Best Hotels in Phuket
Updated 2013 post : Top 10 Hotels in Phuket 2013
This is a list of the Top 10 Phuket Hotels 2012 based on TripAdvisor rankings. For each hotel below there are links for online rates and availability - I recommend Agoda.com if you want to book a hotel in Phuket. There are also review links below - also mostly from Agoda where possible - only people who have booked the hotels through Agoda can make a review, and if you check some of the reviews, they tend to be very honest reviews, with plus points and minus points - combine Agoda reviews with the TripAdvisor reviews for an even wider range of views. Here's the list of top 10 Phuket hotels ...
1. The Baray Villa (Kata Beach)
The Baray Villa - just 14 luxury villas, which are run by the Sawasdee Village Resort, and yet separate from the resort. Villas are 2 floor with huge rooms, jacuzzi, direct pool access, set in tropical gardens, with a spa available. Reviews make the villas sound fantastic! The Sawasdee Village itself is also part of the top 10.
• The Baray Villa - Reservations at Agoda.com
• Baray Villa Reviews
2. The Shore at Katathani (Kata Noi Beach)
Katathani has been around for years, but The Shore is their new luxury "pool villa" development, opened in 2010. And it sure looks good! Pool villas, some with seaview (note: reviews mention that the view does vary from villa to villa), all with private pools. Very much a couples hotel. I see lots of honeymoon reviews.
• The Shore at Katathani - Reservations on Agoda.com
• The Shore Reviews
3. Rising Sun Residence (Chalong)
Not your normal beach hotel, Rising Sun Residence has 12 villas in the hills of Chalong overlooking Chalong Temple. There are seven three-bedroom villas, four of these have a private pool and jacuzzi, kitchen and large living room. The five one-bedroom villas are built around a large pool with sun deck and jacuzzi. Long way from the beach, so would suit people who want to explore Phuket and "come home" in the evening. My kind of people!
• Rising Sun Residence - Reservations on Agoda.com
• Rising Sun Residence Reviews
4. Andara Resort and Villas (Kamala Beach)
A 5 star resort, found overlooking Kamala Beach with luxury villas and a fancy restaurant called "Silk". This is a place to relax and be pampered. All villas have private pools. Note that the resort is not right on the beach - it's on the hillside with great seaviews - but there is a free shuttle to their own private Beach Club.
• Andara Resort & Villas - Reservations on Agoda.com
• Andara Reviews
5. Villa Zolitude (Chalong)
Another "up in the hills" idea .. and seems to be very popular. Villa Zolitude is between Phuket Town and Chalong. Not near any beaches. Up in the hills, you pass Villa Zolitude if driving up Radar Hill. Certainly quiet up there, away from the crowds by quite a distance. Good idea to have some transport if you stay at this hotel.
• Villa Zolitude - Reservations on Agoda.com
• Villa Zolitude Reviews
6. Sawasdee Village (Kata Beach)
Sawasdee Village has been around for 20 years and keeps changing to keep up with the latest needs of tourists - scroll back up to number 1 (Baray Villa) which is run by the same people. The original Sawasdee Village is small, quiet and built around gardens and water features. Only about 50 rooms, not a huge resort. I reviewed Sawasdee Village on this blog a few years ago. It was not in the top 10 last year, but has always had a good reputation.
• Sawasdee Village - Reservations on Agoda.com
• Sawasdee Village Reviews
7. BYD Lofts (Patong Beach)
BYD Lofts is not so much a hotel, it's more like serviced appartments, with a communal rooftop pool, near the center of Patong Beach. There are 1 and 2 bedroom appartments of varying sizes. A good place to stay if you like to be near the center of all the action (that's Patong) but need a quiet place to retire to.
• BYD Lofts - Reservations on Agoda.com
• BYD Lofts Reviews
8. Boomerang Village (Kata / Karon Beach)
I did a review of Boomerang Village on the blog in 2009. A few years ago I was surprised to find it rated so highly, it's quite different to some other hotels - on the hillside behind Kata and Karon Beaches, a good 15 minute walk to the sand, but obviously very popular! I think places like this make up for the off-beach location with a very good personal service, plus it's very quiet - hard to believe you are staying in Thailand's most touristy destination!
• Boomerang Village - Reservations on Agoda.com
• Boomerang Village Reviews
9. Trisara Resort Villas
Trisara features private pool villas on a private beach just north of Layan beach in the north of Phuket. Another of the "secluded, luxury, amazing views, forget-your-worries" style hotels. Only 39 villas, lots of space. Villas of varying sizes from 2 - 6 bedroom, so can be ideal for families or big get togethers, or weddings. Or just for a relaxing trip for a couple.
• Trisara - Reservations on Agoda.com
• Trisara Reviews
10. Mom Tri's Villa Royale (Kata Noi Beach)
Mom Tri Devakul was one of Phuket's tourism innovators. His Boathouse hotel was one of Phuket's first five star boutique hotels with a widely acclaimed restaurant and a wine cellar that I hear is still very good. The Villa Royale was built later on land which used to be his home, on the rocky headland overlooking Kata Noi beach. A stairway from the hotel takes you down to the beach and the water. Great views from the rooms and from the restaurant too. It's got a certain touch of class, only has 35 rooms/suites and is often fully booked!
• Villa Royale - Reservations on Agoda.com
• Villa Royale Reviews
• More about Mom Tri's Villa Royale on Jamie's Phuket
What do you think of the top 10? Maybe you have stayed somewhere else that you thought was amazing? Do add a comment below! The top 10 for 2012 is an interesting mix of old and new resorts, big hotels and small hotels, villas, hillside, beachfront.... Something for everyone, I think. There is a trend in recent years for new luxury resorts and for seaview (not on the beach) villas. Land prices are very high these days in Phuket, so it's hard to think about opening a small hotel or guesthouse. In the last couple of years, new resorts include the new Holiday Inn and the Renaissance Resort which are both at Mai Khao Beach and the new Centara Grand Beach Resort at Karon Beach.
Updated December 2012 - some new (and very useful) hotel information:
• Top 10 Phuket Family Hotels
• Top 10 Phuket Luxury Hotels
• Top 10 Phuket Value Hotels
Updated 2013 : Top 10 Hotels in Phuket 2013
For Phuket hotel bookings, I recommend looking at Agoda.com - it's what I use. On the subject of reviews, by all means read them, but do think also about actual hotel features - location, size, room type, price (!), suitability for kids etc.. one person's heaven may be another person's holiday nightmare! Any questions about hotels, please do leave a comment or ask on my Jamie's Phuket Facebook Page.
• Top 10 Hotels in Phuket (2011 version)
• Jamie's Phuket Hotel Recommendations
• Phuket Hotels online info and booking @ Agoda.com
This is a list of the Top 10 Phuket Hotels 2012 based on TripAdvisor rankings. For each hotel below there are links for online rates and availability - I recommend Agoda.com if you want to book a hotel in Phuket. There are also review links below - also mostly from Agoda where possible - only people who have booked the hotels through Agoda can make a review, and if you check some of the reviews, they tend to be very honest reviews, with plus points and minus points - combine Agoda reviews with the TripAdvisor reviews for an even wider range of views. Here's the list of top 10 Phuket hotels ...
Top 10 Phuket Hotels 2012
1. The Baray Villa (Kata Beach)
The Baray Villa - just 14 luxury villas, which are run by the Sawasdee Village Resort, and yet separate from the resort. Villas are 2 floor with huge rooms, jacuzzi, direct pool access, set in tropical gardens, with a spa available. Reviews make the villas sound fantastic! The Sawasdee Village itself is also part of the top 10.
• The Baray Villa - Reservations at Agoda.com
• Baray Villa Reviews
2. The Shore at Katathani (Kata Noi Beach)
Katathani has been around for years, but The Shore is their new luxury "pool villa" development, opened in 2010. And it sure looks good! Pool villas, some with seaview (note: reviews mention that the view does vary from villa to villa), all with private pools. Very much a couples hotel. I see lots of honeymoon reviews.
• The Shore at Katathani - Reservations on Agoda.com
• The Shore Reviews
3. Rising Sun Residence (Chalong)
Not your normal beach hotel, Rising Sun Residence has 12 villas in the hills of Chalong overlooking Chalong Temple. There are seven three-bedroom villas, four of these have a private pool and jacuzzi, kitchen and large living room. The five one-bedroom villas are built around a large pool with sun deck and jacuzzi. Long way from the beach, so would suit people who want to explore Phuket and "come home" in the evening. My kind of people!
• Rising Sun Residence - Reservations on Agoda.com
• Rising Sun Residence Reviews
4. Andara Resort and Villas (Kamala Beach)
A 5 star resort, found overlooking Kamala Beach with luxury villas and a fancy restaurant called "Silk". This is a place to relax and be pampered. All villas have private pools. Note that the resort is not right on the beach - it's on the hillside with great seaviews - but there is a free shuttle to their own private Beach Club.
• Andara Resort & Villas - Reservations on Agoda.com
• Andara Reviews
5. Villa Zolitude (Chalong)
Another "up in the hills" idea .. and seems to be very popular. Villa Zolitude is between Phuket Town and Chalong. Not near any beaches. Up in the hills, you pass Villa Zolitude if driving up Radar Hill. Certainly quiet up there, away from the crowds by quite a distance. Good idea to have some transport if you stay at this hotel.
• Villa Zolitude - Reservations on Agoda.com
• Villa Zolitude Reviews
6. Sawasdee Village (Kata Beach)
Sawasdee Village has been around for 20 years and keeps changing to keep up with the latest needs of tourists - scroll back up to number 1 (Baray Villa) which is run by the same people. The original Sawasdee Village is small, quiet and built around gardens and water features. Only about 50 rooms, not a huge resort. I reviewed Sawasdee Village on this blog a few years ago. It was not in the top 10 last year, but has always had a good reputation.
• Sawasdee Village - Reservations on Agoda.com
• Sawasdee Village Reviews
7. BYD Lofts (Patong Beach)
BYD Lofts is not so much a hotel, it's more like serviced appartments, with a communal rooftop pool, near the center of Patong Beach. There are 1 and 2 bedroom appartments of varying sizes. A good place to stay if you like to be near the center of all the action (that's Patong) but need a quiet place to retire to.
• BYD Lofts - Reservations on Agoda.com
• BYD Lofts Reviews
8. Boomerang Village (Kata / Karon Beach)
I did a review of Boomerang Village on the blog in 2009. A few years ago I was surprised to find it rated so highly, it's quite different to some other hotels - on the hillside behind Kata and Karon Beaches, a good 15 minute walk to the sand, but obviously very popular! I think places like this make up for the off-beach location with a very good personal service, plus it's very quiet - hard to believe you are staying in Thailand's most touristy destination!
• Boomerang Village - Reservations on Agoda.com
• Boomerang Village Reviews
9. Trisara Resort Villas
Trisara features private pool villas on a private beach just north of Layan beach in the north of Phuket. Another of the "secluded, luxury, amazing views, forget-your-worries" style hotels. Only 39 villas, lots of space. Villas of varying sizes from 2 - 6 bedroom, so can be ideal for families or big get togethers, or weddings. Or just for a relaxing trip for a couple.
• Trisara - Reservations on Agoda.com
• Trisara Reviews
10. Mom Tri's Villa Royale (Kata Noi Beach)
Mom Tri Devakul was one of Phuket's tourism innovators. His Boathouse hotel was one of Phuket's first five star boutique hotels with a widely acclaimed restaurant and a wine cellar that I hear is still very good. The Villa Royale was built later on land which used to be his home, on the rocky headland overlooking Kata Noi beach. A stairway from the hotel takes you down to the beach and the water. Great views from the rooms and from the restaurant too. It's got a certain touch of class, only has 35 rooms/suites and is often fully booked!
• Villa Royale - Reservations on Agoda.com
• Villa Royale Reviews
• More about Mom Tri's Villa Royale on Jamie's Phuket
What do you think of the top 10? Maybe you have stayed somewhere else that you thought was amazing? Do add a comment below! The top 10 for 2012 is an interesting mix of old and new resorts, big hotels and small hotels, villas, hillside, beachfront.... Something for everyone, I think. There is a trend in recent years for new luxury resorts and for seaview (not on the beach) villas. Land prices are very high these days in Phuket, so it's hard to think about opening a small hotel or guesthouse. In the last couple of years, new resorts include the new Holiday Inn and the Renaissance Resort which are both at Mai Khao Beach and the new Centara Grand Beach Resort at Karon Beach.
Updated December 2012 - some new (and very useful) hotel information:
• Top 10 Phuket Family Hotels
• Top 10 Phuket Luxury Hotels
• Top 10 Phuket Value Hotels
Updated 2013 : Top 10 Hotels in Phuket 2013
For Phuket hotel bookings, I recommend looking at Agoda.com - it's what I use. On the subject of reviews, by all means read them, but do think also about actual hotel features - location, size, room type, price (!), suitability for kids etc.. one person's heaven may be another person's holiday nightmare! Any questions about hotels, please do leave a comment or ask on my Jamie's Phuket Facebook Page.
• Top 10 Hotels in Phuket (2011 version)
• Jamie's Phuket Hotel Recommendations
• Phuket Hotels online info and booking @ Agoda.com
Best Hotels in Phuket | Jamie's Phuket Blog
Comments on Best Hotels in Phuket
Please do add your comment or ask a question
I stayed at the Boomerang Village Resort December 2011 . The place is fantastic, the grounds are well kept the rooms are very clean and very tidy and the personal service was great. The restaurant Café del Sol is a little cramped but the view and the food and the ambience make up for it . The pool is alittle on the small side but big enough to enjoy a refreshing swim and a cool drink . The walk up the hill is a bit of a killer. I would have no problem recommending The Boomerang Village to anyone.
Jamie - Hi there - I wanted to reach out to you as I have a question. I am planning to visit Phuket from late April onwards. Wanted to know how hot it gets. Heard that its quite hot and may be wet. But what does that mean on the ground?
Thanks,
PN
Well... it's always hot here. April can be very hot, 35 degree C or more, but late April, well thats end of the season. Weather is anyone's guess. Can be sunny, rainy, windy, calm, clear, thundery. Mixed bag, nothing to soil your trousers about. Hot, sometimes dry, sometimes wet. Latest Phuket weather on the Phuket Weather Blog :)
We were just here doing some hotel research. Andara is beautiful. Off the top of my head... the Paresa, Amanpuri, The Surin, and Sri Panwa are missing from this list.
I actually have quite a few reviews on Tripadvisor but I don't think their "Best Hotels" lists are accurate as they don't categorize their hotels by star rating. For example, a 3 star hotel could be rated #1 over a 5 star hotel just because the 3 star hotel had a lot more positive ratings (due to the sheer number of guests).
Btw, Pizza Italy moved their location to the market across the street (about 200 metres away). We searched a good 30 mins for them and almost gave up! Luckily we found the original building and asked some neighbours where they went.
Hi Shockr,
Agreed, the list can't be perfect, but the top 10 on TA is a good place to start. As I see the list today, Sri Panwa is number 12 and Paresa is 15th, with The Surin in top 50. Amanpuri is I am sure also top class, but has been overtaken by newer resorts. I like to see a mix of hotel types in the top 10.
Re: Pizza, I better take a drive along Nanai road and check, not been there for quite a long time.
I stayed at Mom Tri's a couple of years ago. While a bit pricier than I would normally pay (it was a special occasion), it was well worth it. Gorgeous room, lovely staff and a most fascinating hotel.
Interesting list. I'm not familiar with at least five of them. That's more to try out eventually :)
Hi Jamie, Great list full of beautiful hotels!
Have you got any recommendations for those of us on a bit more of a budget? Close to the beach preferably!
Thanks!
If you check all the Phuket hotels on Agoda you'll find every kind of budget. One low budget guesthouse I recommend is Pineapple Guesthouse in Karon. It's listed on Agoda too!
I stayed at Cape Panwa in December 2011 with my husband and it was fantastic. Our room was stunning, jacuzzi, living room, bar room, dressing room, the works! I would totally recommend the hotel to anyone. Quite expensive on drinks but worth it for a special occasion and amazing restaurants just over the hill, we hardly ate in the hotel the local places were that good!
Hi Bex,
Yes the Cape Panwa Hotel is a good one for sure. I like the Panwa area, nice and quiet!
Hey Jamie
I am helping my brother book his 1st trip to phuket,(Dec 12) he is coming with a mate and they are mid 30's and nice and respectable guys can you recommend a fun 4-5 star hotel in patong or kata thats not full of honeymooners.
Thank Vikky
`hi jamie, any reccomendation for hotel in phuket town? i've always stayed at patong beach thinking of getting a change this trip, but it seems like after browsing through agoda, phuket town's hotel are pretty old and run down...
Hi Karen,
Try Hotels in Phuket Town on this blog, or more (with lots of reviews) on Agoda.com.
Hi Jamie. The kantary bay hotel is great value for money and what's better is that you get to use the facilities at cape panwa. The view of the bay is better than cape panwa. I stayed at cape panwa but felt the service at the kantary was better though they share the same management. The sawadee restaurant and indian restaurant by the road serves excellent food.
Karen, you can try Bhukitta hotel and spa. I stayed there 1-2 yrs back. I hear that they have a gd spa but I did not get a chance to try it while I was there.
Kantary Bay Hotel, Cape Panwa - one of several good ones in that area, people should note that Panwa is not in the main tourist area, transport needed if you want to get around easily, and there are not many restaurants around.
Yes, the Bhukkita is one of the hotels I recommend on my list of Hotels in Phuket Town.
Great List, but an experience is a matter of perception. Have you stayed at any of these hotels? I would definitely recommend Avista Resort and Spa, Kata. Great Value for money. Very clean rooms and friendly staff.
Hi Anonymous, no the list is based on the ratings on TripAdvisor which are based on hundreds of reviews. I also recommend Avista - see Avista Resort and Spa, Kata Beach review on this blog from 2009. Cheers!
Hi Jamie, I need your advice. Three girls in there 30's going to Phuket in jan for 10 days, celebrating 2 big birthdays. I've spent hours researching and can't decide which hotel....I've chosen 3, which one would you pick? The avista, cape panwa or twinpalms? We want a little bit of everything. Can you advise what you would choose please, thanking you, mags
Well, 3 girls ... of the 3, Avista is in the busier location, Kata beach is not too busy, but plenty of dining options nearby. The Twin Palms is at Surin beach, quieter, and if you want quiet relaxation then Cape Panwa Hotel is best. From all you can book the same day tours. For me, Cape Panwa wins, I like quiet!
Hi! Do you have a hotel recommendation for singles in an area that is fun, but with a nice hotel close to the beach? Not a budget hotel (think nice pool, room, service). Thank you!
Hi Anonymous - try the Aspery Hotel in Patong. Cheers!
Hi Jamie,
I am going to visit Phuket next month, having been twice to Ko Lanta many years ago and very much looking forward to being in Thailand again!
Your blog & twitter account have been an invaluable resource in planning our trip - am very much looking forward to a day trip to Racha/Raya! So thankyou for that :-)
In those days we could just turn up at the beach and find many shacks and guesthouses available to rent for a few days - do you know if this is the case in Phuket or is it really necessary to book in advance? The hotels you listed all looked beautiful but are way out of my budget :-(
I'd also ask you the inevitable question about our chances with the sun/rain - but it seems from reading your blog chances are what we will have to take! Hopefully we'll get some sun in November when we are there :-)
Nicky
Hi jamie, its been great reading your blog so helpful with organizing our holiday. Just about to book our accommodation and I'm needing your advice. We are tossing up between two resorts cape Sienna or sea Pearl villas. We are coming to stay for our wedding anniversary and our children are staying back home with the grandparents so we want to relax but being this our first visit to phuket would it be better off staying closer to patong thanks nat
Hi there .. well, personally I'd go for Cape Siena - amazing views, and I like being a bit more isolated. It's close to Kamala Beach, which has lots of small restaurants. Patong is just a bit too big for me, and do note that Sea Pearl Villas is out of Patong, was built on the hill on the way out towards Phuket Town, got to be about a mile from the sea. Looks nice, sure the rooms and service are good, but romantic location - Cape Siena wins!
Great Blog and review of Hotels. Im staying at Arcadia Hilton in Karron on 17th November for 2 weeks, its just a room only. Looking forward to 2 weeks of eating & drinking :-). Your Blog has been a great help with me having ideas of where to visit, eat, drink etc etc. I will let u know what i tbink of the Hilton when i return. 2 married couples "41 & 48,,,, 47 & 58". Thanks for a great Blog Derek
The Hilton - I am sure your stay will be great, some might moan that it's a bit soulless or a bit old, but I think they have revamped a lot of the rooms. Eating at the Hilton restaurants is expensive, and its in the middle of Karon beach so you need to walk a bit to get to either end where most of the local restaurants are. Enjoy!
Nicky - sorry missed your comment. Better to book at least a night first to avoid lugging bags around in the heat. No shacks on the beach in Phuket though ... but plenty of lower budget places to stay. Best check on Agoda - all kind of hotels on there.
Weather - November is officially high season but on average the wettest month of high season, you'll get sun and rain more than likely. Enjoy!
Oh, and tours to Racha and more can be booked with Easy Day Thailand!
Hi Jamie. Great blog! I'm planning to host my wedding in Phuket next October but I'm getting mixed responses about the weather - some say don't risk it while others say oct is mostly sunny. Thoughts?
More importantly, I'm looking for a luxury 5-6 star hotel for my beach wedding with 80-100 guests. I've been recommended Aleenta which looks the best of them all but still not overwhelmingly impressive . The others were Anantara, Amanpuri, Trisara, banyan tree, Marriot which looked dated. I'm not keen on public beaches too and prefer minimum transit time since many guests have children. I'm looking for something like the W Hotel in Koh Samui. What are your recommendations for the most beautiful & memorable dream wedding in phuket? Appreciate your thoughts :)
Many thanks, Kim
Hi Kim,
I'm going to do a "top 10 luxury hotels list" in the next few days, top of the list is Baray Villa, but it's not on the beach, followed by The Shore at Katathani. The Trisara resort is on there too - but location is more cliffside than beach. Hotels here don't really have private beaches, but Mai Khao Beach is very very quiet, you won't get any crowds there if you went to Renaissance or Anantara. Note that Aleenta is not even in Phuket, it's over the bridge in Phang Nga Provice. Closest to airport is Mai Khao Beach.
Hope that's some help!
Hey jamie... ur blog is spectacular. .!! Loved and njoyed reading it... proved to b of great help while zeroing in on my resort options... My husband and I are from India and are planning for honeymoon during May-June. How is the weather during those months?? We have thought of Sawasdee Village. The barray Villa also looks fab but its a little pricey. The Holiday Inn is also on my mind.. Can u suggest resorts (if it has a private pool it would b great) on similar lines which are not too pricey and are not too far from shopping centres& restaurants.
Your suggestions would be valuable and b of great help to us.
Many thanks
Take care
Sneha
India.
Hi Sneha,
If you want to be close to shopping/restaurants, has to be something on the main beaches. Patong (for me) is way too busy, Kata is better, I would suggest maybe The Boathouse or Mom Tri's Villa Royale.
Weather in May June = unpredictable! You'll get a mix, or might be lucky and get lots and lots of sun, or might be ... less lucky :)
dude so heplful.
im going to apply this on my trip next month.
I am looking for a 2 bedroom Villa or a 2 bedroom resort room for 4 adults in Phuket. Can you recommend and good options?
We are looking at going to Thailand beginning of Sept