Pearl Hotel Phuket

We'd booked the wrong month at a local hotel with Aaron, and it was full. The owner kindly let us pick up a small package we'd sent there, then we went to the Pearl hotel. They found us good, comfortable accommodation with great beds, wonderful service, and a nice spot for local food. It was a godsend, and I'm grateful. Use them when you can!

I went expecting a nice family stay, but it turned into a very bad experience because of one staff member's rudeness. I'd first booked one night, then paid to extend for another day. I told reception, and a woman said it was fine, so I thought the room was secured and I could settle any balance at checkout. The next morning, an older woman at reception stopped me before I left and said someone else had booked it, so I had to vacate immediately. There'd been no proper communication, and she spoke very rudely. I was traveling with my family and small child, and we had to clear the room in five minutes while our Phi Phi Island tour bus waited at reception. It was stressful and embarrassing. The rooms are poorly maintained and look old; only the pool area and reception look good.

The daily housekeeping was lovely: the cleaning staff made the bed, tidied up and emptied the bins. The rooms were pristinely clean, and the lobby is glamorous, with a driveway right up to it and a doorman to open the entrance as you come and go. This feels luxurious, so I can't see why it's rated three stars. Service was outstanding, much better than we expected for such a reasonable price. Booking directly costs less, and the hotel allows a 2pm late checkout if you do. We've been so happy here and would recommend it to anyone staying nearby.

The location works well for getting to Old Town Phuket and browsing the nearby shop lots, though 7-Eleven takes a bit of a walk. The room was spacious and clean, with a fridge, hair dryer and cupboard, but no safe. Toiletries didn't include a toothbrush, and there was a bath towel only, no face towel. Service was average and seemed to depend on what suited the staff. If your room is ready, they may ask you to carry your own luggage up, even if you're in a rush, rather than store it. There is a welcome drink in the morning.