Phuket guest houses and guesthouse guide
Accommodation on Phuket island is definitely geared towards the needs of a more upmarket clientele. There are of course some 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 offers cheap rooms that can costs as little as 300 baht in the off season. Patong offers many cheap hotels that will set you back by 500 - 1500 THB depending on season. Phuket Town also has many lower end accommodation options that cost about 500 baht per night. This might be a more sensible budget option of enjoying the island, with the help of a rented scooter to get to the beach. The cheap places near the beach can be awful.
Phuket caters more to a luxury hotel clientele than it does towards budget travellers, but there are still small places featuring clean rooms at low rates. There are also a few upmarket guest houses that offer a more homely feel than a large, busy resort or hotel.
Many of the Phuket guest houses are concentrated in the downtown Phuket, conveniently located near the local bus station and much of the central area. Chao Fa West, before Chalong Circle, also has a number of relaxing places that cater to those who wish to avoid the sterile commercialism of the tourist hotels. You’re still only a 15 minute ride to the beach. Patong guest houses tend to be 30 per cent more expensive than the rest of the island and offer the exact same rooms. There are some charming bungalows to be found in the Nai Harn/Rawai area.
In Phuket guest houses offer daily, weekly and monthly rates and usually have a small restaurant on the premises and many also offer laundry and internet services. Rates range from 250-500 baht per night but can go up as much as 50 per cent during high season (November-April).
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Here are a few recommendations for Phuket guesthouses in high season (reckon on 30 per cent lower out of season (May to October)).
Thalang 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: 300/350 baht, single/double with a/c and en-suite: 400/450 baht. 37 Thalang Rd., (076) 214 225, thalang_guesthouse@hotmail.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 en-suite: 250 baht, double room with a/c and en-suite: 350 baht. 159 Ranong Rd., (076) 211 754
On On Hotel: if you’ve ever seen the movie The Beach then you’ve seen the On On Hotel. Leonardo Di Caprio’s room on Khao San Road was actually a room at the On On Hotel. The prices are the lowest around but you (don’t) get what you (don’t) pay for Single/double room with fan and en-suite: 250/350 baht, double room with a/c and en-suite: 400 baht. 19 Phang Nga Rd., (076) 211 154
Shanti Lodge: between Phuket City and Chalong, this is 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-Oct.) Double room with fan and shared bathroom: 550-650 baht, double room with fan and en-suite: 850 baht, double room with a/c and en-suite: 1,000 baht. 1/2 Soi Bangrae, Chaofah Nok Rd., Chalong, (076) 280 233, phuket@shantilodge.com www.shantilodge.com/.
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 W. Chaofah Rd., Chalong, (076) 281 325, hostthai@ksc.th.com
Crown Hostel: one of the best options for budget accommodation in Patong, this guesthouse is located close to Bangla Rd. and the beach. Facilities are basic but comfortable. Single room with fan and shared bathroom: 400 baht, double room with fan and en-suite: 500 baht. 169/3 Soi Sansabai, Rat-UThit Rd., Patong Beach, Phuket, (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 Rd., Ao Sane, (076) 288 306
Hilltop Hotel: offering great views from a hill in Patong overlooking Patong Bay, this cozy 15-room establishment is well-equipped for parties on its rooftop garden. The pool overlooks Patong Bay and the place has air-conditioners, housekeeping, and room service - this is truly good value for long-staying guests. Rooms with a/c and en-suite, 1,990 baht (high season) 24 Hasip Pee Rd., Patong, Kathu, (076) 296 787, info@hilltophotel.dk
Surin Bay Inn: the restaurant serves a good Sunday roast and it is located on the most exclusive beach on the whole island; just minutes from the world-acclaimed Amanpuri, and a stone’s throw from Surin Beach. The rooms are comfortable and spacious, and internet service is available downstairs. Boutique rooms with a/c and en-suite from 2000 baht. 106/11, Surin Beach, (076) 271 601, info@surinbayinn.com
2gether guesthouse: this is a down-to-earth slightly upmarket guesthouse in the backlanes of Karon, is a few minutes walk to 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 1,200 baht. 247, 249 Patak Rd, Karon Beach, 084 840 0704, info@2getherguesthouse.com
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