459 / 2 - 3 Patak Road, Karon Beach, Karon, Thailand | (888) 708-2081
Series of pools and canals threading through the property
Five outdoor pools with swim-up bars and poolside cabanas
Fitness center features lovely views
Spa offers hot stone and Thai massages, body scrubs, wraps
Room service available during limited hours, with meals delivered by rowboat
Arcade and game room with pool table are nice touches
Free shuttle to Karon Beach
Poolside terrace restaurant with cooking classes
Free Wi-Fi and parking
Beach shuttle runs one way only, twice a day
Wi-Fi can be spotty
Bathrooms show some wear and tear
Toilets can't handle paper being flushed
The 139-room, upscale Access Resort &
Villas is a unique hotel near Phuket's Karon Beach, with direct pool access from most rooms,
and room service often delivered by boat. The resort feels exclusive and private, if a little past its heyday, with spacious rooms and furnished patios
opening onto a series of five free-form pools, surrounded by palm trees,
tropical flowers, and lush green lawns. Rooms that don't open onto the pools have private plunge pools and patios for more privacy. There's also a small gym, family-friendly services like babysitting, a game room, terrace dining and three bars, and free parking. Karon
Beach is a 15-minute walk away, and there are interesting sights and restaurants in
the immediate area.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Spectacular pools, an exclusive vibe, and a full-service spa to make the relaxation complete
The Access Resort & Villas feels especially exclusive and luxurious because most rooms open onto the series of five pools and
canals that meander through the grounds, the rest of which are filled with lush, jungle-like landscaping that sets a tone of privacy and decadence. Room service is often delivered via the wooden canoes that float through the pools, and everything
seems to be accented with a fresh orchid, adding the scent of tropical flowers throughout. There are
fountains and palm islands throughout the grounds and plenty of secluded seating areas spread across the bright
green lawns. For those feeling social, pockets of sun beds and beach
umbrellas are scattered poolside, with cocktail service and light lunch available
from the pool bar. The decor in the spa and in the large, airy lobby is
very bright, stark, and, in general, the opposite of the quiet paradise of the outdoor
spaces and rooms. Families are welcome, but there are no supervised kids
activities, and this may not be the best choice for young kids who need entertaining
nor business travelers, unless they are extremely disciplined. The hotel is popular with couples and higher-end Asian tour groups.
Location
Walking distance from Karon Beach and local sights; 20-minute drive from Patong nightlife
The Access Resort & Villas are located
in the Phuket town of Karon, a 15-minute walk from Karon Beach, as well as sights like the local market and temple. Miniature golf
and the Kata Porpeang Market are two miles from the resort, and
bustling Patong with its raucous nightlife is a 20-minute drive. The large, covered
Central Festival shopping mall is 30 minutes away by car. In the resort’s
immediate vicinity, there are many local businesses and restaurants, as well as a
supermarket, but Patak Road, just outside the hotel, is busy and somewhat
dangerous for pedestrians. The Phuket airport is a one-hour drive from the
resort. The hotel offers a free shuttle to the beach a couple times a day, but does not offer return service. Free parking is available on-site. Airport transfers can be arranged for a fee.
Rooms
Pool access or a private plunge pool in every room, plus sunny bathrooms and minibars stocked with spirits
Rooms at the Access Resort & Villas are
big and airy, many with private patios that open onto the pool; those that don't are the pool suites, with individual plunge pools (with fountains and sun beds) behind high walls for ultimate
privacy. The decor is modern and Thai-inspired, with dark woods, white-tile floors, jewel-toned color palettes, clean-lined furniture, fresh flowers, and, in some, romantic
canopy beds. Bathrooms, with separate showers and tubs, are flooded with
natural light, and many have windows between the living space and soaking tub. The overall look is modern and clean, although the decor does feel a bit past its heyday, and some guests complain of evident wear and tear in bathrooms. All rooms are air-conditioned and each comes with a flat-screen satellite TV, coffeemaker, alcoholic minibar, and free
bottled water. Bathrooms also have slippers and bathrobes. Connecting rooms are available. There is free Wi-Fi, but it doesn't work well in the rooms.
Features
Five pools, plus a spa, poolside dining, a breakfast buffet, and an adequate gym
In addition to its complex of five meandering swimming pools lined with loungers and umbrellas, the Access Resort & Villas has a spa with offerings such as hot stone, Thai, and aromatherapy massages, as well as facials,
scrubs, and body wraps. The Pool Terrace restaurant serves an international buffet for three meals a day in a relaxed indoor/outdoor, poolside dining room with Thai touches and beautiful views of the sunset. The poolside bar offers drinks and light
meals throughout the day, and there are swim-up bars at the pools. Breakfast is served buffet-style (or via room
service), with eggs cooked to order; breakfast is not included in all rates. There is a small fitness center with limited equipment and picture windows. An onsite arcade/game room has
a pool table. Babysitting can be arranged. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, but it works best in the lobby area.
