Phuket Hotels, Resorts and Guesthouses

Centara Grand West Sands Resort & Villas

2011-12-14T20:19:00.002+07:00

The West Sands Resort has now been taken over by the Centara group who have several hotels in Phuket. West Sands is at Mai Khao Beach, just north of the airport, a very quiet area, with the hotel entrance accessed down a winding country road. A million miles from the crowds, but if you want to get out and about from there, hire a car. One of the big pluses, especially if you have kids (or enjoy behaving like kids) is the Splash Jungle Waterpark which is on the hotel grounds. Great fun!

• Centara Grand West Sands Resort & Villas - Online Booking by Agoda
• Centara Grand West Sands Resort & Villas - Guest Reviews

Phuket Hotel Booking - Try Agoda.com

2011-12-04T22:31:00.002+07:00

Jamie's Phuket Blog started in 2006, I have looked at many online hotel booking sites - the original idea was to have several different booking options for the hotels reviewed on my blogs, giving people the opportunity to check rates at a bunch of different sites. Regular travelers will probably have their preferred booking site, and I don't wish to try and change anyones mind about which is best, but I have to say that over the last few years the Agoda.com site has got neater, the hotel descriptions better, the booking process easier. And it's now the site that I recommend more than any other.

Agoda offers a reward program. From your first booking you get reward points worth around 5% of the room price. You can use these points to reduce the price of the room you are booking, or you can let the points mount up after several bookings and use them to get even bigger savings, or even free nights! You decide. A friend here in Phuket said he ended up with a free room on his last business trip to Kuala Lumpur, having saved up some reward points. You can earn extra points by writing a hotel review after your stay. I'd also suggest checking the special offers now and then.

Related hotel pages on Jamie's Phuket Blog:

• My Phuket Hotel Recommendations
• Top 10 Phuket Hotels

Cliff and River Jungle Resort - Khao Sok National Park

2011-09-14T20:51:00.002+07:00

If we take a holiday.. we like to go somewhere that is different to Phuket.. So, no beaches, no crowds, no shopping centers... We have been several times to Khao Sok National Park, which is all mountains, cliffs, rivers, lakes and wildlife. We're maybe not into hiking and kayaking, but we have found our favourite place to relax - the Cliff and River Jungle Resort, just outside the park entrance, with a thousand foot cliff hanging over the resort and the best pool view ever! And only about 3 hours drive from our house in Phuket. Like.

• Cliff and River Jungle Resort - Online Booking
• Cliff and River Jungle Resort - More Information and Photos @ Jamie's Phuket Blog

Aleenta Resort

2011-07-10T13:55:00.002+07:00

Phuket too crowded for you? Looking for a real hideaway? Well, firstly you probably haven't really explored Phuket - there are loads of quiet places away from the main tourist beaches (have a look at my blog Jamie's Phuket!) But fair enough, if you head over the bridge and off Phuket, things do take on a more relaxed feel. You're in Phang Nga province now, much more rural and with a huge amount of beachfront, only a small part of which has been developed. Aleenta is just north of Phuket, offering private villas and luxury service right by the sea. And no crowds.

• Aleenta Resort - Online Booking by Agoda
• Aleenta Resort - Guest Reviews

The Hilton Phuket (Karon Beach)

2011-07-06T21:13:00.002+07:00

The Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort and Spa is the biggest resort on Karon Beach, with something like 70 acres of gardens, 4 restaurants, 3 pools, tennis courts - hey, it's the Hilton. Maybe a bit too big for some people, but walk out the front entrance and there's the beach (just over the small beach road in Karon). Sunset cocktail from the pool bar facing the beach is a must!

• Hilton Phuket - Online Booking by Agoda
• Hilton Phuket - Guest Reviews

Royal Palm Beachfront, Patong Beach

2011-03-18T22:35:00.002+07:00

The Royal Palm Beach Front opened way back in 1995 - used to be called Royal Palm Resortel - it's not huge, with only 67 Rooms. Located in the heart of Patong only a few step from the beach and about 5 minutes walk to Bangla Road. It's just off the beach road but the rooms are away from the noisier areas of Patong. Ideal place to stay if you like a busy beach with lots of restaurants and nightlife.

• Royal Palm - Online Booking by Agoda
• Royal Palm - Last Minute Bookings at LateStays.com
• Royal Palm - Guest Reviews

Baan Laimai Beach Resort, Patong Beach

2011-03-02T23:03:00.002+07:00

Baan Lamai is on the beach road in Patong, or at least the main entrance is there. It's a big hotel, a few minutes walk from the heart of Patong, if you want action, nightlife, lots of restaurants (and all that goes with it!), Baan Laimai is a little oasis of quiet in the middle of Patong. The resort has a beachfront (Ok, just over the road from the beach) restaurant where I had a superb steak once. I used to work near hear and would walk by often, and took a sneaky shortcut through the hotel past the pool a few times too. Patong is tourism central in Phuket but the hotels are good and Baan Laimai is a top choice to get a good nights sleep.

• Baan Laimai - Online Booking by Agoda
• Baan Lamai - Last Minute Bookings at LateStays.com
• Baan Lamai - Lots of Guest Reviews

Chinotel (Phuket Town)

2011-02-18T21:43:00.002+07:00

Just last weekend we drove into Phuket Town to pick up a visiting friend for dinner. He said he was staying at Chinotel, which I had not heard of before. That's because it's new. Chinotel is right next to the new market in Phuket Town on Ranong Road in the center of the old town. New room aircon, cable TV, 690 Baht he paid. Sounds good, I thought. You can get slightly better rates on Latestays - see link below, though there are different rooms (standard, junior deluxe and deluxe). If you want to look around the old town or need a place to crash for a day, this looks like a top option.

• Chinotel - Last Minute Bookings at LateStays.com
• More Phuket Town Hotels at LateStays.com
• Phuket Town Hotels at Agoda.com

The Nap Patong Hotel

2011-02-09T11:59:00.003+07:00

The Nap Patong Hotel is found just north of the center of Patong, it's not too busy around the hotel, but you can walk to Bangla Road in 15 minutes. It's very new - opened in 2010, built with a "minimalist" design and lot of natural materials, there are just 86 rooms along with 5 villas. A couple of minutes to the beach and there are plenty of places to eat within a short walk.

• The Nap Patong Hotel - Online Booking by Agoda
• The Nap - Last Minute Bookings at LateStays.com
• The Nap Patong Hotel - Guest Reviews

Bamboo House Hotel (Karon Beach)

2011-02-04T18:00:00.002+07:00

Bamboo House Hotel is a mid priced hotel (some might even call it low priced) near Karon Center. It opened just a few years ago, not a big family resort, ideal for couples, singles if you want to be close to plenty of restaurants, bars and its only a 5 minute walk to the beach. Karon is a lot quieter than Patong, but this area of Karon has the highest concentration of dining choices and entertainment options for the evening. Karon does not have any "naughty" nightlife save for a few girly bars. This is a nice quiet small hotel with a good price!

• Bamboo House - Online Booking by Agoda
• Bamboo House - Last Minute Bookings at LateStays.com
• Bamboo House - Guest Reviews

The Kee Resort and Spa (Patong Beach)

2011-02-02T08:44:00.002+07:00

Personally, I prefer a quiet location, a quiet beach.... so why am I living in Phuket?! Well, Phuket is big enough that you can choose to stay away from the crowds, and I write about many quiet places to visit on my Phuket Blog. But of course many people want to be central, close to the action, close to bars and restaurants and fun... and Patong Beach is right there waiting for you! And right in the middle of Patong is Soi Bangla, full of bars and shops, with the beach just a few minutes walk. Soi Banga is changing a bit. Some of the older bar-filled side streets have been replaced by shops, and also by The Kee Resort. Absolutely smack bang middle in the center of Patong, 200+ rooms - an oasis of (relative) quiet in the middle of the busiest tourist area in Phuket.

• The Kee Resort - Online Booking by Agoda
• The Kee Resort - Last Minute Bookings at LateStays.com
• The Kee Resort - Guest Reviews

Sri Panwa

2011-02-01T07:58:00.003+07:00

Phuket is a big island, and yes the main beaches can be very busy - Patong is a bit mad, which some people like. Other people want seclusion, and Sri Panwa is one of those resorts that offers a different Phuket. Great views, no crowds and top quality service. It's located at Cape Panwa to the south of Phuket Town. Be aware that the resort is secluded, you have to drive to get anywhere, renting a car would be a good idea. Sri Panwa is a luxury getaway with only about 50 rooms/villas all with seaviews. I like the Cape Panwa area of Phuket, great scenery and less tourists!

• Sri Panwa - Online Booking by Agoda
• Sri Panwa - Last Minute Bookings at LateStays.com
• Sri Panwa - Guest Reviews

Last Minute Hotels in Phuket and Thailand

2010-11-16T21:13:00.002+07:00

If you need a hotel booking in the next few weeks - LateStays.com is the place to look for Phuket, Thailand and many other destinations....

If you are visiting Phuket, you are going to need a place to stay. Be it hotel, guesthouse, resort or rented apartment, everyone needs a place to lay their hat. When I started my Phuket blog in 2006, I was intending to ignore hotels, but realised that they are rather important and maybe I could make some recommendations. So every now and then I add a recommended hotel to the blog along with some online booking links.

There are so many hotel booking websites, it's hard to know where to start. The main hotel site which features on my Phuket blog (Agoda) is perfectly complemented by LateStays, whose website is all about late bookings. Need a hotel tomorrow, next week, 10 days from now... soon? This is the place to look. The website shows availability and lowest available prices for hundreds of Phuket Hotels. You can choose to view most popular hotels or look for availability by area. Very useful for peak periods such as Christmas and New Year, which are coming soon!

The LateStays.com site covers much more than just Phuket of course. You can book hotels all over Thailand and in many other countries from Singapore to Scotland. Availability and prices are updated daily, so it's easy to see what you might be able to book. The site naturally tends towards mid price and higher end hotels - it's not the place to look for low budget guesthouses.

So, if you are coming to Phuket or anywhere else in Thailand, or anywhere covered by LateStays, and have not booked in advance, LateStays.com is the place to look. Happy Travels!

LateStays.com - Top Links

• Phuket Hotels
• Bangkok Hotels
• Krabi Hotels
• Phang Nga - Khao Lak Hotels
• Chiang Mai Hotels
• Hotels all over Thailand
• Recommended Phuket Hotels on Jamie's Phuket

Booking Phuket Hotels with Agoda

2010-10-31T19:24:00.002+07:00

Over the 4 years since starting my Jamie's Phuket blog, I have tried a quite a few online hotel booking sites, signed up for "affiliate" deals, seen the results, tried new sites... the original idea was to have several different booking options for the hotels reviewed on Jamie's Phuket, giving people the opportunity to check rates at a bunch of different sites. Most regular travelers will surely have their own preferred booking website and I don't want to argue which is best, but I must say that over the last couple of years the Agoda.com site has got neater, the hotel descriptions better, the booking process easier. Certainly worth a look.

Agoda is part of a larger company that also included Precision Reservations and Planet Holiday. The Agoda brand name is getting well known especially around Asia - Agoda is based in Singapore and Bangkok. The word "Agoda" you might expect to mean something profound in Chinese or Thai.. actually it's simply a result (according to the About Agoda page on their site) of an offhand phrase suggested by someone working at Agoda "Agoda where I wanna go to!". Imagine someone saying "I go there" in a silly voice and you might get it! The important part of the word being "GO"! For more about Agoda, check their FAQ.

Agoda offers a very nice reward program for booking with them. From your first booking you can get reward points worth around 5% of the room price. You can then use these reward points to reduce the price of the room you are booking, or you can let the points mount up after several bookings and use them to get even bigger savings, or even free rooms! You decide. A friend here in Phuket said he ended up with a free room on his last trip to Kuala Lumpur, having saved up his reward points. You can earn extra points by contributing a hotel review (yes, good or bad!) after your stay. You should also check the special offers page for discounts, free nights etc.

The Agoda site is available in many languages, not just English - for example you can find Agoda in French, German, Thai, Japanese, Swedish, Chinese, Russian .. and many more, reflecting the worldwide appeal of Agoda. Not just Thailand, not just Asia, but Worldwide. The site is very easy to use, easy to navigate, it's easy to find rates, easy to make bookings. I'd suggest checking Agoda for your trip to Phuket and all over Thailand.

Related pages on Jamie's Phuket Blog:

• My Phuket Hotel Recommendations
• LateStays.com - for Late Booking Deals

Cape Sienna

2010-04-28T11:22:00.002+07:00

Looking for a completely relaxing place to lie back and enjoy the peaceful and quiet holiday you have worked hard all year to take on Phuket? To relax in chic luxury safe in the knowledge your revere will not be shattered by noisy, over-excited children also enjoying their holiday but at a different decibel level? Look no more. You have found it : Cape Sienna Hotel & Villas

It's pretty expensive, caters to, well, rich people. Loction: on a headland along "Millionaires Mile" just south of Kamala Beach.

• Cape Sienna - Last Minute Bookings at LateStays.com
• Cape Sienna - Online Booking by Agoda
• Cape Sienna - Guest Reviews at Agoda.com

Millenium Resort, Patong Beach

2010-03-27T13:15:00.002+07:00

Millenium Resort is in the ideal location for anyone who likes to be in the heart of the tourist district. The hotel is right next to the huge Jungceylon shopping mall, just 5 minutes to Patong Beach, a couple of minutes to the nightlife of Bangla Road.

• Millenium Resort - Last Minute Bookings at LateStays.com
• Millenium Resort - Online Booking by Agoda
• Millenuim Resort - Guest Reviews at Agoda.com

Andaman Seaview Hotel (Karon Beach)

2010-02-26T13:25:00.002+07:00

Karon Beach, over 3km of sand, way less crowded than Patong to the north, has many good mid price resorts to recommend. Andaman Seaview is towards the south end of Karon, just hop across the beach road and you're on the sand - only 10 minutes walk to Kata Beach too.

• Andaman Seaview Hotel - Last Minute Bookings at LateStays.com
• Andaman Seaview Hotel - Online Booking by Agoda
• Andaman Seaview Hotel - Guest Reviews at Agoda.com

Kata Beach Resort and Spa

2009-08-29T07:41:00.003+07:00

The Kata Beach Resort is one of the few Kata hotels right on the beach. Much of Kata is "saved" in a way by Club Med, which is on the other side of the narrow beach road, so most of the way along Kata beach you have no buildings directly on the beach front. Kata Beach Resort is a big hotel with over 250 rooms, several restaurants, pools and even a 60 seater pool bar. Right on the beach, ideal location, and the south end of Kata has plenty of bars and (cheaper) dining options outside the hotel too. It's maybe a little old, but in low season especially is a very good deal.

• Kata Beach Resort - Last Minute Bookings at LateStays.com
• Kata Beach Resort - Online Booking by Agoda
• Kata Beach Resort - Guest Reviews

Ayara Hilltops Resort & Spa

2009-06-24T10:36:00.003+07:00

Ayara Hilltops is a top class boutique resort on a (yes, you guessed) hill top giving it sweeping views of Surin Beach. The Ayara Hilltops Resort and Spa has 48 luxury suites set in 23 villas, six of which have their own private infinity horizon pool. The ambience of the resort is one of seclusion and relaxation, making it the perfect romantic destination for honeymooners. In fact, the accommodations are so private that you won’t even notice that you’re showering in the open air - each suite has it's own private plunge pool too.

Ayara Hilltops is on my list of the Top 10 Hotels in Phuket, which was made based on Trip Advisor reviews. Ayara was number 9. The list is a few years old now, but Ayara is still ranked highly on Trip Advisor Phuket Hotels list.

• Ayara Hilltops - Last Minute Bookings at LateStays.com
• Ayara Hilltops - Online Booking by Agoda
• Ayara Hilltops - Guest Reviews

Sugar Palm Resort and Spa (Kata Beach)

2009-06-02T20:34:00.004+07:00

It's now "low season".. although the weather has been mostly very good recently, which is normal for the low season. You can read more here : Phuket Weather Blog. Hotels go a bit crazy in low season, prices drop like rocks. Bargains are there to be found. So, I just had a quick look at LateStays... holy price war, Batman!

The Sugar Palm Resort and Spa is at the busier end of Kata, a few minutes walk from the beach, only opened a few years ago. Looks like a nice place, nothing too flash, but has everything you need and Kata is so much nicer than Patong! Oh, and it's low season, right? Room rates start at 800 Baht on LateStays. Damn. Indeed the most expensive rooms (Deluxe Pool Access with breakfast) are just 1700 Baht per night. I will say this only a thousand times. COME TO PHUKET IN THE LOW SEASON!

• Sugar Palm Resort - Last Minute Bookings at LateStays.com
• Sugar Palm Resort - Online Booking by Agoda
• Sugar Palm Resort - Guest Reviews

Centara Karon Resort

2009-05-10T07:59:00.006+07:00

Centara is quite a big group in Phuket. There is the Centara Kata resort, Centara Villas and Centara Karon Resort. The Centara Karon resort is one I have visited several times as we often have customers staying there and they have all told me it's a very nice place and rave about the breakfasts! It's in the main Karon center with lots of restaurants and small shops around, and just a few minutes walk to Karon Beach.

• Centara Karon Resort - Last Minute Bookings at LateStays.com
• Centara Karon Resort - Online Booking by Agoda
• Centara Karon Resort - Guest Reviews

Hotels at Kamala Beach

2009-03-30T07:20:00.002+07:00

Somehow Kamala beach has remained pretty quiet over the years. Kamala is the next beach to the north of Patong - a long twisting road leads over the mountain to Kamala Bay, or you can reach Kamala from the north via Surin. Either way, Kamala always seems to be miles away from anywhere!

Friends who lived in Kamala can recall the first 7-11 opening and that was only a few years ago. There are very few bars, as Kamala is a muslim area, the beach is quiet and you still find fishermen heading out from the beach. The old way of life has not totally been submerged by tourism. I think I will take a drive over to Kamala soon and do a Kamala blog on Jamie's Phuket.

So, Kamala will suit people who like it quiet, BUT you are only 15 minutes from Patong if you want a night out. There are some good hotels and also some smaller guesthouse type places.

Kamala was hit very hard by the tsunami on December 26th 2004. I had been on the beach in Kamala on December 25th with my family, friends, lots of kids... More about that here: Kamala Temple, and 4 Years Since the Tsunami.

Kamala Beach Hotels

Here's a few hotel options for Kamala...

• Kamala Beach Resort
• Print Kamala Resort
• Thiwa Ratri Resort
• Aquamarine Resort
• The Palms Kamala Beach Hotel

• Kamala Beach Hotels - Late Booking Deals at LateStays.com

Last Minute Phuket Hotels - LateStays.com

2008-09-02T21:18:00.002+07:00

If you need a hotel booking in the next few weeks - LateStays.com is the place to look for Phuket, Thailand and many other destinations....

The LateStays website is all about late bookings and last minute bookings. Need a hotel tomorrow, next week? This is the place to look. The website shows availability and lowest poassible prices for hundreds of Phuket Hotels. You can choose to view most popular hotels or look for availability in different parts of Phuket (Patong, Karon, Kata, Phuket Town etc...). It's a very easy to use site. Have a look:

• Phuket Hotels on LateStays.com

The LateStays.com site covers much more than just Phuket. You can book hotels all over Thailand and also in many other countries. Availability and prices are updated daily, so it's easy to see what deals you can find.

So, if you are coming to Phuket or anywhere else in Thailand, or anywhere covered by LateStays, and have not booked in advance, LateStays.com is the place to look. Happy Travels! See you soon!

LateStays.com - Thailand Hotel Links

• Phuket Hotels
• Phang Nga - Khao Lak Hotels
• Chiang Mai Hotels
• Bangkok Hotels
• Krabi Hotels
• Hotels all over Thailand

Thavorn Palm Beach Resort

2008-07-09T22:00:00.006+07:00

Thavorn Palm Beach Resort is a place I see almost daily, one of the largest resorts in Karon, yet has a secluded feel when you are inside, with lots of lush green foliage, and pools and water everywhere. A great resort to relax, and when you step outside, Karon beach is right there in front of you. There are over 200 rooms, but it somehow does not feel crowded, with no less than 5 pools and several restaurants including the well known Old Siam.

Thavorn Palm Beach Resort Online Booking...

• Thavorn Palm Beach Resort - Late Booking Deals at LateStays.com
• Thavorn Palm Beach Resort - Online Booking by Agoda
• Thavorn Palm Beach Resort - Guest Reviews

Crazy low season prices by the way!!!

Burasari Resort, Patong Beach, Phuket

2008-06-11T20:44:00.006+07:00

Burasari always seems to be popular, especially now in the low season with great deals to keep the resort full year round. I used to go sometimes for their great lunchtime buffets when I was working in Patong, and now they have Keith Floyd's restaurant too. Holy cow! It's not far from the beach, retains a slightly intimate feel, it's not too big. Now I'm not a big fan of Patong, but have to admit there are some nice hotels, and Burasari is one of them.

Burasari Online Booking...

• Burasari Resort - Last Minute Bookings at LateStays.com
• Burasari Resort - Online Booking by Agoda
• Burasari Resort - Guest Reviews

Kata Beach Hotels

2008-04-16T21:47:00.002+07:00

Kata beach is a gently curving little beach, about a mile from end to end, with plenty of shade, a quiet beach road (the traffic mostly stays on a back road), and a picturesque island (Koh Pu) just offshore. Kata is developed, sure, but less than Patong, and it still retains a quiet feel.

You can find cheap guesthouses here, small hotels and big resorts.

Kata Beach recommended hotels and resorts

• Mom Tri's Boathouse
• Kata Beach Resort & Spa
• Sawasdee Village
• Mom Tri's Villa Royale
• Peach Hill Hotel and Resort
• Marina Phuket Hotel
• Kata Palm Resort

You can find more hotel options here : Phuket Hotels.

Some more Phuket hotel recommendations on my Phuket Blog:

• Phuket Hotel recommendations on Jamie's Phuket

Karon Beach Hotels

2008-04-03T22:43:00.004+07:00

A few Karon Beach hotels that I can recommend.

For an overview of Karon Beach, see Jamie's Phuket : Karon Beach.

Karon has everything from backpacker dorms to 5 star resorts. Just 8km from Patong, it has a far more relaxed and peaceful feeling. The beach is long and open and there are no resorts built right on the beach except a couple right at the south end. Karon beach is ideal for quiet and ideal if you want to be close to the "madness" of Patong but not in it!

Karon Beach recommended hotels...

• Karon Beach Resort
• Hilton Phuket Arcadia Beach Resort
• Horizon Beach Resort and Spa
• Andaman Seaview Hotel
• Centara Villas
• Pacific Club and Spa
• Movenpick Resort
• Old Phuket Hotel

You can find more here : Phuket Hotels.

Some more Phuket hotel recommendations on my Phuket Blog:

• Phuket Hotel recommendations on Jamie's Phuket

A few hotels in Patong Beach

2008-03-13T16:51:00.003+07:00

Not that I am a big fan of Patong, but since it's the most developed beach, you can certainly find some good hotels and resorts in Patong. Below you can find links to a few good ones - click on the hotel names for more hotel information, prices and reservations.

• Millenium Resort
• Avantika Boutique Hotel
• Banthai Beach Resort
• Duangjitt Resort
• Burasari Hotel
• The Yorkshire Inn
• Seaview Patong Hotel
• Club Bamboo Hotel

That'll do - Patong has so many hotels it's hard to choose. You can find more here : Phuket Hotels.

Some more Phuket hotel recommendations on my Phuket Blog:

• Phuket Hotel recommendations on Jamie's Phuket

Allamanda Laguna Phuket

2008-02-22T15:28:00.005+07:00

Allamanda Laguna is part of the luxury Bang Tao Laguna complex also including Sheraton Grande, Dusit, Laguna Beach Resort and the Banyan Tree. Bang Tao Beach is quiet, far from the busier tourist beaches, but not too far! It's a great area to relax and get away from it all. Allamanda Laguna has all the facilities and there's even a golf course next door!

• Allamanda Laguna Resort - Last Minute Bookings at LateStays.com
• Allamanda Laguna Resort - Online Booking by Agoda
• Allamanda Laguna Resort - Guest Reviews

Amora Resort (Bang Tao Beach)

2008-02-15T16:03:00.005+07:00

The Amora Phuket resort, formerly called Rydges Beach Resort, is a 4 star beachfront resort at Bang Tao Beach. A great spot if you like peace and quiet, but not too far from busier beaches, so you can head out for the evening and return to the tranquility of Bang Tao. This is a NICE place to stay!!

• Amora Resort - Last Minute Bookings at LateStays.com
• Amora Resort - Online Booking by Agoda
• Amora Resort - Guest Reviews

Agoda - Hotel Booking Online

2008-02-04T15:38:00.001+07:00

One of the websites I recommend for online booking is Agoda.com. The selection is large, the site very easy to navigate, payment is easy. Agoda covers hotels all over Thailand, and also other countries in the Asia Pacific region, plus Europe, selected North American cities... well, just about all over the world really.

Click on the links below for Agoda hotel booking worldwide...

Happy Holidays!

JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa

2008-01-28T21:26:00.002+07:00

JW Marriott Phuket is rated as the #1 Hotel in Phuket on TripAdvisor (see link below). If you want a getaway with all the facilities, a private beach, kilometers of sand without another hotel in sight, world class service... you found it. If you want to be close to the action and surrounded by bars and tuk tuks.... bad luck. JW Marriott is all about privacy, seclusion, service... A few snippets from reviews:

"It's incredible. I don't know what we loved the most: room, services were excellent, its gardens and architecture, the entire concept."

"absolutely beautiful from the room decor (orchids everywhere) to the pond to the lobby. We still talk about the breakfast even three years later"

" I can't wait to go back, loved the blue bar, the sunsets are magic, the pools are relaxing and luxurious, the food: excellent. Great value and a memorable experience."

Get it?

• JW Marriott Phuket - Last Minute Bookings at LateStays.com
• JW Marriott Phuket - Online Booking by Agoda.com
• JW Marriott Phuket - Reviews

TwinPalms 5 star resort, Surin Beach, Phuket

2008-01-15T08:32:00.002+07:00

One of Phuket's fanciest places, the rather swish Twin Palms Resort is a 5 Star Boutique Resort with (so say the owners) Brilliant modern tropical interiors - Fabulous restaurants - Enormous swimming pools - Lushly landscaped tropical water gardens... "Phuket’s most exciting and stylish contemporary hotel". I have never heard or read a bad review of this resort, located on Surin Beach, which despite development is still a quiet place to stay. TwinPalms manages to have all the facilities, be in a great location and still can be described as a "getaway". Slightly off the beaten track, which is just how I like it!

• Twin Palms - Last Minute Bookings at LateStays.com
• TwinPalms - Online Booking by Agoda.com
• Twin Palms - Reviews

By The Sea Residence - Cape Panwa

2008-01-05T20:04:00.003+07:00

The Cape Panwa area of Phuket is one of our favourite places to hang out. Just along the beach from one of our favourite little restaurants called "The Beach Bar" you can find By The Sea - 36 beachfront appartments overlooking Chalong Bay with great sunsets, a pool, gymnasium, free mountain bike hire, free shuttle service to Phuket Town. Yeh, and all that, but it's the locaion that makes it great for me.

• By The Sea - Last Minute Bookings at LateStays.com
• By The Sea - Online Booking by Agoda
• By The Sea - Reviews

Last Minute Phuket Hotel Bookings - LateStays

2007-12-28T21:59:00.000+07:00

The LateStays.com site is designed for last minute bookings - easy to use and showing availability and best prices for the next few weeks. The site covers more than just Phuket. You can book hotels all over Thailand and also in many other countries. Availability and prices are updated daily, so it's easy to see what you might be able to book.

If you are hoping for the best deal at the last minute, LateStays.com is the place to look...

LateStays.com - Hotel Links

• Phuket Hotels
• Phang Nga - Khao Lak Hotels
• Chiang Mai Hotels
• Bangkok Hotels
• Krabi Hotels
• Hotels all over Thailand

Karon Place Hotel

2007-12-22T22:49:00.003+07:00

A hotel that I know very well! Right next door to Sunrise Divers in Karon Plaza, about 4 minutes walk from Karon Beach. It's a family run place, rooms are nice, service with a smile, a good restaurant a nice pool (rather small though!), it's quiet and price is decent. Other places around Karon Plaza are lower budget, Karon Place is the best mid price hotel in the area.

• Karon Place - Online Booking at R24
• Karon Place - Photos
• Karon Place - Reviews

Secret Cliff Resort

2007-12-17T08:16:00.004+07:00

Just opened - in fact I did not know it had opened until I had a couple of customers staying there... along the winding seaview road between Karon and Patong beaches, built into the cliff overlooking the ocean, Secret Cliff looks like a nice little hideaway, only a few minutes either way to Karon or Patong (and you will have to go to either unless you are happy to eat in the same restaurant every day!). The kind of place that suits people who want to be quiet, but also conveniently close to all the action.

• Secret Cliff - Online Booking at LateStays.com
• Secret Cliff - Online Booking at Agoda.com
• Secret Cliff - Reviews

Phuket Airport Hotel

2007-12-08T23:03:00.003+07:00

I have always meant to feature the Phuket Airport Hotel somewhere... This is not a normal hotel, it has only 10 rooms around a pool, is located less than 1km from Phuket International Airport and a minutes walk from Nai Yang Beach. The location is quiet (yeh, it's near to the airport - but the reviews I read suggest that you don't hear the planes, and I have been to Nai Yang Beach many times and you really can't hear much), the place is built to accommodate wheelchairs too. Some thought has gone into this hotel. It's a small, friendly family run place. The price is pretty darn good. If you want nightlife and such, not the right place! Nothing fancy, but if you want peace and quiet and like to be close to the airport (ideal if you arrive late or want to leave early), the Phuket Airport Hotel is a winner for a convenient night right by the airport.

• Phuket Airport Hotel - Online Booking by Agoda
• Phuket Airport Hotel - Online Booking at LateStays.com
• Phuket Airport Hotel - Reviews

Supalai Resort and Spa - A Hidden Gem?

2007-12-02T22:47:00.003+07:00

Supalai Resort and Spa is hidden away in the North East corner of Phuket at Ao Po (Po Bay). We just drove around here a few weeks ago. I was not aware of this hotel until then. I really like the location and you are not far from other places we like such as the Bang Pae Waterfall and Gibbon Rehabilitation Project, and also Bang Pae Seafood restaurant. Ferries to Koh Yao Noi depart from Po Bay too.

• Supalai Resort - Online Booking by Agoda
• Supalai Resort - Last Minute Bookings at LateStays.com
• Supalai Resort - Reviews

Layan Beach Resort and Spa Village

2007-11-20T08:42:00.003+07:00

We just took a visit to Layan Beach last weekend. Beautiful spot, very secluded. There are just 2 hotels here. The more modern and expensive Bundarika, and the older, cheaper Layan Beach Resort. The villas are built onto the hill, with the pool, spa, restaurant etc higher up with views over the ocean. The beach here is lagoon-like - you need to walk half a km to the nicer end of Layan Beach for white sands. This place is about peace and quiet. I do tend to recommend hotels based on location, and I like it quiet. If you want to party, Layan Beach is a long way from the bars and girls!

• Layan Beach Resort - Online Booking by Agoda
• Layan Beach Resort - Last Minute Bookings at LateStays.com
• Layan Beach Resort - Reviews
• More about Layan Beach on Jamie's Phuket

Mom Tri's Boathouse

2007-11-08T22:09:00.003+07:00

Another very special place in Phuket, actually better known for the "Wine and Grill" restaurant (can't say I have ever eaten there, too expensive for me) - Mom Tri's Boathouse is right on the beach at the South end of Kata Beach with only 36 rooms and an elegant syle. The owner says that the Boathouse is "A Hotel for people who prefer not to stay in hotels." Say no more.

• The Boathouse - Online Booking by Agoda
• The Boathouse - Last Minute Bookings by LateStays.com
• Mom Tri's Boathouse - Reviews

The Racha Resort

2007-11-01T22:53:00.004+07:00

Updated review here: The Racha Resort at Jamie's Phuket

I do like to recommend something "a bit different" in Phuket. The Racha Resort is quite fancy, not cheap, and is actually not on Phuket Island. About 20km south of Phuket is the small island of Racha Yai, commonly used by dive boats (the diving is nice there). On Racha Yai, you can find The Racha Resort, luxury in paradise. No beach chairs, no hawkers, no girly bars - just a secluded retreat, ideal for relaxing and enjoying nature. The Racha features luxury villas with sea views, and if you wish to dive the islands reefs, there is a dive center in the resort. Want something special in Phuket? The Racha could be your answer!

• The Racha - Online Booking by Agoda
• The Racha - Last Minute Bookings at LateStays.com
• The Racha - Reviews

Holiday Inn - Patong Beach - Phuket

2007-10-30T21:56:00.003+07:00

On my other blogs I tend to give Patong a wide berth - not really my cup of tea - but for hotels, you have to admit Patong has a good selection. The Holiday Inn has been around for years and has been expanded with new wings. As a place to escape from the madness of Patong, Holiday Inn is fantastic. And if you love to be in the thick of it, but also able to relax in a peaceful oasis - Holiday Inn is a winner.

On Trip Advisor, the Holiday Inn is rated #1 of all hotels in Patong according to reviews sent by travelers. Advance booking is essential!

• Holiday Inn - Online Booking by Agoda.com
• Holiday Inn - Online Booking at LateStays.com
• Holiday Inn Phuket - Reviews

Phuket Hotels - Where to Book Online?

2007-09-12T16:14:00.002+07:00

If you are planning a trip to Phuket, finding a hotel is bound to be part of the planning - if not the most important part. Phuket has a huge variety of hotels - anything from backpacker hostels to 5 star resorts and there are hundreds of web sites with online booking. Here's a few that may be useful...

• Agoda.com - Big selection and nice clean dedign - No.1 Choice
• LateStays - Absolutely best for late/last minute bookings
• My Top Recommended Phuket Hotels
• BookHostels - Good for low budget places to stay.

You'll also find my Phuket Blog "Jamie's Phuket" useful in Phuket trip planning.

Hotels in Phuket

2007-02-28T13:52:00.000+07:00

This will be home to Jamie's Phuket Hotels Blog. Until I get started, the best place to look is my "Jamie's Phuket" blog which has a good hotel section along with links for hotel bookings...

Jamie's Phuket: http://jamie-monk.blogspot.com