There are almost as many opinions on Phuket hotels as there are actual hotels; it’s a very subjective topic. The fact is though that there are plenty of options in regard to location, price and facilities.

Seasons will affect both availability and price. High season runs from the end of October through to mid-April when Songkran marks the beginning of the low season in tourist terms. Christmas and Songkran are particularly busy times and accommodation will be under extreme pressure, be sure to book before you travel at these times.

As a general rule, Patong Beach hotels will be more expensive than similarly appointed hotels in the neighbouring resorts of Kata, Karon, Rawai or Surin. Whilst transport between the various beach resorts is good, those seeking the nightlife of Patong would be well advised to stay in Patong rather than taking a hotel in another area and taking a motorbike or tuk-tuk to and from their evening’s entertainment. The roads tend to be dark and quiet at night, travelling on them is best kept as a daytime activity when possible.

The budget traveller will find that they are well catered for, even in the Patong Beach area guest houses can be found from 600baht upwards. You will have to hunt around for these prices, and maybe keep away from peak season times such as Christmas or Thai New Year (Songkran), but they are there to be had.

For those looking for a little more than basic facilities, there is a huge choice in the 1200-2000baht range. Most hotels in this range would have a restaurant, daily maid service and 24 hour reception. Again, as a general rule, hotels closer to the beach in all resorts tend to fill up faster and be more expensive.

 

Many hotels will have wireless internet, often free, and most will offer a pickup service from the airport; a very nice touch at the end of a long journey. It also saves you from the scrum outside the airport as the flight you arrive on attempts to decant its weary passengers into taxis for the final leg of their trip.

Although Patong is renowned for its nightlife, families are well catered for and more of them seem to make the trip each season. The Holiday Inn, Club Andaman Beach Resort and Le Meridien Resort deserve special mention for their facilities. Patong should not be dismissed as a family destination.

Of course, there are some spectacular luxury resorts on Phuket as well. Naturally, they come at a spectacular premium as well. The Trisara Resort will relieve you of a minimum 500usd plus eighteen percent service charge and taxes per night, or why not try the Amanpouri Resort for anywhere between 800-8000usd per night. A rate which does not include breakfast…