The Taksim Bangla Beach Hotel

I’ve stayed at Taksim Hotel three times and keep coming back. The staff are welcoming and helpful, especially Ms. Susu and Mr. Coco, and service has always been quick. The location is excellent, and my room was clean and had everything I needed.

The problems started with basic access and service: there’s no lift, so families with kids should know they’ll need to use the stairs, and food isn’t delivered to the room. Hot water and room service were lacking too. My room was dirty, smelled unpleasant, and felt poorly maintained. The air conditioning barely worked, hot water was unreliable, and noise from outside and nearby bars kept me from sleeping. When I raised these issues, staff weren’t helpful and showed little interest in fixing them. I was very disappointed, regret booking here, wouldn’t recommend it, and won’t return.

My flight problems meant I landed in Phuket at 10am, after the airline had also lost my bag. The hotel is about an hour from the airport, which wasn’t the issue. It’s tucked behind some shops, and I didn’t like the feel of the place when I arrived. At 11am they wouldn’t let me check in early, even for an extra fee. I’d been in the same clothes for 48 hours after several flights and just wanted a shower and a moment to sit down. It was nearly 100 degrees, and I was still dressed for the airport, but they wouldn’t make an exception. I’m stuck because I’d only switch hotels if they refunded me in full.

Around 2am, a stranger knocked on my door, which left me questioning how safe the hotel really was. I’d been given an upgrade, but it was to the noisiest room, right by the main street, so the night was a nightmare instead of the sleep I’d hoped for. The price I saw when booking changed at the hotel: paying by card meant another 20%, or paying cash meant an extra $30, supposedly to make sure I didn’t take anything from the room. Breakfast had been included in my reservation, but they said it wasn’t. I definitely wouldn’t stay again or recommend this place.