help with hotel in Phuket - 1500 baht range?
Jul 18th, 2009, 11:50 PM
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help with hotel in Phuket - 1500 baht range?
Hi all,
Heading down to Phuket for the first time in our upcoming trip to Thailand (leaving in one week!).
I am taking my 13 yr old boy and we plan to spend one week in Phuket. We've decided to choose Patong Beach (yes, I know its touristy - but I am taking my kid... so gotta be close to everything!)
We need to be walking distance to Chabad House, which is located at 52/32 Ratch U-Thit Song Roy Pee Road.
We'd been to Thailand before, and have always stayed at beautiful 4 and 5 star hotels - many through point stays. This time, my trip is a lot more spontaneous and on a tighter budget, and I am therefore looking at cheaper accommodation. I do remember meeting so many travelers on our previous trips to Thailand who thought we were crazy to spend so much on hotels, so I am actually excited about the idea of finding the perfect boutique accommodation for cheap
I have looked into some of teh following hotels:
Amata Resort Phuket
Patong Premier Resort
Royal Paradise Phuket
Nipa Resort
Would anyone please please help us out? they all look nice online, and its so hard to determine from reviews etc. (what one person thinks is nice doesnt mean others do)... We need a place that is "beautiful Thai", clean, spacious, and classy. a decent pool would be great for my son, especially a place that other families come to, so he can meet some kids to play with.
I wonder if you guys have something to recommend at about teh 1500 bht range per night, though if you think that we will be disapointed then we can go up to the 2000 bht/night range too.
I really need some guidance - spent too many hours on the computer trying to find the perfect hotel!!
p.s. we will be in Phuket for 7 nights total.... should we pre-book only the first few nights and then just find other accomodation (if we decide to change) while we are there? I.e. just walk into a nice looking place and chk it out? I dont mind dividing the week up to 2 different hotels - kinda make it less boring for a weeks stay!
Thanks you all!!!
Heading down to Phuket for the first time in our upcoming trip to Thailand (leaving in one week!).
I am taking my 13 yr old boy and we plan to spend one week in Phuket. We've decided to choose Patong Beach (yes, I know its touristy - but I am taking my kid... so gotta be close to everything!)
We need to be walking distance to Chabad House, which is located at 52/32 Ratch U-Thit Song Roy Pee Road.
We'd been to Thailand before, and have always stayed at beautiful 4 and 5 star hotels - many through point stays. This time, my trip is a lot more spontaneous and on a tighter budget, and I am therefore looking at cheaper accommodation. I do remember meeting so many travelers on our previous trips to Thailand who thought we were crazy to spend so much on hotels, so I am actually excited about the idea of finding the perfect boutique accommodation for cheap
I have looked into some of teh following hotels:
Amata Resort Phuket
Patong Premier Resort
Royal Paradise Phuket
Nipa Resort
Would anyone please please help us out? they all look nice online, and its so hard to determine from reviews etc. (what one person thinks is nice doesnt mean others do)... We need a place that is "beautiful Thai", clean, spacious, and classy. a decent pool would be great for my son, especially a place that other families come to, so he can meet some kids to play with.
I wonder if you guys have something to recommend at about teh 1500 bht range per night, though if you think that we will be disapointed then we can go up to the 2000 bht/night range too.
I really need some guidance - spent too many hours on the computer trying to find the perfect hotel!!
p.s. we will be in Phuket for 7 nights total.... should we pre-book only the first few nights and then just find other accomodation (if we decide to change) while we are there? I.e. just walk into a nice looking place and chk it out? I dont mind dividing the week up to 2 different hotels - kinda make it less boring for a weeks stay!
Thanks you all!!!
Jul 19th, 2009, 06:19 AM
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Two things.
Patong is touristy, yes. But it's also pretty sleazy IMO. I would not want a 13 yr old too close to all of it. You will find plenty of activity on Kata Beach. I'd rethink Patong. Or, do as you suggest, book only the first day (maybe two) and the move out of that area.
Weather: it would be better on Samui. Aug/Sept can be quite rainy. The beach will no doubt be lined w/red flags, which means it's not safe to enter the water.
Patong is touristy, yes. But it's also pretty sleazy IMO. I would not want a 13 yr old too close to all of it. You will find plenty of activity on Kata Beach. I'd rethink Patong. Or, do as you suggest, book only the first day (maybe two) and the move out of that area.
Weather: it would be better on Samui. Aug/Sept can be quite rainy. The beach will no doubt be lined w/red flags, which means it's not safe to enter the water.
Jul 19th, 2009, 09:25 AM
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Thanks simpsonc... yes, I do imagine that Samui would be better weather, and chose Phuket for 2 reasons:
1. we havent been there yet
2. seems to have a lot more to do there with a kid... rafting, ATVing, movies etc.
I was in Samui 3 yrs ago as part of my honeymoon, and we loved the tranquility of it, and last year we just headed to Hua Hin for a few days. Since I am traveling alone with my son, i wanted to make sure i'd be somewhere where there are things to do... am I wrong?
how seedy is Patong? I made the mistake of taking my kid to Patpong market in BKK - it as horribly seedy...
what do you thnk I should do? go to Samui and just stay for less time on the Island? I cant imagine a full week there with a kid...
1. we havent been there yet
2. seems to have a lot more to do there with a kid... rafting, ATVing, movies etc.
I was in Samui 3 yrs ago as part of my honeymoon, and we loved the tranquility of it, and last year we just headed to Hua Hin for a few days. Since I am traveling alone with my son, i wanted to make sure i'd be somewhere where there are things to do... am I wrong?
how seedy is Patong? I made the mistake of taking my kid to Patpong market in BKK - it as horribly seedy...
what do you thnk I should do? go to Samui and just stay for less time on the Island? I cant imagine a full week there with a kid...
Jul 19th, 2009, 10:21 AM
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For me, Patpong and Patong would be quite similar. I'd really opt for a different beach. I suggested Kata because there are plenty of shopping and dining options. Any rafting and ATVing would require a taxi/tuktuk ride to another location anyway.
Carol
Carol
Jul 19th, 2009, 12:09 PM
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Firedragon,
Samui doesn't do it for me, so I say stick with Phuket....even in August.
Spend some time on the link below.......from there, you will find the best of Phuket......for you and your child.
http://jamie-monk.blogspot.com/
Samui doesn't do it for me, so I say stick with Phuket....even in August.
Spend some time on the link below.......from there, you will find the best of Phuket......for you and your child.
http://jamie-monk.blogspot.com/
Jul 19th, 2009, 03:05 PM
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Hi Dragon,
Definately stay clear of Patong. Kata is a far superior beach, cleaner, better sand, more picturesque and there are still plenty of amenities around.
If you want a hotel near the beach with sweeping coastal views try the Tropical Garden Resort, you can get a deluxe seaview with breakfast for 1500 baht at the momment. It is really well located but the walk to the rooms is a little steep if you are out of shape. The view is breathtaking and it is just across a small street from the best part of the beach.
The issue with Phuket is the season. If you or your son wants to swim at the beach you will have to be very carefull. There will be strong currents and if it turns nasty the red flags will go up and you will be confined to the pool.
There is plenty to keep a child ammused on Samui. On our recent trip there we went bowling, to the movies, zipling through the forest canopy,4 wheel driving, Go-Karting, to the Thai boxing, to Tiger and Bird shows at the Aquarium, played Soccer golf and mini golf and went to snake shows and temples. There is also an ATV park and Elephant camps that we saw but didn't go to. I dont think he will be bored.
The other thing with Samui is that it is less daunting to drive around as the coastal road is not as steep apart from one small section between Lamai and Chaweng. We rented a jeep for 650 baht a day and it was a great way to get around.
If you change your mind, consider the Lamai Wanta resort. It is a little above your budget at 1750 baht per night on Latestays but for absolute beachfront on a great, swimmable beach in High season, it is sensational value.
This is a recent report from Phuket and a weather blog from Samui.
http://phuketwan.com/tourism/phuket-...l-storm-11304/
http://samui-weather.blogspot.com/
Definately stay clear of Patong. Kata is a far superior beach, cleaner, better sand, more picturesque and there are still plenty of amenities around.
If you want a hotel near the beach with sweeping coastal views try the Tropical Garden Resort, you can get a deluxe seaview with breakfast for 1500 baht at the momment. It is really well located but the walk to the rooms is a little steep if you are out of shape. The view is breathtaking and it is just across a small street from the best part of the beach.
The issue with Phuket is the season. If you or your son wants to swim at the beach you will have to be very carefull. There will be strong currents and if it turns nasty the red flags will go up and you will be confined to the pool.
There is plenty to keep a child ammused on Samui. On our recent trip there we went bowling, to the movies, zipling through the forest canopy,4 wheel driving, Go-Karting, to the Thai boxing, to Tiger and Bird shows at the Aquarium, played Soccer golf and mini golf and went to snake shows and temples. There is also an ATV park and Elephant camps that we saw but didn't go to. I dont think he will be bored.
The other thing with Samui is that it is less daunting to drive around as the coastal road is not as steep apart from one small section between Lamai and Chaweng. We rented a jeep for 650 baht a day and it was a great way to get around.
If you change your mind, consider the Lamai Wanta resort. It is a little above your budget at 1750 baht per night on Latestays but for absolute beachfront on a great, swimmable beach in High season, it is sensational value.
This is a recent report from Phuket and a weather blog from Samui.
http://phuketwan.com/tourism/phuket-...l-storm-11304/
http://samui-weather.blogspot.com/
Jul 19th, 2009, 09:24 PM
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A specific note on your hotels - the Royal Paradise is the central hotel of the whole paradise Complex, which is the center of the hostess/host bar area. You have to pass through the very sleaziest part of Phuket just to get there.
Have a look at the Avantika instead.
Have a look at the Avantika instead.
Jul 19th, 2009, 10:54 PM
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hey all... Thanks so much for the info...
Jamie - your blog is awesome!!! I am still reading through it!!
Michael - thanks for the input on the Royal Paradise - I scratched that one off.
we plan on being in Phuket for a full week, though figured we'll only book the first couople of nights in Patong and then see how we feel about it. We arrive on Friday and must be walking distance to the Chabad house on Patong beach for the Sabbath, as we are religous Jews and cant drive on the Sabbath. After the weekend, we can either head out to Kata beach or better yet, spend some time in Phi Phi.
its really hard to figure it out since I am not yet familiar with Phuket... I hope I dont hate it!
- note: we LOVED Samui and we LOVED quaint Hua Hin... and though we initially stayed on Boh Phut beach in Samui, we ended up switching hotels so that we can stay on Chaweng beach - does that indicate that we like the hustle bustle? If we were to go to Samui, it would be Chaweng Beach definitely....so does that indicate we'd rather Patong?
Shanek - The Tropical Garden Resort on Kata Beach looks beautiful and great price! I will look into it after our weekend in Patong...!
Phuket seems so much BIGGER than Samui (is it?) is it harder to get around?
Jamie - your blog is awesome!!! I am still reading through it!!
Michael - thanks for the input on the Royal Paradise - I scratched that one off.
we plan on being in Phuket for a full week, though figured we'll only book the first couople of nights in Patong and then see how we feel about it. We arrive on Friday and must be walking distance to the Chabad house on Patong beach for the Sabbath, as we are religous Jews and cant drive on the Sabbath. After the weekend, we can either head out to Kata beach or better yet, spend some time in Phi Phi.
its really hard to figure it out since I am not yet familiar with Phuket... I hope I dont hate it!
- note: we LOVED Samui and we LOVED quaint Hua Hin... and though we initially stayed on Boh Phut beach in Samui, we ended up switching hotels so that we can stay on Chaweng beach - does that indicate that we like the hustle bustle? If we were to go to Samui, it would be Chaweng Beach definitely....so does that indicate we'd rather Patong?
Shanek - The Tropical Garden Resort on Kata Beach looks beautiful and great price! I will look into it after our weekend in Patong...!
Phuket seems so much BIGGER than Samui (is it?) is it harder to get around?
Jul 20th, 2009, 04:31 AM
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Phuket is the largest island in Thailand; it's two or three times the size of Samui (at least). It can be rather expensive to get around - last time I was there it was 200 Baht just to get in a taxi. That said, there's not much reason to go anywhere if you're staying in a location with a good selection of restaurants. Once you've seen one of the beach resorts, you've pretty much seen them all.
Heading off elsewhere after the Sabbath does make some sense. You'd probably like Phi Phi, but you do have to consider the time it takes to get there - and back to Phuket for your flight. Khao Lak is another option, although it might not be lively enough for you.
Heading off elsewhere after the Sabbath does make some sense. You'd probably like Phi Phi, but you do have to consider the time it takes to get there - and back to Phuket for your flight. Khao Lak is another option, although it might not be lively enough for you.
Jul 20th, 2009, 10:38 AM
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There is a Hotel Phuket Palace where I have stayed on 2 different trips. It is in walking distance of Patong-maybe a half mile. Has a huge pool you son would enjoy. Not right on the beach,but in walking distance. You could stay there and then make a decision. I agree Patong itself is sleezy.
Jul 24th, 2009, 04:41 AM
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Patong Premier should be just a few Baht over 1,000 a night for 2 with tax, service and breakfast, normal then is an extra bed charge per night of a few hundred, there are many similar type places. Hotels in Phuket and in particular in Patong are very cherap at the moment.
Premier is on Rat U Thit, I guess it is around the 120's along the road area, see what they would charge extra for those around the pool, overall a good value for money choice I guess.
I would not suggest Royal Paradise for you. If you have been to Patong before you will know what to expect. It has changed even more in just the last few years even more than before that, evenings is loud nightlife, western pubs and bars and 24 hr fast food I would suggest Kata beach as nicer for a family trip. Junceylon you may find good for shopping but not cheap, nearby OTOP market is cheaper but after BKK I doubt you will bother with any shopping .
I went through a very wet Patong the other night and although quieter than normal the majority of the busy area near Soi Bangla and Rat U Thit has people around but the whole of Rat U Thit is now conrete jungle and even at the far south where there was some remaining open land is also now a concrete jungle.
Watch out for time share touts.
Back to Patong - my top tip would be Swiss Palm Beach, owner managed and great for families, short walk to beach, close to Rat-U-Thit, they do apartments and duplex apartments, it is one place though that is not 'so' cheap, probably in the 1,700 range for 3 of you but they are apartments and they have a lot of regular return guests. Rene and his wife run a superb set up so it has a great reputation, ideal for a family. Places in Kata like Sugar Palm around the B 900 or less a night. Centara Kata around B 1,400. Woraburi acrosss the road at Karon about B 1,200
Deevana Patong is around the 40/50 mark on Rat U Thit so closer to Chabad House, twen is around B 1,350 but they do free roundtrip airport transfer if you stay more than 4 nights so that saves a lot of cash.
Try Dino Park in Kata one evening, Flintstones style place.
Let us know how it goes.
Premier is on Rat U Thit, I guess it is around the 120's along the road area, see what they would charge extra for those around the pool, overall a good value for money choice I guess.
I would not suggest Royal Paradise for you. If you have been to Patong before you will know what to expect. It has changed even more in just the last few years even more than before that, evenings is loud nightlife, western pubs and bars and 24 hr fast food I would suggest Kata beach as nicer for a family trip. Junceylon you may find good for shopping but not cheap, nearby OTOP market is cheaper but after BKK I doubt you will bother with any shopping .
I went through a very wet Patong the other night and although quieter than normal the majority of the busy area near Soi Bangla and Rat U Thit has people around but the whole of Rat U Thit is now conrete jungle and even at the far south where there was some remaining open land is also now a concrete jungle.
Watch out for time share touts.
Back to Patong - my top tip would be Swiss Palm Beach, owner managed and great for families, short walk to beach, close to Rat-U-Thit, they do apartments and duplex apartments, it is one place though that is not 'so' cheap, probably in the 1,700 range for 3 of you but they are apartments and they have a lot of regular return guests. Rene and his wife run a superb set up so it has a great reputation, ideal for a family. Places in Kata like Sugar Palm around the B 900 or less a night. Centara Kata around B 1,400. Woraburi acrosss the road at Karon about B 1,200
Deevana Patong is around the 40/50 mark on Rat U Thit so closer to Chabad House, twen is around B 1,350 but they do free roundtrip airport transfer if you stay more than 4 nights so that saves a lot of cash.
Try Dino Park in Kata one evening, Flintstones style place.
Let us know how it goes.
Jul 25th, 2009, 12:27 PM
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hey - thanks James! I actually booked the Patonf Premier - they had a deal of pay 3 nights and get 4. I also upgraded to a deluxe room so hopefully it will be nice. I remember chking out the Deevana though dont remember why I didnt stick with it...
how long is Rat-U-Thit street? how far the walk to Chabad house? Is the Patong Premier in a completely seedy surrounding like you say the Royal Paradise is?
I decided to stay on Patong rather than Kata beach since I am going with my kid and prefer to be central - not a honeymoon trip this time! (my husband isnt joining us)
I was worried about Phuket being too much of a concrete jungle altogether - havent yet been to Phuket (been to KS and Hua Hin and we loved them both!) - we therefore decided to head over to Koh Phi Phi for 2 nights after the 4 in Patong... cant wait for the serenity!!!!!
Dino Park sounds interesting.. what is it - a restaurant?
how long is Rat-U-Thit street? how far the walk to Chabad house? Is the Patong Premier in a completely seedy surrounding like you say the Royal Paradise is?
I decided to stay on Patong rather than Kata beach since I am going with my kid and prefer to be central - not a honeymoon trip this time! (my husband isnt joining us)
I was worried about Phuket being too much of a concrete jungle altogether - havent yet been to Phuket (been to KS and Hua Hin and we loved them both!) - we therefore decided to head over to Koh Phi Phi for 2 nights after the 4 in Patong... cant wait for the serenity!!!!!
Dino Park sounds interesting.. what is it - a restaurant?
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