Hotels in Phuket Town

Phuket is of course more known as a beach destination, and I would guess 99% of visitors will want to stay close to the water. There are plenty of hotel recommendations on this blog, mostly hotels near the beaches - Phuket's west coast is all about beaches, from the overdeveloped madness that is Patong (yeh, some people like it, I know) to much quieter locations like Naithon or Kamala. There are some hotels inland away from the water, or on the far less developed east coast, and there is also plenty of accommodation in Phuket Town.

Phuket Town (officially called Phuket City, but it certainly feels like a town), is the main business center of Phuket and the provincial capital. There's no beach, but staying in town gives a totally different experience of Phuket. Sure there are some tourism oriented businesses, but mostly it's local life - markets, small interesting shops, Chinese shrines, day to day life going on all around, historic buildings, museums, local restaurants and a nightlife that is quite separate to the bars 'n' girls at the beaches. It's the place to be to enjoy events such as the Phuket Vegetarian Festival or the Street Show Festival. I like Phuket Town, and there's plenty of space given to it on the blog. If you have a longer stay in Phuket and want to experience more than just tourism, why not stay in town for a couple of nights?

Some Recommended Phuket Town Hotels

Thavorn Grand Plaza Hotel

A couple of blocks south of the bus terminal, about a 10 minute walk to the old town, the Thavorn is quite large (150 rooms), it's right opposite one of our favourite restaurants in town, Uptown Noodles. I see room rates under 500 Baht a night at the moment. It even has dorm rooms.

• Thavorn Grand Plaza Hotel - Rates and Reservations

Bhukitta Hotel

Right next to the bus terminal, 5 minutes walk to old town, lots of local restaurants close by. Reading the reviews, you can see some common "problems" with hotels in town - things like "too far from the beach" - well, duh! And no nice views - well it's in the town, and maybe staff not speaking the best English, yeh, if they did, they'd work in a 5 star resort.

• Bhukitta Hotel - Rates and Reservations
• Bhukitta Hotel - Reviews

Chinotel

Newly opened in 2010, Chinotel is on Ranong Road right next to the new market. Rates only 600 - 800 Baht per night with aircon, TV and you're right in the old town.

• Chinotel - Last Minute Bookings at LateStays.com
• Chinotel on the Phuket Hotels Blog

Royal Phuket City Hotel

Just about opposite the bus terminal, the Royal Phuket City is more of a business/conference hotel, with 250 rooms, a nice cafe called Cafe 154 that we used as a base for last years Phuket Photo Walk. Has a pool and spa too. Another favourite restaurant, Kaewjai, is just a block away.

• Royal Phuket City Hotel - Rates and Reservations
• Royal Phuket City Hotel - Reviews

Sino House Hotel

A couple of blocks North and East of old town, Sino House is an apartment style hotel and includes the highly recommended Rain Tree Spa which my wife and I mean to visit one day soon!

• Sino House Hotel - Rates and Reservations
• Sino House Hotel - Reviews

Lub Sbuy Guesthouse

A budget place, again very close to the bus terminal with lots of local places to eat nearby and 5 minutes walk to the old town. Odd spelling, Lub Sbuy means "peaceful sleep".. guess I would spell it Lap Sabai, but each to their own!

• Lub Sbuy Guesthouse - Rates and Reservations

Dara Hotel

A real oddity, this place. Location - on the edge of town close to the Central Festival Mall. I'd only stay here if I had some transport, but it's kind of unique - very colourful and modern.

• Dara Hotel - Rates and Reservations
• Dara Hotel - Reviews


Phuket Town may not be your cup of tea, but this blog does tend to be read by people who like all kinds of tea! Aside from the hotels above, Phuket Town has lots of low budget guesthouses and backpacker places - more info here: Cheap Places To Stay in Phuket.

More Hotels in Phuket Town

• Phuket Town Hotels at Agoda.com
• Phuket Town Hotels at LateStays.com

More About Phuket Town

• Walking in Old Town
• Glastnost Cafe on Soi Romanee
• Old Phuket Street Festival
• Exploring Phuket Town