15 Best Places to Stay in Phuket: From Luxury Resorts to Budget-Friendly Gems (2024)

best accommodation phuket

Looking for the perfect place to stay in Phuket? Thailand’s largest island offers an incredible range of accommodation options to suit every budget and travel style. From luxurious beachfront resorts to cosy boutique hotels and budget-friendly guesthouses you’ll find exactly what you need for an unforgettable Thai getaway.

Whether you’re dreaming of waking up to stunning ocean views in Kata Beach or seeking a vibrant atmosphere in bustling Patong your accommodation choice can make or break your holiday experience. We’ll explore the top-rated properties across Phuket’s most popular areas including hidden gems that offer exceptional value for money. You’ll discover detailed insights about location amenities and the unique features that make these stays stand out from the crowd.

Why Choose Phuket for Your Holiday Stay

Phuket’s tropical paradise offers 5 distinct advantages that make it an exceptional holiday destination:

Prime Location

Phuket’s strategic position in the Andaman Sea connects you to 30+ stunning islands including Phi Phi and James Bond Island. The island features 40 beaches spanning its 576 square kilometres, each with unique characteristics like Kata’s surfing waves or Kamala’s serene shoreline.

Year-Round Appeal

The island maintains average temperatures of 24-32°C throughout the year. Peak season runs from November to April with 8-10 hours of daily sunshine, while May to October offers reduced rates at luxury resorts up to 40% off regular prices.

Rich Cultural Heritage

Phuket blends Thai traditions with Chinese influences through:

  • 29 Buddhist temples including the iconic Big Buddha
  • Old Town’s Sino-Portuguese architecture dating to the 1800s
  • Traditional markets like Naka Weekend Market with 400+ vendors
  • Local festivals: Vegetarian Festival, Loy Krathong, Songkran

Modern Amenities

The island’s infrastructure supports a comfortable stay with:

  • International-standard hospitals
  • 3 major shopping centres
  • Direct flights from 50+ global destinations
  • High-speed internet coverage across tourist areas

Value for Money

Phuket accommodates all budgets with varied pricing:

Accommodation Type Price Range (GBP/night)
Luxury Resorts £200-£1,000+
Boutique Hotels £80-£200
Mid-range Hotels £40-£80
Guesthouses £15-£40

The combination of pristine beaches, cultural experiences, modern conveniences creates an ideal holiday environment in Phuket, complemented by renowned Thai hospitality.

Luxury Beach Resorts

Phuket’s luxury beachfront properties deliver world-class amenities with stunning Andaman Sea views. These exclusive resorts combine traditional Thai design elements with modern luxury across prime coastal locations.

Bang Tao Beach Properties

Bang Tao’s pristine 6-kilometre beach hosts several ultra-luxury resorts set within tropical gardens. The Banyan Tree Phuket features private villas with individual pools, a championship golf course at Laguna Golf Phuket plus six dining venues. Angsana Laguna Phuket offers beachfront suites with direct pool access, a 323-metre lazy river pool plus dedicated kids’ facilities.

Key features of Bang Tao luxury resorts:

  • Private beach access with complimentary water sports equipment
  • Award-winning spa facilities offering traditional Thai treatments
  • Multiple swimming pools including adults-only infinity pools
  • International dining options with beachfront restaurants
  • Butler service plus airport transfers via luxury vehicles

Kata Beach Hideaways

Kata Beach combines luxury accommodations with a more intimate atmosphere along its curved bay. The Shore at Katathani provides 48 pool villas perched on a scenic hillside overlooking the Andaman Sea. Kata Rocks features sky villas with private infinity pools plus a clifftop restaurant.

Premium amenities at Kata Beach resorts include:

  • Ocean-view infinity pools with sunset viewing decks
  • Private beach clubs with dedicated sun loungers
  • Gourmet dining featuring fresh seafood plus international cuisine
  • Spa pavilions offering couple’s treatments plus yoga sessions
  • Concierge services arranging yacht charters plus island tours
Season Pool Villa Ocean Suite Beachfront Villa
Peak £550-800 £400-600 £800-1,200
Low £350-500 £250-400 £500-800

Boutique Hotels in Old Town

Phuket Old Town’s boutique hotels blend colonial architecture with modern luxury in the heart of the island’s historical district. These intimate properties offer personalised service in restored heritage buildings dating back to the 19th century.

Heritage Building Stays

Old Town’s heritage hotels occupy beautifully preserved Sino-Portuguese shophouses with distinctive features like traditional shuttered windows, ornate tiles, and internal courtyards. Properties like The Memory at On On Hotel, established in 1929, showcase original architectural elements including patterned floor tiles, wooden staircases, and antique furnishings. Hotel rooms provide modern amenities such as:

  • Free high-speed WiFi throughout the property
  • Rain showers in restored vintage bathrooms
  • Custom-designed furniture blending old and new styles
  • Air conditioning integrated discreetly into period spaces
  • Smart TVs hidden behind vintage-style cabinets

Room rates range from £60-£150 per night, varying by season and room category.

Local Culture Experience

These boutique properties immerse guests in authentic Phuket culture through curated experiences and their central location. Cultural amenities include:

  • In-house workshops teaching traditional batik painting
  • Guided morning walks to local markets and temples
  • Complimentary bicycles for exploring heritage streets
  • Evening street food tours with hotel chefs
  • Access to private cooking classes in historic kitchens
  • 5 historic Chinese shrines within 500 metres
  • 3 museums showcasing Phuket’s tin mining heritage
  • Sunday Walking Street market with 40+ local vendors
  • 10+ traditional coffee shops serving Hokkien cuisine
  • Regular cultural performances at nearby Thai Hua Museum

Family-Friendly Resorts

Phuket’s family resorts combine Thai hospitality with child-focused amenities to create memorable holiday experiences. These properties offer dedicated facilities for children aged 4-12 alongside adult relaxation spaces.

Kids’ Club Facilities

Family resorts in Phuket feature professional kids’ clubs with supervised activities throughout the day. Leading properties like JW Marriott Phuket Resort offer structured programmes including:

  • Educational workshops: Thai cooking classes, language lessons, cultural crafts
  • Physical activities: Swimming lessons, beach sports, treasure hunts
  • Creative sessions: Face painting, origami, puppet making
  • Entertainment spaces: Indoor playrooms, outdoor playgrounds, movie theatres

Top kids’ clubs maintain strict safety protocols with certified childcare staff and secure check-in systems. Many clubs operate from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, allowing parents flexibility for day trips or spa visits.

Pool Villa Options

Pool villas provide ideal accommodation for families seeking privacy with easy pool access. Key features include:

Villa Type Size (sqm) Bedrooms Starting Price (£)
Garden Pool 120-150 2 250
Beachfront 180-220 3 450
Family Suite 200-250 4 600

Popular family pool villas offer:

  • Child-safety features: Pool fences, non-slip surfaces, monitoring systems
  • Family amenities: Kitchen facilities, separate living areas, children’s bedding
  • Convenient services: In-villa dining, babysitting, children’s welcome packs
  • Entertainment options: Gaming consoles, children’s channels, board games

Properties like Angsana Laguna Phuket provide interconnecting pool villas for extended families or multi-generational stays.

Budget-Friendly Accommodations

Phuket offers excellent value accommodation options for savvy travellers, with prices ranging from £10-£50 per night. These budget-friendly choices provide comfortable stays without compromising essential amenities.

Guesthouses and Hostels

Phuket’s guesthouses deliver authentic Thai hospitality at competitive rates starting from £10 per night. Popular areas like Kata Beach offer family-run establishments such as Kata Mountain Inn featuring air-conditioned rooms, free WiFi and communal kitchens. Modern hostels in Phuket Town, including Lub d Phuket and Slumber Party Hostel, provide pod-style beds, digital nomad workspaces and organised social activities.

Key features of budget accommodations include:

  • 24-hour security with keycard access
  • Shared lounge areas with streaming services
  • Complimentary breakfast options
  • Daily housekeeping services
  • Bicycle rentals for local exploration

Serviced Apartments

Serviced apartments combine affordability with home-style comfort, ranging from £30-£50 per night. Central locations like Patong Beach feature properties such as The Unity Patong and Sunset Ocean View Apartments, offering fully equipped kitchens and separate living areas.

  • Full kitchen facilities with microwaves and refrigerators
  • Weekly housekeeping services
  • On-site laundry facilities
  • Swimming pools and fitness rooms
  • High-speed internet access
  • Flexible booking terms from 3 nights to 3 months
Accommodation Type Price Range (per night) Average Room Size
Guesthouses £10-£25 15-20m²
Hostels £10-£15 4-6m² (pod)
Serviced Apartments £30-£50 35-45m²

Best Areas to Stay in Phuket

Phuket’s diverse districts offer distinct experiences for travellers, from bustling nightlife hubs to serene coastal retreats. Each area features unique attractions, dining options and accommodation styles that cater to different holiday preferences.

Patong Beach District

Patong Beach serves as Phuket’s entertainment capital, located 15 kilometres from Phuket Town. This vibrant area features:

  • Accommodation Options:

  • 5-star beachfront resorts (£200+ per night)
  • Mid-range hotels (£50-100 per night)
  • Budget guesthouses (£20-40 per night)
  • Key Attractions:

  • 3-kilometre white sand beach
  • Bangla Road’s 400-metre entertainment strip
  • Jungceylon Shopping Centre
  • Paradise Beach (4km south)
  • Transport Links:

  • 45-minute drive from Phuket Airport
  • Regular local bus service to Phuket Town
  • Abundant taxis and tuk-tuks

Karon Beach Area

Karon Beach offers a more relaxed atmosphere 5 kilometres south of Patong, perfect for families and couples seeking tranquillity.

Beach Features:

  • 3.5-kilometre pristine shoreline
  • Clear waters ideal for swimming
  • Low-key beachfront dining spots
  • Seasonal surfing opportunities
  • Accommodation Types:

  • Luxury resorts with sea views
  • Boutique hotels (£80-150 per night)
  • Family-friendly resorts
  • Serviced apartments
  • Local Highlights:

  • Karon Temple Market (twice weekly)
  • Dino Park Mini Golf
  • Karon View Point
  • Local seafood restaurants
  • International restaurants
  • Convenience stores
  • Medical clinics

Conclusion

Phuket’s accommodation world truly offers something for every type of traveller. From ultra-luxury beachfront resorts to charming heritage hotels and budget-friendly guesthouses you’ll find your perfect stay on this tropical paradise.

Whether you’re seeking family fun at resort kids’ clubs, lounging in a private pool villa, or immersing yourself in local culture at a boutique hotel, Phuket offers the best accommodation Phuket delivers exceptional value and unforgettable experiences. The combination of world-class amenities, stunning locations, and legendary Thai hospitality makes it an ideal destination for your next holiday.

Consider your preferred location budget and must-have amenities when booking your stay. With proper planning you’ll discover the perfect accommodation to create lasting memories on Thailand’s largest island.