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Accommodation Guide

Accommodation Guide

Andaman Coast, Thailand

Accommodation Types

Lodging Categories

  • Hostels

    Budget-friendly dorm beds and private rooms. Hostels feature social common areas; backpackers and solo travelers meet others there.

  • Guesthouses

    Small, family-run establishments providing basic rooms. Guesthouses often have good value and a more personal, local feel.

  • Mid-range Hotels

    Numerous 3-star and 4-star hotels have comfortable stays with standard amenities like swimming pools and air-conditioned rooms.

  • Luxury Resorts

    High-end 5-star resorts have extensive facilities, often including private beach access or spas. These resorts often sit at the quieter ends of Patong Beach or in secluded bays nearby, a tranquil retreat.

Patong Specifics

  • Hostels

    Popular among backpackers and solo travelers looking for social interaction.

  • Guesthouses

    Often a more personal, local experience compared to larger hotels.

  • Mid-range Hotels

    Many located slightly off the main beach road but within walking distance of attractions.

  • Luxury Resorts

    Extensive facilities often at quieter Patong Beach ends or nearby secluded bays.

Unique Accommodation Types

While Patong mostly features standard hotel types, some guesthouses might provide a more local feel. Patong's development centered around modern tourist infrastructure.

Vacation Rentals and Apartment Options

Serviced Apartments
  • Available for short or long stays, with more space and kitchen facilities than typical hotel rooms.
  • This option suits families or those preferring to prepare some of their own meals.
Condominiums/Villas
  • Many private condo units and villas are available for rent, often through various online platforms.
  • These have more privacy and amenities like private pools, suitable for groups or longer stays.

Homestay and Community-Based Tourism

Homestay and Community-Based Tourism
  • Less common directly within Patong, given its developed tourist infrastructure.
  • Such experiences are more likely found in more rural parts of Phuket or neighboring provinces.
Cultural Immersion
  • A dive into local life in other areas.
  • Not a prevalent offering within Patong itself.

Camping and Outdoor Accommodation

Camping Options
  • No organized campsites directly in Patong.
  • Camping is not a common tourist accommodation option in this developed beach area.
Alternatives
  • For outdoor accommodation, explore specific eco-lodges or glamping sites outside of Patong's main area.

Neighborhood Guide: Picking Your Spot

Proximity to Attractions and Transportation

Central Patong has proximity to the beach, nightlife, and shopping. Northern and southern ends require short rides.

Noise Levels and Ambiance

Noise varies significantly by area, from very loud (central Patong) to relatively quiet (northern/southern ends, inland areas slightly removed from main roads).

Booking Strategies: Secure Your Stay

Smart booking accommodation at a good price.

Advance Booking Recommendations by Season

  • High Season (November - February): Book 3-6 months in advance. Availability is scarce and prices rise significantly during this peak period.
  • Shoulder Season (March - May, July - August): Book 1-3 months in advance for good selection and competitive prices. Better deals are often found than in high season.
  • Low Season (May/June - October): Good last-minute deals often found during this rainy season. Booking a few weeks ahead is advisable for your desired property.

Trusted Booking Platforms

  • International platforms like Agoda (very popular in Asia).
  • Booking.com and Expedia work for finding and booking accommodation in Patong.
  • Some independent hotels might have their own websites for direct booking, occasionally with unique deals.

Additional Booking Insights

Negotiation Customs for Walk-in Rates
  • Negotiating walk-in rates is less common for major hotels.
  • For smaller guesthouses or hostels, notably during the low season, a slightly better rate for walk-in bookings might be possible, especially for longer stays. A polite inquiry works.
Seasonal Price Fluctuations
  • Prices for the same room double or triple between the low season and the high season or peak holiday periods.
  • Adjust travel dates if budget is a main concern.

Important Policies

Deposit Policy

Some hotels require a deposit upon booking or check-in.

Cancellation Policy

Policies vary by property and booking platform. Always check the specific policy before confirming your reservation. Many hotels have free cancellation up to a certain date.

Confirmation

Always confirm your reservation details before arrival.

Accommodation Recommendations: Top Picks

Here is a comparison of accommodation options.

Hostel & Budget Hotel

Hostels THB 300 - 700

Dorm beds, shared bathrooms, common areas, often basic breakfast.

  • Cheapest option
  • Good for meeting people
  • Social atmosphere
  • Can be noisy
Budget Hotel/Guesthouse THB 700 - 1,500

Private room, air conditioning, private bathroom, often no pool or limited amenities.

  • Good value
  • More privacy than hostel
  • Local feel
  • Basic amenities

Mid-Range & Luxury

Mid-Range Hotel THB 1,500 - 3,000

Private room, air conditioning, pool, on-site restaurant, often good location.

  • Comfortable
  • Good amenities
  • Balance of cost & quality
  • Can still be busy
Luxury Resort THB 3,000 - 10,000+

Spacious rooms/villas, multiple pools, spa, fine dining, beach access.

  • High comfort
  • Excellent service
  • Privacy
  • Most expensive

Top Picks by Budget

  • Budget

    BearPacker Hostel Patong, Patong Poshtel, Lub d Phuket Patong (clean, modern, social).

  • Mid-range

    Amata Patong, Sleep with Me Hotel Design Hotel @ Patong, The Broyhill (comfortable rooms, pools, convenient locations).

  • Luxury

    Amari Phuket, Avista Grande Phuket MGallery (premium amenities, sea views, high service standards).

  • Alternative Luxury

    The Slate (near airport, a high-end option for a Phuket base).

Specialized Stays

  • Family-Friendly Options

    Holiday Inn Resort Phuket and Duangjitt Resort & Spa (extensive facilities for all ages).

  • Solo Traveler Recommendations

    Hostels like Lub d Patong (social). Budget hotels located in central but slightly quieter side streets for a balance of privacy and convenience.

  • Long-Stay Accommodations

    Serviced apartments or private condo rentals have better value and facilities for extended stays. These often include kitchenettes and laundry facilities, suitable for longer periods.

  • Properties with Cultural or Historical Significance

    Patong is mainly a modern tourist destination and does not have hotels with deep cultural or historical significance within the town itself. For historical accommodations, explore Phuket Old Town.

Additional Accommodation Tips

Booking Considerations

Check current reviews and availability for all properties before booking.

  • Location preference
  • Budget constraints
  • Amenities needed
  • Travel style
Local Insights

Patong's development centered around modern tourist infrastructure, not historical sites.

  • Authentic guesthouses are few
  • Most places are tourist-centric
  • Phuket Old Town for heritage
  • No traditional Ryokan/Riad types here

Diverse Property Options

Standard Hotels

Wide range from basic to luxury, mostly modern facilities.

Guesthouses

Often family-run, a more personal touch.

Vacation Rentals

Private condos and villas for groups or longer stays.