We'll be staying at Lamai Beach this summer. Our hotel offers round trip transport to and from the airport for 1,500 baht (or 800 baht 1-way). I find that rather steep based on my experience there before. Can anyone suggest an alternative? Or, how much would it cost to negotiate a transfer to Lamai Beach from the airport upon arrival one way? Surely there must be a better alternative to the hotel???

800 Baht eah way??? If you get a taxi from the touts inside the airport it would cost 500-600 Baht. Walk outside the airport and immediately on your left is a shop. Buy some water for 10 Baht and wait for a raxi there you will probably pay 400 Baht. A shared minivan would be even cheaper but cramped and stopping several places before you reach Lamai.

I'd really be considering whether I want to stay at a place which wants to rip me off from the moment I get off the plane.

800 Baht eah way??? If you get a taxi from the touts inside the airport it would cost 500-600 Baht. Walk outside the airport and immediately on your left is a shop. Buy some water for 10 Baht and wait for a raxi there you will probably pay 400 Baht. A shared minivan would be even cheaper but cramped and stopping several places before you reach Lamai.

I'd really be considering whether I want to stay at a place which wants to rip me off from the moment I get off the plane.

Totally agree. I mean whats with that? My hotel picked me up for 500bht to Lamai , but i reminded the manager every morning at breakfast about how Dick Turpin had the decency to wear a mask. Or maybe thats just the sweaty sock coming out. Anyway, it must be one of those boutique jobs near a good pal.