have your own private plunge pool, the resort’s weaving swimming pool that overlooks the sea feels perfect for lounging (the spa’s infinity pool with in-water cabanas is just as inviting) The hotel also has a muay Thai boxing gym where you can take lessons, a yoga pavilion with classes, and 7 different restaurants that feature a variety of diverse cuisines (many of them having stunning tropical and ocean views, too, especially, as its name suggests, the View restaurant). Rates start at around $300 or 70,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

3. Vane Bell, a Luxury Collection Resort, Koh Samui

Set on Samui’s popular Chaweng Noi beach, Vane Bell, a Luxury Collection Resort, Koh Samui, features standalone villas and suites with amenities like signature Luxury Collection beds, private plunge pools, and private terraces. Some have tropical views of the surrounding viridescent jungle, while others overlook the ocean.

The hotel also has a beachfront infinity pool, a fitness center with jungle views, and the Vana Spa, which offers Thai-inspired body scrubs and Thai massages. The thatched-roof Panali restaurant serves up spicy southern Thai specialties with seafront views. Vane Belle also has a full activity calendar, from adult activities like sunrise yoga, sushi preparation, and CrossFit to cupcake decorating and Play-Doh making for kids. Rates start at $296 or 71,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

4. Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa

Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa has something for everyone. Its lowest-category rooms have semi-outdoor whirlpool tubs, while other rooms have walls of windows for panoramic ocean views, outdoor space, or private pools. There’s also an infinity beachfront pool with in-water cabanas and a 50-meter lap pool if you want to work out (there’s also a fitness center).

Relax at the Quan Spa or dine at one of 3 restaurants. This hotel also offers private beach dining, cooking demonstrations, and complimentary DIY cocktail sessions every Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Rates start at $133 or 31,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

5. Sheraton Samui Resort

This hotel sits just down the beach from Vane Belle in the Chaweng area. Sheraton Samui has bright and luminous guestrooms that feature Sheraton Signature Beds. Even the lowest-category rooms have sea-facing balconies, while others have large terraces and whirlpool tubs on the balcony.

One of the best hotels in Koh Samui for families, the Sheraton Samui also has family rooms that come with kid beds, tipis, and toys. There’s a beachfront lagoon pool and a garden pool, a fitness center, tennis courts, the Glow Spa, a kids club with indoor and outdoor play areas, and an activity calendar with things to do for everyone in the family. Room rates start at $122 or 16,900 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Hot Tip:

Marriott enthusiasts have a number of choices for picking up a co-branded Marriott Bonvoy credit card. While many of these cards come with a slew of perks and benefits, some also have high annual fees. But the Marriott Bonvoy Bold^® Credit Card offers Automatic Silver Elite status, 5 elite nights annually, and up to 14x total points per dollar spent at Marriott for a $0 annual fee.

2 Best Hyatt Hotels in Koh Samui

Hyatt has a small, curated presence on Koh Samui but has a couple of amazing properties thanks to its partnership with Mr and Mrs Smith. Here’s where Hyatt fans should stay in Koh Samui.

1. Hyatt Regency Koh Samui

Hyatt Regency Koh Samui is an 8-minute drive from Samui International Airport in north Chaweng. Sustainability is a focus at this resort, which has over 600 coconut trees and protected yang na trees on the property. It also has an organic garden from which it sources many herbs for its cuisine. This property offers cooking classes that include visits to the garden to pick fresh ingredients.

The hotel’s contemporary rooms overlook gardens or have ocean views, suites have separate living and sleeping spaces, and villas have private pools. This family-friendly property has activities for kids like basket making and snorkeling (there’s an in-house reef). The adults can enjoy Thai boxing or kayaking. Rates at this Category 4 hotel start at $140 or 12,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

2. Cape Fahn

Cape Fahn is a Mr and Mrs Smith boutique property just off Choeng Mon beach on the tiny private island of Koh Fan Noi. Ideal for travelers who want to really get away from it all, the hotel has a transfer lounge on Koh Samui where you can wait for the hotel’s boat (or truck, depending on tide levels) to do the 3-minute crossing. The hotel features villas with private pools, some with ocean views.

Besides the private pools, Cape Fahn has 3 additional pools — a main pool, a children’s pool, and an adults-only pool — as well as a fitness studio, an air-conditioned reading room, an activities pavilion, and a spa that specializes in Thai massages. Rates start at $300 or 40,500 World of Hyatt points per night.

Hot Tip:

If you’re looking to build a stash of World of Hyatt points, remember that Chase Ultimate Rewards and Bilt Rewards transfer at a 1:1 ratio to World of Hyatt. Or you could apply for The World of Hyatt Credit Card, which offers perks like Discoverist elite status, a free night certificate, and up to 9x points per dollar spent at Hyatt.

Best Hilton Hotel in Koh Samui

Hilton has a tiny presence on Koh Samui, with just 1 main hotel, Conrad Koh Samui. However, if you really love the island and are considering a longer stay (or even living there), Conrad Koh Samui Residences is an option.

1. Conrad Koh Samui

Conrad Koh Samui features sleek hilltop villas that overlook the ocean on the island’s southwestern coast. Each has a 32-foot plunge pool, a soaking tub, and a private patio. Ideal for beach bums, this hotel has a private beach that’s more than 300 feet long.

Adults can experience the beachfront pool, take yoga, or get a crystal healing treatment at the spa. Meanwhile, the little ones can take pizza-making classes or junior muay Thai. The hotel offers complimentary paddleboard, kayak, and snorkeling gear. When it comes to dining, the Conrad has 3 bars and 3 restaurants, including a beach bar directly on the sand. Rates start at $500 or 95,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Hot Tip:

Our top pick from Hilton’s co-branded cards is the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card.* Although it has a high annual fee, benefits like an annual Free Night Award and complimentary Diamond status make it worth it.

*The information regarding the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

3 Best IHG Hotels in Koh Samui

One of the top hotels in Koh Samui, IHG’s Six Senses Koh Samui, isn’t available to redeem with IHG One Rewards points. However, there are still a few hotels under the IHG umbrella that you can book with points — these are the best.

1. Kimpton Kitalay Samui

Kimpton Kitalay Samui is on Choeng Mon Beach and is a 138-room hotel that blends traditional Thai elements with modern comforts. Rooms have amenities like soaking tubs and colorful artwork, and some have private pools.

The main infinity pool is Olympic-size and seems to blend directly into the sea. There are also 2 additional pools, a kids club, daily yoga and fitness classes, and a Thai spa. The hotel has 5 restaurants and bars, but we love the Lanai Bar & Lounge, where you can sip a craft cocktail on vintage chairs with perfect views of the sea. Rates start at $213 or 43,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

2. InterContinental Koh Samui Resort

Set on the island’s southwest side in Taling Ngam Bay, InterContinental Koh Samui is a 79-room beachfront property that spans 22 acres. Rooms have traditional Thai wood and massive doors that open up nearly an entire wall to a large balcony with ocean views for a blend of indoor-outdoor living. They also have seating areas and large soaking tubs. Some suites and villas have private pools and Jacuzzis.

The property itself has 6 pools, the Planet Trekkers kids camp, and resort activities like yoga and Thai boxing. The Baan Thai Spa by Harn has signature Thai treatments like tropical herbal baths and coconut shell pressure point massages. Room rates start at $208 or 42,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

3. Holiday Inn Resort Samui Bophut Beach

Holiday Inn Resort Samui sits on Bophut Beach, one of the island’s newer hotel additions. Standard rooms have ocean or garden views and balconies. The suites, apt for families, feature safari-themed bunk beds for kids and extra space.

This hotel is ideal for families, as kids under 12 eat free. There’s a kiddie pool, splash pad, and sandy play area for children. The main weaving lagoon pool has plenty of sun loungers and a palapa-covered pool bar that overlooks the beach and ocean. Perfect for budget travelers, it has rates that start at $96 or 20,000 IHG One Rewards points.

Hot Tip:

The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is the perfect card for racking up IHG One Rewards points. It offers a free night each year, your fourth night free on award stays, and automatic Platinum Elite status.

2 Best Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts in Koh Samui

The Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts program works differently than other hotel loyalty programs. As with other programs, you can book these hotels using Amex Membership Rewards points, or you can pay in cash. However, you can only book FHR properties if you hold one of these 3 cards: The Platinum Card^® from American Express, The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express, or the Centurion^® Card from American Express. FHR bookings for Koh Samui hotels come with significant benefits and perks, listed below:

• 12 p.m. check-in, when available
• Room upgrade upon arrival, when available
• Complimentary daily breakfast for 2 people
• $100 experience credit, unique to each property
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout

The aforementioned Kimpton Kitalay Samui; Vane Bell, a Luxury Collection Resort, Koh Samui; Conrad Koh Samui; and The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui are all bookable through Amex FHR. These next 2 hotels aren’t part of traditional hotel loyalty programs, so it may be a solid deal to book them with Fine Hotels + Resorts instead.

1. Four Seasons Koh Samui

Head to the western edge of Mae Nam, and you’ll find the Four Seasons Koh Samui, a luxury resort with villas and residences that line an oceanfront hillside. All villas and residences come with private plunge pools, but some open directly up to the sands, and others have ocean views. If your plunge pool isn’t enough, the hotel has a beachfront infinity pool, too.

You’ll never get bored at this hotel — the property has tennis courts, complimentary beach and nonmotorized water sports, a beach house with games, a scenic outdoor reading nook, cooking demonstrations, an outdoor-indoor spa, and a kids program that includes arts and crafts and activities. Rates on AmexTravel.com start at $700 or 104,000 Amex Membership Rewards points per night.

2. Banyan Tree Samui

On a peninsula between Chaweng and Lamai resort areas, Banyan Tree Samui has its own picturesque cove beach flanked by large boulders along the turquoise sea. All of the resort’s villas feature private pools, rainfall showers, and large bathtubs. There’s also a main pool, kids pool, yoga center, library and games room, fitness center, and spa.

Dine at the hotel’s 3 restaurants, or, if you’re on a honeymoon or romantic getaway, consider booking a private dinner directly in the sand. The hotel’s spa features a hydrotherapy wellness experience that uses water, temperature, and other elements to nourish, soothe, and revitalize guests. Rates on AmexTravel.com start at $492 or 70,000 Amex Membership Rewards points per night.

Hot Tip:

Our top credit card suggestion for booking Amex FHR hotels in Koh Samui is the Amex Platinum card. In addition to FHR benefits, the card comes with many other perks, such as a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit and an airline fee credit.

Final Thoughts

Koh Samui is one of Thailand’s most picturesque islands. Because of its easy access and large size, visitors have many options for accommodation, including a number of points hotels. Whether you have Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton, IHG, or even Amex points, you can find a hotel that fits your travel style and budget. From luxury Four Seasons and Ritz-Carltons to affordable Sheratons and Holiday Inns, there’s a Koh Samui hotel ready for you to book with points.