How to choose a hotel in Phuket and not regret it: advice after 12 trips

To put it bluntly, Phuket is the place where any dreams of a tropical paradise can collide with harsh reality. Just imagine: you come to the beach to enjoy peace and quiet, but instead you feel like you're in the middle of a noisy picnic. Well, how about Thai cuisine? Diving into the aromatic tom yum in the heat and humidity can be a real challenge - it's not for the faint of heart! A hotel? No need to think that we only sleep there, the reality is different again, and choosing a suitable hotel on the island is one of the "pillars" of a quality holiday... And finally: how to choose a hotel on the island of Phuket and not regret the time and money spent? What hotels are there and what to focus on when choosing.

1. Briefly about choosing a hotel in Phuket - after twelve trips...

Until now, despite repeated visits to this island and the opportunity to compare it with other popular tourist places, Phuket remains a truly fabulous corner in the south of Thailand for me. Yes, undoubtedly, there is no former novelty, but still it is not for nothing that Phuket still breaks all records of popularity among our domestic tourists. Getting to Phuket is one thing, but, you must admit, choosing a hotel here for first-time visitors without the services of an operator is a real challenge!

On this "island" in Thailand There are, to put it mildly, a lot of hotels of various formats and, accordingly, different prices, to put it simply, they can be found at every step. There are so many options here, starting from the “bad” ones, continuing with decent and quite cozy budget hotels on the first and second lines and ending with luxurious five-star hotels, with a location “anywhere”, that everyone can choose something for themselves in direct correlation with their budget and wishes.

1. Let's say if you are someone who dreams of super peace and quiet — take a cool or not so cool hotel somewhere far away and “higher” from the mad tourist bustle. Although, in truth, many five-star hotels also provide such a “magic” opportunity. Imagine: snow-white sand, the sound of waves, and you, immersed in an atmosphere of complete relaxation. Add to this local delicacies, generously seasoned with Thai spices and seafood — isn’t it paradise? Well, and if you have felt like the life of the party since childhood, cannot imagine a minute without movement, and in general nightlife for you is just an elixir, then why not choose a hotel in the very heart of Phuket, closer to the main pedestrian area in Patong?
2. At the same time, never forget about such important details as: amenities and service in the hotel — what is important for you. For example, the presence of a swimming pool, spa, restaurants. In my opinion, this is a must-have for a comfortable stay, don't you agree? Many hotels will delight you with relaxing spa treatments, which are so necessary after active daytime adventures. And if the hotel has its own open restaurant, where both local and international dishes are served — this is a gourmet's holiday!
3. And always remember about Reviews from other travelers, they certainly should not be neglected. They can open your eyes to the true face of the hotel. So, do not be lazy to look at the comments, look at the photos to know exactly what awaits you. Well, in the end it turns out that the right choice of a hotel on the island can make your vacation truly unforgettable, or completely the opposite... This is all in brief, of course, but now, as far as possible, I will help you specifically understand the issue of how to choose a hotel in Phuket.

2. How to determine the budget for a holiday in Phuket

Well, friends, let's start with the most pressing issue - money or currency, in our case, Thai baht! I'll tell you honestly, as it is: in Phuket you can find accommodation for almost any wallet, from modest rooms to luxurious villas with a personal butler. Hotels here are divided into several categories, and the range of prices is really cosmic! You could say that it's like a lottery: you never know what you'll get for your hard-earned money.

Conditional division of hotels by budget:

Budget options (up to $50 per night) - these are usually simple guesthouses or 2-3* hotels, where there is everything necessary for life, but without any special frills. But, you must admit, not everyone needs a marble fountain in the lobby, right? The main thing is a clean bed, a hot shower and air conditioning, so that you don’t melt from the tropical heat. Three budget deuces Katon beach.

Middle segment ($50-150) - these are already pretty decent four-star hotels, where you can swim in the pool and treat yourself to breakfast. Here you will feel like, at the very least, the hero of an advertising video about an ideal vacation. And the staff will smile at you so widely that you will involuntarily start wondering if there is anything left on your face after breakfast... Three mid-level hotels are there, I mean on Karon.

Category HI-FI class. Well, what if? the soul asks for luxury, then be prepared to shell out from $150 and up green per night in a five-star paradise. Here you will be greeted like a king, the red carpet will be laid out and your every wish will be fulfilled... well, almost every one. But is the game worth the candle? It's up to you to decide! As an example, three top hotels in Karon.

And you know what? Budget really determines not only the hotel's "star rating", but also its location! Just imagine: a hotel with a sea view on the first line can cost two or three times more than the same one, but a couple of blocks from the beach. The trick is that sometimes it is better to take a simpler hotel, but in a top location, than a luxurious one, but somewhere in the middle of nowhere! Because, you must admit, why do you need golden taps in your room if you have to walk half an hour to the beach in the heat?

3. The best areas of Phuket: where to stay for a tourist

Oh, that's a whole other story! Believe me, after twelve trips to the miracle island, I realized that location sometimes more important than all the other bells and whistles put together. After all, as they say, you can live in a castle, but if there is a desert around, there is little joy. Let's figure out what's what.

Briefly about the most popular beaches:

1. Patong— This is, of course, the heart of the island's party life, the epicenter of all the madness! Here you will find nightclubs, shopping centers, and a sea of entertainment. If you like life to be in full swing 24/7, then this is definitely the place for you. But! If you are not a fan of constant noise and bustle, then this area may seem like a real hell on earth. Dozing off to the sounds of parties is not so much fun.
2. Kata And Karon — quieter beaches, ideal for a family holiday or a romantic getaway. It is quieter, cleaner and calmer here, especially if you climb “higher”. The beaches here are gorgeous, and the sunsets are breathtaking! You can sit on the shore for hours and enjoy the views, forgetting about everything in the world.
3. Kamala— this is a paradise for those who want to escape from civilization, but still have all the necessary infrastructure at hand. Here you will feel like Robinson Crusoe, but with Wi-Fi and a hot shower.
4. AND Bang Tao? This is where the real premium class is! A long beach, luxury hotels and gourmet restaurants. Everything here is imbued with an atmosphere of luxury and well-being.

And here's what I noticed: when choosing a place, you need to realistically assess your needs. Want to be in the center of events - Welcome to Patong! Dreaming of a quiet holiday with children - look towards Kata or Karon, or somewhere further away.

Looking for a happy medium? Check out Kamala or Surin. Or maybe you like something really quiet and secluded? Then the direct road to you is Nai Harn or Rawai.

And about proximity to attractions — It's all relative here. In Phuket, taxis and tuk-tuks are everywhere, so you can get anywhere. But! The cost of tuk-tuk rides can seriously hit your pocket if you have to travel from one end of the island to the other.

And in general, figure out in advance what is more important to you: being close to your favorite places or saving on transport. Or maybe you should rent a bike and ride around the island with the wind in your hair? But be careful, the traffic here is quite an attraction!

4. Types of hotels in Phuket: choosing the ideal option

As for accommodation, that's a whole other story! You know, in Phuket, each type of hotel is like a separate universe with its own rules of the game. Let's break it down and choose what suits you best!

Types of hotels on the island:

• Resort complexes — these are mini-towns with everything your heart desires. Pools? Yes! Spa? Of course! Restaurants? For every taste! Even children's clubs and entertainment programs so you can relax while your kids are busy with fun games. But, frankly speaking, you will have to pay a pretty penny for this comfort. And one more thing — in such places you often feel a little cut off from real Thailand, as if you live in a golden cage, where everything is perfect and sterile. But do you want that when there is such an authentic atmosphere around?
• Boutique hotels — this is my special love! Imagine: a small, cozy hotel with a special atmosphere, where each room is unique, and the staff knows you by name. Everything here is imbued with charm and individuality. You will feel not just a guest, but a welcome friend. True, there are some “buts” here — often there is no private beach, and the territory can be very tiny. But is this a hindrance when there is a real paradise outside the window?
• Hostels? This is for those who are ready to sacrifice comfort for the sake of saving or new acquaintances. Here you can really save money, but you will have to be prepared for shared showers and noisy neighbors who can return from a party at three in the morning and continue the banquet right in the room. But how many interesting people you can meet and how many stories you can hear!
• Apartments and villas — a great option for large companies or families. Your own kitchen, spacious rooms, sometimes even your own pool. You can feel like a local and cook fresh seafood bought at the market. But keep in mind that cleaning and other services may be at an additional cost.

5. Services and amenities in Phuket hotels: what to look for

What I can say for sure after so many trips is that there are things that are really hard to live without in Phuket! Wi-Fi — this is a must-have, and not just some barely alive one, but a normal one, so you can watch videos and contact your family. Because, you must admit, what kind of vacation is it without the opportunity to brag about photos from the beach on social networks? Otherwise, you’ll come home and no one will even know where you were!

Pool? In Phuket, it's not a luxury, it's a necessity! Especially when the sea is rough or jellyfish are attacking. And it's just nice to dive into the cool water after a hot day, without fear of being knocked off your feet by a wave.

This is a separate song breakfasts. You know, after so many trips I realized: a good breakfast can make the day, and a bad one can ruin the whole mood. If the hotel has a buffet with local fruits, fresh pastries and maybe even a couple of exotic dishes - it's just a jackpot! Starting the morning with a cup of aromatic coffee and fresh mango - what could be better?

Now about the special features - airport transfers. It would seem like a trifle, but when you arrive after a long flight, it is simply a salvation. Especially when you do not want to haggle with taxi drivers or look for the right bus.

Some hotels offer free shuttle to the beach or major shopping centers - it's really convenient and saves a decent amount on transport. And if the hotel has SPA-center or fitness room — it's absolutely beautiful! You can combine business with pleasure and return from vacation not only rested, but also in great shape.

There are other criteria that are important to some people, so take a look at the table below and decide what matters to you.

Table of general criteria for hotels

6. Phuket Hotel Reviews: How Not to Make a Mistake

People, pay attention here! Reviews — this is our guiding light in the sea of offers. But! Not all reviews are equally useful. I always advise looking at fresh ones — not older than a year, because a lot could have changed during this time: the owners, the staff, and even the hotel itself could have been renovated or, on the contrary, become dilapidated.

Be sure to read both positive and negative reviews — the truth is somewhere in the middle. If you see people complaining about the same thing, like road noise or weak Wi-Fi, you should think twice. And if someone is unhappy that they didn't get free breakfast in bed, you can ignore it.

Where to read reviews about hotels

Where to look really honest reviews? Island, Booking.com And Agoda — this is a classic, where only real guests leave reviews. TripAdvisor is also not bad, especially if you want to see photos from tourists, and not retouched hotel ones. You can find such masterpieces there that it's time to organize an exhibition!

And one more lifehack: if in doubt, write directly to the hotel and ask questions. You can also understand a lot by the speed and quality of the answer.

7. Seasonality and prices in Phuket: when is it more profitable to book a hotel

Well, here, my friends, is where the fun begins! The weather in Phuket is just like in the joke: hard to predict, but it affects everything! Season on the island is divided into two periods: dry (November-April) and wet (May-October). And you know what? Hotel prices can differ by almost two times!

Accepted Seasonal Periods in Phuket

AT high season (this is December-February) get ready for a decent room to cost as much as a plane wing. But the weather is a dream! The sea is calm, the sun is shining, there is almost no rain. Ideal conditions for a beach holiday, but there are also a ton of tourists.

But in low season you can really save money. Yes, it rains occasionally, but it's usually short and refreshing, and even then it's not necessary, and the prices... mmm, just music to the ears of a budget tourist! The beaches are empty, there are no queues, and you can enjoy the island almost alone (relatively, of course).

The best months for a trip - both casual and elegant

What is the best time to go? In my opinion, it is November - early December or April. The weather is already good, and the prices are not yet astronomical. Although, if you are not afraid of sudden showers and like to bargain, you are welcome to September-October! By the way, at this time nature simply blossoms, everything around is green and juicy.

And one more thing: in the low season, hotels often have promotions and discounts, offer free nights or room upgrades. So you can get luxury conditions at a mid-range price. But keep in mind that some entertainment and excursions may be unavailable due to weather. Well, to make everything completely clear, I will show a table (obviously, with average data).

Phuket weather conditions table by month

Conclusion

So, friends, how can you choose a hotel on the island of Phuket and not regret the time and money spent? The answer is simple: decide on your budget, decide what is more important to you - location, comfort or adventure, and do not forget to read reviews. Phuket is an island of opportunities, and everyone will find something to their liking here. The main thing is to approach the choice wisely and with a bit of humor. And I, as always, hope that my advice will help you make your vacation truly unforgettable, or at least save you from a couple of typical mistakes. Have a great trip and bright impressions!