The Top 10 Hotels in Phuket
If you're planning a trip to Phuket, you are almost certainly going to need a place to stay unless you already bought a house or have friends living here. Phuket has a huge variety of accommodation available from backpackers dorms to 5 star (6 star?) luxury resorts. You'll find a page of recommended Phuket hotels on the blog already, and I try to add another hotel every month or so. The hotels on the recommendation page are ones I like because of their location, or because they've been recommended to me by others, or because they offer something different. But what are the BEST hotels in Phuket?
Well, don't ask me. I have a house, so don't stay in hotels. The following Top 10 list is based on the Phuket hotel reviews on TripAdvisor.com, which is one of the biggest travel sites online, with reviews, forums, advice (and advertising, which is how they make their money). The reviews are by real tourists who have stayed in the hotels, and if you take a look, you'll see honest reviews, good and bad, plus points and minus points - a very useful tool for checking for your ideal hotel.
For some reason TripAdvisor counts Patong separately to Phuket, so I will just ignore Patong (hooray) - these are the Top 10 Hotels in Phuket according to reviews on TripAdvisor.com. For each hotel there are several links for online booking/price comparison.
Top 10 Phuket Hotels
1. JW Marriott Resort and Spa
The JW Mariott probably is unbeatable. If you want a quiet luxury getaway, then you can fly to Phuket and the resort is just 15 minutes from the airport on the uncrowded and as yet relatively undeveloped Mai Khao Beach. Words such as "paradise", "sanctuary" and "heaven" are not just words!
• JW Marriott Trip Advisor Reviews
• JW Marriott on Agoda.com
• JW Marriott on LateStays.com
2. Mom Tri's Villa Royale
The newer sister resort of Mom Tri's Boathouse, Villa Royale is one of the few hotels in Phuket that can be called secluded, while also being close to the main beaches. It's on the headland between Kata and Kata Noi, overlooking the ocean beach featuring beautifully designed luxury villas.
• Villa Royale Trip Advisor Reviews
• Villa Royale on Agoda.com
• Villa Royale on LateStays.com
3. Sala Phuket
Sala Phuket is a new (very new... I am not sure I had heard of it before starting this top 10!) luxury villa resort on Mai Khao Beach - just opened in December 2007. The reviews say it all, things like "breathtaking", "blissful", "Sala Phuket is amazing!"... you get the general idea.
• Sala Phuket Trip Advisor Reviews
• Sala Phuket on Agoda.com
• Sala Phuket on LateStays.com
• Sala Phuket - more information on Jamie's Phuket
4. Indigo Pearl
I wrote about Indigo Pearl already - it's a top class resort and has a very original look and feel with decor based on the old Phuket tin mining industry. It may not be to everyone's liking, but it's got class and it's not afraid to be different!
• Indigo Pearl Trip Advisor Reviews
• Indigo Pearl on Agoda.com
• Indigo Pearl on LateStays.com
5. Pacific Club Resort
Located on the hillside overlooking Karon Beach, Pacific Club's owner Eric is a chef and also owner of the Karon Cafe in the center of Karon. It's a small resort with a personal feel and great panoramic views. Well off the main road and yet only 10 minutes walk to Karon Beach. Ideal for those wanting seclusion, but still easy access to the main beach centers.
• Pacific Club Trip Advisor Reviews
• Pacific Club on Agoda.com
• Pacific Club on LateStays.com
6. Banyan Tree
The Banyan Tree is part of the Laguna Resort complex at Bang Tao Beach. Nice. Very. It's listed in the 2008 Conde Nast Gold List of the best hotels in the world (so is JW Marriott). I rest my case.
• Banyan Tree Trip Advisor Reviews
• Banyan Tree on Agoda.com
• Banyan Tree on LateStays.com
7. Cape Panwa Hotel
Another hotel already recommended on this blog, Cape Panwa Hotel seems to be a perennial favourite. I love the Panwa area, it's miles from the busy beaches, and this resort is the hideaway at the edge of Phuket. Patong is a different planet.
• Panwa Hotel Trip Advisor Reviews
• Panwa Hotel on Agoda.com
• Panwa Hotel on LateStays.com
8. Marina Phuket
I was actually surprised to see Marina up in the top 10. I had always thought it was a slightly old mid price resort - but then I have not stayed there. It's right on the south end of Karon Beach, with deluxe villas overlooking the ocean, and Dino Park right next door!
• Marina Phuket Trip Advisor Reviews
• Marina Phuket on Agoda.com
9. Ayara Hilltops Resort and Spa (was Treetops Arasia)
Another luxury villa resort, this one with views from the hillside overlooking Surin Beach. There are only 48 villas, and I gotta say it looks like a fab place to stay. And if you stay here, splash out on the Rachavadee Suite.
• Ayara Hilltops Trip Advisor Reviews
• Ayara Hilltops on Agoda.com
• Ayara Hilltops on LateStays.com
10. Andaman Seaview
Hey! Just down the road from where I work! Andaman Seaview is on Karon Beach, prices are decent (in fact, in low season a real steal). I think the main reason it creeps into the top 10 is value for money. Quality at a price you can't argue with. Andaman Seaview is not comparable to some of the others in this list, but it's much cheaper!
• Andaman Seaview Trip Advisor Reviews
• Andaman Seaview on Agoda.com
• Andaman Seaview on LateStays.com
Note: Marriott Phuket Beach Club is actually number 10, but it's a timeshare resort so I have discounted it for this page.
Agree with the top 10? Stayed somewhere else that you thought was better? Do add a comment below. You'll notice that most of these are pricey resorts, 5 star, most are on more secluded beaches and many of them (like Sala Phuket or Indigo Pearl) are new resorts that have only been open a year or two. Phuket IS trying to push the luxury lifestyle, and it's often said that Thailand does luxury very well. If you're on a low budget, this list is not for you, but you can look here: Low Budget Phuket Accommodation. As for this list, I'd hate to disagree with the opinions of the Trip Advisor users, this certainly looks like a top 10 to me!
Jamie's Phuket - The Real Phuket!
StumbleUpon
Delicious
Digg
Reddit
Facebook
Comments on "The Top 10 Hotels in Phuket"
Hi Jamie,
During my stays on Phuket I always stayed at the Centara Kata Resort, cheap off season rates which suited me and my family well.
Wouldn't mind staying in one of the top ten resorts mentioned in your post though!
Oh for sure there are some very good low season bargains. Hotels try to keep their occupancy rates up, so to compensate for the "awful" weather, you can find crazy prices on hotels...
LateStays.com - Phuket Hotels
Phuket Weather Blog (You'll see weather is pretty nice most of the time)
Hey Jamie,
Myself and my Fiance are going to be visiting Thailand/Phuket for our first time on our honeymoon in October. I have read through many of your recommendations on hotels and there are quite a few great choices. We will be staying for 9 nights and would love to know the best area to stay that is quiet/romantic with beautiful beaches. Going through the top 10 list, places like Mom's Tri and Indigo Pearl stood out for price and style. Thoughts?
And also we were thinking of staying at 2 different locations to get a greater sense of Phuket while we were there. Would you recommend this? And which regions?
Well Ryan, exactly where you stay does depend on how quiet you like it. Indigo Pearl is on Nai Yang Beach, in the north of Phuket, very quiet, great if you don't want crowds, but you'll need transport to get anywhere. Mom Tris is close to Kata and Kata Noi beach, so closer to a variety of restaurants and shopping, yet when you are in your own villa, it would be very private.
Sure if you have 9 days why not try 2 different places, good plan.
:)
Jamie
Hi Jamie,
Great blog as usual!
Just for your reference, the pictures you have under "Indigo Pearl" are actually "Sala".
FWIW, I don't like Sala. It's like being in an expensive prison. Some resorts do privacy well, such as Banyan Tree and Trisara. Sala's take on privacy is holing you up in a bleak, high-walled compound.
Fred
HK
Hi Fred..
I put 2 photos after each 2 hotels. The pictures directly under the Indigo Pearl text are (left) Sala Phuket and (right) a room at the Indigo Pearl.
Thanks for the comments on the Sala!
Jamie
Hi Jamie,
My mistake... I've been to Indigo Pearl, but only to eat, so I've not seen the rooms.
The Thai restaurant we went to there was very nice. Intricate decor, on stilts in the middle of a small lake with nice lighting. Was on the expensive side, but we enjoyed it.
Cheers,
Fred.
Jamie
My wife and I are traveling to Thailand for 16 days Nov/Dec 08. We have an opportunity to stay at the Marriott Phuket Beach club for about $162/night. The catch is it must be for 7 nights. My two concerns is that too long to spend in one location? Also i hear it is quite isolated which forces to you eat meals(expensive) at the hotel. Any suggestions? We want to make it to Phi Phi and maybe do a live aboard as well. Any suggestions?
jesse - well, yes the Marriott is very secluded so you have to travel to eat away from the resort. If you want seclusion, go for it. Phi Phi, no problem, though if possible I'd try to stay a night there. If you want a liveaboard, many depart from Khao Lak and all will pick up from Marriott, no problem - for liveaboards:
Liveaboards - Sunrise Divers
Just contact me at Sunrise Divers :)
My fiance and I are staying at the Sala in Novemeber. How far is it from Phi Phi??
Phuket is 45km by boat from Phi Phi. Ferries depart from the Rassada terminal in the east side of Phuket Town. The Sala is right in the NW corner of Phuket, about 40km from town, an hours drive in normal traffic. There are ferries to Phi Phi at 8:30am and 1:30pm, or you can look at Destination Air, which has seaplane shuttles, more expensive but way quicker.
Jamie,
I am back for the 5th time in Patong and staying for the 3rd time at Merlin Beach Resort....some 5 mins out of town and i can't believe it's not in your top 10....it is sensational.
You gotta love Phuket
Aha! Well, the Merlin Beach Resort is ranked well on Trip Advisor, but for some reason they rank Patong hotels seperately to other hotels in Phuket. The Merlin Beach Resort is ranked #3 on Trip Advisor of hotels in Patong. I do agree, its a great place and it is on Jamie's Phuket:
Merlin Beach Resort
Hi Jamie,
We are planning a trip to Phuket in June 09 and want to stay somewhere where the kids aged 5 and 8 (2 active boys) will love it. Any suggestions? Also my husband has lots of fishing experience and wants to know if any of the locals would be keen to take him out fishing to some top spots. If so what is a reasonable price to expect?
I'm not sure about family hotels. I personally woudl avoid Patong beach but there is plenty there to distract kids. The Merlin beach resort is good - away from Patong, but only a few minute taxi ride away.
Plenty of fishing trips from Phuket, though if you are thinking of just heading down the beach and asking a local to take you out on a longtail.. wel, by all means do give it a go!
Do you know anything about the In on the Beach hotel? I realize it's on the beach, but somewhere on another site, someone said to "check the water in the North end of Karon Beach" before swimming. Just want to check out the In on the Beach and see if it is ok for a family group with teenagers.
Yes, it's on the beach, maybe 5 minute walk to the "Karon Center" area - very quiet hotel, no others around there, BUT a little further to the north is a huge building project where a big resort is being constructed and may well make the water a bit dirty at that end of the beach.
I'm looking for an overwater bungalow somewhere in southern thailand. any ideas? i'd love to stay in the phuket area.
As far as I am aware, there are no overwater bungalows in Phuket or anywhere nearby. Beachfront yes, ocean view yes, but nothing built over the water!
Thanks. Where would you recommend I stay near Khao sok? Would you recommend the riverside cottages, or is there anything else more spectacular (and affordable)?
hi jamie
me and my partner are going to bangkok for 3 nights then phuket for 11 nights, staying at JMW Marriott. from reading some of the other posts, i see this is quite isolated (which is what we wanted). How much more expensive is it eating in the resort? how far/ much does it cost to get to the town to eat out? thank you
hi jamie, can you get a good tan in mid sept?
Regarding food at the Marriott - I have not eaten there! But I imagine its not too cheap. You may find some small restaurants along Mai Khao Beach, otherwise, head south to Nai Yang where there are beachfront and inexpensive places. It's a long way from JW to Phuket town or one of the main beaches for a meal, but if you are exploring then sure it'll be cheaper that JW.
Tan in September - sure. Weather is normally OK.
Dear Jamie,
My Husband and I are planning to visit Phuket in March. We were thinking about booking Möevenpick hotel on Karon Beach. Do you think that it is a good choice or would you recommend something else?
Kind Regards,
Marija
Moevenpick... seems kind of expensive, gets mixed reviews on TripAdvisor...
• Moevenpick, Karon Beach - TripAdvisor Reviews
Thank you very much, for your fast answer!
Kind Regards.
Marija
Hi Jamie,
I'm planning a trip to phuket with my boyfriend for a Valentine's Day getaway and we came across the Access hotel. We're aware that it's slightly further from the beach, which isnt a huge issue for us. So, how would you rate this hotel?
Regards,
Lou
Well Lou, having not stayed there myself, I would go on reviews... location is not TOO bad, but Karon has a lot of other places closer to the beach.
Access Resort TripAdvisor Reviews
Hi Jamie,
We plan to stay in Thavorn Beach Village Resort & Spa. I'm not sure if it's a good choice... I'd like to get an honest recommendation and comment if this place is worth staying?
We want a place that is of course cheap, clean, near the beaches, accessible to nearby stores & transportation.
And lastly, we are planning for a 3 days/ 2night stay only. We would like to ask if which one is better to go to: Phiphi Island Tour or Pha Nga Bay Tour??? Since our time is limited please help us choose. And any tips in booking this tours?
Thanks!
Have a look at Thavorn Beach Village Reviews - TripAdvisor.
If you want "near the beaches, accessible to nearby stores & transportation", well its not the right choice - it's secluded and quiet, well out of Patong. I like the location - for customer reviews - try the link above!
Hi Jamie,
Found your site while looking for honeymoon ideas in Phuket. Would going in early August be a bad idea? Is the rainy season bad? Also, what hotel would you suggest for honeymooners? We'd like to get away from families that are vacationing, but don't want to be so secluded that it'd be tough to hit the shops and nightlife.
Thanks!
i am traveling with 7 friends 19-22 july 2009...any mid-range beachfront hotels / villas at phuket?
any new hotels that you could recommend?
Annie - well, if you are coming in July, you can get some bargains - it's low season, so hotels will drop prices and for "mid range" prices you can get some very very nice hotels. Best to start with my Phuket Hotel Recommendations, or check the Phuket hotels on Agoda.com. Of course, you have to realise Phuket is a BIG place. Do you want a quiet beach area or a lively one, you want palm trees and peace, or do you want shopping and Starbucks? It's all here!
jamie, i've actually booked ibis patong hotel for 2 nights...d other night thought of spending at kata or karon beach..which would you recommended?would like to take beachfront villa / hotel to enjoy myself at the sea...since i've spend 2 nights at the patong area
"awful" weather in low season, lol. I love the low season. Went in Monsoon season last year, 2 days rain, 10 days no rain. I like those odds ! Going back this May, could you please arrange the same for us (or better ?). Thanks in advance. You are doing the world a great service here, hope you never get bored with it.
Hi Jamie,
I'll come with my partner and 2-years old daugter for 15 days to Phuket on April 3rd. We want to have a nice (not windy) beach and good food at not a remote place. Could you advise us a beachfront bungalow/villa at midrange price level in Phuket?
Thanks on advance and best,
Hi Jamie,
Great blog!
I'm planning to spend my honeymoon in Phuket during mid-July and i'm looking for an hotel that provides private pool with acceptable prices for 4 nights. We need a place close to tourists crowd and night life.
Please help me choose the hotel?
Many thanks
If you want a hotel to match what you want, best to spend some time searching try here:
Hotels in Phuket by Agoda.com
Hi Jamie,
My Fiance & I are planing to visit Phuket for our first time on our honeymoon in early May. We are thinking of staying at Centara Villas Phuket for its value, quiet/romantic style. Could you comment on Centara Villas Phuket? Any recommendation on food places nearby that is nice & affordable?
Thanks =)
Centara Villas is a nice quiet resort, just please note that it's not really near anything! There are a couple of other bungalows and restaurants on the hillside nearby, but you will need transport to get to the main area of Karon Beach. Also please note that there is construction at that end of the beach, a new Centara resort being built and it does spoil the view a bit.
Centara Villas at Agoda.com
Hi Jamie,
Really enjoy your blog...so much useful information for visitors. Thank you. I was wondering if you know of/can recommend any good thai cooking schools in Phuket.The guys are going for scuba and the girls would like to cook :) Also, we are staying at Marriot Mao khao. Any idea how much a taxi is to/from town? Might be best to rent a car...what do you think?
Thanks,
Chad
Hi Chad,
The Marriott is of course great, but a long long way from anywhere else! Taxi to Patong Beach probably around 800 Baht. Mind you, if you ask the hotel to arrange the taxi I am sure it will be more, and you won't have any choice.. you can't just walk out onto the road and flag one down. Better to rent a car I would say.
Cooking school - Pum's Cooking School in Patong - check this link for TripAdvisor reviews.
Have a safe trip!
Anyone know if Dusit hotel resort is nice to stay at? I want to stay at a resort that has various guest activities and big swimming pool (in case it rains) as we will be going during the low season.Is this hotel near any shopping? This will be our first visit to Phuket with our infant son. He loves to swim.
Dusit Laguna is recommended on Jamie's Phuket:
Dusit Laguna
Great for a family, lots of activities, but bear in mind that Bang Tao beach is not close to shopping areas you will need to head to Phuket Town.
Hi Jamie,
I'm planning on 3 nights at the Holiday Inn Patong and then a week at Marriott Mai Khao.
Any brilliant ideas for where to stay for the last 3/4 nights?
? back to Patong area or try elsewhere?
Sunny T
Up to you Sunny! 3 nights on the most crowded beach, a week on the quietest beach, so maybe a few days at Kata beach?
I'm so glad the Cape Panwa features, my boyfiend and I love this hotel and have been back more than a dozen times. We've visited other resorts in Thailand (Koh Samui and Hua Hin), but still haven't found anywhere with quite the same atmosphere.
Excellent information on these blogs. We will be visiting Karon/Kata beach for the first time in September. Please can you give me your impression of Andaman Seaview Hotel and Karon Sea Sands hotels?
Well, Andaman Seaview is right here on this page - number 10 in that list of the top 10 hotels in Phuket. Enough said!
Hi Jamie!
I'm coming to phuket in the second week of December. I’m looking at 2 options JW Marriot (Mai Khao) and Holiday Inn (Patong). I'm getting a 30% off at JW Marriot as my friend works there. Both are working out to the same cost. Both my wife and I are very outdoor persons. So we want to explore Phuket than spending time in a pool at the resort.
Q1: Does it make sense to stay in Mai Khao as you cannot play at the beach as the sand is very coarse and everytime you need to go out you need transport.
Q2: Is Patong the happening place in Phuket? I mean in terms of choice of restraints, easy access to transport, availability of tour operators.
Thanks
Maddy
Mai Khao or Patong, no question! I would stay at the Marriott, absolutely. Patong is the most crowded beach in Thailand, if you have the chance to stay at the Marriott, do it. Sure, you're miles from anywhere, rent a car would be a good idea to explore. Not sure what you mean by "can't play at the beach".. yes you can.
Jamie, many thanks for your quick response.
Two more questions:
1) How far is Mai Khao from Patong?
2) How safe is it to drive/ride in Phuket?
Thanks,
Madhu
Mai Khao is the very last place in the north of the island, will take at least 45 minutes to drive to Patong, though you really have no reason to go to Patong. Come on! Explore the island! Patong is just hotels and bars and restaurants. Driving is safe as anywhere else just so long as you are used to driving on the left
Thanks for the reassurance!
I was really confused by all the info on the web about Patong. Now I know that i really don't have to visit that place.
Anyways almost finalized my plans:
Staying in Railay/Ao Nang in Krabi for 3 days, then in Marriott on Kamala Beach for 3 days and JWMarriott on Mai Khao for 3 days!
Hope to find the different flavours of both Krabi and Phuket!
I'm really interested in the beaches than the pools. Also want to do a lot of diving than visiting Fanasea or some Cabrett!
So more blogs on diving are most welcome.
Many Thanks Jamie for your time and effort!
add a comment ...
Email This Post to a Friend!