Best Western Patong Beach

A departure from the earth-toned resorts that surround Patong, this Best Western presents a fresh and fashionable alternative. The lobby, done up in creamy whites and blues adds elegant little touches such as white latticework around the front desk and ceiling moldings. Behind the front desk a sculpted tree in bronze adds a bit of sparkle. The ground-floor restaurant beyond reception continues the look with more white latticework and stylish Ghost chairs. This area dips down into a streetside terrace with ebony-colored floorboards and dark woven furniture. The only thing detracting from the look is the roaring traffic sounds from the street the hotel faces; music over the sound system and a bubbling koi pond can only do so much to block it. Still, the upper floors are rather insulated from the street's clamor, and throughout the property, public spaces are phenomenally clean and well maintained. The entire building is crowned with a cobalt-blue infinity pool, offering sweeping 360-degree views of the surrounding rooftops and the hillside, although the ocean is barely visible between the congested streets.Guests here tend to be couples in their 20s and 30s, drawn by the chic design and the excellent location right by Patong’s famed nightlife street. Pairs of friends and older travelers also make it here, but families are rare, as the hotel doesn’t have any kid-oriented features and rooms are best suited to duos. A range of nationalities are represented, too, from other Asian countries to Australia and Europe.

For those looking to be in the thick of Patong’s action, this Best Western couldn’t be better situated. It’s two blocks, or a six-minute walk away, from Bangla Road, Patong’s main nightlife drag that’s crammed full of raging nightclubs, bars, shows, tattoo parlors, even laser-tag venues. The surrounding streets are brimming with restaurants, shops, and mini marts for travelers looking for snacks or sunscreen. There’s also a pharmacy directly across the street. Patong Beach is an easy 10-minute walk through flat roads (though it’s a busy area with plenty of traffic). The huge Jungceylon shopping center is also a five-minute walk away. While there’s much to see in walking distance, reaching other sights requires a taxi or tuk tuk ride. It’s a 39-minute drive to reach the Big Buddha statue, and a 27-minute drive to Wat Chalong. The airport is a 43-minute drive away.

Continuing the decor from the public spaces, guest rooms at this Best Western are airy and polished and entirely uniform in design. A modern color palette of creamy whites and mocha browns and beiges are paired with polished wood floors, white platform beds, and white lacquered furniture. Silver lamps to each side of the beds provide a little wink of metallic glitz. Bathrooms are just as stylish, with soft beige walls, spotless rectangular sinks, and glass-walled walk-in showers. (A handful of rooms have shower/tub combos instead.) Individual toiletries and hairdryers are provided as well.Amenities here are quite solid for the pearl level; electric kettles with tea/coffee, free water, flat-screen TVs with international channels, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, flashlights, and safes all come standard. Minibars are also extensively stocked with savory and sweet snacks, plus alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. All rooms are Superior and vary only with their view (pool or city) and their bed configuration (one double or two twins). All rooms open up to narrow step-out balconies, though these spaces are too small to be furnished. But rooms with double beds do have small table-and-chair sets that provide a nice alfresco perch when the balcony doors next to them are thrown open.

As a smaller property, the Best Western Patong Beach has limited features, but it more than meets the requirements for a beach getaway. Topping the list is the hotel’s infinity pool. This is set on the rooftop with broad views of the surrounding buildings and just a little glimmer of the ocean beyond. A poolside bar here caters to those taking a dip, and loungers and a whirlpool give a few spots to loll about. Next to the pool is a decent fitness center providing everything needed for a workout including cardio machines like treadmills and free weights and weight-lifting machines. Floor-to-ceiling windows here add plenty of natural light to the space.The ground floor contains the hotel’s restaurant, serving all meals including a breakfast buffet (usually included in rates, but not always). The egg station and D.I.Y. pancake machine are welcome buffet features. Guests can dine inside an enclosed, air-conditioned dining room or sit out on a terrace facing the street (though this area can pick up traffic noise). A bar on the terrace swings into action in the evenings. A pair of computer terminals and a printer give a spot to check email or print boarding passes, and Wi-Fi is free throughout.