The Old Phuket - Karon Beach Resort

The setting is lovely, with palm trees and plenty of greenery, and the exterior looks good. The rooms are very spacious, but the furniture and decor need updating to match the price and four-star rating. The towels are worn out. Staff are genuinely warm and friendly, as people often are in Thailand, though reception could use a refresher on guest relations. The location is excellent, near the beach, nice restaurants and local markets like Kata, with Patong nightlife only a short trip away. Breakfast was a letdown. Bread and cold eggs were the only basic options. They could cook eggs to order instead of making a large batch. Most other dishes were heavy lunch or dinner food, mainly rice, noodles and spaghetti. I'm not sure why there aren't usual Western breakfast choices like beans, hash browns, bacon or sausages.

The pool and gardens made for a nice place to unwind in the afternoon, and it was easy to walk to the beach, shops and restaurants without staying amid too much noise. I was in the Sino Wing of The Old Phuket Hotel in Karon. The colonial-style building has lots of character, and my room was spacious, comfortable and clean. Breakfast offered a good range, and the staff were always welcoming. Good value for money, and I'd be happy to stay again.

I came looking for a restful stay, and the Old Phuket delivered just that, with a lovely touch of Thai culture. Its Thai-Portuguese design, helpful staff and spot in a gated community all suited me. Karon Beach is just steps away, with a small row of spas, restaurants and shopping markets close by. Chai helped me a lot with concierge matters, and Jumm and Naja were very welcoming at the front desk.

The beach is an easy walk away, with restaurants, shops, massage places and a mini-mart along the route. I had a nice room in the Serene wing, though the mattress and furniture seemed a little old. The balcony was large and had comfortable chairs. Chai and Que were very helpful, and special thanks to Chai for sorting out my Grab problem at checkout. I really enjoyed my stay at the Old Phuket Karin resort.