Patong Paragon Resort & Spa

The location is a real plus, right at the north end of Patong beach, and the hotel is a quaint little place with a large pool and a cozy bedroom. But the building and its technology feel old, and the service was very poor. At checkout, the woman with glasses at reception spoke in a way that made us feel belittled. She wouldn't let us leave until staff had checked the room to make sure we hadn't broken or stolen anything. We waited around 20-30 minutes. We also asked for help bringing down our four suitcases, but the staff were busy, so we carried them ourselves. When I asked about getting the deposit back, she said we wouldn't be refunded without the receipt. That was infuriating, since the hotel should have records linking the deposit to the room and passport details. We felt uncomfortable and won't return or recommend it.

The rooms and amenities were five-star, the location was a bonus, and the service people were sweet. We liked the hotel enough to book it twice during our trip, paying twice as much for the second stay because it was the weekend. At that second check-in, we'd come straight in from the heat, hot and sweaty, and I asked the receptionist for water. In a scorching destination, that felt like a basic request. She told me, “Ask your friends to get you water.” It came across as outright disrespect and rudeness, not a language gap. I didn't say anything then, but it stayed with me. That one encounter brought my rating down to one star.

The room was spacious enough to be comfortable, and the pool was fine for cooling off, though nothing special. Staff were neither rude nor especially warm, somewhere between friendly and indifferent. I expected a modern property from the online photos, especially the ones on Booking.com, but Patong Paragon Beach looks much older in person and needs renovation. The bathrooms and furniture are quite worn. The pictures seem to show the hotel when it was newly built, so be cautious about booking based on them. It wasn't a terrible stay, just different from what the photos might lead you to expect. Manage your expectations.

The pool was gorgeous, and the swim-up bar served delicious cocktails. The rooms were massive and the place had a perfect resort feel. Everyone on staff was friendly, and you’re right across from 7-11 and patong beach. Couldn't be happier, and we'll definitely come back!