How to Choose the Right Hotel in Phuket
CHOOSING THE RIGHT HOTEL IN PHUKET — QUICK PICKS
Phuket is a large island, and choosing the right area matters just as much as choosing the hotel itself. Below are three excellent hotels in different locations, each suited to a different travel style.
Bang Tao Beach — Relaxed & Upscale
SAii Laguna Phuket
Located on Bang Tao Beach in the Laguna Phuket area, this stylish beachfront resort is ideal for couples
and families who want long sandy beaches, a relaxed atmosphere, and easy access to upscale dining and resorts.
View location on Google Maps
Kata Noi Beach — Scenic & Romantic
The Shore at Katathani Resort
Situated on Kata Noi Beach, just south of Kata Beach, this luxury villa-style resort is perfect for
honeymooners and travelers seeking privacy, ocean views, and a peaceful, scenic setting.
View location on Google Maps
Near Patong — Beachfront but Quieter
Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach
Located at Merlin Beach, just outside Patong, this beachfront resort offers a calmer stay while remaining
close to Patong’s nightlife, shopping, and entertainment areas.
View location on Google Maps
Tip: Always choose your Phuket location first, then pick the best hotel within that area. It makes a huge difference to your overall experience.
When planning a trip to Phuket, Thailand, one of the first questions most travelers ask is where to stay. With beaches spread across the island, choosing the right area can feel confusing at first.
Phuket offers two very different experiences. The west coast is known for popular beaches, sunset views, and lively towns, while the east coast is quieter with local villages and calmer waters. Each side has its own charm depending on what kind of trip you want.
Some travelers look for nightlife and easy beach access, while others prefer peaceful resorts and slower days. Picking the right area first makes choosing a hotel much easier and helps shape the entire experience of your Phuket vacation.
Exploring Different Areas of Phuket
When we decided to visit Phuket, we wanted to stay in a few different areas to really understand the island. We started on the southwest coast at Kata Beach, just south of Patong. It has a relaxed vibe, soft white sand, clear water, and enough activity to keep things interesting without feeling crowded.
After that, we moved north to Bang Tao Beach on Phuket’s west coast. This area felt completely different. It is calm, more upscale, and much quieter, with long beaches and luxury resorts that are perfect for slowing down.
During our trip, we stayed at three different hotels. One of them was completely free for a month and a half. Yes, really. Keep reading and we will explain exactly how that happened.
Hilton Garden Inn Phuket Bang Tao
When we arrived at the Hilton Garden Inn Phuket Bang Tao: we were genuinely excited. It was a brand-new hotel for us, and we were about to enjoy a free stay for a month and a half, which felt almost unreal.
From the moment we entered the lobby, the staff made us feel welcome with friendly smiles and a relaxed atmosphere. After a long day of travel, the cold welcome drink was exactly what we needed, especially in the Phuket heat. It was a small touch, but it set the tone for a great stay right away.
Short on time?
Room and Check-in Experience
Check-in was easy since we had done it in advance through the Hilton app. This allowed us to choose our room and floor ahead of time, which made the arrival smooth and stress free. Once we arrived, staff quickly escorted us to our room.
Our room had a peaceful forest view, and we loved that the window could be opened for fresh air. The bed was very comfortable, and we slept great throughout our stay. Hilton pillows are still our favorite and much softer than what you usually find in Thailand.
The room was clean, smelled fresh, and had a solid desk with fast internet, which was perfect for work. The bathroom was well equipped with quality amenities, including razor blades and excellent conditioner, details Hilton always gets right.
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How We Stayed for Free
Before spending endless hours by the pool, it is worth explaining how we stayed here for a month and a half without paying. We first booked just 10 days, but we loved the location, the calm atmosphere, and how close the beach was, so we kept extending our stay.
By using travel hacking and hotel loyalty rewards, we were able to cover most of the cost with points and benefits. Over the years, these strategies have helped us enjoy more than two years of free stays, not only with Hilton, but at many hotels around the world.
Pool Area
The hotel has two beautiful pools, each designed for a different experience. One pool is long and ideal for swimming laps and getting some exercise. Around the pools, there are plenty of sun loungers and poolside beds, along with umbrellas that offer shade when you want a break from the sun.
I held the bananas and called the elephants over so we could feed them and show them our love.
Relaxation Pool
The second pool is all about relaxing. It features in-water pool beds and beautiful mountain views, creating a calm and peaceful setting. It is the perfect place to unwind, enjoy the sun, or take a refreshing swim while soaking in the tropical surroundings.
Pool Bar
The pool bar is a great spot to cool off during the day. You can order refreshing drinks, smoothies, and light snacks without leaving the pool area. It is an easy and relaxed way to enjoy more time in the sun.
Location and Nearby Area
The hotel is located close to Boat Avenue, a lively area with restaurants, cafes, night markets, and grocery shops. Everything you need is within easy reach and perfect for evenings out.
If you do not feel like walking, the hotel offers a convenient shuttle service to Boat Avenue and back. It makes exploring the area simple and stress free while still enjoying a fun night out.
Shuttle to Laguna Beach
The free shuttle also takes you to Laguna Beach, one of the best spots nearby for sunsets. The beach is beautiful and great for swimming or taking a relaxed walk along the shore.
There are several beachside restaurants and bars where you can enjoy a drink or a meal by the sea. It is an easy and relaxing way to spend an afternoon or evening without worrying about transport.
Peach Hill Resort Phuket
Peach Hill Resort Phuket is located on the southwest side of the island, close to Kata Beach. From here, you have easy access to both Kata and Karon beaches, two of the most popular areas in Phuket. The resort is about one hour and fifteen minutes from Phuket International Airport.
If you plan to stay in more than one area in Phuket, a smart approach is to start in the southwest near Kata and Karon, then slowly move north toward the airport. This makes travel easier and can help reduce transfer time and costs at the end of your trip.
Arrival and Check-in Experience
When we arrived, the staff welcomed us right away and helped with our suitcases. We were offered a cold butterfly pea tea, which was very refreshing after traveling in the humid Southeast Asian heat.
Check-in took a little longer than expected, but the staff stayed friendly and attentive the entire time. Small details like this really help set a positive tone for the stay.
Rooms and Buildings
The hotel has two buildings, and the one closer to the street is a bit farther from the main area. Staff use a buggy to shuttle guests back and forth, which is quick and convenient. One building is older, while the other is newer and more modern.
We stayed in the newer building, and our room was clean and well maintained. The bathroom had all the basics, the bed was firm but comfortable, and having a desk was a big plus for getting some work done during our stay.
Garden View and Evenings
Our room had a nice garden view, which was a peaceful spot for morning or afternoon tea. It felt calm and private, almost like a small escape within the hotel.
In the evenings, mosquitos were definitely around. If you have traveled in Thailand before, this will not be a surprise. They are everywhere and not really avoidable. It is not the hotel’s fault, but it is something to keep in mind if you plan to sit outside for long in the evenings.
Pools and Property Layout
The hotel is spread across a large area, and during our stay we found three different pools. We were told there are five, but the three we used were clean, refreshing, and perfect after a long walk or a beach day.
The property is built on a hill, which gives it character but also means some uphill walking, especially when heading to the lobby. This is worth keeping in mind if you have mobility concerns or prefer a flatter resort layout.
Pool Time and Pool Bar
We spent a lot of time relaxing by the pool, enjoying the sun and grabbing afternoon snacks. The water was clear, warm, and very refreshing after a day of exploring.
The pool bar quickly became one of our favorite spots. Sitting by the pool with a drink and a smoothie as the day slowly turned into evening was one of the highlights of our stay.
Breakfast Experience
Our stay included breakfast, and it was a great way to start each day. The buffet had a good variety of options, so there was something for everyone.
The breakfast area was spacious with seating both inside and outside, which made it easy to find a comfortable spot. One of our favorite dishes was the Pad Thai, which was well prepared and something we kept going back for.
Gym Facilities
The hotel has a small gym that quickly became one of my favorite spots before breakfast. It was usually very quiet, which made workouts more enjoyable.
Even though it is not large, it had everything needed for a solid workout, including weights and cardio machines. It was a convenient way to get energized before heading out for the day.
The Sis Kata Phuket Hotel
The Sis Kata Phuket Hotel is located about one hour from Phuket International Airport and within walking distance of Kata Beach and the famous Kata View Point. It is a modern hotel known for its sea views and lively atmosphere.
One thing that makes this hotel stand out is the live music. They often host local bands and singers, which adds energy to the stay. The property is very clean and well maintained, with tropical gardens and a calm pool area, making it easy to relax while staying close to the beach and nearby attractions.
Arrival and First Impressions
As soon as we arrived at The Sis Kata Phuket Hotel, the staff welcomed us with big smiles and helped us right away. We were invited to sit in a lounge area and offered cold towels and fresh pineapple juice, which felt great after the long trip.
They also brought out welcome cookies, which we happily enjoyed. Check-in took a bit longer since we arrived early, but it did not bother us. It gave us time to relax and ease into the calm, tropical atmosphere of the hotel.
Room with Spa Bath
We booked a room with a spa bath on the balcony, and it was absolutely worth it. After long days of exploring, relaxing in the warm spa bath felt amazing. Sitting outside, soaking in the tub, and listening to tropical sounds was one of the highlights of our stay. If you are unsure whether to upgrade, we would say go for it.
Breakfast at The Sis Kata
Breakfast at The Sis Kata was one of the best we had in Thailand. The buffet was huge and offered just about everything you could want in the morning.
There were separate stations for eggs and omelets, pancakes, soups, fresh bread, and a wide selection of sweets. One highlight was the fresh honeycomb with real honey. Drinks like tea, coffee, and smoothies were served directly at the table, which made the whole breakfast feel special.
Pool and Views
The pool at The Sis Kata was beautiful and looked out over Kata Beach with amazing views. Most of the time, it was nearly empty, which made it feel calm and private.
We enjoyed swimming and relaxing without crowds, while taking in the scenery. The hotel grounds were also very well kept, with tropical flowers everywhere, adding to the peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.
Live Music and Evening Events
During our stay at The Sis Kata, the hotel hosted live bands and singers around sunset and into the evening. These nights were unforgettable. One evening even included fireworks, and the live performance was amazing.
The hotel really went all out by offering free wine, popcorn, and snacks during the events. If you want to see what it was like, you can watch the full experience in our YouTube vlog. The Sis Kata knows how to turn a normal evening into something special.
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