Phuket Orchid Resort & Spa

The Phuket Orchid is an established resort known for its large pools and reasonable prices. The atmosphere is laid-back, but neither quiet nor sophisticated, and visitors of all ages can be found running around common areas, often in their swimsuits. The lobby area is semi-open-air, with red brick walls and two-story-high ceilings supported by concrete columns painted in hues of vermillion and gold. The grounds are filled with green plants and purple and pink blooms along with the occasional koi pond and elephant statue.

This old Thai-run hotel is right between the connected beach towns of Karon and Kata on a busy thoroughfare. There are local bars, taxi touts, and tailor shops directly outside, as well as other hotels, dive centers, and an ATM. The beach is a two-minute walk away. Phuket International Airport is a 50-minute drive from the hotel and the ferry terminal takes about half-an-hour by car. Parking at the resort is free, but limited.

Rooms at the Phuket Orchid are simple, but attractive, and while their interiors look modern, some guests have complained of musty smells. Rooms have gray tile floors and mahogany-colored wooden furniture, including beds with white linens and lime-green throws and accent pillows. All rooms are air-conditioned and come with kettles, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs. Balconies are furnished with cheap plastic furniture. Bathrooms are spacious, with dated vanity counters, hairdryers, and walk-in showers. Family Rooms offer more square footage and double beds. Swimmers may want to upgrade to Pool Access Rooms, which features a swimming pool right off the terrace. 

The kids' club is built to resemble a cave and has games, a TV, and arts and crafts, as well as a large and colorful shaded playground. There's also a shallow kids' pool with a few miniature slides and fountains resembling cartoon dolphins. The adult pools are even more impressive and include a large central pool with a poolside restaurant and an even more striking Bayon Pool, the main feature of which is a giant concrete replica of the faces at Bayon Temple at Angkor Wat. The Bayon Pool also has a bridge that guests can swim under that leads to a large island area with grass and lounge chairs. A spa features a range of treatments and massages, and Thai massage (sometimes referred to as yoga massage) is available by the pool. There's also a fitness center with exercise bikes and weight machines. Along with the poolside restaurant, there's a pizza joint and Le Bayon restaurant, which serves buffet and a la carte Thai and international cuisine from early morning until night. Wi-Fi is available in common areas for a fee.