502/3 Patak Road, Karon Beach, Karon, Thailand | (888) 635-3814
Huge resort set in extensive tropical gardens
Three large swimming pools with bars
Located a five-minute walk from the beach
Four different categories of rooms range from small to large and more upscale
Plethora of activities and entertainment for kids
Spa facilities include seven treatment pavilions
Two flood-lit tennis courts
Fee for Wi-Fi
Parts of resort can get noisy
Some blocks lack elevators
Some rooms are more dated than others
The 335-room Centara Karon Resort Phuket is a huge, self-contained resort located in Phuket's popular tourist area of Karon Beach. Unlike many resorts, the complex doesn't have direct beach access, but three large pools provide plenty of water-based activity. A choice of four zones means rooms can be suited to guests' needs, and there's certainly enough on-site facilities to keep everyone happy. Don't necessarily expect a peaceful vacation but, considering everything on offer, rates are reasonable.
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Scene
Expansive holiday resort divided into four distinctive zones
A guarded sentry point leads along a palm-tree lined road to the grand, modern entrance of the Centara Karon Resort Phuket, setting the tone for this huge, sprawling, and totally self-contained holiday complex. The medium-rise resort is set in extensive grounds against a backdrop of green hills and is divided into four residential zones (each zone offers a distinct experience). The Terraces is a nine-floor tower block with balconied rooms, popular among couples; The Lagoon is set around a pool and geared towards families; Tropicale features spacious living areas for larger groups; and The Cabanas offers more private, semi-detached accommodations in a garden setting. The vibe varies on the zone, from the raucous, child-friendly Lagoon to the more sedate and secluded Cabanas. All zones are connected by a meandering series of pathways that cut through the hotel's expansive tropical gardens.
Location
Set in the middle of the busy tourist center of Karon Beach in southeast Phuket
The resort is located in a relatively peaceful area in the middle of one of the busiest tourist centers in Phuket -- Karon Beach -- on the island's west coast. The beach itself is just over a five-minute walk away, while the surrounding area is full of bars, clubs, and restaurants. The area's capital Phuket City is about a 25-minute drive away, while the airport is within an hour's drive to the north of the island. The flight from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport is around an hour and 15 minutes.
Rooms
Most rooms open to balconies or terraces; some have private spa tubs
The resort has a total of 316 rooms and 19 private cabins, which vary largely depending on which zone they occupy. Decor is generally fresh, modern, and minimal with Thai-styled furnishings, tiled floors, and large windows with plenty of natural light. All rooms include flat-screen TVs and air-conditioning, while many open onto balconies or terraces. Upscale Cabana rooms also include outdoor spa tubs with sun loungers. Wi-Fi is available in rooms,** but for a fee.
Features
Three huge swimming pools with swim-up bars and children's areas
The resort features three huge swimming pools, all with separate children's area and two with swim-up bars. Kids can also be kept entertained with a range of activity programs and play areas, and there's a babysitting sitting service for the smaller ones. Everything else you'd expect in a mega-resort like this has been provided, from two large restaurants, extensive spa facilities with seven treatment pavilions, and a range of sports and games, including two floodlit tennis courts.
