Jamie's Phuket Blog (photo: Cape Panwa, Phuket)

The Real Phuket Blog - Jamie has been living in Phuket for 9 years
Things to do, beaches, hotels, eating, temples, diving, festivals and more ...


Jamie's Phuket - 26 August 2006

Phuket Hotel Recommendations

I've been living here in Phuket for nearly 10 years, so I do have some decent suggestions when people ask me for hotel recommendations. There are so many hotels to choose from in Phuket and literally hundreds of hotel booking web sites. I recommend Agoda.com. The rates are competitive, the choice is wide and the web site is well designed and very easy to use. For last minute bookings (up to 4 weeks in advance), especially useful for busy periods - LateStays.com is certainly the best place to look.

Check these links for Phuket Hotel Bookings and Reviews:

Phuket Hotels by Agoda.com
LateStays.com - Great for Late and Last Minute Bookings
Trip Advisor - Phuket Hotel Reviews

On this blog, you will find a few hotels on the main beaches, but also plenty which are away from the crowds in quieter areas of Phuket, which is much more "my" style (and what this blog is mostly all about). If you want online hotel reviews written by real people you can have a look at TripAdvisor or try the Lonely Planet Forum where you'll find all kinds of Thailand related discussion.

Jamie's Recommended Phuket Hotels

Here's my list (slowly being lengthened) of recommended hotels in Phuket. Click for more information, photos and booking links. For each hotel or resort you'll find several web links for rates, reviews and reservations.

Kata and Karon Beaches

Sawasdee Village (Kata Beach)
CC Blooms (Karon Beach)
Boomerang Village Cottages
Kata Palm Resort
Old Phuket Hotel (Karon Beach)
Pineapple Guesthouse (Karon Beach)
Phuket Island View (Karon Beach)
Katathani Resort (Kata Noi)
Le Meridien Beach Resort
Karon Princess (Karon Beach)

Patong Beach

Amari Coral Beach Resort
Yorkshire Inn
Phuket Merlin Beach Resort
Baan Yin Dee Boutique Resort (Patong)
Graceland Resort
Burasari Resort
Tri Trang Beach Resort

North Phuket

The Chedi (Pansea Beach)
Sala Phuket (Mai Khao Beach)
Dusit Laguna & the other Laguna Resorts (Bang Tao Beach)
Indigo Pearl Resort (Nai Yang Beach)
Phuket Airport Hotel
The Sarojin (Khao Lak)
Nai Yang Beach Resort
Naithonburi Resort (Naithon Beach)

South Phuket

Baan Krating Jungle Beach (Ao Sane Beach)
Cape Panwa Hotel
Novotel Beach Resort Panwa
Evason Resort and Spa (Rawai Beach)
Metropole (Phuket Town)
All Seasons Resort (Naiharn Beach)

NEW! Check out the Top 10 Hotels in Phuket list!

More to come as time goes by... I believe that as a local Phuket resident with plenty of local knowledge, that I can recommend good hotels, resorts and guesthouses. It's not just the hotel facilities, but the location that can make a place special for me. A slightly worn out place can be great if you wake up with a fantastic sea view and get great service, while a new 4 star resort can be disappointing if you have a view of a brick wall and noise from bars.

For lower budget hostels and guesthouses see my review of Low Budget Places to Stay in Phuket. Phuket has plenty of low budget accommodation, contrary to pupular belief. In low season, even mid price hotels could be considered low budget as the prices are slashed!

I started a little "Phuket Hotels" Blog which will be 100% devoted to hotels - no temples, festivals, restaurants or any other stuff! Hotels listed so far include the Holiday Inn, Mom Tri's Boathouse and Twin Palms - see links below.

Jamie's Phuket Hotels Blog
Holiday Inn Patong
The Racha Resort
Mom Tri's Boathouse
Layan Beach Resort
Phuket Airport Hotel
Secret Cliff Resort
Karon Place Hotel
Burasari Resort Patong
By The Sea Residence
TwinPalms Resort
JW Marriott Phuket
Amora Resort Bang Tao
Kata Beach Hotels
Karon Beach Hotels
Patong Beach Hotels
Kamala Beach Hotels


Holiday or Long Term Rentals

Another idea if you are staying for a while would be to rent an appartment or villa. This can be a great deal and perfect if you want to be more independent. Try these links...

Holiday House & Villa Rentals in Phuket
Long Term House & Villa Rentals in Phuket
Holiday Condo Rentals in Phuket
Long Term Condo Rentals in Phuket


Hotel Booking all over Thailand

Bangkok Hotels
Phi Phi Island Hotels
Krabi & Ao Nang Hotels
Chiang Mai Hotels
Khao Lak & Phang Nga Hotels
The Story of HotelTravel.com


You no sapeak English? .... If your first language is not English, then Agoda has the answer - you can book you hotels in Thailand and Worldwide in German, French, Japanese .... check out the Agoda sites below!







And of course English - use this link for Agoda.com Thailand Hotel Bookings:



Jamie's Phuket - The Real Phuket!

Phuket Hotel Recommendations

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 Comments on "Phuket Hotel Recommendations"

Anonymous new didst say...

Hi, we're a couple coming to Phuket for the first time in May...we wanted a nice hotel with our own private jacuzzi...which is why we narrowed down to Diamond cliff resort, and burasari...did we make the right choice? (we havent booked yet! so if not, we can change...we'd like something romantic, but close to the beach, were in our mid twenties!) Thanks for the great page.......

March 13, 2007  
Blogger Jamie Monk didst say...

Both of those are in Patong. Avoid.

Try the Old Phuket Hotel, Karon which has private jacuzzi rooms, on a quiet street, 2 minute walk to the beach.

Old Phuket Hotel

March 13, 2007  
Blogger Dennis didst say...

Hi, 4 of us are coming in May too. Is there a hotel where we can get a room with 4 beds?
Or at least 2 twin bedrooms that are linked by a door in the middle?

Thinking of The Royal Paradise Hotel.

Thanks is advance:-)

April 21, 2007  
Blogger love2travel didst say...

Hi,
I have heard about the rain and bad weather in November in Phuket...is it that bad.
We want to spend a week in the south of thailand and dive for a few days...
Should we go in Phuket or Koh Samui ??
tks for your help.

April 24, 2007  
Blogger Jamie Monk didst say...

November weather is on average way better in Phuket than Samui.

For hotels with connecting rooms, you'll have to ask the hotels. Royal Paradise is in the center of Patong, not my top choice of a place to stay.

April 24, 2007  
Blogger louie didst say...

Hi Jamie

Can you please let me know if Horizon Karon Beach resort is in a good spot ie near the beach (close enough for 2 small kids to walk to) and near local restaurants? How does it compare to Karon Beach resort?

July 11, 2007  
Blogger Jamie Monk didst say...

Horizon Beach resort is decent, but not right on the beach. Only about 2-3 minutes walk though, and you get to the south end of Karon beach. The Karon Beach resort is right on the beach but more expensive, and I think that part of Karon beach is best for swimming. Plenty of local restaurants around within 10 minutes walk. The nearest are in Kata Center just up the hill. The "On The Rock" restaurant has a very nice view over the beach - it's actually part of the Marina resort which you might also consider as an option.

July 11, 2007  
Anonymous Judes didst say...

Hi Jamie

Your blogs are great to read - thanks! Coming to Cape Panwa hotel 25 Sept 07 and would like to know a bit about local restaurants outside the hotel. Any good tips please?

July 25, 2007  
Blogger critcho didst say...

Hi Jamie

It seems you recommend avoiding Patong for accommodation. Friends are staying in Patong in December and I will be going for 4 days but will be booking separate accommodation. I would prefer something at the back of Patong (at the base of the hills). Know anything about Green Mountain Resort or Club Bamboo? Or any other suggestions? Thanks
Paul

August 22, 2007  
Blogger Jamie Monk didst say...

I know Club Bamboo and would say that's a good option, or the Sun Hill hotel that is next to it. It's quiet up there, and 2 minutes along Nanai road you have a little Italian restaurant called "Thai Italy" - best pizza in Phuket (in my opinion).

August 23, 2007  
Blogger Linara didst say...

Love your blogger site. It's been great to log on here as I prepare to visit Phuket. I leave tomorrow (8/25/07) and am SO excited. Staying at the Le Meridien for the first leg of the trip. I see it made your list of hotel recommendations.

Thanks again!
Linara

August 25, 2007  
Blogger kadclow didst say...

Hi, I'm Farah from Malaysia.

I'm going to Phuket next year in June, with a group of 8. We are Muslims, so I'm wondering which hotel/apartment/villa would you recommend for us.

Somewhere within the walking distance of the beach/town and halal restaurant (of course!). 2-3 stars.

so, what is your recommendation?

thanks!

Farah.

September 26, 2007  
Blogger Jamie Monk didst say...

Patong has quite a number of Halal restuarants - this link might be useful: http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/696ce/160bcd/2/

So, in Patong I can recommend the Graceland Resort - on the beach road.

Phuket has a large Muslim population - some of the restaurants I like, such as the Beach Bar in Cape Panwa are Muslim run, though I can't say if the food is Halal.

Enjoy your stay!

September 27, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous didst say...

Hi Jamie,
I have a question regarding Sawasdee Village Inn near Kata Beach. I know there is renovation going on at this hotel. Can you tell me how noisy and extensive it is? Are there construction trucks everywhere with lots of banging
and pounding? We like the look of this place. Do you recommend it?

Thank you so much!

October 13, 2007  
Blogger Jamie Monk didst say...

Lots of people seem to like Sawasdee Village - a little off the beach but good value. There IS construction going on behind the hotel, I can't say how noisy it is without staying a night there!

October 14, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous didst say...

Hi

Love the blog. Some really helpful stuff

Anyway, we're off to Phuket (and Khao Lak) in October next year.

Wonder if you could give us a bit of info on our hotels

They are:

Evason Phuket & Six Senses Spa
and
Le Meridien Khao Lak

(I realise Khao Lak is not Phuket but any help would be great)

Much appreciated.

Dave
(Yorkshireman in Ireland)

November 02, 2007  
Anonymous Jamie's Phuket didst say...

Well, the Evason is one of the hotels I recommend on this blog:

Evason Phuket

I like the area around Rawai, lots to see, great scenery, uncrowded. You can find info on Rawai beach, Phromthep Cape and more on this blog.

Khao Lak - I don't profess to know much about Khao Lak, but I am sure Le Meridien is good!

Jamie

November 02, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous didst say...

hi a friend and i are looking to stay in phuket around October and we would like to be right on the beach (almost step out from out accomodation and onto the sand) but are on a bit of a budget. We would also like somewhere close to shops as we are 21 and LOVE to shop and experience the night life!! Also looking at going on elephant safari and to phi phi island. Can you suggest some accomodation please? =)

February 18, 2008  
Anonymous Anonymous didst say...

We are planning to stay at Le Meridien in October. Are there any local restaurants within walking distance of the hotel?

May 06, 2008  
Anonymous Jamie Monk didst say...

Le Meridien is not close to any restaurants except its own! The resort is several km from Patong and several more from Karon beach. You'll need a tuk tuk or taxi to get anywhere.

May 06, 2008  
Anonymous Judson didst say...

Im heading to phuket for my honeymoon in June and badly need some advice from you. I've actually emailed you at your email address...would be great if you could help..Thank you very much. Judson...

PS- This blog is amazing..:)

May 13, 2008  
Blogger nf didst say...

hello jamie,

me, my husband & our friends are planning to visit phuket during the first or second week of june for 2/3 days..do u think it's a good time to visit phuket?

is it too rainy during the low season? would we be able to go for island hoppings?

also which area would you recommend for us to stay ..having hotels ranging between 1500 TBH? maybe u can advise on some nice hotels of ur choice :)

thanks so much!

May 18, 2008  
Blogger Jamie Monk didst say...

June is fine - you'll get some rain, plenty of sun. yes, it's the low season, but that's really not a big deal - the hotel prices are WAY lower, which is great!

Plenty of hotel recommendations on this page!

May 20, 2008  
Anonymous YL didst say...

Hi Jamie,

Great blog! Was just wondering if you knew anything about the Andaman Cannacia? Am thinking of booking that hotel for a honeymoon suite. Is the beach very isolated? We do want our privacy, but not in such a dead-end area that we can't go anywhere else! We'd like to rent a motorbike to get around, if possible.

Would greatly appreciate any comments or advice!

Many thanks in advance.

YL

June 09, 2008  
Blogger Jamie Monk didst say...

YL,

Andaman Cannacia is very nice, but be aware that it's not on the beach, it's up a hill above Kata beach, about half a kilometer away and I tell you it is a steep hill! Kata beach is not isolated, not too busy, but it's one of Phuket's main beaches - lots of hotels, lots of places to eat.

Cheers
Jamie

June 10, 2008  
Anonymous YL didst say...

Hey Jamie,

Thanks a lot for your quick reply! That was very helpful. Is it possible to rent a bike though to go up the steep hill?


Thanks again,
YL

June 10, 2008  
Anonymous Jamie's Phuket didst say...

You can rent motorbikes all over the place. You'll need 1st gear for that hill!

June 10, 2008  
Anonymous Anonymous didst say...

Hi

My wife and i will be visiting phuket for the very first time , so we are not so sure where to begin.

I have read that patong is lively but pretty hectic and noisy .

We are looking for something quieter but not too quite and not too far from patong so as to enable us to visit .

Could you suggest someplace...was thinking of kata beach . Some friends suggested kathatani but i think that way down south ....

June 12, 2008  
Blogger louie didst say...

Hi

We are thinking of coming to Phuket next May. I noticed you do not mention Moevenpick in Karon as one of your recommended hotels. Do you know anything about this resort?

June 14, 2008  
Blogger Jamie Monk didst say...

Well, louie, my list of recommendations is short - don't want to fill the whole blog with hotels! Moevenpick is a very nice place, it's new, not cheap, sure I'd recommend it as a high end resort.

June 14, 2008  
Blogger Tracey didst say...

Hi
Im SO glad i found this site - thanks!
we are a family of 5 (2 adults, 14, 10 and 8 year old) and we are thinking of travelling in January. what accommodation can you recommend that is kid friendly? we are leaning towards Graceland but it seems orientated towards the busines traveller?? also i am beginning to wonder if we should go... hearing a few too many stories about the bogan, loud mouthed aussie, YUK! is it possible to avoid them? are the 'quieter' areas of phuket too quiet for kids and full of honeymooners??
Thanks a million :)

July 21, 2008  
Blogger Jamie Monk didst say...

Well, Graceland is pretty good considering it's in Patong.. but at the quiet end of the beach. The quiet beaches like Bang Tao or Naithon really are quiet, but the Laguna resorts like Dusit Laguna or Laguna Beach Resort have a lot to do for kids and personally I'd much rather stay there than Patong.

Dusit Laguna Resort

July 22, 2008  
Anonymous Ideal didst say...

Hi Jamie, my wife and I are planning for a honeymoon in Phuket this December and we are looking for a nice hotel or resort. I came across Layalina Hotel at Kamala Beach on the web and would like to hear your opinions on it. And what would you recommend? Also is Kamala beach very quiet and it easy to find halal eating places at kamala beach or do I have to travel to Patong to eat? Great site by the way!

August 11, 2008  
Anonymous Ashish Malhotra didst say...

Hi Jamie,

Extremely informative site! We will be visiting Phuket in January, with kids(teenagers), and we plan to do rafting, elephant trekking, phiphi cruise and Fantasea.
Which place is centrally located to all these attractions? Which area / hotel would be most convenient to these attractions & the airport? We need a place away from the hustle and negative nightlife.
Your suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Ashish

August 20, 2008  
Blogger Jamie Monk didst say...

Well Ashish,

If you're doing tours etc.. they will pick you up from anywhere. Avoid Patong unless you like full on tourism. Try Karon Beach or Kata Beach which are quieter but still central to all attractions.

August 20, 2008  
Anonymous Anonymous didst say...

Hi Jamie, Great site you have here

We are heading to Phuket in Feb 2009 and were planning on staying at the Sala Thai for 4 nights then heading to Kata Beach for 4 nights (not sure where yet).
Unfortunately Sala Thai has no rooms left, can you recommend a similar place of equal quality and similar price? We dont want to spend too much in Patong so we can spend more in Kata.
Any recommendations on either would be great! Have checked out most of your links!
Sims

September 22, 2008  
Anonymous Pino @ Msia didst say...

Hi Jamie, this is Pino from Malaysia, my friends and I intend to go phuket patong beach for holiday.
What would you suggest us for the below questions? Total pax is 7persons (girls trip)

1) what hotel and apartment would you suggest us to stay in? preferable with only one room because all of us are female. and how much is per night?
2) Check in date is 26th feb 2009- 1st march 2009.
3) We will stay for 3nights
4) Normally the hotel provide the airport transfer?

thanks alot and waiting for ur reply.

October 02, 2008  
Anonymous Jamie's Phuket didst say...

Hi Pino,

Sorry, but Jamie's Phuket is not a hotel booking service or booking agent! I would suggest you contact Agoda - Agoda.com... or have a look at some of the hotels recommended here.

October 02, 2008  
Anonymous niels didst say...

Hi Jamie,
first of all, this is a great blog and a lot of help.
A friend and I are planning on visiting Phuket on rather short notice in early December. We're travelling on a smaller budget and would very much like to get a place as near to the beach as possible, maybe on Kata or Karon Beach. Would you have something in mind? Also, would you recommend to make reservations? I was told that it wouldn't be necessary.
Lots of thanks already!
niels

October 15, 2008  
Anonymous Jamie's Phuket didst say...

Hi Niels,

When you say "smaller budget" are you looking for a guesthouse or something like that? Plenty of choice in the Karon / Kata beach area:

Low Budget Accommodation in Phuket

Puhket for Backpackers

These kind of places normally don't need advance booking.

Have a great trip!

October 16, 2008  
Anonymous lis didst say...

hey jamie my friends and i will be going to phuket in december, is resort palm beach front a good hotel?

October 17, 2008  
Anonymous Jamie's Phuket didst say...

If you mean Royal Palm Beach Front - great if you want to be right in the middle of Patong Beach. Not my cup of tea, but if you want to be close to the action, go for it!

October 17, 2008  
Blogger Mrs. McGoo didst say...

Hi Jamie,

First of all- I stumble across your blog while doing a google search on Phuket and I'm glad I did. There is so much useful information on here. LOVE it!

I'm going to Phuket next Late Nov/Dec and was wondering would we get a bigger hotel rate if we book our hotel online or upon arrival?

Thanks,
HD

October 21, 2008  
Blogger Jamie Monk in Phuket didst say...

If you want a nice hotel, book online for sure. If you just want a guesthouse or lower budget place, no need to book ahead. You can find plenty of Phuket hotel booking links on this page.

October 21, 2008  
Anonymous Kelly didst say...

Hi Jamie,

Thanks for putting together such a great resource for people. I was hoping you might have some advice as you have children. We are travelling to Phuket in January and will have a 4 month old baby at that time. We are thinking it might be smarter to get an apartment or villa with the baby but not sure what location might be best for ease of getting around (we love to walk and explore), nice beach, not too far from main areas and all the usual. I guess if you have any recommendations of somewhere good to stay with a child of that age. I would say our budget is middle ground (say 6000THB a night ish) My other question is we both love to snorkel and dive, do you think we can take a baby out on a longtail boat, or a dive boat, even if only 1 dives at a time - or am I just being silly :-)

Thanks! Kel.

October 22, 2008  
Anonymous Ron didst say...

Jamie,
The hotels you post as recmmended hotels are ridiculously priced when you are o an Asian salary like myself. Further, non of thema re guest friendly. How about a few more down to earth recommendations.

October 22, 2008  
Anonymous Jamie's Phuket didst say...

Kelly - if you want a villa, I suggest looking at the Kata beach area, close to plenty of things to do, restaurants etc, but not too crazy (like Patong). I think for 6000 Baht a night you can get something very nice.

Start by asking a company like Siam Real Estate:

Phuket Villa Rentals


Ron - the average tourist is not on an Asian salary, although there are many expat tourists in Phuket who have high salaries.

Some of the hotels in this section have rates under 1000 Baht per night in low season, many around 1500 - 2000 Baht. You can even find the Pineapple Guesthouse which has dorm beds for under 200 Baht a night.

As for "guest friendly" - sorry, this topic will not be raised on this "family" blog. But if you want to find information for s*x tourism, there is a very good forum at:

www.phuket-info.com - forum post on guest friendly hotels

:)

October 22, 2008  
Anonymous Kelly didst say...

Thanks Jamie, I will get in touch with them. Kel

October 24, 2008  
Anonymous Felecia didst say...

Hi Jamie

My husband and I are looking to book a 2 week holiday in Phuket mid to end January 2009. We will have an 18 month old child with us and we are looking for a hotel that is close to the beach, but walking distance to other hotels, restaurants, shops etc.

Our travel agent can get us a great deal at Evason, but we aren't sure about it as we think it is far away from everything and will be expensive to eat at once there.

Can you recommend anywhere - hotel or location?

Thanks
Felecia

November 02, 2008  
Anonymous Jamie's Phuket didst say...

Actually if you like peace and quiet Evason is a good bet - and it's not that isolated - Rawai beach is only a couple of minutes away (I guess the resort has a shuttle?) and there are lots of eating options there from simple "sit on the floor" places up to more expensive restaurants like Norbus or Mando Steakhouse. Rawai area has got a lot more developed in recent years.

November 02, 2008  
Blogger Kona didst say...

Hey Jamie!

Fantastic blog site! I will be staying at the Andaman White Beach resort on Nai Thon beach.

Just wondering if you have any advise on getting out and about from there as it is quite isolated? Do the Songthaews go there?

Thanks

November 10, 2008  
Anonymous Jamie's Phuket didst say...

I am sure you will find taxis outside the hotel, or you can rent a bike or car to get around. Yes, it's a quiet location, Great!

November 10, 2008  
Anonymous Anonymous didst say...

Hi Jamie,

Great and useful site you have got. Just wondering if Sugar Palm resort in Kata is a good choice of hotel? We are going Phuket in mid December and really hoping the weather is good. Thanks in advance!

Cheers,
Ida

December 09, 2008  
Anonymous Jessie didst say...

I'm going top visit Phuket next year March, would like to seek your advise on any recommended average price hotel in both patong and karon beach.

December 09, 2008  
Anonymous Jamie Monk didst say...

Hi!

Well, there's no such thing as average! Best to look at some of the hotel booking websites, get an idea of what the prices are, figure out what you can afford and look at Phuket Hotel Reviews on Trip Advisor to get an idea of what people like.

Oh, and Karon is much nicer than Patong :)

December 09, 2008  
Blogger Jeanne didst say...

Hi Jamie,

I've been following your blog for a while and I love all your advice and input on travel to Phuket. We're planning a trip to Phuket in Feb or March and we have 2 kids (4 and 1) and would really appreciate some advice on where to stay. My husband is part Thai and grew up in Thailand (we live in the US now) so we would prefer a more "authentic" experience but this will be our first Thailand trip with children. We usually head to Koh Lanta and stay someplace fairly low budget on the beach but we decided to go to Phuket to try something different and easier because we have young kids. Can you recommend a good place to stay with kids that has a great beach, is safe, not too upscale, and has good local food within walking distance? Thanks in advance for your help!

December 20, 2008  
Anonymous Adelyn didst say...

Hi Jamie,

This is my first time to your blog, i haven't have the time to go through it yet but i hear many good review bout this blog...really can't wait.

I will be going to Phuket from 11 till 15 July'09 and thought of staying at The Tiger Inn hotel (maybe i got the name wrong but there's a tiger in between those lines!!!)

Any comments? The price is reasonable bout usd30/day and there's 2 of us.Its at patong.
Please advice!!

January 06, 2009  
Anonymous Jamie's Phuket didst say...

Hi Adelyn,

Tiger is on the main road in the middle of Patong, not my first choice of location. Cheap, yes, but not a quiet place. I looked at their website and first thing I saw was a photo of their sign, and just above it another sign saying Karaoke. In any case, I am not a big fan of Patong and personally would not choose to stay on the main road.

If you are coming in July you can get some very good low season bargains at much nicer places. Try Kata or Karon Beaches and check the rates on Agoda.com for places like Thavorn Palm beach Resort or Karon Princess or others near the beach.

January 06, 2009  
Anonymous Anonymous didst say...

Dear Jamie,
I hope it is ok to ask another question. My husband and I are planning to rent a little villa on Karon beach. It is very close to the water, but it feels awkward after what happened 4 years ago. Did they improve safety regulations after tsunami accident? Do you think that we should be worriless sleeping so close to the water?
Thank you.

Ma

January 24, 2009  
Anonymous Jamie's Phuket didst say...

I would not be worried at all. Enjoy the beach!

January 24, 2009  
Blogger Manish Bhatt didst say...

Hi Jamie.

Any thoughts on Layalina and Kamala Beach in general?

We are honeymoon couple looking for a resort right on the beach with outdoor jacuzzi in the sea-facing balcony.Budget 6000 THB.1st March onwards for 4 nights

Any help will be highly appreciated

February 11, 2009  
Anonymous Mae didst say...

Hi Jamie,

Do you have any recommendations for a hotel with a private jacuzzi that has a view of the beach? Thanks for your help!!

February 12, 2009  
Blogger Jamie Monk in Phuket didst say...

Jacuzzi seaview...

Cape Panwa Hotel - at Agoda.com

Cape Panwa Hotel - on this blog!

Cape Panwa Hotel - TripAdvisor Reviews

:)
Jamie

February 12, 2009  
Anonymous Anonymous didst say...

Any recommendation for a room overlooking the kata or karon beach with a private jacuzzi?

February 17, 2009  
Anonymous randy didst say...

thanks for your site! i'm trying to book my honeymoon. got any ideas for my previous question, "Any recommendation for a room overlooking the kata or karon beach with a private jacuzzi?"

February 20, 2009  
Blogger Jamie Monk in Phuket didst say...

Hi Randy - sorry, I thought I had answered! At least I do recall looking for suitable places. A couple of options:

Aspasia (suite rooms)

Malisa Villa Suites (but I think not seaview)

Mom Tri's Villa Royale

February 20, 2009  
Anonymous Randy didst say...

Thank you so much!

February 22, 2009  
Anonymous Alex didst say...

Hi Jamie,

I'm planning to arrive in Phuket for 10 nights in late March '09. I noticed the prices go down on 1st April with season change. Can you give me any advice on whether to book when there in Phuket, or online in advance, as not sure which would give the best deals? Are the website rates as competitive as, or even better than booking at hotel reception? The plan is to book first few nights then in advance as arriving late in evening, and then book rest of time once there to better aid decision, what do you recon, am I wasting good time there when I can book online in advance for the same, or even cheaper rates?

Many thanks,

Alex

March 09, 2009  
Anonymous Lucy didst say...

Hi Jamie,

Can you give me any reports about the Sugar Palm Grand Hillside Hotel, in Phuket? I know you mention a lot of places on your site but was considering this one and wanted a 'professionals' opinion;) It is a suitable 'first timers' hotel for Phuket 'virgins', so to speak?:)

Cheers!


Lucy

March 09, 2009  
Anonymous Jamie's Phuket didst say...

Generally I find online rates better than walk in rates for bigger hotels. I suggest looking at these sites for booking:

Agoda.com

or

LateStays.com

March 09, 2009  
Anonymous Jamie's Phuket didst say...

Sugar Palm Grand Hillside is a new place.. there is also the Sugar Palm resort and Spa which might suit you better - the Hillside really is on the hillside - lots of steps, modern style, mixed reviews on TripAdvisor:

Sugar Palm Grand Hillside Tripadvisor Reviews

Booking at Agoda.com

March 09, 2009  
Blogger Jen didst say...

we are at our mid twenties seeking out a romantic and exciting holiday at phuket. both of us love snorkeling and beach activities. would like to visit phuket and stay at a hotel at the beach side. we would like a clean and comfy hotel with affordable rates. maybe a bout usd80 - usd100 per nite. any good recommendations? oh ya, and it would be great that it is not too far from town or nightout places. thanks for your help in advance. i like your page. really helps alot

March 10, 2009  
Anonymous Jamie's Phuket didst say...

Hi Jen,

I would normally suggest avoiding Patong, but if you want nightlife it makes sense. The Seaview Patong hotel is near the south end of the beach and it's quieter there:

Seaview Patong

or just outside Patong, on what amounts to a private beach:

Tri Trang Beach Resort

:)

March 11, 2009  
Blogger Ligi didst say...

Hi Jamie

arriving in Phuket on the 9th of April with my daughter 12 years old. We are undecided Woraburi Phuket or Baan Karonburi. Or do you have something even better in mind. I would like a nice beach and a nice room. Food we will look for outside the hotel

Thanks for answering

March 11, 2009  
Anonymous Anonymous didst say...

Hi Jamie

Chanced upon your blog, its very informative about phuket.

anyway after some research, ive decided to stay at kata beach for 5nights and have shortlisted 2 hotels for the great panoramic views.

1) Boomerang Village Cottage
2) Sugar Palm Grand Hillside

I am perhaps thinking of staying 3 nights and 2 nights in each hotel. however, i read several reviews that boomerang have very uncomfortable bed. and sugar palm grand is almost half price cheaper than boomerang.. but i still would like to try boomerang.

if u know much abt these hotels, pls share your views with me. thanks in advance !!

Mindy

March 11, 2009  
Anonymous Jamie Phuket didst say...

Very different hotels - Boomerang:

Boomerang Village

a long way from the beach, bungalow style accommodation, it IS nice, but if you want a more modern place and to be closer to the beach then the Sugar Palm Grand Hillside is the one - it's a new hotel:

Sugar Palm Grand Hillside

:)

March 12, 2009  
Blogger Ligi didst say...

Hi Jamie

sorry to ask the same question again but I did not seem to receive an a response

We, my 12 year old daughter and myself are arriving in Phuket on Thursday 9th of April, staying for 12 nights. We have tentatively booked the Woraburi Resort, but after reading all the reviews, I am not sure anymore if this would be the right choice. How does the Woraburi compares to the Baan Karonburi Resort. Or could you recommend something suitable for us. I really want to get this right for my daughter, she has been very sick and this hilday should cheer her up a bit.I would like to have a nice room to go back to in the evenings, food at the hotel is not that important as we prefer to have our meals in the little thai restaurants outside the hotels anyway. What would be your thoughts on that one. Really hoping I will hear from you this time

Thanks in advance

Ligi

March 12, 2009  
Blogger Jamie Monk in Phuket didst say...

Hello Ligi - I am sorry not to reply, but this is just my blog not a quick-answer 24 hour travel service! I answered your other comment on the Karon Beach section of this blog already and told you that Woraburi was a nice hotel. Karonburi is almost identical, on the same beach, same road, in fact the 2 hotels are side by side. But if you want a very nice hotel then look at the best hotels:

Top 10 Hotels in Phuket

Or ask a question on TripAdvisor for example where there are all kinds of people online all the time with opinions about Phuket hotels.

TripAdvisor Phuket Travel Forum

March 12, 2009  
Blogger Ligi didst say...

Hi Jamie

thanks for your reply. Sorry, but somehow I must have missed your answer, I did not want to put the pressure on..... but your reply made me feel a lot better about my choice. Thanks heaps Jamie

Ligi

March 12, 2009  
Blogger Caro didst say...

Hi Jamie - I was just wondering if you could suggest a nice place for a friend and I stay stay that is right on the beach, that's not too expensive. We would prefer to be away from the tourists. (and in a hut would be nice, but not necessary.)
Anything that is a must do in Phuket?
The blog is great, thanks!

March 25, 2009  
Anonymous Jamie's Phuket didst say...

Inexpensive, right on the beach, hut, away from other tourists... if anyone knows such a place in Phuket, do let me know!

Away from the crowds and right on the beach - easy, BUT such hotels in Phuket are not the cheap ones.

I think the closest you may get to the hut idea would maybe be at Ya Nui Beach:

Ya Nui Beach Accommodation by Travelfish

March 26, 2009  
Anonymous dennischel didst say...

hi jamie

i am dennis

love to read your blogs about phuket.

its give a lots of hints and tips.

(13/5/2009 - 20/5/2009 in phuket)
................................

i am travel to phuket from 13/5/09 -20/05.2009 about 8D/7N.

i am travel with a friends - guys.

i wish to explore the throughly of phuket + enjoy the famous of its beach, island, sports......

i am plans to stay 1/2 of my time in patong - just to get crowded with the rest.

and i do wish to stay 1/2 of my time in nice beach area - whiich i have no idea which are in phuket provides best beach(clean, nice, wonderful....)

would you help to recomen hotel in patong as well in beach area (where have good clean beach with nice hotel/resort)

there was amazing huge list of the hotel list thats i really have no ideal where to start to look for.


i am looking a hotel with clean, safe, budget within $120 and below.

i do love if you may have idea of recomend me some budget hotel with great deal/location/nice facilities

looking to hear from you soon

thanks in advances...

regards

dennis

April 12, 2009  
Anonymous Jamie's Phuket didst say...

Well, dennis - first of all... why oh why do you want to spend half your stay in Patong? I suggest staying somewhere else and you can check out Patong in the daytime or night time and realise why I suggested not staying there! Hold off on your booking for a while and get the best rates at LateStays:

LateStays.com Phuket Hotels

There are so many hotels I cannot recommend ONE, so that's why there is a big list here! Anyway, try Karon or Kata, so much nicer than Patong unless you are addicted to McDonalds. :)

April 12, 2009  
Anonymous dennis didst say...

hi jamie,

is me dennis, the guy that told you going to travel in phuket about 8day 7 nights.

thanks for the information given.

along karon and kata as you mentioned, which one(to your views, are having nicer view/beach?

how about surin, bangtao and naiyang? are there as nice as kata or karon?

and then, is there any islans that nice to look around, or even have accomodation to stay for a short period/

thanks...

regards
dennis

April 13, 2009  
Anonymous Jamie's Phuket didst say...

Surin, Bangtao, Nai Yang all beautiful - Surin most built up of them. Nai Yang is a LONG way from the main beaches, great if you want a very quiet holiday. Bang Tao also, and mostly expensive resorts there. Surin I plan to write about sometime soon - it's changed a lot in the last few years.

April 13, 2009  
Blogger Masa didst say...

hey Jamie :) amazing info!
my fiance and i are going to thailand on our honeymoon ( bangkok + Phuket + Koh Samui) i have couple of questions if u might help us ..
1. a recommended hotel in bangkok
2. recommended hotel in phuket . a decent 5 or 4* on the beach and easy access to the town and shops and night life ! is that possible :) our budget is 150-200 $ per night !
3. how can we go to koh samui from phuket ? is there an alternative other than flying ?? and how much is the flight fare from bangkok to phuket and from phuket to koh samui and from koh samui to bangkok
SORRY FOR THE MANY QUESTIONS BUT I FEEL DESPERATE FROM ALL THE RESEARCH :)

April 15, 2009  
Blogger Jamie Monk in Phuket didst say...

Masa - regarding Bangkok hotels I do not know, look here:

Bangkok HotelsFlights - ask the airlines for fares

From Samui to Phuket - FLY. Sure you can take a ferry and a bus, but it will take you all day.

Hotels in Phuket - this very page is full of recommended hotels in Phuket, please do check some of them out, or look at:

Phuket Hotels

April 16, 2009  
Blogger Masa didst say...

thanks Jamie
in phuket we booked at Amari Coral Beach Hotel!
what do u think? Good choice?

April 16, 2009  
Anonymous Jamie's Phuket didst say...

Amari Coral Beach Resort - as recommended on this blog!

April 16, 2009  
Anonymous Angeline didst say...

Jamie,

I booked Patong Beach Lodge Hotel..Not sure how good it is..Kinda lost coz i need to find plans for mom, 2 of her friends and my bf..Well, they are all sporting people, so all is fun for them. Please advice...

May 03, 2009  
Blogger Angeline didst say...

By the way, i forgot to mention, i am heading there on 11/5 and leaving 15/5..Still thinking if we should rent a car or not..

May 03, 2009  
Anonymous Kate didst say...

Dear Jamie,

How was the weather now, is it too bad or it's ok for a couple to honeymoon. Any hotels to recommend? (no Patong)

BTW, heard that Outrigger something opened. any comment for this.

We will be in Phuket around the end of June.

Thanks in advance :)

May 21, 2009  
Anonymous Jamie Monk didst say...

Hi Kate - weather will be OK, but this is the low/summer season so don't expect 24 hour sun!

More about the weather on my Phuket Weather blog:

Phuket Weather BlogHotels to recommend - yes - on this page! Also see here:

Top 10 Hotels in PhuketOutrigger: Looks great, quiet location around the Rawai beach area..

Outrigger Serenity Terrace resort

May 21, 2009  
Anonymous Anonymous didst say...

Hi - We are coming from the US to get married in Thailand and honeymoon! We are trying to organize an elephant wedding, a live aboard dive trip, and eco tours! Can you help us with any recommendations?? Jen and Eric

June 23, 2009  
Anonymous Jamie Monk didst say...

Hi Jen, I think I have already replied to you! You were asking for a 4 day liveaboard in January, I sent a reply this morning about elephant weddings and tours. Happy Travels!

Jamie

June 23, 2009  
Blogger Walid didst say...

Hi Jamie, I'm Planning to to vist phuket on 25th of December 2009 till 2nd of January 2010. I can enjoy swiming under the sun during that time ? will the weather be hot for enjoy swiming ? I will reside in Sheraton phuket, is it a nice place ? Thanks,

July 09, 2009  

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