Thavorn Palm Beach Resort

The Thavorn makes a dramatic first impression. Its semi-open lobby is flanked with white columns that suspend a white pitched roof two stories above the lobby's marble floors. Quintessentially Thai touches abound, including large hanging lanterns, teak furniture, traditional pavilion-style seating areas, and tables with carved elephant motifs. Right by the lobby are a few boutiques selling souvenirs and offering tailoring services. The lobby surrounds a courtyard featuring a gorgeous tiered koi pond complete with a vine-covered waterfall feature. The hotel's grounds are equally atmospheric, and include lots of lush landscaped gardens filled with walkways, statues, ponds, and fountains. There are also a few resident animals wandering about, including turtles and doves, adding to the Eden-like effect. The resort attracts a variety of vacationing guests. Its large rooms and multiple children's facilities appeal to families, but it's also a popular wedding destination. (Thai and Western-style weddings can be arranged in one of many on-site venues.) 

The Thavorn Palm Beach Resort is located right in the heart of Karon, within walking distance of plenty of other hotels, resorts, and restaurants. It's separated from the beach by a coastal road, and the walk from the resort to the sand takes only three minutes. Patong Beach is a 20-minute drive from the hotel while Phuket Fantasea takes just under 40 minutes by car. The Phuket International Airport is an hour and 10 minutes away by car. 

Decorated in soft pastel hues, teak furniture, recessed ceilings, generic floral prints on the walls, and floral throw cushions, the resort's guest rooms are attractive, if a little fussy and feminine. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, minibars, safes, robes, and free Wi-Fi. Most rooms have desk or vanity areas with large mirrors. Bathrooms in Superior Rooms have shower/tub combos, while higher category units have walk-in rainfall showers. And all rooms include an outdoor balcony space furnished with a set of brown wicker chairs.

The cheapest units are the Superior Rooms, situated in an older wing of the hotel. Although these rooms allegedly have tropical garden views, past guests say it's best described as overlooking a small patch of grass and a nearby 7-Eleven. The next level up, Deluxe Pool View Rooms have terraces that -- as the name suggests -- look out on the hotels swimming pools. Interconnecting rooms can also be booked under the Family Deluxe Pool View Moniker, but they're really just two Deluxe Rooms put together. Junior Suites offer better value and come with either two twins or one king-sized bed, along with a day bed that could accommodate a small child. Guests wanting a bit more privacy, however, may want to pay extra for a One- or Two-Bedroom Suite, or perhaps splurge for the Three-Bedroom Presidential Suite, which has four twin beds, one king, and two bathrooms.

Like many beachside resorts, The Tavorn provides a ton of on-site features so guests can stay on the property and have every need met. There are five on-site pools, including one for children and another with a swim-up bar. White plastic loungers and umbrellas are plentiful, and Poolside Thai massage is also available. The beach provides another spot for swimming with its wide swath of white sand and calm waters, but the resort does not provide beach loungers or cabanas.

The hotel also has a large fitness center with a disproportionate amount of weight training equipment as opposed to cardio machines. And there's a snooker room, though access costs extra. Poolside massages aside, there's no proper spa, but manicures, pedicures, and hair and beauty treatments are available at the resort's beauty salon.

The Thavorn prides itself on being family-friendly, and along with the kiddy pool, there's an indoor kids' club with activities, video games, and toys for younger guests (but no outdoor playground). Babysitting services are also available for a fee. 

The Thavorn has a huge number of dining and drinking options with a range of cuisine types available. An enormous breakfast buffet is offered daily at the Windsong Cafe, including Thai, Chinese, American, and continental cuisine. Lunch and dinner are also served in the large dining room, with Italian and Thai buffets offered daily. A la carte options are also available, and the menus feature global cuisine along with plenty of fresh grilled seafood. Italian cuisine -- including wood-fired pizzas -- is served at the Ciao Bistro and Cafe, which looks out over the beach. Old Siam Restaurant is open only during dinner hours and features typical Thai meals inspired by the country's four distinct regions. Mariachi Mexican Restaurant serves Tex Mex fare and some more authentic Mexican dishes, plus a three-piece mariachi band performs every evening. 

Guest with a sweet tooth might enjoy the Old Buffalo Tea House, where tea, coffee, and juice is served with freshly baked pastries and typical Thai desserts in the resort's garden. Coffee Talk is another good option and offers similar drinks and desserts as the Tea Room, along with all-day breakfast items and ice cream. Cocktails and soft drinks are available at the swim-up bar in the Chaba Pool and at the Blue Heaven Pool Bar, which offers a poolside service of drinks and grilled barbecue snacks.