Phuket hotels
 

We will be in Thailand in March and looking for a hotel in Phuket. We'd like something in an area which is not filled with bars and crazy nightlife -- prefer remote and tropical and a little off the beaten track, but also close enough to places we can explore (markets, restaurants, local hangouts, etc). Would prefer as close to the beach (or on the beach) as possible.
thanks!

Phuket has such areas, but off the beaten track in Phuket may mean you need some transport. See the link below for some of my recommended hotels, most of which are off the main beaches.

http://jamie-monk.blogspot.com/2006/...endations.html

Something like Baan Krating or Sabana might suit you.

I think you will find my blog useful for local hangouts. I intend to do a section on markets at some point, but have little time..slowly slowly..

We recently stayed at a boutique hotel (40 villa rooms) in Phuket, The Mangosteen Resort & Spa. Situated on a hill with great views of Rawai beach and islands and a short shuttle ride from a Nai Harn Beach where there is a reserved area for guests.

Sorry hit the "post" button by mistake...

The Mangosteen has a terrific spa, a very nice, large pool, gorgeous grounds, great rooms and friendly staff.

Take a look. Might be what you looking for.
http://www.phuket.com/mangosteen/

I am booked at Evason Phuket & Six Senses Spa mid Jan.
www.evasonresorts.com
look at their site. I will let you know in the beginning of Feb how it was. It's 25 min. from town and 45 to Patong Beach, the nightlife area ( that's what the lit. says)looks spectacular !!!

sorry...20 min to town, 25 min to night life.....

I'll give you a medal if you can drive from the Evason to Patong in 25 minutes. And really if you are staying there, why would you want to go to Patong other than to realise "thank God we're not staying here!"?

Evason is one I recommend on my blog. I love that area of Phuket around Rawai, Naiharn, Chalong.

Our favorite is the JW Marriott Phuket...it's very private, entirely on the beach, and the beach is serene and gorgeous. It shouldn't be too crowded in March and you could use Marriott points, if you have them.

Only downside for you is: it is NOT close to markets, etc and you do have to either rent a car, or take a taxi to get to most everything. We thought it was worth it, but you may not?

Phuket is great-have fun!

Gabi, what's you budget range ?
Are you looking for luxury, mid range or budget.
Also is being 'on the beach' important or not ? - That makes a very big difference. Surin might suit you.
Depends so much on your budget and whether you want to be right on the beach or you don't mind a walk to the beach.

Yes Jamie, that's the trouble with this forum. So many people who clearly don't have a clue, offering 'advice'

Well, the quote of distance to Patong is made on the Evason's own web site, I mean they don't want to appear to be too far from the action... But that is the appeal of the place for me. It's in a very nice part of Phuket. I like that corner of Phuket around Rawai, Naiharn and Phromthep Cape.

If you stay there and want more dining options, try Kata, which you should be able to reach in 20 minutes! OK, so head for Patong one time in the night if you want to see full blown tourism, and then head back to your quiet retreat....

http://jamie-monk.blogspot.com/2006/...on-resort.html

Thanks to everyone for the feedback. We are now looking at the Arahmas Resort & Spa. Any feedback on this one? We want to stay somewhere special -- preferably on or near the beach and something in the region of $150 - $200/night is doable.

Arahmas is putting you well north along the coast. If you want something in that range in Mrach there is going to be quite a reasonable choice but you really need to decide which beach firts. You can find local shops and places to eat but do decide if you want to be within reasonable distance for more shopping and restaurants.

Thavorn Beach Village might be too close to a, how can I put this, well, it's a resort sort of place, location is nice and it is close to go to visit other beaches, you could get an Sea view with jacuzzi there probably in the USD 180 range, that is north from Patong, they also usualy do some promotion like stay 10 nights pay for 7 or something like that so pricewise pretty good value. It is quiet and yet easy to get to other places/beaches along the coast. One thing about Thaborn you do need to use transport to get to other places and roads heading out hilly.
Surin beach resort is I guess you could call touristy beach resort but a suite for about 120 puts prices in some perspective.
If you really want a quiet area then that is possible but when deciding just be honest with yourself about how quiet you really want. You could downgrade to swop for less luxurious at Thavorn beach Bungalows, seaview bungalow around the USD 120 range plus usualy some free night deal deals, you got a/c of course, tv, phone, tea and coffeee maker etc, swimming pool, restaurant etc etc, not as plush lux as the beach Village.
Worth noting rates do drop 'substantialy' from around beginning of April if you are flexible on dates, like something that could be USD 350 in Mark could be 185 in April(!), 205 March perhaps 100 April, so if you had any felxibility it brings places that would normaly be well over your budget well 'into' your budget.

We stayed at the Manathai at Surin beach and it was fantastic! Away from the craziness of Patong, but right on the beach - peaceful, exotic and amazing service. We had a car rental, but many other guests didn't, and it never seemed to be any trouble to hop a cab or tuk-tuk to the nightlife. Or you can stroll up the road for fancy drinks or dinner at the Chedi or Amanpuri.

We got our rooms through AsiaRooms, but when we decided to stay an extra day, Manathia honored the cheaper rate.

Here's their website: http://www.manathai.com/

Cheers, Carrie