The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa, Phuket

The staff were incredibly kind and professional, with the high service level I’d expect in Thailand. The views from the cliffside setting are stunning, and the multiple pools were a highlight. We also enjoyed being a short trip from Phuket Town and its restaurants and culture. The beach is rocky and tidal, lovely to look at but not really a swimming beach or a place for water sports. The rooms are impressively large and well laid out, and housekeeping kept them very clean. But the upkeep lets them down. We saw nicks in the walls, unpainted patches, deteriorating grout, and black or mold-like spots around tubs and sinks. It’s more than dated decor, the finishes are neglected. At five-star prices, you shouldn’t be able to look around and keep spotting repairs that are needed. A day of touch-ups from a maintenance crew, plus annual attention to the grout and paint, could bring the rooms back to life. Breakfast was a standard buffet, fine but not premium, and the coffee didn’t meet five-star standards. This is also a family-heavy resort with a busy Discovery Zone, so it may not suit someone wanting a quiet, kid-free retreat. The property has the bones of a five-star resort, but the maintenance leaves it in a frustrating middle ground, closer to a low four-star experience. The service and views are carrying a building that needs some care. We’ve only been here for two days of our nine so far, so I’ll update this later.

We ate at EEST Thai restaurant every night because the food was so good, and we wanted to try different dishes 😄 The beach was stunning and private for hotel guests, and it was never very busy, which made it feel extra special. Our room had a shared outdoor pool and was really comfortable for our stay. The resort is set in a beautiful spot, and its design fits well with Thai style. This was our first stay in Phuket, and the Westin was just amazing. I’d highly recommend it if you want somewhere quieter, away from the main hustle and bustle. I didn’t try the gym, maybe next time 😁

We stayed at the Westin Siray Bay for 16 days, and the staff really made the long stay excellent. Chef Joshua, from JW Marriott Phuket, and his team went way out of their way to make individual vegan meals for my wife whenever we asked. They took care of us day or night. At breakfast, Mod helped my wife work out what she could eat from the buffet and checked with the kitchen so she’d have a good meal. Piano at the front desk was always considerate and looked out for us. Ploy, one of the drivers, was always smiling and ready to help with room service, takeout, or whatever we needed. Ja Jaa at the tour desk was lovely and informative too. She helped me download the GRAB app and explained how to use it, then booked us a private boat tour to James Bond Island. It was amazing.

The views are the big reason to stay here. The hotel sits right on the ocean near the gulf, on a cliff, with amazing views and sunsets. Sunrise will be behind you from most rooms. The buggy service is quick and convenient. The room didn’t feel five-star. The bathroom layout was odd, with the toilet exposed and no privacy, the tile was cracked, and the lighting was terrible. The minibar was empty when we arrived, and it took two calls and a few hours to get it filled. The bed didn’t feel five-star either, and the sheets were hard and scratchy. Service felt lazy and forced when we needed help. The pools were okay and had a great view, though they felt dated and not especially high quality. The restaurants were pretty good, and Prego had the best service. The location has the views by a landslide, but the hotel doesn’t feel like five-star quality.