Thara Patong Beach Resort & Spa

Unlike most of the neighboring hotels that sprang up in the last 10 years, the Thara Patong has been in operation for 36 years -- practically a lifetime in terms of Phuket's tourism scene. While it’s far from trendy or fashionable, it does have a certain old-fashioned charm, and loads of experience serving its guests. In large part, clientele here tend to be families, drawn to this resort for its affordable prices, huge rooms -- some can sleep six or more -- and child-friendly features including two kiddy pools with water features and an unsupervised kids' corner stocked with toys. A spacious open-air lobby placed under pitched ceilings sets the scene for arriving guests. In the center, suspended glass lanterns add a little light and warmth to the space, which is furnished with wooden benches and chairs topped with multicolored pillows in citrus hues. Despite all the room here to spread out and lounge, guests don't tend to linger once they're done with checking in. Instead, they tend to head to the heart of the hotel: its pool scene.Everything in the hotel is oriented around the property’s two pools and two kiddy pools, which gives ample room for families to splash around while other guests can find a quiet spot to soak. It's here you'll find most guests, that is, when they're not headed to the beach a mere three minutes away on foot. Paved walkways connect the public spaces and the rooms, and the grounds are full of lush vegetation and real grass (not the Astroturf used elsewhere). Throughout, the resort’s dolphin symbol pops up, from the poolside fountains to the room numbers. Patong in general has a party-hardy reputation, but Thara is rather insulated from that scene and the noise that goes along with it, thanks in large park to its position at the top of Patong.

Location could be one of Thara Patong's biggest selling points, as it keeps so much within walking distance. The actual resort is set up off the street behind an arching driveway, and that distance gives the resort more than a bit of buffer from bustle of the street. This roadway just beyond the resort's driveway is pedestrian-friendly with paved sidewalks (not a given in Phuket), and it's packed with restaurants, bars, cafes, massage joints, ATM kiosks, money exchange windows, mini markets, and other conveniences. Both a 7-Eleven and a Family Mart are just a minute's walk away on this street. A three-minute stroll along this road will lead guests to the sands of Patong Beach, a lively scene with loads of beach clubs, vendors, eateries, and bars. Patong has a reputation as a party-till-dawn scene, and that does swing into action in the evening. The main nightlife artery of the area is Bangla Road, a 10-minute walk south of the hotel. But most guests at Thara prefer to visit the Jungceylon shopping center, also a 10-minute stroll in the same direction. Here, guests can find high-end shops like Coach or Brooks Brothers together with sneaker stores and even a Boots pharmacy. A Thai food market sits just behind this complex. While much is in walking distance, Phuket's major cultural attractions require a taxi ride to reach. The temple complex of Wat Chalong takes 27 minutes to reach by car, while the towering Big Buddha sculpture takes 43 minutes. Phuket International Airport is a 47-minute drive away.

Guest rooms at Thara Patong range from Superior (standard) Rooms through Deluxe and Premium Rooms and on up to One- and Two-Bedroom Suites. But throughout all categories, rooms are spacious leaving ample room to walk around the bed. Decor tends to reflect an earthy color palette of browns and beiges sometimes set off with turquoise or cherry-red accents. Crisp white bedding and wood furniture is used throughout. But style can vary: Some rooms have platform beds and streamlined wall-mounted units acting as a media console and desk in one. Others have a more traditional look with leather padded headboards, standalone desks, and cabinets acting as media centers. All rooms offer furnished balconies, some providing pool access. The beige-tiled bathrooms vary a bit as well: Some Deluxe Rooms have bathtubs, others have walk-in showers. But all tend to be rather simple with granite countertops or ledges to store your toiletries, along with the ones the hotel providesIn general, rooms are well equipped and include flat-screen TVs, electric kettles with tea/coffee, mini-fridges, free bottled water, air-conditioning, safes, hairdryers, and umbrellas. Slippers and bathrobes are added to rooms above the Superior level. A welcome plate of fruit and cookies also come standard, a nice little detail. But despite offering ample modern amenities, rooms can sometimes reflect their age. Past guests have complained of hard beds, spotty housekeeping, and some maintenance and noise issues. That said, many guests overlook these issues to focus on the value here, particularly for families and groups booking larger units.The resort's Two-Bedrooms Suites in particular, seem like a good bet for families. In these units, both bedrooms have one double and one twin bed each, so in total, Suites can sleep six people. But the resort can also set up an extra bed in the living room, allowing for yet another person to squeeze in. 

Thara Patong Beach certainly checks off the list of everything expected from a mid-range resort, but not all items on that list are stellar. The property's highlight is its pool complex: two freeform swimming pools and two kiddy pools all surrounded by loungers and connected with walkways and footbridges. Throughout, water features can be found, whether that's a waterfall feature against a rock, a few elephant figurines spritzing the pool, or a giant mushroom cascading water onto tots in the kiddy area. Whirlpools are embedded within the larger pool, and benches immersed in the water also offer whirlpool jets. For kids, waterslides here and there let them splash in. Dining takes place at the Tantawan Restaurant, which serves all meals, including a breakfast buffet (usually included in rates, but not always). Seating is either inside the air-conditioned dining room or out on the terrace, though this space does pick up some noise from passing traffic. (Trickling water from a dolphin-themed fountain does block out a little of this.) The on-site pizza and Italian spot La Piazza serves up wood-fired pizzas and housemade pasta for lunch and dinner as well. Also on the premises are three bars including two poolside bars and the Palm Bar. Room service is available as well, and an on-site bakery prepares breakfast pastries along with birthday cakes for guests.The Thara Patong has a full spa, a rarity at this pearl level, offering a variety of massages including Thai, Swedish, and hot oil. Soft instrumental music here sets a soothing tone, and there's a couple’s room complete with a whirlpool tub (though it was less than spotless on our visit). There’s also a poolside massage sala for those looking to get their back rub alfresco. The property's fitness center is more practical than pretty, with limited pool views, but it gets the job done with a treadmill, stair-stepper, bike, and some weight-lifting equipment. While there's no kids' club per se, the resort does provide a kids’ corner -- a playspace with the toys of a typical kids’ club without the supervision. Other features include two meeting rooms, two public computers in the lobby, and free Wi-Fi throughout.