Fine hotel and staff - low value for money

Rating the hotel in a vacuum - apart from cost/value considerations - its a very nice boutique on a cliff-side with a bar stocked with interesting Belgian beers and very well-designed rooms. I had been to Koh Lanta several times previously, usually staying in more rustic bungalows (always a solid step above backpacker accommodation) and this was unquestionably the nicest place I've stayed. Its a bit far South, which extends travel times to other parts of the island, but also makes it a bit more remote (in a pleasant way). The beach nearest to the hotel is not particularly nice as Thai beaches go, but the next cove to the south is one of the most beautiful beaches I've seen on the island - worth the extra walk or the short hop on a moto. In a vacuum, I would give the Houben a solid 4 out of 5.
My primary issue with the Houben is that its prices are steep, and if the Agoda listing is correct, outright ludicrous in-season. We were fortunate and got a very good off-season deal. It was still a bit more than I would usually pay, but all things considered I was happy to get the chance for semi-luxury accommodation at a fair price.
I think the main issue is that the Houben is charging as though it were a luxury resort and it is not. We avoided the worst of that by booking with the off-season discount; however, all of the small things - moto rental, food costs, etc. were steep in light of the quality and prevailing prices at shops a few minutes walk away. I don't mind paying if something is qualitatively better, but a surcharge on readily available items, especially during low season, struck me as a little cheap.
So again - very nice place, pleasant staff and certainly worth it at the off-season rate. Just consider booking airport transfer, moto rental, and purchasing food at some of the other more reasonable places nearby. If you are a "luxury traveler" (which I am clearly not) this may be of less concern, but do not expect super high-end when booking.