The Crib Patong

The Crib broadcasts boutique design from the get-go, with a bright-blue exterior covered in a zigzagging diamond pattern, standing in sharp relief to the many earth-toned buildings in the area. The small lobby continues the theme with a punchy design of turquoise seats, wooden pendant lamps, and graphic gray-and-white patterns acting as a backsplash to the front desk. Diamond-shaped mirrors along one wall add a bit of sparkle. This space also unfolds into the restaurant, a little roadside cafe and bar done up in fresh white-on-white decor and wood paneling. This and the small rooftop pool, finished in cheery orange tiles, represent the few common spaces for this tiny property, but it’s perfectly adequate as guests tend to either be in their rooms or out exploring the area. Clientele tend to be young couples, groups of friends, and a handful families, drawn in by the fashionable look and the excellent location in strolling distance to attractions. Unfortunately some of the area's noise can filter into the hotel, but outside sounds do fade a bit on the higher floors.

For travelers looking to explore Patong’s nightlife scene, The Crib couldn’t be better situated. It’s five blocks away from the manic Bangla Road, the area’s up-all-night club scene. It’s also a four-minute walk to the Jungceylon shopping center with shops, a supermarket, and multiple fast food joints. But the surrounding streets are stuffed full of eateries, bars, stores, massage venues, and mini markets as well. The hotel backs up to the Banzaan market, too, with fresh food stalls during the day and a night market in the evening. The beach is a 10-minute walk from the property. That said, the major Phuket attractions of Wat Chalong and the Big Buddha sculpture require a car to reach and are 32 and 43 minutes away, respectively. Phuket International Airport is an hour's drive away, depending on traffic. 

The fun, fashionable look of the public spaces continues into guest rooms, which have dove-gray walls, light tile floors, and pale wood-veneer furniture. Trendy details such as colorful graphic patterns over beds and Eames chairs continue to dial up the decor. All rooms also open onto narrow balconies just big enough for a single seat, but it gives a place to perch (and a spot for smokers to indulge as all rooms are nonsmoking). Views, however, are rather nondescript, just overlooking neighboring buildings.Bathrooms are equally stylish with round vessel sinks and shower tiles set with an interlocking pattern. Here and there, a shower tile is discolored with wear (versus dirt), but otherwise rooms on the whole are spotless. Walk-in showers are also equipped with rainfall showerheads and pump toiletry dispensers. Rooms are split between Superior and Deluxe categories. Deluxe Rooms are much bigger, adding little bench loveseats. These have enough room for an extra twin bed or a crib as well. Their bathrooms are also more spacious with the addition of bathtub/shower combos. But Superior Rooms also have adjoining options, helpful for families or groups of friends that want side-by-side rooms with interior access. Amenities in all categories include flat-screen TVs, hairdryers, hot water heaters for tea and coffee, mini-fridges, free bottled water, safes, and air-conditioning. Deluxe Rooms also add a few plush extras like robes and slippers, umbrellas, and DVD players. On our visit the rooms were rather quiet, save for the noise of a police siren passing by. But this area is known for its rowdy nightlife, and occasionally that noise can reach rooms. Some guests also complain that the noise -- and the smells -- of the night market next door makes their balconies less than pleasant.

As a boutique property with a central urban location, The Crib has a short list of features, but everything it provides adds to its value and charm. The rooftop swimming pool is a little rectangular spot for a dip finished in Orange Crush-colored tiles. Its sundeck is decorated with strips of astroturf, and a handful of loungers and sun umbrellas provide places to soak in the sunbeams. Off to one side of the pool deck is the fitness center, a tiny glassed-in space minimally equipped with a treadmill, a stepper, an exercise bike, and a few free weights. Tall windows here let in plenty of natural light.Dining is limited at The Crib compared to other hotels. The ground-floor cafe serves just breakfast and lunch, on the assumption that most guests are off exploring during dinner hours. A small bar here serves up cocktails, juices, and coffee drinks. Notably there’s no poolside bar, but guests can order drinks or light bites from the lobby bar and have them delivered at no extra fee. Room service is also not provided, but the hotel can recommend several local restaurants that deliver.A pair of public computers in the lobby give a spot for guests to check email, and free -- strong -- Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. Airport transfers can also be arranged for a fee.