Phuket guest houses
Accommodation on Phuket island is definitely geared towards catering to the needs of a more upmarket clientele. There are of course some beach huts and bungalows available on the island, but there are getting far and few in between as rapid development takes over the coastline and replaces smaller establishments with bigger resorts. 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 1000THB per night.
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. 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.
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 30 per cent during high season (November-April).
You can also book some upmarket guest houses and budget hotels here.
Here are a few recommendations for Phuket guesthouses (prices are given for low season):
Thalang guest house: an old rambling place on historic Thalang Road, this is probably the best value in Phuket town. Single rooms with fan and private bathrooms: 280 THB., double rooms with fan and private bathrooms: 300 THB. (High season) Upto 330 THB., Family room: 400 THB (low season), 400 THB (high season) Has three beds, Air con available in some rooms. 37 Thalang Rd. Phuket Town, Phuket Province, Tel: +66 (0) 7621 4225, Fax: +66 (0) 7621 5892.
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. Total rooms: 21, Single room with fan and private bathroom: 280b; double room with A/C and private bathroom: 350b. 159 Ranong Rd., Phuket Tel: +66 (0) 7621 1754, (0) 7621 3385.
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 fan share bathroom: 170b., Single room with fan and private bathroom: 230b, double room with fan and private bathroom: 300b, Dbl A/C private bathroom: 400b., 19 Phang Nga Rd., Phuket Tel: +66 (0)7621 1154, (0) 7622 5740, (0) 7622 5741.
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.) Dorm rooms: 250b; Double room with fan and share bathroom: 550b; Double room with a/c and share bathroom: 650b; Double room with fan and private bathroom: 650b; double room with A/C and private bathroom: 850b; Extra mattress in room 100b., Address: 1/2 Soi Bangrae, Chaofa Nok Rd. (Ao Chalong), A.Muang, Phuket, Thailand., Tel: +66 (0) 7628 0233, Website: http://shantilodge.com/phuket/index.html, Email: phuket@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: 180b; twin room with shared bathroom: 360b; twin room with private bathroom: 450b. 73/11 W. Chao Fa Rd., Chalong Tel: +66 (0) 7628 1325, 280 103, Fax: +66 2 711 1986, Mobile: +66 081 839 6857, 089 121 6857, Website: http://www.phukethostel.com/, Email: hostthai@ksc.th.com, Email: phuket@tyha.org
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: 400b; double room with fan and private bathroom: 500b. 169/3, Soi Sansabai, Rat-U-Tit Rd., Patong beach, Phuket, Thailand, 83150, Tel: +66 76 342 297.
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. Twin bed bungalow with fan and private bathroom: 600b. (low season), 700 Baht (high season), Knock off 200 Baht for an old bungalow: Address: 11/2 Moo 1, Vitseat Rd, Ao Sane, Phuket, Tel: +66 (0) 7628 8306.
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 for 1000 THB a night presents air-conditioners, housekeeping, and room service - this is truly good value for long-staying guests. 24 Hasipee Road Patong Phuket Thailand
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. Surin Beach Road
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