A Hotel for Every Budget: Phuket

After the tsunami of 2004 Phuket had a hard time trying to reestablish itself as a major tourist destination in Thailand. Two years on and the situation is continually picking up and more and more people are returning to the blissful haven that is Phuket. The island resort has it all, from deserted beaches to pumping nightlife. Many travel to Phuket and fall so in love with the place that they never leave. In terms of where to stay in Phuket there are a number of different options available.

For those traveling on a tight budget you could really not do much better than the three-and-a-half star Deevana Patong Resort and Spa. There are 232 rooms available, starting at just $25 a night. It’s an extremely popular resort that never feels too crowded. It is a newly developed, contemporary hotel located in the heart of life in Phuket. Less than an hour from the airport and a few minutes from the thriving area of Patong, it’s ideal for those seeking to sample paradise without burning a large hole in their pocket. Everything you would expect in terms of amenities is on offer, including a quality swimming pool, fitness centre and a variety of bars and restaurants in which you can waste away the hours. The staff are courteous and the food is wholesome.

A little higher on the budget scale, but a whole lot more desirable, is the five star Mission Hills Golf Resort and Spa. It is one of Phuket’s most frequented resorts and offers everything you could ask for in a hotel. The rooms start at $71 a night and come fully equipped with cable TV, air con, a mini bar and international telephone. Room service is on hand 24-hours a day and guests can make use of the spa, Jacuzzi and the seductiveness of the swimming pool. It is ideally located for exploring the rest of Phuket and seeing the sights.

At the very top end of hotel accommodation in Phuket is the five star Hilton Arcadia Resort. It really does not get much better than this. Rooms go for $91 a night upwards, and each is designed with your comfort in mind. They call it Arcadia for a reason, part of which are the glorious sea views from the three wings of the complex. It is a popular resort with families and is located in the centre of the Karon beach area. Karon is arguably more aesthetically pleasing than Patong as there is less of the hustle and bustle and more of the peace and bliss that people have come to associate with Phuket. Those who succumb to the charms of Patong can make use of the effective transport network within Phuket. It’s never difficult to make it from one end of the island to the other.

Wherever you choose to stay in Phuket you can be assured of being charmed by the island. The people are fantastic and the beaches have to be seen to be believed.

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