Best places to stay in Phuket
Whether you’re travelling for luxury, romance or a family holiday, the beautiful ‘Pearl of the Andaman’, Phuket island is an ideal short-stay destination. From beach activities to nightlife, events and city centre attractions, there is much to see and do in Phuket. The island city has plenty of sandy beaches and each beachside location is like a charming neighbourhood with its own unique offerings. The city has a wide range of accommodation options, so you can experience the ultimate seaside luxury in the most exotic resorts or find a number of neat budget hotels around the various beaches.
Patong
Phuket’s most developed tourist area, Patong, has a 3-kilometre long coastline and plenty of beachfront resorts offering excellent family-friendly amenities. You will also find Phuket’s liveliest clubs and bars in this area. For the ultimate luxury resort experience, stay at one of the exclusively designed villas at the Jirana Patong hotel. Another option is the Phuket Graceland Resort and Spa, a polished resort featuring stylish, spacious rooms with a host of luxury amenities. You also have the award-winning Avista Hideaway Phuket Patong – Mcgallery by Sofitel hotel to indulge in 5-star luxury and hospitality.
Kata Beach
A blend of laidback and action-packed, the broad, curvy, tropical palms-lined Kata Beach is divided into 2 bays, the smaller and tranquil Kata Noi and the buzzing and active Kata Yai. For the ultimate royal experience, look at Mom Tri’s Villa Royale, a boutique hotel which was originally a summer house of the renowned artist and architect Mom Tri. The distinctive suites feature Thai antiques blended with modern, luxurious comforts. Or stay at the Kata Seaview Villa hotel which offers hill-top accommodation surrounded by beautiful gardens overlooking the turquoise waters of Kata Beach.
Phuket Town
Phuket Town is where you will experience the true local Thai culture. The narrow streets are lined with beautiful Sino-Portuguese buildings, small markets, shops and restaurants. Most of the hotels in the area are mid-sized and cheap, but full of character, especially those near the historic Old Town. A 5-minute walk from the Phuket Trickeye Museum, you have the elegant Chinese inspired boutique accommodation at Sino House Hotel Phuket Town. Or consider the quirky sweets-themed hotel, The Tint at Phuket Town, just a 4-minute walk from the Talang Road shopping area. On Phang Nga Road in the heart of Phuket Town, you have the Blu Monkey Hub and Hotel, located in a trendy building surrounded by shops, cafés and bars.
Bang Tao Beach
This area offers long stretches of soft, white sand beach, some of the best international cuisine, fine dining restaurants and a host of antique and artefact shops. Stay at the beautiful tropical-themed property of Banyan Tree Phuket which encircles the sparkling waters of a saltwater lagoon, or look at the Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort. You may also want to consider the ultrachic adults-only hill-top property of The Pavilions Phuket.
Kamala Beach
If you wish to experience a relaxed seaside community and a peaceful village-like atmosphere, the Kamala Beach area on Phuket’s west coast is where you should find your accommodation. Experience a contemporary Asian style and warm hospitality at The Mareeya Place boutique hotel or stay at the spectacularly designed property of Kamala Tropical Garden Resort.
Rawai Beach
A beautiful, shady beach with plenty of local restaurants that offer freshly barbequed seafood, this is a popular area that attracts a lot of tourists. Book one of the signature villas with a private pool at the Baannaraya Pool Villas hotel. Or consider the Le Piman Resort featuring exclusive pool-facing villas located just 2-minutes from Rawai Beach. You also have the boutique hotel Phu NaNa which offers self-contained villas with gardens and private balconies, right on the beach.
Mai Khao Beach
A serene stretch of white sands, this is Phuket’s northernmost and most peaceful beach. Some of the most luxurious and exclusive Phuket hotels are located in this area. Consider the Marriott’s Phuket Beach Club resort, which features spectacular pools, manicured gardens, and fresh lily-laden ponds. Or enjoy a stay at the Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa which boasts of luxury villas with private plunge pools, and the ultimate relaxation at its 5-star spa facility, Quan Spa.
Cheap hotels in Phuket
There are plenty of cheap hotels in Phuket. While most of these properties will be a little further away from the beaches, you may be surprised to find that there are several beachfront properties run by international hotel chains that offer accommodation for as low as $100 AUD – $125 AUD. Look at the Novotel Phuket Kamala Beach resort, the Best Western Premier Bangtao Beach Resort & Spa, the Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Mai Khao Beach and the Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach. If you don’t mind a little walk to the beach, then stay at The Little Moon Residence, set in a colourful building near Patong Beach, or the Sinthavee Hotel Phuket in the heart of Phuket Town. You also have the Must Sea Hotel Kata Boutique just a 5-minute walk from Kata Beach.
