Don't get me wrong - we had a really nice time at the Anda Dhevi overall. However, we are regulars to Thailand, having stayed at many 4 and 5 star properties, and the Anda Dhevi fell a bit short for us on a few things.
The location of the hotel itself is excellent, and as other reviewers have said is a short walk from all that Ao Nang has to offer but being in a quieter location with shops, restaurants, and massage outlets close by if you don't want to venture far. Although the hotel's situation was a positive overall, the hotel didn't feel like a resort hotel - more a City hotel which we didn't really expect.
We got allocated a room on the 5th floor (the top) at the back of the hotel. The room itself was of a good size, with housekeeping overall being on the right side of acceptable. There is wire mesh fencing along the hotel border which scales the full height of the building, and whereas we appreciated the security we thought that this could be made to be a bit brighter over time. We felt as though we were living in a bit of a compound as a result and didn't spend much time on the balcony. Also, because of the location and as others have mentioned, the sunbathing area is totally unsuitable if you love the sun, and the best 6 beds (the only ones which get the sun all day) are taken early. The pool itself was very nice though, and beware, this hotel is very child friendly.
Many have complimented the hotel on it's breakfast but for us again, this was a bit of a disappointment. The quality of the hot food wasn't great and was very dried up in may cases, a symptom of being stood for long periods of time and not being refreshed. There is lots of choice though and you won't go hungry on a morning, no matter what your taste.
Our biggest annoyance were the enforced rules around the pool. We are not big eaters during the day and have always enjoyed a couple of Chang beers and a bag of crisps bought from the local 7-11 around lunchtime. We have done this at many hotels around Thailand but not at the Centara. We were told no consumption of food or drink bought from outside (clearly an attempt to sell more at their pool bar for three times the price). I can understand this rule for people bringing in pizza and burgers, but a bag of crisps?? This was a big disappointment to us, and we took our contraband to our room instead. It's just a shame that the other "pool rules" aren't enforced (such as reservation of sunbeds/leaving them unattended for long periods of time).
I'm trying not to come across as a moaner and to give an honest review (check out my other reviews of hotels of a similar standard in Thailand and you'll realise that I'm definitely not, and am usually easily pleased). On a positive front, the staff without exception were extremely friendly. The beds in the rooms were very comfortable. And once again, the location is fantastic. Would we stay here again - probably not on balance although we would return to Ao Nang.