Best Kid-Friendly Hotels in Karon, Phuket

Set away from the beachside bustle, the upper-middle-range Chanalai Hillside Resort has a solid lineup of features drawing both couples and families with young kids. Its two pools, a larger main pool with a kiddy section and the calmer rooftop one, give plenty of room to take a dip, and the on-site restaurant and bar serve up all meals with alfresco options. Its 211 rooms are warmly decorated in contemporary, streamlined furnishings, and all offer balconies (though only some have bathtubs). On the downside, the Chanalai doesn’t have any wellness facilities, and those looking to be immersed in Phuket’s party scene will be disappointed, though the beach can be reached in a nine-minute walk. Families should also consider the Chanalai Flora Resort, which is particularly geared to vacationing parents and kids.

Marina Phuket Resort is a luxury complex set in a lush garden of dense tropical greenery overlooking the south end of Phuket's Karon Beach. Rooms are beautifully finished with outstanding technology that even includes Apple Mac computers, while bathrooms are impressively spacious with excellent amenities. The large lagoon pool is an on-site highlight and there's also direct access to the sea from the property. There isn't a spa, though there is an extensive dinosaur themed mini-golf course. Rates aren't cheap, but the Marina Phuket is a quality resort with little quite like it in the area. 

The four-pearl Yama Hotel has serenity in spades. This boutique property with its intimate size and quiet location aims to be a haven. And it certainly succeeds with its 104 stylish, streamlined rooms, most of which include deep soaking tubs along with robes and slippers. Its pool also offers tranquility, centered around a whirlpool and rimmed with loungers. There’s even a small but appealing spa and fitness center. That said, the location, while quiet, is also removed from all the waterfront action, which can be a downside for those looking to hit the nightlife scene or walk to the beach. There also isn't a ton of features geared to kids, although kids’ and teens’ play rooms do contain some toys and video games. Those looking for a more central family-oriented property could consider the Deevana Plaza Phuket Patong.

A decidedly modern property, Novotel Phuket Kata Avista Resort and Spa offers upscale, family-friendly lodging. The resort's hilltop location delivers bird's-eye views of the beach and sea, but the walk up and down the steep hill may be tedious for some. Thankfully, there's plenty to occupy guests on the grounds, including two pools, a game room, a chic library, a cozy spa, a rooftop deck, and a kids' club. The hotel's 143 guest rooms are spacious and streamlined with platform beds, deep soaking tubs, and private balconies overlooking the pool or ocean. But if you're longing to stay by the beach, try the comparable Kata Beach Resort and Spa or the pricier Katathani Phuket Beach Resort.

This three-and-a-half-pearl, 206-room resort is just across from Kata Beach and makes a fine tropical getaway, with two lovely outdoor pools. These are a huge selling point, and feature ocean views and swim-up snack bars. Rooms are simply decorated, but romantic touches like built-in bathroom windows in higher-grade rooms are designed with couples in mind. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and private balconies, with higher-category rooms offering views of the Andaman Sea. There's a good choice of Thai and International food from two restaurants and pool snack bars. The fitness centre has rooftop views, weights, and cardio-machines but there's no spa, which is a bummer for a hotel in this category. Travelers who'd prefer their sea views in a more secluded setting should consider the Boomerang Village Resort instead.

Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket is a luxury property geared towards families with kids. The highlights here are water-related: guests can borrow kayaks to explore the wide stretch of Karon Beach, or spend an entire day at the waterslides, lazy river, and enormous outdoor pool. The location isn't the most convenient, but there are several dining and bar options on-site, along with a kids' club and fitness center. Rooms and suites are on the cramped side, though they all have large, furnished balconies. Villas with private pools, Club level access, and ocean views are available for a hefty price. Couples will appreciate the adults-only pool and Cenvaree Spa, but may want to consider comparing rates at the tranquil Renaissance Phuket Resort and Spa -- though it's further from the nightlife of Patong.

Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort is a huge, self-contained complex surrounded by lush jungle that looks out over its own sandy beach. The hotel's large size can make it feel a little impersonal, but its scale does mean a vast array of facilities, including an enormous pool and a range of sport facilities. Spacious rooms have been sleekly renovated and many include lovely sea views. All this doesn't come cheap though, and you might also find yourself paying for plenty of extras -- including Wi-Fi -- if you book the room-only rate.

The 335-room Centara Karon Resort Phuket is a huge, self-contained resort located in Phuket's popular tourist area of Karon Beach. Unlike many resorts, the complex doesn't have direct beach access, but three large pools provide plenty of water-based activity. A choice of four zones means rooms can be suited to guests' needs, and there's certainly enough on-site facilities to keep everyone happy. Don't necessarily expect a peaceful vacation but, considering everything on offer, rates are reasonable.

On a prime seaside location along a quiet stretch of Kata Noi Beach, this 479-room luxury resort looms large, with six pools, bars, and restaurants across the grounds. Spacious suites in the Thani Wing face the Andaman Sea, but other rooms in the Bhuri Wing are looking tired and need renovation. Catering to families and couples, Katathani is jam-packed with recreational activities, a beachfront spa, a fitness center, a Kids' Club, and other features. But it's somewhat isolated from any other entertainment in the area. Those seeking a livelier atmosphere might prefer Club Med or hotels along Kata Road. And couples looking for a more romantic vibe might try the more luxurious (but more expensive) Shore at Katathani.

Right by the beach in the center of Karon, this luxury resort is an enormous complex with enough on-site activities to keep the average guest content within its boundaries. The 196 rooms range from simple Superiors with uninspiring views to a huge three-bedroom Presidential Suite suitable for a large family. While all the rooms have plenty of features, including furnished balconies, rainfall showers, and teak furnishings, it's the huge array of facilities that make this property worth considering. Compared to other resorts, there's a huge array of restaurants on-site serving buffets and a la carte menus. Along with traditional Thai dishes, guests can dine on pizzas, Chinese food, and even Mexican -- complete with mariachi entertainment. There are also five pools, including one with a swim-up bar and another just for kids, plus a kids' club, a fitness center, and a beauty salon.

The 76-room Melody Phuket is a three-pearl property that has a boutique-hotel vibe, with fun musical influences found throughout. Clean and contemporary rooms are accented with printed music notes on the walls, and include sofa beds and free WI-Fi. All have furnished private balconies, with some leading directly into a private area of the hotel's pool. The pool also includes a bar, shaded children's area, and plenty sun-loungers. A fresh and airy on-site restaurant is decorated with quirky artwork and serves Thai and international meals throughout the day. Unfortunately, it's a bit far to walk to the beach. There’s a busy road nearby and other buildings surrounding the hotel, so travelers looking for quiet ocean views might try Boomerang Village Resort instead.

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.

The 139-room, upscale Access Resort & Villas is a unique hotel near Phuket's Karon Beach, with direct pool access from most rooms, and room service often delivered by boat. The resort feels exclusive and private, if a little past its heyday, with spacious rooms and furnished patios opening onto a series of five free-form pools, surrounded by palm trees, tropical flowers, and lush green lawns. Rooms that don't open onto the pools have private plunge pools and patios for more privacy. There's also a small gym, family-friendly services like babysitting, a game room, terrace dining and three bars, and free parking. Karon Beach is a 15-minute walk away, and there are interesting sights and restaurants in the immediate area.

This Movenpick Resort location, part of a global chain, is a huge upscale property set in extensive tropical gardens overlooking Phuket's beautiful Karon Beach. Facilities are plentiful and include four pools, four restaurants, a spa, and plenty of activities to keep the kids amused. A breakfast buffet is included in the room rate. Most rooms and villas have balconies with sea views, though, while generally well-maintained, some units are starting to show signs of wear. Rates are on the high side but it's a solid option for this type of high-end holiday retreat.

Karon Sea Sands Resort & Spa is a mid-range, 89-room property with everything you might expect but not a great deal more. The location is bustling with easy access to a beautiful beach that's just a minute away by foot. Rooms are typically styled and pleasant enough, with an extra fee for Wi-Fi that’s also typical for the area. The hotel pool is long enough for plenty of loungers but still feels sandwiched between buildings. For a decidedly average hotel, it's hard to justify the Karon Sea Sands’ higher-than-average rates, although spacious suites might suit families and longer-term guests.