Thailand (Lonely Planet, 13th Edition) - China Williams [564]
Baan Yin Dee (off Map; 0 7629 4104; www.baanyindee.com; 7/5 Th Muean Ngen; r from 6000B; ) On a hill overlooking town, this is Patong’s premier boutique getaway. It’s small but perfectly put together: spacious rooms with balconies, magazine-worthy styling and bikini-clad model-wannabes lazing out around the pool. If you’re partying all night, come here to repair your soul (plus there’s a fabulous restaurant that provides hangover-curing culinary delights).
Le Meridien Phuket (off Map; 0 7634 0480; www.lemeridien.com; r from 8000B; ) Close to the Patong chaos, yet secluded on its own private (and spectacular) beach, Le Meridien offers everything that the international globetrotter could ask for, housed in a bright green compound that reeks of the ’70s (in the most charming way possible). Tennis courts and swimming pools abound –a great hotel for families. It remains one of Phuket’s most popular great escapes.
Avantika (off Map; 0 7629 2802; www.avantika-phuket.com; 4/1 Th Thawiwong; r 8900B; ) Down on the quieter south side of Patong, this beach-facing resort is a new player on pricey Phuket, sporting standard-issue high-end hotel accommodation. You’ll be satisfied with your stay but you won’t be blown away. Prices drop to 3800B in low season – that’s when Avantika really shines.
Impiana Phuket Cabana ( Map; 0 7634 0138; www.impiana.com; Th Thawiwong; r from 8900B; ) …And winner of the ‘best beachfront location’ award goes to Impiana. This campus of comfy rooms is practically in the heart of the action.
SOUTHERN BEACHES
The beaches south of Patong are not as stunning as their northern counterparts, but there are some good deals to be had along these flaxen strips of sand.
Karon
Stuck between Patong and Kata, Karon draws a bit of its personality from both, and that chilled-out-yet-slightly-sleazy vibe can make the beach feel wonderfully peaceful or depressingly backwater, depending on your attitude. Sleeping cheapies tend to be a bit of a trek from the beach. Click here for eating options in Karon.
Karon Café ( Map; 0 7639 6217; www.karon-phuket-hotels.com; 526/17 Soi Islandia Park Resort; r 800-1000B; ) Way less sexy than its neighbours, Karon Café has clean, no-fuss rooms above a friendly eatery.
Karon Living Room ( Map; 0 7628 6618; www.karonlivingroom.com; 481 Th Patak; r incl breakfast 900-2000B; ) Karon Living Room provides sparkling clean rooms with air-con set to cryogenic levels. The rooms don’t have oodles of personalised pizazz, but it’s a solid pick at the low end of the midrange category. Pricing is sometimes all over the board so contact it ahead of time and ask about discounts.
Casa Brazil ( Map; 0 7639 6317; www.phukethomestay.com; 9 Th Luang Pho Chuan; r 1100-1600B; ) Simple rooms have Carnivale styling, which makes this friendly spot a standout operation. There’s a whimsically styled and very social cafe on the ground level, and the 20-odd rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated. It’s a short walk to both Kata and Karon beaches.
Baan Suay ( Map; 08 9594 4633; www.baansuayphuket.com; 381 Th Patak; r 1300-1900B, ste 3200-4300B; ) A popular spot with divers, Baan Suay offers comfortable, modern surroundings with a tinge of Thai decor thrown in for good measure. It’s not the cheapest place on the block, but the service is excellent and the wading pool is perfect for when the beach gets too crowded. Free wi-fi abounds.
Mövenpick ( Map; 0 7639 6139; www.moevenpick-hotels.com; 509 Th Patak West; r from 8000B; ) Grab a secluded villa and choose from a private plunge pool or outdoor rainforest shower; alternatively, chill in the ultramod rooms with huge floor-to-ceiling windows (in some cases covering two entire walls). Besides a prime location across the street from a pretty stretch of beach, the Mövenpick offers artistic decor, top-end linens, a big pool with swim-up bar and a top-notch spa.
Kata
Kata attracts travellers of all ages with its shopping, surfing and lively beach, and without the seedy hustle endemic to Patong up the coast. While you might not find