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 and 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. There are two internet booking services that we are happy to recommend.

Agoda are one of the top international hotel booking agencies. They are particularly strong in Asia and Thailand with offices in Bangkok and Singapore. They have a reputation for reliable service and their prices are very competitive. They also give reward points for every booking. These points can be used for extra discounts on future bookings so they are an especially good choice for people who travel often.

Hotels Combined are an interesting newcomer. 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 Accommodation

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.

Some Cheap Hotels / Guesthouses that are good value:

Patong:
Lamai Apartments (2 stars)
Lamai Guesthouse (2 stars)
Lamai Inn (2 stars)
Patong Beach Lodge Hotel (3 stars)
Royal Crown Resort & Spa (3 stars)
Tiger Inn Hotel (2.5 stars)
The Birdcage Patong GuestHouse (3 star)

Karon:
Karon Living Room (3 star)
Malai House Hotel (3 star)
Phuket Heritage Hotel (3 star)
Sugar Palm Karon (3 star)

Kata:
Sugar Palm Resort (3 star)
The Beach Boutique Hotel (3 star)

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 problem is the location is a bit remote.

Mid to High 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:

Patong:
Andaman Beach Club Resort (4 star)
Baan Laimai Beach Resort (3 star)
Baan Sukhothai Resort (4 star)
Baan Yin Dee Hotel (5 star)
Burasari Hotel (4 star)
Deevana Resort & Spa (4 star)
Horizon Beach Resort (4 star)
Impiana Phuket Cabana (4 star)
Millennium Resort (5 star)
Patong Beach Hotel (4 star)
Patong Paragon Hotel (4 1/2 star)
Rayaburi Hotel Patong (4 star)
Royal Palms Hotel (4 star)
La Flora Resort (5 star)
Salathai Resort Hotel (3 star)
Thara Patong Beach Resort (4 star)

Karon:
Andaman Seaview Hotel (4 1/2 star)
Baan Karonburi Resort (3 star)
Karon Beach Resort (4 star)
Karon Sea Sands Resort (3 1/2 star)
Movenpick Resort and Spa (5 star)
Woraburi Phuket Resort & Spa (4 star)

Kata:
Aspasia Hotel (5 star)
Kata Beach Resort (4 star)
Mom Tri's Boathouse (5 star)
Sawasdee Village Hotel (4 star)

Kata Noi:
Kata Thani Hotel (5 star)
Mom Tri's Villa Royale (5 star)

Phuket Town:
Pearl Hotel (3 star)
Royal Phuket City Hotel (3 star)
Sino House Hotel (3 star)
The Taste Phuket Hotel (3 star)

A few suggestions for elsewhere on the island:
Indigo Pearl Hotel (5 Star) at Nai Yang Beach
Laguna Beach Resort (5 star) at Bang Tao Beach
Mangosteen Resort & Spa (5 Star) at Rawai Beach
Naithonburi Beach Resort (4 Star) at Nai Thon Beach
Outrigger Serenity Terrace (5 Star) at Rawai Beach
The Royal Phuket Yacht Club (5 Star) at Nai Harn Beach
Twin Palms (5 star) at Surin Beach

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? Phuket has some truly indulgent hotels. There is the new and quite exceptional Sri Panwa that has already entertained a few heads of state. Perhaps you would prefer to mingle with the VIPs and celebrities on Amanpuri's private beach.

Check out the following:

Amanpuri(5 Star) - Pansea Beach
Anantara Phuket Resort (5 star) - Mai Khao Beach
Banyan Tree (5 Star)- Bang Tao Beach
Dusit Laguna (5 star) - Bang Tao Beach
JW Marriott Resort & Spa (5 Star) - Mai Khao Beach
Pavilions (5 Star) - Layan Beach
Sri Panwa Hotel (5 Star) - Cape Panwa
The Residence Hotel (5 Star) - Bang Tao Beach
Trisara (5 Star) - north of Bang Tao Beach

Beach Bungalows

For many people, the image of a simple bungalow by the beach 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.

Long Term

If you are planning a long stay then see the article below about finding long-term rentals.

How to Rent Property in Phuket - A look at the long-term property rental market in Phuket.