Phuket guest houses and guesthouse guide
A typical, simple bungalow
Accommodation on Phuket is definitely geared towards the needs of a more upmarket clientele. There are, of course, beach huts and bungalows available on the island, but don’t expect them to be anywhere near the beach. Some places at the back of Patong offer cheap rooms that can cost as little as 300 baht in the low season, although they're a fair way back from the action.
Patong offers many cheap hotels as low as 500 baht a night, depending on the season. Phuket Town also has many lower-end accommodation options costing about 500 baht a night, and a good time can be had by those even on a tight budget with the help of a rented scooter to get to the beach.
Many of the Phuket guest houses are concentrated in Phuket Town, conveniently close to the old bus station and close to much of the central area. Chao Fa West Road, before Chalong Circle, also has a number of relaxing places that cater to those who wish to avoid the commercialism of the tourist hotels. You’re still only a 15-minute ride from the beach.
Choose and book budget hotels and guesthouses here
Here are a few recommendations for Phuket guesthouses in high season (reckon on 30 per cent lower out of season (May to October).
Update and correct: January 2011
Recommended Phuket guesthouses
Shanti Lodge: between Phuket City and Chalong; a relaxing place with nice rooms, good food, a lovely pool and a friendly atmosphere. Shanti Lodge is home to many long-term guests, especially during low season (May-October.) Double room with fan and shared bathroom: 750 baht, double room with fan and en-suite: 850 baht, double room with a/c and en-suite: 1,250 baht. 1/2 Soi Bangrae, Chaofah Nok Road, Chalong, tel: (076) 280 233, email: phuket@shantilodge.com.
On On Hotel: one of Phuket’s oldest hotels, long predating the arrival of tourism on Phuket. If you’ve seen the movie The Beach, then you’ve seen the On On Hotel - Leonardo Di Caprio’s room supposedly on Khao San Road, Bangkok, was actually a room at the On On. The prices are the lowest around, but don't expect chocolates on the pillow. Single/double room with fan and en-suite: 250/350 baht, double room with a/c and en-suite: 400 baht. 19 Phang Nga Road, tel: (076) 211 154.
Karon Sunshine: this bar, restaurant and guesthouse is just five minutes from Karon Beach and features boutique rooms in a quiet road near all the nightlife, shopping and entertainment. Cable TV, wireless internet (wifi) and great food put this Australian-owned establishment above the competition. Double room from 400-1,400 baht (seasonal rates). 528/14 Patak Road, Karon, tel: (076) 286 352, 286 352, fax: (076) 286 351, mobile: 084 842 0340email: info@karonsunshineguesthouse.com.
Talang Guest House: an old, rambling place on historic Thalang Road; this is probably the best value in Phuket Town. Single/double with fan and en-suite: 350/390/540 baht, single/double/tripple, 100 baht added for A/C. 37 Thalang Road, tel: (076) 214 225, fax: (076) 215 892, email: info@thalanggueshouse.com.
Wasana Guesthouse: although the rooms can be a bit plain, this guesthouse is conveniently located near the local bus terminal and opposite the Thai Airways office. Single room with fan and ensuite: 250 baht, double room with a/c and en-suite: 350 baht. 159 Ranong Road, tel: (076) 211 754, (076) 213 385.
Phuket International Youth Hostel: a member of IYHF (the International Youth Hostel Foundation), this guest house has clean rooms and nice amenities, including breakfast. Dorm: 180 baht, double room with fan and shared bathroom: 360 baht, double room with a/c and en-suite: 450 baht. 73/11 West Chaofah Road, Chalong, tel: (076) 281 325, mobile: 081 839 6857, email: hostthai@ksc.th.com, info@phukethostel.com.
Crown Hostel: one of the best options for budget accommodation in Patong, this guesthouse is located close to Bangla Road and the beach. Facilities are basic but comfortable. Single room with fan and shared bathroom: 400 baht, ensuite double with fan: 500 baht. 169/3 Soi Sansabai, Rat-UThit Road, Patong Beach, tel: (076) 342 297.
Ao Sane Bungalows: little more than clapboard shacks, the main attraction of these bungalows is their location right on a secluded cove. This is one of the best-kept secrets in Phuket. Double room with fan and en-suites: 500-700 baht. 11/2 Moo 1, Vitseat Road, Ao Sane, tel: (076) 288 306.
Hilltop Hotel: there has lot of facilities at this loftily located guesthouse and it is well-equipped for parties on its rooftop garden. The pool overlooks Patong Bay and the place has air-conditioners, housekeeping, and room service - good value for long-staying guests. Rooms with a/c and en-suite, 800-4,700 baht with two-bedroom suite 5,200 baht (high season). 24 Hasip Pee Road, Patong, Kathu, tel: (076) 296 787, email: info@hilltophotel.dk.
Surin Bay Inn: the restaurant serves a good Sunday roast and the inn is located close to Surin Beach; just minutes from the world-acclaimed Amanpuri. The rooms are comfortable and spacious and free wireless internet is available. Rooms from 1,100-3,500 baht, breakfast included. Free airport pick up for three nights booking and free hotel pick up for six night's bookings. 106/11, Surin Beach, tel: (076) 271 601, (076) 621 626, fax: (076) 621 625, email: info@surinbayinn.com.
2gether guesthouse: this is a down-to-earth, yet slightly upmarket, guesthouse in the back lanes of Karon, a few minutes’ walk from the beach. Run by Swedes, it is friendly, has a good restaurant and guests can make use of a nearby hotels’ facilities. Rooms with a/c and en-suite from 400-1,750 baht. 247-249 Patak Road, Karon Beach, tel: (076) 286 087, mobile 085 292 5652 email: info@2getherguesthouse.com.
Phuket Booknow: hotel booking site with a local team of staff that can help you find a better-priced room, as well provide helpful information on Phuket on a 24/7 basis. 100/18 (1st Floor), Chalermprakiat Road, tel: (076) 610 260, (076) 610 261, fax: (076) 310 262, Office Hours: Mon-Fri 08:30-17:30.
Update and correct: January 2012
Choose and book budget hotels and guesthouses here
Traveller tale: Phuket’s first-class accommodation
Some holidaymakers demand the highest level of hotel facilities and guest services. Phuket features world-class luxury resorts... more
Note. Patong guest houses tend to be about 30 per cent more expensive than the rest of the island. Many places will offer daily, weekly and monthly rates and usually have a small restaurant on the premises. Some also offer laundry and wireless internet. Rates range from 250-500 baht a night but can go up as much as 50 per cent during high season (November to April).
Note! To secure a guaranteed room and find the best rates, we suggest you look online at Agoda.com. They seem to be the most competitively priced of the hotels sites.
