Yet again: Krabi & Phuket beach hotel querry
Feb 11th, 2007, 09:20 AM
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Yet again: Krabi & Phuket beach hotel querry
I've been reading posts and more post and still I'm befuddled. Hubby and I (ages 61 & 68) want a 3-4 day beach stay to recover from jet lag and enjoy some sun and beach before a long trip to Bhutan & India. We arrive in Bangkok from LA 6:40 am, in early December & plan to fly immediately on to Phuket or Krabi.
I usually dislike sharing my beach haven with hundreds of others so I've been looking mostly at small boutique places (20-80 units). Having said that, if a larger hotel (The Legian in Bali comes to mind) has been carefully designed to give an intimate feel, unobstructed sea views, and sense of privacy (Marriott gives that impression from web photos), that could be ok.
Our criteria: maximum $650 a night (quite happy to spend less); easy to reach from airport (40 minute ride max; I eliminated Khao Lak as too far?); prefer right on a pristine beach (if not, great sea views and easy beach access); prefer detached units that feel private (I like to feel surrounded by natural beauty rather than buildings); beautifully appointed large rooms with traditional Thai style/lots of wood and great sea views; massage availability (doesn't need to be world class spa); beautiful pool area (sans overexcited kids); good food on site and possibility of off site dining; a village or town or adventure activity (like elephant ride, snorkeling) within twenty minutes of resort.
The Phuket places that may fit my criteria are Banyan Tree, Phuket Pavilion, Mom Tri's Boathouse or Villa Royal, Baan Yin Dee, Andaman White Beach Resort and The Ched.
On Krabi (and I hope I've got this straight) Tubkaak, Rayavadee and Nakamanda Resorts all get mostly good reviews.
All your comments and personal experience will be very helpful. I know I need to book right away.
I usually dislike sharing my beach haven with hundreds of others so I've been looking mostly at small boutique places (20-80 units). Having said that, if a larger hotel (The Legian in Bali comes to mind) has been carefully designed to give an intimate feel, unobstructed sea views, and sense of privacy (Marriott gives that impression from web photos), that could be ok.
Our criteria: maximum $650 a night (quite happy to spend less); easy to reach from airport (40 minute ride max; I eliminated Khao Lak as too far?); prefer right on a pristine beach (if not, great sea views and easy beach access); prefer detached units that feel private (I like to feel surrounded by natural beauty rather than buildings); beautifully appointed large rooms with traditional Thai style/lots of wood and great sea views; massage availability (doesn't need to be world class spa); beautiful pool area (sans overexcited kids); good food on site and possibility of off site dining; a village or town or adventure activity (like elephant ride, snorkeling) within twenty minutes of resort.
The Phuket places that may fit my criteria are Banyan Tree, Phuket Pavilion, Mom Tri's Boathouse or Villa Royal, Baan Yin Dee, Andaman White Beach Resort and The Ched.
On Krabi (and I hope I've got this straight) Tubkaak, Rayavadee and Nakamanda Resorts all get mostly good reviews.
All your comments and personal experience will be very helpful. I know I need to book right away.
Feb 12th, 2007, 09:40 PM
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After being in India for 3 weeks in 05 we went to the Rayavedee and absoluty loved it. The grounds and scenery are stunning. The resort is on 3 beaches, yet if you want a quiet beach you will not find it there. -lots of daytrippers-
Feb 12th, 2007, 09:55 PM
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JW Marriott Phuket is very large and spacious. It is close to the airport and far from Phuket Town and Patong, niether of which I would choose to stay in. Not much within 20 minutes of the place though. They have an exquisite suite with its own pool and next to the beach...Baan Mai Khao Royal Suite. I would guess that at this point it would still be available for booking.
You might also look at the Aleenta, just a bit north of the JW. Or Trisara....if you can get a very good rate.
You might also look at the Aleenta, just a bit north of the JW. Or Trisara....if you can get a very good rate.
Feb 12th, 2007, 10:32 PM
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Aleenta probably fits the bill - extra-ordinary! Very quiet beach front. 6-star. Try here for some photos:
http://phuketnorth.com/Aleenta_Resort_Photos.htm
A very special area.
http://phuketnorth.com/Aleenta_Resort_Photos.htm
A very special area.
Feb 12th, 2007, 10:42 PM
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Yes, Rayavadee does look like a top Krabi option and Krabi seems to have the more spectacular scenery. To Sallyho and others: Which bungalows have the better location at the resort? Is there any town en route for shopping?
As to Phuket, I've narrowed it down to Mom Tri's Villa Royale,Banyan Tree, Chedi. Some reviews said Banyan Tree and Chedi had lots of screaming kids at Christmas (may not be true in early Dec.) and maintenance at the properties wasn't top drawer. Can anyone comment?
JamesA can you weigh in on these questions?
Thanks
As to Phuket, I've narrowed it down to Mom Tri's Villa Royale,Banyan Tree, Chedi. Some reviews said Banyan Tree and Chedi had lots of screaming kids at Christmas (may not be true in early Dec.) and maintenance at the properties wasn't top drawer. Can anyone comment?
JamesA can you weigh in on these questions?
Thanks
Feb 12th, 2007, 11:56 PM
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The villas around the pool are the best location. The ones close to Phra Nang bay seem dark and not as private, as resort guests are walking by to go Phra Nang.
The resort grounds are very beautiful with tropical plants, lotus ponds, monkeys and birds and the magnificient limestone cliffs surrounding.
The town close by a short longtail boat is Ao Nang. There are some good Thai restaurents and small street market.
There is good kayaking from shore to amazing caves and snorkeling by boat.
If you are interested I can look at some room # I wrote down.
I stayed at the Chedi 5 years ago, it was in desperate need of upgrading, but I am sure that has been done.
The resort grounds are very beautiful with tropical plants, lotus ponds, monkeys and birds and the magnificient limestone cliffs surrounding.
The town close by a short longtail boat is Ao Nang. There are some good Thai restaurents and small street market.
There is good kayaking from shore to amazing caves and snorkeling by boat.
If you are interested I can look at some room # I wrote down.
I stayed at the Chedi 5 years ago, it was in desperate need of upgrading, but I am sure that has been done.
Feb 13th, 2007, 03:03 PM
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The photos of Aleenta do look inviting. I was imagining unites with more traditional Thai architecture. If you can get some room numbers Sallyho that would be great. Any further comments?
Feb 18th, 2007, 11:45 PM
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Robbietravels,
I have not been able to find the notes I took on the Rayavaydee. We are in the middle of a remodel and the notes I took are boxed up in the basement.
I would ask for the villas that are not right on the beach but about 5 back from the beach as they are more quiet from the noise of the longtail boats.
We had 2 deluxe units and were very happy with them. You can also go with the pool villas. The only advantage is having a private garden area. We were there for Christmas 05 with out 2 adult children. The resort was full but it never felt like it.
I have not been able to find the notes I took on the Rayavaydee. We are in the middle of a remodel and the notes I took are boxed up in the basement.
I would ask for the villas that are not right on the beach but about 5 back from the beach as they are more quiet from the noise of the longtail boats.
We had 2 deluxe units and were very happy with them. You can also go with the pool villas. The only advantage is having a private garden area. We were there for Christmas 05 with out 2 adult children. The resort was full but it never felt like it.
Feb 19th, 2007, 07:06 AM
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Mom Tri's Villa Royale is a fantastic place! I've stayed there twice. I have photos on my web site at cjscollection. If you go to the photo gallery link (left side of the page) and then select the Asia album you can see photos of Villa Royale.
I have stayed in Dhamma-Raksa, which is a huge villa with separate livingroom, sitting room, bedroom with huge king, two baths, and nice quiet lanai off the living room and bedroom. I've also stayed in Fueng Fa. It is much smaller than Dhamma-R. The "best" villa is one that I've never stayed in because it has never been available during my stay! It's Dao-a-dung. Its location near the pool and fabulous water views make it delightful.
You cannot beat Mom Tri's Kitchen for dining on site. Wonderful food and service. Mom Tri's Boathouse Grill is also excellent, and is a very short ride "down the hill" by hotel van.
Villa Royale is not right "on" the beach, but it is an easy walk down a stairway to Kata Noi beach. Kata Noi is a very nice smaller beach.
Do look at my photos. I think you will find Villa Royale to be a superb choice!! Mind you, they added a wing of newer "suites" a couple of years ago. I would highly suggest that instead of staying in one of the new places, you opt for one of the original villas, as listed above. If you can get Dao-a-dung, or even Dhamma-Raksa, I'm sure you'd be pleased.
Carol
I have stayed in Dhamma-Raksa, which is a huge villa with separate livingroom, sitting room, bedroom with huge king, two baths, and nice quiet lanai off the living room and bedroom. I've also stayed in Fueng Fa. It is much smaller than Dhamma-R. The "best" villa is one that I've never stayed in because it has never been available during my stay! It's Dao-a-dung. Its location near the pool and fabulous water views make it delightful.
You cannot beat Mom Tri's Kitchen for dining on site. Wonderful food and service. Mom Tri's Boathouse Grill is also excellent, and is a very short ride "down the hill" by hotel van.
Villa Royale is not right "on" the beach, but it is an easy walk down a stairway to Kata Noi beach. Kata Noi is a very nice smaller beach.
Do look at my photos. I think you will find Villa Royale to be a superb choice!! Mind you, they added a wing of newer "suites" a couple of years ago. I would highly suggest that instead of staying in one of the new places, you opt for one of the original villas, as listed above. If you can get Dao-a-dung, or even Dhamma-Raksa, I'm sure you'd be pleased.
Carol
Feb 19th, 2007, 07:14 AM
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I just went to my web site (cjscollection.com) and checked out the Villa photos. #43-46 in the Asia album are what you want.
#43 shows the view "down" to Kata Noi beach from the villas. There is a stairway leading down. It's not far.
#44 shows part of the livingroom at Dhamma-Raksa.
#45 shows a bit of the bedroom (but not the king bed) with the lanai just outside the windows
#46 is a bit of the infinity pool alongside the rocky outcropping and water below
Carol
#43 shows the view "down" to Kata Noi beach from the villas. There is a stairway leading down. It's not far.
#44 shows part of the livingroom at Dhamma-Raksa.
#45 shows a bit of the bedroom (but not the king bed) with the lanai just outside the windows
#46 is a bit of the infinity pool alongside the rocky outcropping and water below
Carol
Feb 19th, 2007, 09:24 PM
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Thanks Carol, Villa Royale looks wonderful. I got word they have availability in Dao a Dung for our dates. Now have to convince hubby that Mom Tri's on Phuket will be as scenic and restful as Rayavadee on Krabi. Who can offer a good sale pitch?
