Blu Monkey Hub and Hotel Phuket

I liked the pool as a refreshing break, and laundry and dryer services are available. The reception also sells branded items, has small painting supplies, and offers some complimentary items. The room was spacious and well organized, and breakfast had a good mix of savory and sweet choices. The location is handy, close to the city center on foot and very near the airport shuttle bus station. Recommended for a stay in Phuket Old Town!

The room was far too small for three of us and not suitable for a family holiday. We paid a lot and it wasn't worth the money. I had high hopes, but our longer stay turned into a disaster. The place was dusty and dirty, and one guest even had a skin allergy. There were no slippers, which should be a basic hotel amenity, and debris was left on the floor after cleaning. The toilet wouldn't flush. The hair dryer seemed close to failing and dangerous to use, then finally broke on our last night. Staff said on Day 1 they'd change our room, then refused on Day 2. There was no bathtub despite the photos showing one. Service was lousy and facilities were poor. Save your money and stay elsewhere.

The canal smell was the worst part. Some days the whole lobby smelled like a sewer, so we never tried the pool, even though it looked very clean and had generous hours. Our room faced away from the canal but smelled moldy, and humidity climbed fast when the AC was off. The air conditioner didn't respond well to the remote, leaving us to choose between loud and freezing or hot and humid. There are plenty of things to like: the relaxed atmosphere, stylish lobby and café, and a 24-hour coworking area with free water, juice, tea, cookies, and bananas. I loved the Scrabble and Snakes and ladders decor. There were board games, plus a creative corner for a small fee, a massage chair, two washing machines, and a dryer. The banana-scented shampoo, shower gel, and soap were unusual, and the music was nice. The café employee was a total darling. It's a short walk to the heart of Old Town, and the central bus station is just around the corner. Housekeeping did their best, but stains stayed on the wall and inside of the bathroom door. The bathroom looked worn and had no exhaust fan. The built-in shelves opposite the bed looked fancy but offered little storage, especially the ones way above your head. There were no hooks by the wash basin, which was inside the room, so we had to leave the hand towel on a chair or shelf. The list of fines for anything you might break made us feel under suspicion rather than welcome. Maybe they'd had a vandalism problem lately? We heard every door, suitcase, and corridor conversation. People banged doors, talked loudly, and yelled at all hours. A couple arguing loudly late at night was the 'highlight', though that's not really the hotel's fault. Nearby restaurants were very nice, but a bar nearby had loud parties every night. If you managed to sleep, at least the bed was comfy. Reception staff helped when we asked, but unlike everywhere else on our trip, they didn't notice or greet us unless we spoke first. That was a stark contrast with the other hotels we stayed at in Thailand.

Vegetarian breakfast was a letdown, with limited choices, so we mostly got by on bread and fruit. The hotel itself was lovely, with a great theme and staff who were extremely helpful. Free bananas, juice, coffee, and Milo were available all day. The balcony bathtub was wonderful, and the pool was clean and well maintained. It's close to Old Town and the temples, and Indian restaurants, a 7-Eleven, Old Town, and the local bus stand are all within walking distance. Patong Beach is a bit far. Still, it was a pleasant, comfortable stay.