Several times on the Phuket blog, I have blogged the Top 10 Hotels in Phuket, the list being based mostly on TripAdvisor rankings (for want of anything better). The hotels in the most recent list are all styles and all over the island, but mostly 4 - 5 star resorts .. I mean it's a list of the best hotels, so you'd expect them to be classy! TripAdvisor is not perfect, anyone can leave a review, there's no way to check if the reviewer actually stayed at the hotel, but I would hope that on average things even out, though results can be skewed by smaller hotels which actively pursue TripAdvisor reviews. A hotel might be great, but get less reviews simply because they don't ask guests to leave a review. Anyway, we digress... Blog readers gave me some suggestions to do some different "top 10 hotel" lists for families, couples or low budget hotels. So here goes...
On this page you'll find a list of the Top 10 Family Hotels in Phuket, again based on current TripAdvisor rankings. For each hotel there are links for checking rates online, for booking and availability - On this blog I recommend Agoda.com for hotels in Phuket. For each hotel there's also a link to reviews on Agoda (where available) - and only people who have booked the hotel through Agoda can make the review (I use Agoda myself and leave reviews). With all the reviews on Agoda and/or TripAdvisor, you get a very wide range of opinions. Sure there may be other good family hotels that are not on this list, please do send me a message on Facebook if you have stayed in a good family resort in Phuket, every opinion counts!
Top 10 Phuket Family Hotels
1. Andara Resort and Villas (Kamala Beach)
A 5 star resort, on the hillside near Kamala Beach with luxury villas. I'm a bit surprised to see this rated as the top family hotel, but it does provide relaxation in comfort for the whole family, and since it's individual villas with private pools, suits families as well as couples. Andara resort is not right on the beach - it's on the hillside. Many of the villas have great seaviews
• Andara Resort & Villas - Online Booking
• Andara Resort Reviews
2. Rising Sun Residence (Chalong)
Rising Sun Residence is also not a beachfront hotel - it has 12 villas in the hills of Chalong overlooking Chalong Bay and Chalong Temple. There are seven 3 bedroom villas - some of these have a private pool and jacuzzi, kitchen and large living room. There are also five 1 bedroom villas arranged around a large pool with sun deck and jacuzzi. Long way from the main beaches, more of a "home away from home" and would be a good idea to rent a car if you stay here.
• Rising Sun Residence - Online Booking
• Rising Sun Residence Reviews
3. Kantary Bay Hotel (Cape Panwa)
The Cape Panwa area is south of Phuket Town, well away from the main Phuket beaches, an area that we really like. Kantary Bay Hotel is right by the Phuket Aquarium, and the hotel has studio, 1 bedroom, and 2 bedroom suites. All suites have a living room and kitchenette. Seeing a trend here? Family hotels are not the standard "room" - it's nice to have something more like an apartment so you can be a bit more independent.
• Kantary Bay Hotel - Online Booking
• Kantary Bay Hotel Reviews
4. Pacific Club Resort (Karon Beach)
The Pacific Club Resort is a long time favourite and seems to often rank highly, despite (again, thats 4 out of 4 so far) not being by the beach. It's about 10 minutes walk down the hill to the sands of Karon Beach. The hotel is in the hills, with seaviews and green views. There are normal rooms and also 1 and 2 bedroom suites. The restaurant is also meant to be very good and I must try it one day!
• Pacific Club Resort - Online Booking
• Pacific Club Resort Reviews
5. JW Marriott (Mai Khao Beach)
I think everyone knows the Marriott brand? Actually there are 2 different hotels in the top 10 - Marriott Beach Club and the JW Marriott Resort, so I combine them here. Marriott is at Mai Khao Beach - north of the airport and a long way from the main tourist areas or Phuket Town (like 40 - 50km away). A place to relax. Mai Khao Beach is very uncrowded. I'd advise on car hire if you stay here to get out and explore, especially as dining options nearby are limited.
• JW Marriott - Online Booking
• JW Marriott Reviews
• Marriott Phuket Beach Club
6. Cape Panwa Hotel
Another hotel at Cape Panwa - the Cape Panwa Hotel is an older hotel, has a little private beach and I know the guest relations manager, so if you book here say hello to Tim. He's very helpful arranging trips and knows plenty about Phuket. The hotel has a variety of suites of different sizes, many with seaviews, and the Cape Panwa area is very nice.
• Cape Panwa Hotel - Online Booking
• Cape Panwa Hotel Reviews
7. Serenity Resort and Residences (Chalong Bay)
Chalong Bay is not a swimming beach, but great views and actually a good central location for getting around Phuket. Serenity has simpler rooms up to huge 2 - 3 bedroom suites, with seaviews, kitchens and some with private pools. You're not far to drive from here to Kata or Rawai beach and only 20 minutes to Phuket Town too. The pool suites are expensive / luxurious. The simpler rooms are a good deal and kids under 5 stay at no extra cost, good if you have smaller kids.
• Serenity Resort and Residences - Online Booking
• Serenity Resort and Residences Reviews
8. Banyan Tree (Bang Tao Beach)
The Banyan Tree - definitely luxury. You're looking at 1000 US$ per night, but go on, you're worth it! I'm amazed that this place makes the list, must be a few rich TripAdvisor readers! The 2 bedroom pool villas look amazing. I'm going to stay here if we win the lottery! Just for a night....
• Banyan Tree - Online Booking
• Banyan Tree Reviews
9. Twinpalms (Surin Beach)
Twinpalms has now been open 8 years and is one of the best places around the Surin area, which despite rampant hillside development manages (on the beachfront) to retain a laid back feel with small restaurants and bars. Twinpalms has less than 100 rooms, some of which are huge duplexes and penthouse suites. It's those 2 bedroom suites that are great for families. Twinpalms also has its own semi-private beach club right by the sand.
• Twinpalms - Online Booking
• Twinpalms Reviews
10. Holiday Inn Resort (Patong Beach)
Holiday Inn has been around for ages, and is the only Patong beach hotel to make this list. The resort has lots of kids activities and family rooms and the south end of Patong is quite family friendly away from most of the bars and noise. Holiday Inn also recently opened at Mai Khao beach with the resort also specifically catering to kids. Holiday Inn has not only family suites but these things called Kids Suites - kids will love it!
• Holiday Inn Resort - Online Booking
• Holiday Inn Resort Reviews
Hope this list of family hotels is useful! For Phuket hotel bookings, I always recommend looking at Agoda.com first and last - it's what I use. Any questions about hotels or Phuket, please do ask on my Jamie's Phuket Facebook Page.
• Things to do with kids in Phuket
• Top 10 Hotels in Phuket 2014
• My Phuket Hotel Suggestions
• Phuket Hotels - Book Online @ Agoda.com
Need a hotel? Jamie suggests booking online at agoda.com - see you in Phuket!