Holiday Inn Express Phuket Patong Beach Central

This chain hotel is housed in a modern four-story building that's purple with orange and wood accents. From the outside, it's a bit boxy and bulky, but interiors are fresh and contemporary, with a breezy design scheme not always seen at Holiday Inns around the world. The open-air lobby is huge, and it's always busy with guests coming and going, or just hanging out on the multiple seating groups. There's a casual vibe here that sets it apart from other chain outposts, in part due to details like a large wooden shelving unit behind displaying modern art objects. This bustling place attracts all sorts of travelers looking for a well-priced, dependable option in the middle of the Patong Beach action. However, it lacks Thai character. 

This hotel is located in a busy area, just a block from Patong Beach and a 10-minute walk from the action on Bangla Road. Many restaurants and bars are within walking distance, and there is a convenience store nearby. Jungceylon Shopping Mall can be reached in 15 minutes on foot for those in need of retail therapy, though there are plenty of tourist stalls all around. Tiger Kingdom Phuket animal park is about a 15-minute drive away, and zip-lining adventures at Flying Hanuman are about 20 minutes away by car. Guests can get to the Phuket city center within a 30-minute drive -- from there, ferries and boats to the scenic karst islands of Phang Nga Bay can be booked. Phuket International Airport is about 45 minutes away by car or cab.

Rooms are modern and fresh, making them not only a nice departure from what most travelers may expect with this chain, but a solid bet for this category in Patong overall. Decor includes light tile floors, laminate wood-grain furniture, and contemporary artwork such as bold panels of floral silhouettes. Pops of soft green and charcoal keep things looking up-to-date. Though Standard Rooms are compact, even these have extra seating, including a bucket chair and a small table with an additional chair. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, blackout shades, mini-fridges, and electric kettles for tea or coffee. iPod docks are an unexpected extra for this category, and Wi-Fi is free. Suites add a separate living area, though decor is otherwise similar. Bathrooms are small, but offer hairdryers and a decent amount of counter space. They feature mosaic tiling and walk-in showers, though toiletries come in large pump dispensers. All rooms have a furnished balcony, and some look out onto the pool. 

A free breakfast buffet, with hot and cold items for Asian and Western palates, is served daily in the Great Room on the first floor. Flat-screen TVs on the wall keep everyone up-to-date on the latest news, sports, and weather. It's a sunny space with floor-to-ceiling windows, but it can get crowded. A few tables are set up outside for alfresco dining. The outdoor pool in the center of the hotel is surrounded by lounge chairs and umbrellas on the wooden deck. Children have their own pool with water sprays along the side plus a playground and a kids' club. Cushy green lounge chairs give parents a place to watch the action in comfort. The fitness center is open around-the-clock and offers cardio equipment as well as a few free weights. The self-service laundry room has washers, dryers, irons, and ironing boards.  An on-site meeting room has floor-to-ceiling windows for natural light. There's also a business desk with computers set up for guests to use in the lobby, though Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.