How to Choose a Hotel in Phuket: A Practical Guide to a Hassle-Free Stay
Choosing the right hotel in Phuket is half the success of your vacation. The island is large, with hotels for every taste and budget, and each one promises a “paradise getaway just 5 minutes from the beach”. In reality, those “5 minutes” can turn into a 20-minute walk up a steep hill, and the “sea view” may only be visible if you stand on a chair.
Check out the best hotels in Phuket in one of our curated selections:
- Beachfront Hotels
- Hotels with the Best Views
- Family Hotels for Vacation with Kids
- Budget Hotels
- Mid-price Hotels
- Luxury Hotels
- Unusual Hotels
- The Best Hotels
And in this article, we’ll explain how to choose the right hotel in Phuket and avoid making a wrong choice.
1. Location: the heart of the action or a secluded retreat?
Phuket is made up of dozens of areas, each with its own pace of life. We wrote about this in the article 14 popular districts of Phuket: how to choose. We divided them into:
- Phuket Areas for Families with Kids
- Phuket Areas for Nightlife Lovers
- Phuket Areas for Luxury Seekers
- Phuket Areas for Those Who Want to Escape Civilization
- Phuket Areas for Expats and Long-Stayers
Tourist mistake No. 1 is choosing a hotel at random without understanding the vibe of the area. In short:
- Patong is the center of nightlife: clubs, bars, noise 24/7. Great for partying, bad for sleeping. The beach is dirty.
- Karon is more family-oriented: a wide beach and a relaxed atmosphere, but hotels are often located on hills.
- Kata offers surfing, cozy cafes, and less noise than Patong.
- Kamala is about upscale relaxation, quiet surroundings, and expensive villas.
- Rawai and Nai Harn have almost no tourist crowds, making them ideal for long-term stays and lovers of tranquility.
- Bang Tao and Panwa belong to the luxury segment, with uncrowded beaches and five-star resorts.
Each link above will take you to a short overview of the area and the best places to stay there.
If you want the beach “right next door”, choose beachfront hotels. If you’re on a budget, second-line hotels are fine too, but make sure to check whether there’s a sidewalk or if the walk goes along a busy road.
2. Year of construction and renovation
In Phuket, all buildings are exposed to high humidity and constant sun, and this is something to keep in mind. Even a top five-star hotel without renovations can look quite worn after 10 years. That’s why it’s always important to pay attention to the year of construction and the last renovation.
Ideally, choose a hotel that is no more than 10 years old or one that has undergone a major renovation within the last 3–4 years. How to check this: Booking or Agoda sometimes list the year of construction. But the most reliable way is to read recent reviews — guests won’t hesitate to mention if “everything is old and needs renovation”. In general, people are much more willing to leave negative reviews.
If you want a completely brand-new hotel, take a look at our articles New hotels in Phuket that opened in 2024–2025 and New hotels in Phuket 2024–2025: part 2.
3. How to read reviews properly
Reviews are gold. On trusted platforms like Booking, Agoda, and Google Maps, they’re written by real people. But reviews should always be read with a “filter”.
- Reviews are gold. On trusted platforms like Booking, Agoda, and Google Maps, they’re written by real people. But reviews should always be read with a “filter”.
- Pay attention to reviews from the last 3–6 months. Older comments may not reflect the hotel’s current condition.
- Look for specifics: “dirty”, “noisy”, “weak Wi-Fi”, “broken air conditioner” are red flags.
- Check the overall tone: one negative point among 100 positives is fine, but if many guests complain about the same issue, it’s a systemic problem.
- Filter out subjectivity: for one person, 500 meters to the beach is a tragedy; for another, it’s a pleasant walk. The best approach is to enter the hotel’s address in maps and plot a route to the nearest beach. That way, you’ll know whether it works for you or not. Still, read the reviews anyway — maybe the beach really is only 300 meters away, but the way back goes uphill at an almost 90-degree angle.
4. Type of meal plan: do you really need “all inclusive” in Phuket?
Unlike resort destinations like Turkey or Egypt, Phuket is not about “all inclusive”. A “breakfast only” option is more than enough here. Street food is tasty and affordable, cafes come in every style and for every budget, and this is also a great way to discover authentic Thai cuisine. Choose any place from the Cafes and Restaurants section, visit the Night Markets, and see for yourself.
If you’re planning to go on excursions, you’ll often miss at least lunch — and sometimes even breakfast, as many tours depart very early, before the heat sets in.
When “all inclusive” in Phuket actually makes sense:
- If the hotel is located in a secluded area, for example in Bang Tao, or far from civilization, such as Mai Khao.
- If you’re traveling with children and don’t want to look for cafes and no-spicy dishes every time.
- If you simply don’t feel like leaving the hotel grounds at all — it happens.
In all other cases, you don’t need “all inclusive”, so it’s not worth overpaying for it.
5. Infrastructure
Hotel infrastructure is one of the most important factors, as well-designed facilities directly affect your comfort. Here’s what to pay attention to:
Restaurants and breakfasts
Is breakfast included in the price? What kind of cuisine is offered — European, Asian, or a mix? In Phuket, breakfasts are often served buffet-style, but if you have a special diet or allergies, it’s best to check in advance. Four- and five-star hotels usually have several dining options — a Thai restaurant, an international one, and a pool bar. If you choose a boutique hotel, there may be only one cafe.
Pools and relaxation areas
An important point is whether there is a swimming pool and a children’s area. Check the size and depth (in Phuket, pools are often around 1.4 m deep, which can be inconvenient for small children). Some hotels offer seawater pools or infinity pools with ocean views — an excellent option, especially when the sea is rough.
Children’s facilities
This is crucial if you’re traveling with kids. Check for a kids’ room, mini club, and animation. Family-oriented hotels usually have a separate children’s pool with slides, playgrounds, and in some cases even kitchens for preparing baby food.
Sports and entertainment
If it’s important for you to stay in shape even while on vacation, check whether the hotel has a gym, a yoga area, and options for renting bicycles, paddleboards, masks, and snorkels. And even if a gym is listed, find out how well it’s equipped. Unfortunately, hotel gyms often have just two or three “worn-out” machines and a broken treadmill.
If there’s no gym, you can use our Sports Sections guide — there you’ll find gyms, football, dance classes, and yoga.
SPA and wellness areas
Massage and spa treatments are one of Thailand’s calling cards. Check whether the hotel has an on-site spa or massage services. In five-star hotels, there are sometimes full wellness complexes with saunas, hammams, and ice baths.
If there’s no spa but you like the hotel, it’s not a problem — Phuket offers plenty of affordable alternatives. Take a look at our Massage & SPA section and choose what suits you.
Wi-Fi and workspaces
If you’re a freelancer who never travels without a laptop — even on vacation — be sure to check the internet quality. Even in some five-star beachfront hotels, Wi-Fi can be weak, especially in rooms. Some hotels offer air-conditioned coworking areas, which is a huge plus for digital nomads.
6. Safety and hidden details
When choosing a hotel in Phuket, many people see beautiful photos with ocean views or an infinity pool and immediately forget about other important questions — such as basic safety.
Door locks and unauthorized access
In budget 2–3* hotels, you can still sometimes find simple latches instead of proper door locks. Check guest reviews: do they mention feeling safe in the room? Also find out whether there is 24/7 security and surveillance cameras on the property.
Balconies and windows
This is critical if you’re traveling with children. In some hotels, balcony railings are low, and the gaps between bars are wide, which poses a risk of falling. Ask in advance or request a room without a balcony.
Protection from insects
In Phuket, mosquitoes are not just an annoyance but also a dengue fever risk. We covered this in more detail in the article Dangerous insects in Phuket. Ideally, the hotel should have mosquito nets, regular pest control on the premises, and free repellents at the reception.
7. Seasonality
Phuket is a seasonal resort, and there’s a huge difference in hotel prices between the high season (November to April) and the low season (May to October). The absolute peak — both in prices and tourist crowds — is from December to March. To recap:
- High season (December–March). Peak prices: perfect weather, calm sea, lots of tourists. Hotel rates can be 2–3 times higher than in summer. To save money, book 3–4 months in advance.
- Shoulder season (April–May, November). Prices drop by 20–30%, fewer tourists, and the weather is still comfortable. May already brings some rain, but usually short showers.
- Low season (June–October). Rain, waves, storms — but hotel prices drop by half, sometimes even more. If you’re planning excursions and pool time, this can be a great option. However, the sea can be dangerous for swimming during this period.
- Holidays. Chinese New Year (January–February) and Songkran (April) cause prices to spike.
8. Bonus: details that really matter
Sometimes it’s the small things that turn a vacation into paradise — or into a nightmare. Pay attention to:
- Additional fees. Taxes or resort fees are not always included in the room rate.
- Cleaning and linen changes. In 4–5* hotels, this is usually not an issue, but in more budget-friendly options, cleaning may be done only once a week, and towel changes may be available only on request and for an extra fee.
- Availability of a hairdryer, iron or steamer, and an electric kettle in the room.
- Extra beds. Many hotels charge extra even for small children. Sometimes it’s a fixed fee for breakfast and a bed; other times it’s the full price for an additional guest. It’s best to clarify this in advance to avoid surprises.
The main rule: clearly define what you want. Partying? Head to Patong. Peace and privacy? Kamala or Nai Harn. Luxury? Bang Tao. Then filter by budget, renovation date, and recent reviews. That’s how you’ll enjoy a Phuket vacation without unpleasant surprises.
And to find all the best locations on the island, our website will help you. Visit the Places to Visit section and choose from Excursions, Attractions, Amusement Parks, and much more.
