3 Soi Karon, Soi 2, Karon Beach, Karon, Thailand | (888) 551-4925
Two-in-one hotel
with family-friendly and adult-only wings
Three swimming
pools, two with swim-up bars
Wide range of
eating options on-site
Within walking
distance of beach
Spacious rooms
with furnished balconies
Free shuttle and
tuk-tuk service to beach and Patong
Free Wi-Fi
Uphill walk from
beach
Plain bathrooms
with wall-mounted soap dispensers
Too much shade from trees
over adult-only pool
Horizon Karon Beach Resort & Spa is a
fairly typical upper-mid-range holiday complex with an unusual twist in
dividing the resort between family-focused and adult-only wings. There's still
plenty for everyone, with three pools and a wide range of both child-friendly
and child-free facilities. While the immediate area is uninteresting, the south
end of Karon's lovely beach is within easy walking distance, though it’s an
uphill slog back. While rates are toward the higher range for hotels in the
area, the Horizon Karon is a solid enough option.
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
Typical Thai resort hotel with two halves -- one family oriented, the other for couples
Guests pass though a guarded entrance to
arrive at a large, traditionally-styled portico fronted by a trio of fountains
and playful-looking signage announcing they’ve arrived at Horizon Karon
Beach Resort & Spa. After checking in at the smart, traditionally-styled,
typically lofty reception area, visitors are separated depending on which section of the hotel they'll be staying in. The Horizon Wing
has been designed specifically for families with kids and includes a couple of
swimming pools and plenty of child-friendly facilities. The Club Wing is open
only to adults and is focused on couples looking for a secluded and tranquil
hideaway with a touch of luxury. Both wings are set in well-tended tropical
gardens full of exotic plants and palm trees and linked by a network of footpaths.
Location
Five minutes' walk from the beach in the southern part of Karon Beach resort
The resort is situated on a slightly
elevated and not particularly interesting area toward the south of the popular
Phuket resort of Karon. The start of the swath of white sands and turquoise sea
that makes up Karon Beach is just over five minutes away by foot. Although
there's not much in the immediate area, there are plenty of bars, restaurants,
and shops within walking distance. The neighboring resorts of Patong to the
north and Kata Beach to the south are easily accessible as well, and the hotel
provide a free shuttle service to Patong. The area's capital, Phuket City, is
about 25 minutes northeast by car while Phuket International Airport is almost
an hours' drive to the north. Flights to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi
Airport take an hour and 15 minutes, in addition to boarding time.
Rooms
Air-conditioned rooms all have furnished balconies and free Wi-Fi.
The hotel has 160 rooms made of up three
categories -- Club (adult-only), Deluxe, and Superior -- all of which have
similar, modern takes on traditional Thai decor with crisp white walls and dark
wood furnishings. Rooms are generally spacious and all open onto furnished
balconies with views over the pool or gardens. In-room amenities include air-conditioning,
large minibars, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels and DVD
players. Bathrooms are plain, modern, and clean with walk-in showers or
shower/tub combos. Soap comes from wall-mounted dispensers. Specialized Honeymoon Suites have Andaman Sea views with private balconies.
Features
Three swimming pools -- two with swim-up bars, one adult-only -- in addition to other amenities
The Horizon Karon’s two wings are each
centered around their own pool complexes, both with swim-up bars and plenty of
sun loungers (though the adult pool has a bit too much shade from overhanging
trees). While Club Wing guests have access to all of the hotel's facilities, the Club section’s pool, breakfast area, and hot tub are exclusively for their use.
Horizon Wing guests can take advantage of a Family Plan which includes a free
kids' club, restaurant discounts, and children staying for free. The hotel's
on-site spa provides the usual range of massage and beauty treatments while a
game room offers various forms of entertainment, from snooker to PlayStation
games. Four different restaurants provide a wide range of eating and drinking
options as well as room and poolside service.
