Phuket's accommodation scene caters to every travel style and budget. Whether you're seeking an ultra-luxurious beachfront resort with private pools and world-class spas, a charming boutique hotel in Old Town, a family-friendly resort with kids' clubs and water slides, or a simple budget guesthouse steps from the beach, Phuket has the perfect place for your stay. With over 2,000 hotels across the island, finding your ideal accommodation is easy. Check when to visit for seasonal pricing.
Explore Accommodation Options
Luxury Hotels & Resorts
Five-star excellence with world-class amenities, private beaches, infinity pools, award-winning spas, Michelin-quality dining, and impeccable service. The ultimate in comfort and sophistication.
5,000-50,000+ THB/nightBeach Resorts
Direct beach access with stunning ocean views. Beachfront swimming pools, water sports facilities, sunset bars, and the sound of waves as your soundtrack. Wake up to paradise.
2,000-15,000 THB/nightBudget Hotels & Hostels
Affordable accommodation without sacrificing comfort. Clean rooms, convenient locations, friendly service, and great value. Perfect for travelers who spend their days exploring.
300-2,000 THB/nightBest Areas to Stay in Phuket
Patong Beach
Best for: First-time visitors, nightlife lovers, convenience seekers
Phuket's busiest beach with the most hotels, restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Beach clubs, Bangla Road nightlife, endless dining options, and everything within walking distance. Can be crowded and noisy but offers unmatched convenience.
Kata & Karon Beach
Best for: Families, couples, relaxed beach holidays
More peaceful than Patong with beautiful sandy beaches perfect for swimming. Good selection of restaurants and bars, family-friendly atmosphere, and excellent beach facilities. Kata has good surf in low season, Karon offers a long stretch of golden sand.
Surin & Kamala
Best for: Luxury travelers, privacy seekers, sophisticated tastes
Upscale and exclusive with high-end resorts and beach clubs. Quieter beaches, sophisticated dining scene, and a more refined atmosphere. Popular with affluent Thai families and discerning international travelers.
Bang Tao & Laguna
Best for: Families, golf enthusiasts, all-inclusive seekers
Home to the integrated Laguna Phuket resort complex with multiple hotels, golf courses, and shared facilities. Long beautiful beach, family-friendly environment, and everything you need without leaving the area. Boat Avenue offers excellent dining.
Old Phuket Town
Best for: Culture lovers, boutique hotel fans, authentic experiences
Charming Sino-Portuguese architecture with boutique hotels in restored shophouses. Trendy cafes, art galleries, Sunday walking street market, and authentic local culture. No beach but only 15-20 minutes to the coast. Unique character and atmosphere.
Rawai & Nai Harn
Best for: Long-stay visitors, yacht owners, peaceful retreats
South coast area popular with expats and long-term visitors. Nai Harn Beach is one of Phuket's most beautiful bays. Excellent seafood restaurants, yacht harbor, and a more local, laid-back atmosphere. Less touristy than other areas.
Types of Accommodation
5-Star Luxury Resorts
Sprawling properties with multiple restaurants, extensive spa facilities, kids' clubs, water sports centers, and exceptional service. Brands like Anantara, Banyan Tree, and The Slate offer world-class experiences.
Boutique Hotels
Smaller properties with unique character and personalized service. Often in restored heritage buildings in Old Town or modern design hotels on quieter beaches. Intimate atmosphere and attention to detail.
Beach Resorts
Mid-range to upscale properties located directly on the beach. Swimming pools overlooking the ocean, beachfront restaurants, and water sports facilities. The classic Phuket beach holiday experience.
Serviced Apartments
Ideal for longer stays with kitchen facilities, washing machines, and more space. Popular with families and digital nomads. Weekly and monthly rates offer better value than hotels.
Budget Hotels
Simple, clean accommodation with essential amenities. Air conditioning, private bathrooms, and comfortable beds at affordable prices. Great locations without the luxury price tag.
Hostels
Social atmosphere with dorm beds and private rooms. Perfect for backpackers and solo travelers. Common areas, organized activities, and a great way to meet fellow travelers.
Villas
Private homes with multiple bedrooms, private pools, and full kitchens. Perfect for families or groups. Staff options available including chefs and housekeepers. Ultimate privacy and space.
Pool Villas
Individual units with private plunge pools or larger swimming pools. Privacy without isolation. Available at various price points from budget to ultra-luxury.
Accommodation by Budget
Budget (300-1,500 THB/night)
- Hostels with dorm beds or private rooms
- Basic guesthouses near beaches
- Simple hotels with AC and WiFi
- Fan rooms in local areas
- Older properties in good locations
What to expect: Clean, basic rooms with essential amenities. Locations vary from beachside to inland. Shared facilities in hostels. Limited services but great value. No frills but comfortable enough for budget-conscious travelers.
Mid-Range (1,500-4,000 THB/night)
- 3-star hotels with pools
- Boutique guesthouses
- Beach resorts with ocean views
- Modern hotels with good facilities
- Small resorts with restaurants
What to expect: Comfortable rooms with modern amenities, swimming pools, on-site restaurants, helpful staff, and good locations. The sweet spot for most travelers offering excellent value and quality.
Upscale (4,000-8,000 THB/night)
- 4-star beachfront resorts
- Design-forward boutique hotels
- Properties with spa facilities
- Pool villas and suites
- Excellent dining options
What to expect: Spacious rooms with quality furnishings, multiple restaurants, full spa services, prime locations, attentive service, and special touches that elevate your stay.
Luxury (8,000+ THB/night)
- 5-star international brand resorts
- Private pool villas
- Ultra-luxury boutique properties
- Beachfront estates
- Exclusive hilltop retreats
What to expect: World-class everything. Private butlers, multiple pools, award-winning restaurants, extensive spas, kids' clubs, water sports, and service that anticipates every need. The pinnacle of hospitality.
Essential Booking Tips
Best Time to Book
Book 2-3 months in advance for high season (November-March). Low season (May-October) often has last-minute deals. Prices can triple during New Year and Chinese New Year. Shoulder months offer best value.
Where to Book
Compare Booking.com, Agoda, Hotels.com, and hotel direct websites. Sometimes direct booking offers better rates or perks. Read recent reviews. Check multiple platforms before booking. Agoda often has best rates in Asia.
Hidden Fees to Watch
Some hotels charge for WiFi, breakfast, airport transfers, safes, or gym access. Check what's included. Resort fees are less common in Thailand but increasing. City tax is minimal (about 1%). Always confirm total price.
Cancellation Policies
Free cancellation is common but check deadlines. Some deals are non-refundable but cheaper. Flexible policies worth paying extra for if plans uncertain. Always buy travel insurance for expensive bookings.
Direct Beach Access
"Beachfront" means direct beach access. "Beach nearby" or "near beach" could be 5-10 minute walk. Check map carefully. Some beaches have public access between hotels. Ocean view doesn't mean beach access.
Room Types Matter
Standard rooms often face parking lots or have poor views. Superior/Deluxe rooms worth the upgrade. Pool access rooms have doors opening to pool. Sea view rooms vary greatly - check photos and reviews.
Seasonal Considerations
High Season (Nov-Mar)
Weather: Dry, sunny, perfect beach weather
Prices: Highest rates, book early
Crowds: Busiest, especially Dec-Jan
Availability: Book 2-3 months ahead
Best for: Beach holidays, guaranteed sunshine
Shoulder Season (Apr-May, Oct)
Weather: Hot or transitional, some rain
Prices: Moderate, good deals available
Crowds: Moderate, more relaxed
Availability: Easier to book, flexible
Best for: Budget travelers, avoiding crowds
Low Season (Jun-Sep)
Weather: Rainy season, afternoon storms
Prices: Lowest rates, massive discounts
Crowds: Quietest, authentic experience
Availability: Last-minute bookings fine
Best for: Long stays, budget luxury, rain-tolerant
Key Amenities to Consider
Swimming Pool
Almost universal in mid-range and up. Infinity pools, rooftop pools, and kids' pools add value. Pool access rooms very popular.
Breakfast
Included in most mid-range+ hotels. International buffets standard. Can save 200-500 THB per person daily. Check if included or optional add-on.
WiFi
Free in most hotels now. Speed varies. Some charge for in-room WiFi but have free lobby WiFi. Essential for remote workers - check speed in reviews.
Airport Transfer
Free shuttles at luxury resorts, paid service at others. Usually 800-1,500 THB. Cheaper to arrange taxi or Grab. Private transfer convenient with luggage.
Spa Facilities
Full spas at 4-5 star properties. Amazing Thai massage and treatments. Budget properties often have small spa areas. Great way to relax after flights.
Kids' Club
Larger family resorts offer supervised activities for children. Gives parents break time. Water slides, playgrounds, and organized games common.
Fitness Center
Standard at 3-star+. Varies from basic machines to full gyms. Yoga classes and personal training at luxury properties. 24-hour access preferred.
Restaurants & Bars
Multiple dining options at larger resorts. Rooftop bars, beach clubs, room service. Saves leaving property but local restaurants often better value.
Special Requirements
Families with Children
Look for: Kids' clubs, family suites, connecting rooms, kids' pools, babysitting services, high chairs, and cots. Beach resorts in Kata, Karon, and Bang Tao are most family-friendly with calm waters.
Couples & Honeymoons
Seek: Adults-only sections, private pool villas, romantic restaurants, spa packages for two, and secluded beaches. Surin, Kamala, and Nai Harn offer more intimate settings.
Solo Travelers
Consider: Hostels for social atmosphere, budget hotels with single rooms, areas with nightlife like Patong, or quiet retreats in Rawai. Safety generally excellent throughout Phuket.
Accessibility Needs
Check: Elevator access, ground floor rooms, ramps, accessible bathrooms, and pool hoists. Larger international chains better equipped. Always contact hotel directly to confirm specific needs.
Long-Term Stays
Best: Serviced apartments, monthly villa rentals, hotels with kitchenettes. Rawai and Nai Harn popular for longer stays. Monthly rates offer significant discounts over nightly rates.
Digital Nomads
Priorities: Fast WiFi, desk space, comfortable chair, power outlets, and quiet environment. Co-working spaces nearby. Patong, Kata, and Rawai have good nomad communities.
Common Booking Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming All "Beachfront" is Equal
Some beaches have rocky shores or strong currents. Patong has jet skis and crowds. Kata and Karon better for swimming. Surin can have large waves. Research the specific beach carefully.
Booking Too Far from the Action
Hillside resorts may have stunning views but require taxis for everything. Consider how mobile you want to be. Beach proximity and walkability matter more than many realize.
Ignoring Recent Reviews
Hotels change ownership, renovate, or decline. Check reviews from last 3-6 months. Look for patterns in complaints. Beautiful photos don't always reflect current reality.
Overlooking Low Season Benefits
Rain isn't constant in low season - often sunny mornings with afternoon showers. Can book luxury for budget prices. Quieter beaches and authentic experience. Consider if schedule flexible.
Final Accommodation Advice
- Read reviews on multiple platforms - not just star ratings
- Check exact location on Google Maps - "beachfront" definitions vary
- Consider mobility - hillside properties require transport for everything
- Breakfast included saves time and money, especially with families
- Don't just book Patong - explore other beach areas for better value
- Contact hotels directly for upgrades or special requests
- Airport is 45 minutes from most beaches - factor in transfer costs
- Low season luxury can beat high season budget - be flexible with dates
- Pool villas worth the splurge for privacy and Instagram photos
- Book refundable rates if plans might change - flexibility has value