Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort

The hospitality made this stay stand out. We were welcomed with a gift and got another when we left. Since our airport departure was at 5 AM, they even packed breakfast for us. The staff were lovely and clearly attentive to the small details, so I'd definitely return. The location is close to busy patang beach, but the resort itself is secluded, with a private clam beach for relaxing and morning walks. The pools are large and clean, and there are beach activities and sports facilities. I rarely give hotels five stars these days, but this Phuket resort was an exception.

The beach is amazing, and the hotel has what you need, but I came here for a natural, peaceful beach experience. I don't want jet skies, motorboats, vendors, crowds, or music. Le Méridien plays loud music on the beach and has jet skies, with ugly looking buoys in the water. Please let guests hear the ocean and enjoy a quiet sunset. People looking to party can go to Patong, or book the hotel for a wedding without disturbing everyone else. One other thing: staff such as security could help keep the beach tidy while walking along it, by picking up washed-up jellyfish or bottles. I know the beach is cleaned daily, and luckily there aren't many jellyfish here, but there are too many around Phuket generally. Removing them when spotted would help.

We planned to stay six nights but left after one. The resort was huge, crowded, and full of kids, which didn't feel like a couples' place. Our room was dirty, with food scraps, wall stains, marks on the glass tables, and mold near the drinking glasses. The shower flooded within two minutes, so we couldn't use it. We had very limited vacation time and didn't think the stay would meet our expectations. We contacted AMEX about a refund, but they couldn't get one without the resort manager's approval, so we stayed the night hoping to get a partial refund the next day and move elsewhere. Staff suggested trying another room. Before we could decide, we went for breakfast. The main buffet was overflowing by 9:30am, so we tried the cafe beside it. We were barely acknowledged, and the cafe worker seemed annoyed we were sitting down. There was only one breakfast menu, and once people from the overflowing buffet started coming in, we had to share it. When we ordered a couple of drinks, the waitress said, “she is only one person…”, as if we were asking too much. My eggs arrived ice cold. We decided to leave, since none of the resort seemed enjoyable for six days. Staff kept insisting we try another room, but we wanted to pay for the one night and go. The resort refused each request, saying it was non refundable and there was nothing more they could do. The service was very disappointing, especially given the premium people pay and how valuable vacation time is. I don't understand the good reviews when they made no effort to compromise after such a bad stay. A clean room should be the starting point, and I wasn't willing to spend another night hoping for one. Don't stay here. We ended up at the Anantara Layan, splurging because it was last minute, and it was an absolute dream. Don't take the chance or waste your money here.

The hotel sits on a quiet, secluded beach with soft sand and lovely views. Staff were friendly and efficient, and the breakfast had a huge range of cuisines at good value. The rooms were lovely, with great features that made the stay more comfortable. A lovely hotel in a great location.