Novotel Phuket Kamala Beach

The pool connects straight to a beautiful beach, and there were always plenty of sunbeds. We also made good use of the well equipped gym. Breakfast was a highlight, thanks to the restaurant team and manager Top. Nothing seemed too much trouble. Reception were welcoming, polite, and efficient, too. We really enjoyed our stay and will come back.

Oakwood and Jerey at the front desk were very helpful when we asked for a room upgrade, and the staff overall were warm and quick to respond. The restaurant manager Top was especially courteous and made a real effort to make guests feel at home. We had a wonderful stay at Novotel. If you can, I’d recommend booking an Ocean View Room. They’re the best!

The beach is peaceful and right outside the hotel, which was a plus. The pool area, though, was tiny, and people left their belongings on seats to reserve them. We couldn’t find a good spot, and staff didn’t help. Food from the poolside was overpriced, not fresh, and didn’t taste good. I wouldn’t spend money on it. The lobby and entrance also felt underwhelming for what we paid. Our room changes were the worst part. During our five day babymoon, while I was pregnant, we had to pack and unpack several times because staff said they were trying to find us a better room. The supposed upgrade was worse, with broken AC and a view blocked by palm trees. I’d avoid the higher floors. We also asked for help with our luggage and had to call again before anyone came. The cleaning lady seemed grumpy, and staff generally came across as cold, inexperienced, and not accommodating. They didn’t seem to know how to handle customers or special situations. Top, the restaurant manager, was the one bright spot. He helped with our breakfast needs, took photos for us, and went out of his way to improve our stay. He’s the reason we gave the hotel a better rating. Otherwise, the staff and food were bad. The beach is nice for relaxing, and you could walk to Intercontinental hotel next door or local shops for a better meal. For this price, I wouldn’t recommend staying here. It wasn’t worth it.

I enjoyed the balcony most, with its two chairs and lovely spot to sit and watch people on the beach. From my sea view room, villa 602, I could see the water through the room and bathroom windows, and I usually left the blinds open despite the privacy issue. The room was spacious, had nice amenities, and was an easy walk to the beach, pool, and restaurants. I was traveling alone and stayed one night on Phuket Island. The hotel sits on a quieter feeling stretch of Kamala beach, though the beach is open to everyone. I got my reservation dates wrong, but reception found me a room and I cancelled the other booking. I’m still not sure if I was charged for it. Mine wasn’t accessible without stairs, which made me think about options for older guests. There was also a jacuzzi with rust on the outside. It looked unpleasant, so I didn’t use it. I ate at the hotel once. There was a buffet that Friday, but I prefer ordering from the menu. The papaya salad and pad Thai were just okay. The lemongrass panacotta was hard and unpleasant, probably too much gelatin, and didn’t really taste of lemongrass. The restaurant fixed it and didn’t charge me. It wasn’t busy, but I had to track down the waiter for another drink and the bill. I’d stay again, though I’d also look for better options. For the price, I think I could get a better room and better service in Thailand.