Novotel Phuket Resort

Although it's owned by a French chain, this hotel is big on Thai style, though isn't quite up to its own luxury claims. Its rooflines in front are steep and peaked -- calling to mind Thai pagodas -- and tropical greenery grows all around. The lobby is grand, with huge palm-style white columns and a high pitched ceiling plus huge statues of an elephant and a traditional Thai goddess. The look can be a little gaudy and forced, which tends to be the case throughout the resort, though most brand loyalists find enough here to like. Guests check in seated at a desk and are welcomed with a cold beverage and towel. Cushioned wicker chairs provide places for people can hang out and enjoy the gorgeous sea views from the lobby, and there are plenty of other places to kick back throughout the hotel, including multiple restaurants and bars. This hotel draws all sorts of travelers looking for a reasonably quiet option that's still close to the action in Patong. 

This hotel is situated on eight acres overlooking Patong Bay and is just a five-minute walk from the northern end of Patong Beach. It's up on a hill, so it's a bit removed from all the hustle and bustle of Patong -- which is legendary. There are seemingly countless restaurants, bars, and shops within walking distance, and the overall atmosphere in Paton is definitely on the party-hard side of things. The hotel offers a free shuttle to the beach and to Jungceylon Shopping Mall. Phuket Town is a 30-minute drive away, and Phuket International Airport is 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. Those looking for a beach that's a little less rowdy may want to check out Nai Harn Beach, a 40-minute drive south of the hotel. 

Rooms have a pleasant-enough Thai style, though much like the hotel's common areas the rooms do feel just a touch overdone. Details include large Thai murals over the beds and cheerful accent pillows on white bed coverings. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, safes, air-conditioning, and minibars. Bathrooms are small, but offer toiletries, hairdryers, robes, slippers, and granite countertops. A window in the shower looks into the sleeping area, but modest guests can close the blinds. All rooms have furnished balconies or terraces, and some provide gorgeous views of the sea. Suites have two balconies, and family rooms have bunk beds for the kids. 

This large hotel has a number of solid features that are expected from the brand. A free breakfast buffet with hot and cold Western and Thai selections is served daily in the Coffee House, which also offers lunch and dinner buffets. Breakfast garners solid reviews from previous guests. Dinners feature a theme with options such as Mexican, Italian, or French. Ruen Thong is the place for Thai fine dining at dinnertime, and the Hourglass bar serves drinks along with gorgeous views of the Andaman Sea. There's also a bar in the lobby, as well as one by the pool. The three-tiered pool is a lovely space surrounded by tropical greenery and overlooking the bay. Cushioned lounge chairs and umbrellas ring the perimeter, while one section is devoted to the active, with a volleyball net and basketball hoop. Kids have their own section, too. In addition to cardio and weight training equipment, the fitness center offers yoga, aquatics and aerobics classes, morning stretching, and tennis. There's also a sauna and hot tub, plus massage and body treatments are available in the spa. The hotel's seven conference rooms are suitable for business and social gatherings of various sizes. A free shuttle runs into Patong, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.