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Accommodation Guide

Accommodation Guide

Andaman Coast, Thailand

Accommodation Types

Popular Choices

  • Hostels

    Budget-friendly, dormitory beds, and a social atmosphere. Many near Phuket Old Town.

  • Guesthouses

    Family-run with basic to comfortable rooms, good prices, and local charm.

  • Boutique Hotels

    Restored Sino-Portuguese shophouses with unique character and modern amenities.

  • Mid-range Hotels

    Modern hotels with standard amenities, a comfortable and reliable stay.

Specialized Stays

  • Sino-Portuguese Shophouse Stays

    Sleep within a piece of the town's heritage; many boutique hotels utilize these buildings.

  • Vacation Rentals

    Apartments, houses, and villas suitable for families or longer stays, often with kitchens. Find options on Agoda or Vrbo.

  • Homestays

    Cultural immersion, common in rural areas or neighboring provinces, less so in town.

  • Camping

    Not in Phuket Town; typically found in national parks on the mainland or other islands.

Neighborhood Guide

Phuket Town features distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and advantages for visitors.

Phuket Old Town

Benefits
  • Immersive cultural experience.
  • Walkable historical sites, good food.
  • Unique boutique accommodations.
  • Lively atmosphere, especially on Sundays.
Considerations
  • Can be crowded, limited parking.
  • Transport needed for beaches.
  • Older buildings for accommodation.

Talat Yai / Talat Nuea

Benefits
  • Authentic local life experience.
  • Excellent street food and local markets.
  • Often cheaper accommodation.
  • Good transport connections.
Considerations
  • Less aesthetic charm than Old Town.
  • Fewer direct tourist attractions.
  • Functional base rather than a destination.

Ratsada Port Area

Benefits
  • Close to Rassada Pier for ferries.
  • Convenient for early island departures.
  • Some budget-friendly hotels.
Considerations
  • Lacks charm and cultural attractions.
  • Mainly a transit point.
  • Industrial feel.

Considerations by Area

Safety & General Advice

Phuket Town is generally safe for tourists. Petty crime occurs, especially in crowded areas like markets. Exercise standard precautions: secure valuables, avoid displaying large cash, stay aware. Serious crime against tourists is rare.

Proximity & Ambiance

Old Town offers a good base for cultural sites; Talat Yai/Nuea for local markets and transport; Ratsada for pier access. Old Town is charming but busy. Talat Yai/Nuea can be noisy. Ratsada is quieter, port-focused.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking strategies will assist you in securing your preferred accommodation at favorable rates.

Advance Booking Tips

  • High Season (Nov-Feb): Book 3-6 months ahead; demand is high.
  • Shoulder Season (Mar-Apr, Oct): Book 1-2 months ahead for good selection.
  • Low Season (May-Sep): Good deals available, but a few weeks ahead is still wise.
  • Check dates for major holidays (Christmas, Chinese New Year) when booking.

Trusted Platforms

  • Agoda: Very popular in Asia, often has competitive rates.
  • Booking.com: Wide selection of hotels and guesthouses with reliable reviews.
  • Airbnb: Useful for vacation rentals and unique stays, especially for more space.
  • Direct Hotel Websites: Sometimes have special deals or loyalty perks.

Policies & Pricing

Deposit & Cancellation
  • Policies vary by property and platform.
  • Always review specific terms before confirming.
  • Many platforms permit free cancellation up to a certain date.
  • Deposits often taken for longer stays or high-demand bookings.
Seasonal Price Changes
  • Prices peak during the dry season (Dec-Feb), especially holidays.
  • Prices decrease significantly during the wet season (May-Sep).
  • Shoulder seasons offer a balance of weather and value.

Walk-in Rates

Negotiation

For smaller guesthouses, a polite inquiry for a lower cash rate or long-stay rate might be possible, especially in low season.

Common Practice

This is less common for established hotels or properties on major platforms. Online rates are often the best.

Flexibility

Online platform cancellation policies often outweigh minor walk-in discounts, prioritize these terms.

Accommodation Recommendations

Phuket Town features many excellent choices for different types of travelers.

Budget & Mid-range Stays

Budget Options

For economical stays, hostels and simple guesthouses abound.

  • Phuket Town Inn: Simple, clean rooms, good location.
  • The Racha (Phuket Town): Well-regarded hostel, good for social travelers.
  • Fulfill Hostel: Clean dorms, social atmosphere for backpackers.
  • Hostelworld offers many choices.
Mid-range Favorites

Comfortable and stylish choices without luxury pricing.

  • The Memory at On On Hotel: Historic, restored, traditional charm.
  • Sino House Phuket Hotel: Modern with Sino-Portuguese design elements.
  • Phuketani House: Charming guesthouse with local design.

Luxury & Family-Friendly

Upscale Hotels

Premium services and sophisticated design.

  • The Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town: Upscale, modern amenities, reliable. Link
  • Blu Monkey Hub and Hotel Phuket: Stylish, contemporary design, comfort.
  • Indy Loft: Boutique, unique design, intimate experience.
  • IHG Hotels for other options.
For Families

Consider larger rooms, interconnected options, or family suites. Pools are a plus.

  • The Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town: Family-friendly amenities.
  • Vacation rentals: More space and amenities like kitchens, available on Booking.com.

Solo Traveler Focus

  • Social Hostels

    Hostels like The Racha or Fulfill Hostel in Old Town offer social environments and easy connections with others.

  • Dormitory Options

    Dorm beds at hostels are budget-friendly and conducive to meeting new people.

  • Boutique Guesthouses

    A safe, charming, and convenient base for independent exploration, often with a personal welcome.

  • Walkable Locations

    Staying in Old Town minimizes transport needs for exploring attractions.

Long-Stay Accommodations

  • Apartment Rentals

    For stays over a month, renting an apartment or house is more economical and offers more space.

  • Platforms

    Use Airbnb or contact local real estate agents to find long-term rentals.

  • Hotel Discounts

    Some hotels provide discounted rates for extended stays, especially during low season.

  • House Sitting

    TrustedHousesitters for pet/house sitting exchanges.

Culturally Significant Properties

The Memory at On On Hotel

Phuket's oldest hotel, featured in "The Beach." A stay here connects you directly to the town's history and unique experience.

  • Original charm preservation.
  • Modern comforts blended.
  • A true heritage stay.
Renovated Sino-Portuguese Shophouses

Many Old Town boutique hotels reside in these restored buildings.

  • Experience unique architecture.
  • Directly support local heritage.

General Accommodation Tips

Location First

Consider proximity to attractions, transport, and desired ambiance when selecting your area.

Read Reviews

Check recent guest reviews for insights on cleanliness, service, and noise levels.

Amenities

Confirm included amenities like Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and breakfast, especially for budget options.