This is generally a very nice hotel...
This is generally a very nice hotel in a superb location. It has good facilities and well kept, colourful gardens surrounding the different hotel areas.
Easy access to a beautiful large beach, with views to other islands.
Dissapointed that the sea wasn't clear water. Not dirty, but the sand is fine and contains silt with makes the water cloudy. They need more sun beds (get up early to grab one!) And more shady area, as the only shade is under the trees - so although the beach is large people crowd under the trees.
We had a great boat trip day out with Dynamite cruises. Sailed to other islands, which do have clear water. We fed Sea Eagles, and wild monkeys on the beach of one island.
The room is good, but needs some maintenance, and a good clean! The bathroom is rather grubby in the corners.
Service: Some of the towels we got really smelt awful!
A few of the staff (2 or 3) were lovely, but I'm afraid to say that we found most of them unfriendly, unsmiling, particularly those working at the restaurant. Although my fiancee and I were well groomed, well dressed, friendly and polite to the staff, their reaction to us was generally rather snooty! They never smiled or greeted us.
A nice touch: I had to write my date of birth on the card I filled-in on arrival. As it happened I had my birthday while staying there. They put a note under my door the day before saying happy birthday and saying I could collect a free birthday cake from the restaurant. What spoiled this (again) was the staff! When I asked for my cake (which was very good!) the waitress just flatly asked for my room number to check I was telling the truth although I had the letter with me. She didn't crack her face at all, not the slightest smile, she could have said 'happy birthday' but didn't even say hello. When we finished our meal a waiter asked us again about the cake, and his reaction was the same! Not a smile, no comment about birthday etc., just brought over the cake and walked off.
Maybe coming from Thailand we were used to hotel staff being friendsly, helpful and smiling. Don't expect this at Holiday / Federal Villa!
Overall: A nice hotel, great location, spoilt by unfriendly staff, smelly towels and poor room maintenance.
