Maiiam Bungalows

The pool and service were lovely, and the hotel felt like a small oasis amid the heat and bustle of Kata District. We stayed three nights. My partner had trouble sleeping in our corner room, which was right behind reception and the local restaurant. Kata Beach is nice for a walk early in the morning, before the area gets hectic. It’s a no-frills place and you’ll need to go out for meals. Good value as a base for Phuket, though I wouldn’t choose it for an entire vacation.

The staff were easily the best part, and I liked the bright room, private patio, and access straight into the courtyard and pool. The rooms are decent, although ants can be a nuisance. You may also smell smoke since smoking is allowed by each room. A restaurant next door plays loud music every night except Sunday, often late enough to keep light sleepers awake. Still, the main road and beach are right nearby, so getting around Kata on foot is convenient.

The courtyard and pool area has a lovely feel, with trees, flowers, places to sit, and a mini bar. I also liked the little private patio that opens onto it. The staff were friendly and helpful, and it’s a decent budget option. Just be aware there were ants in the room constantly, and a very loud bar nearby plays music all night. The main road is close too, so trucks and cars are easy to hear.

The bungalows circle a lovely pool, which gives the place a lot of charm. It’s tucked away enough that I couldn’t hear street noise, while still being close to Kata Beach, restaurants, and markets. The staff were always smiling and ready to help, and can provide a plug-in mosquito repellent if you ask. I was very happy with the value for money. One thing to know is the bathroom is the wet-room style, so the floor gets wet after a shower, as in many places in Asia.