Where To Stay In Phuket

Hi, Am going to be in Phuket late October with my wife and another couple. We have an accor advantage card so am looking to stay in one of there hotels. Arent sure which to choose out of the Mercure in Patong, Novotel Phuket Resort or the Novotel Beach Resort, Panwa. Any advice on which would be the best would be greatly appreciated. Should say that we are looking to enjoy some water activities %26amp; the Wives will want to shop.

Where To Stay In Phuket

Only consider Panwa if you want a true getaway and do not intend to party or get out much. Looks lovely, but in the wrong spot for me.

Mercure Patong is in a good location and looks a lovely hotel, but the pool is relatively small. Novotel at the north end of Patong has better pools and you can get a nice view, but is just that little bit too far to walk into Patong itself - no big deal, taxi%26#39;s are cheap enough split b/w 2 couples. The beach there is rocky.

Usually you will find you can get a better deal at equally nice (or nicer) hotels, so I wouldn%26#39;t limit yourself to Accor hotels. Even after your food discount, it%26#39;s still cheaper to eat in town.

If you are determined to stay at one of those three, it (as always) gets down to your priorities. Really, Phuket is not that big, wherever you stay you can still do all the activities you want.

You would be best to split your stay b/w Panwa and one of the other two. If it was for a week, I%26#39;d stay 3 nights at Patong and 4 at Panwa. Whilst at Panwa, you can go to the night markets in Phuket towm on the weekend.

Where To Stay In Phuket

I am staying at the Patong Mercure in April so can post a review on it when i get back.. but having been in Phuket a few times before I can say that a) its in a fantastic location for shopping.. as its right next door to the O Top Markets.. and b) its 5 minutes from the main Patong Beach where you have lots of water activities...

A bonus is they have 3 happy hours.. and you know how us Aussies love our happy hours!! I think the one at Panwa is probably going to be too far away from the action for you...

If the girls love to shop the bonus is they only have to go next door to dump the bags before heading back out!!

I will let you know once I have been!! You can also see my review and photos as it happens in my travel blogs.. www.travelblog.org/bloggers/reet

xx

i like Thara Patong,Hotel was in a nice location - close to the beach, shopping, bars and restaurants.But i have short holiday,i stayed a few nights.For a holiday would recommened this hotel to everyone and will definatly be returning.

First trip stayed at Merlin Beach Resort, it was great but got sick of catching a tuk tuk each time.

Next time we stayed at the Novotel Resort, Patong for 10 days in April 2008 and loved it every minute of it.

Close enough to walk to Patong but not too far that I need to catch a tuk tuk to get into Patong for dinner.

Rooms, staff, pools, breakfast all fantastic. Couldn%26#39;t find a fault at all.

This time we are staying at the Banthai Spa %26amp; Resort which is in Patong itself for a change of scenery.

101

You sound just like me! The first time we did Merlin Beach, and while it was great I got so sick of the tuktuk mafia out the front!

2nd time was at the Holiday Inn which was fantastic.. great location, the comfy-est beds but just out of my price range this time

This time we are going with the Mercure Patong and cant wait.. great location, bargain price and hopefully a great hotel!

I cant say how much I appreciate the feedback. The Mercure sounds like a great place to stay due to its location, but the Novotel Phuket Resort has the nicer pools and what not. I have had a look at a few other hotels of similar quality but the prices of the accor hotels is much cheaper. My only concern with the Novotel is getting into town. Is it close enough to walk? Or if not what other transport ia avilable. Also is patong beach a nice beach to spend time on or is it better to head to one of the more quiet locations?:)

Oh yeah and MJREET I look forward to hearing your review. Hope you have a gret trip there.

Also I forgot to mention we are only going to be in Phuket for 3 nights as we are also going to Singapore and Hong Kong. So am looking to fit plenty in, so Patong sounds like the place to be.

Hey Maidentraveller...

If you are after a relaxing bake on the beach .. personally I would say head to one of the other smaller quieter beaches... Patong can be rather busy during the day and lots of vendors selling their wares... sunnies on and pretend to sleep !! lol ... great for a morning walk ..

If you are planning to hire a driver for the day and tour the island get them to show you the different beaches.. which they generally do anyway ... you will see that they vary in size and numbers of people.. everyone has their fav!

enjoy!!

Chelle

With only 3 days to stay there I would personally go the Mercure.. it is walking distance to everything you need and the pool still looks pretty great.. you can shop til you drop .. walk a couple of minutes back to the hotel dump your stuff swim drink and then head back out ... Last time we were there we only had 3 days and we were grateful to be at the Holiday Inn which was right in the middle of the action... rather than when we stayed at the Merlin Beach and it was a bit more of a hike to get to/from hotel

It all comes down to personal preference, but I doubt you would take full advantage of the better pools in 3 days.. I think location would be more important based on my experience ... everyone is different though

x

the Mercure in Patong is the best if you like shopping, near jungceylon and night spot of Patong