La Flora Resort Patong

La Flora Resort Patong looks nondescript from the street, with cars and motorbikes parked right up to the building and Patong’s busy traffic roaring by, but once guests enter, the noise and chaos falls away. La Flora is tranquil, and miraculously quiet considering that it is mere feet from the road. All one can hear is the sound of the waves breaking on the nearby beach (and the occasional speedboat). The hotel is modern and elegant, decorated with a touch of Thai flair that can be seen in the natural building materials; stone, marble, and various kinds of wood are used throughout, bringing a sense of the tropical South Asian landscape indoors in an upscale, not rustic, way. There is little public space, but each chair is lovely and carefully chosen; each orchid is deliberately placed. And everywhere -- including guest rooms and hallways -- there is the gentle scent of jasmine candles. The two pools are long and narrow, great for lap swimming, with little deck space for horsing around. This is an upscale, peaceful hideaway (in the center of everything), primarily geared to adults, who can end the day at the rooftop restaurant, watching the sunset over the Andaman Sea.

La Flora Resort Patong sits in a fantastic location, right on Patong’s hectic beach road, steps from traffic, populated with touts and massage girls, restaurants, bars, shops, and a Starbucks. That’s the front door. Out the back is one of the best sections of Patong Beach. Once inside, the city chaos fades away, and the sound of the Andaman Sea takes over. Five minutes' walk will take guests to Jungceylon Shopping Center and Bangla Road’s nonstop nightlife. Cars can be rented on the premises. Phuket Airport is about a 50-minute drive from the hotel.

Rooms at La Flora Resort Patong are stylish and chic, with tile floors, subtle light-wood furniture, large flat-screen TVs hidden behind wall mirrors, and fresh orchids, beautifully arranged. Rooms have furnished private balconies; many ground floor rooms have private patios with sunbeds that border the pool (which could be risky for small children). Villas with private pools are also available. The amenities are exceptional, including free minibars and GoFlex media players loaded with movies. Bathrooms are spectacular, with luxe glassed-in wet areas that include shower and tub. Elegant Seaview Suites have enormous bathrooms and hot tubs with views.

La Flora Resort Patong has two beautiful lap pools with a narrow deck area for lounging on stylish chaises. The tiny fitness center includes several cardio machines and free weights for the dedicated. The Reading Corner is tucked behind glass for those who want a library moment. Current of the Sea restaurant serves international and Royal Thai cuisine, with a 130-bottle wine list, by the pool or in the pretty, air conditioned dining room. Surface, the open air rooftop restaurant and bar, offers stunning views, live music, and a menu that includes local grilled specialties. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.