I remember traveling for your first time on the boat to Koh Phi Phi island from Phuket thinking how great it would be to share this exposure to students.
Short stay serviced apartments are cheaper and typically much more spacious. https://medium.com/@emeraldofkatongcondo/indulge-in-unparalleled-comfort-emerald-of-katong-condo-revealed-040b959f7c12