The Old Phuket

The reason behind the name of The Old Phuket is immediately evident on arrival with guests being met by a grand, colonial-style entrance featuring a charming glass-covered portico that leads into a large and open-sided reception area.  Most of the hotel is a replica of the 19th-century, Sino-Portuguese architecture that can still be seen in some of Phuket's older areas, while the property also consists of a modern Serene Wing with clean, contemporary lines and whitewashed facades. The complex is spread over what feels like a sprawling estate with swaths of neatly tended lawns fringed with tropical plants and dotted with palm trees. Each wing is centered around a swimming pool occupied mostly by families with kids splashing about and soaking up the sun. 

The resort is located in the bustling tourist area of Karon Beach -- a popular stretch of Phuket on the island’s west coast. The white sandy beach itself is just a minutes' walk across the street and via a small footbridge (over a smelly waterway) while the surrounding area is full of bars, clubs, and restaurants. The area's capital Phuket City is about a 25-minute drive northeast, while the airport is about an hours' drive to the north of the island. The flight there from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport is around an hour and 15 minutes. 

The hotel's 184 rooms are comprised of 88 units in the traditionally-styled Sino Wing and 96 in the more modern Serene Wing. Sino rooms are a tasteful blend of colonial elements and traditional Thai-styling, including pretty stained glass windows and typical dark wood furnishings. Rooms in the Serene section are fresh and modern with smart, simple furnishings, sharp contemporary lines, and large glass sliding doors. All rooms open to furnished balconies or terraces overlooking either the gardens or pool area (which can leave guests feeling a little exposed, truth be told). Flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi are common to all rooms, though typical for Thailand, Wi-Fi is not free of charge. Many rooms also feature private outdoor whirlpools or bathrooms with sunken tubs. 

Both colonial and contemporary sections of the hotel have swimming pools, each surrounded by loungers and parasols with separate areas for kids. For foodies, the resort has several dining options, from traditional Thai dishes in the Chili Restaurant to Italian favorites in the Al Dente coupled with free breakfast each morning and drink and snack services at the pool areas. Wi-Fi is available but is only free of charge in the lobby, and there’s a library with an Internet terminal for guests. A tour desk is also on hand for arranging excursions while families can enjoy the on-site playroom for kids.