Accommodation in Phuket

Phuket has an incredible variety of accommodation and there is so much competition that there are plenty of bargains to be found. For the budget traveler there are hostels and guesthouses. At the top end of the market are some of the highest rated hotels in Asia.

Booking

Most of the year there is plenty of accommodation available in Phuket. If you are coming at the height of the high season around Christmas or January then it is definitely a good idea to book accommodation in advance. Most hotels will be fully booked for this period and you will have to search a long way from the beach and action before you find a room.

For those looking for budget accommodation, outside peak season, you should have no problem finding a room on arrival although you may need to traipse around a little. Remember do not ask a tuk-tuk or taxi driver for a recommendation as they will just take you somewhere that pays them commission.

For those looking for mid range to top range accommodation it makes sense to book in advance. The room rates available to tour companies or internet booking agencies are better than you will be offered if you just walk in off the street. If you are not booking your holiday as a package then book your hotel rooms through one of the internet booking agencies. Do an internet search and you will find lots of them. An interesting newcomer is Hotels Combined:

This Australian based website is not itself a hotel booking agency. What it does is compare prices across 30 of the major internet booking agencies. It lists the lowest prices available for the hotels you select and connects you to the sites offering those prices. They list more than 300 hotels in Phuket from the bottom price range all the way to the top. We did a price comparison between them and some of the other major internet booking agencies and they consistently found the lowest price. They can save you time & money searching for the best deal.

Budget

There are lots of guesthouses in the tourist towns. Just walk around the side streets and you will see them everywhere. Generally speaking the further from the beach you go, the cheaper the rooms.

In Patong, you can find guesthouses along many of the side streets. Lots of the restaurants also have rooms to rent upstairs. Just look for the signs. For a central location, try Soi Viking off Bangla Road or Soi Sansabai. Go further back to Nanai Road and there are lots of cheap rooms to be found. Clean air-con rooms are available from 400 baht a night in the low season and from 800 baht a night high season.

The cheapest hostels and guesthouses are in Phuket Town with accommodation starting from around 250 baht a night. Phuket Backpacker Hostel on Ranong Road is a newly refurbished establishment offering clean rooms at budget prices aimed at the traveler market. For something with a bit of character, try the Thalang Guest House on Thalang Road. The building is built in the Sino-Portuguese style of old Phuket Town.

There is an international youth hostel in Chalong on Chao Fa West Road about two kilometers from Chalong Circle. Nearby is the well-regarded Shanti Lodge. Good quality, family run budget accommodation that even boasts a swimming pool. The only problem is the location is a bit remote.

Mid Range

There are lots of quality mid range hotels in Phuket. Prices range from 1500 to 8,000 baht a night. These hotels include facilities such as quality serviced room, en-suite bathroom, swimming pool, restaurant & bar. Just choose your location and do a hotel search for your price range.

A few recommendations in Patong - consider Horizon Beach Resort, Tropica Bungalow & Hotel, Thara Patong Beach Resort, Baan Sukhothai Resort, Salathai Resort Hotel, Patong Beach Lodge, Patong Bay Garden Resort. These are just a few examples of good mid range hotels - there are many more.

The best hotel in Phuket Town is probably the Royal Phuket City Hotel on Phang Nga Road. You could also consider The Thavorn Grand Plaza Hotel. Another good mid range hotel is the Merlin Hotel which has one of the best massage salons in Phuket. For something with a little more character, try the Thavorn Hotel on Rassada Road. We could put this hotel under budget accommodation it is so cheap and in fact the rooms are looking worn. However, the size of the rooms and the character of the lobby make up for it.

A few suggestions for elsewhere on the island. Consider The Royal Phuket Yacht Club (Le Royal Meridien) at Nai Harn Beach, Mangosteen Resort & Spa at Rawai Beach, Kata Beach Resort or Sawasdee Village Hotel at Kata Beach, Woraburi Phuket Resort & Spa in Karon, or Kamala Bay Garden Resort in Kamala.

There are so many hotels to choose from that you should take your time to search for the one that suits you best.

Top Range

So you really want to spoil yourself. Check out Amanpuri, Trisara, The Residence Hotel, Banyan Tree, JW Marriott Resort & Spa, Sala Phuket Resort and Spa or Pavilions.

Beach Bungalows

For many people, the image of a simple and secluded beach bungalow is the ideal getaway in Thailand. Unfortunately, the best beaches in Phuket are too developed and simple beach bungalows are difficult to find. You could try the southern end of Bang Tao beach where there are a few beach bungalow operations. Other than that you have to go to the stonier beaches. Try Friendship Beach, Ao Sane Beach or Koh Sirey.

Alternatively go to one of the islands. Koh Phi Phi, Koh Yao Noi or Koh Racha Yai are good options.