Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Karon Beach An Ihg Hotel

The beach across the road and bars, restaurants, shops, and activities within walking distance made the location a big plus. The children enjoyed the pools and kids’ activities, and the food, including the breakfast buffet, was pretty decent. We had a family holiday with two kids and two senior citizens, and despite some of the recent negative reviews being at least partly true, we still had a pretty good time. The hotel feels a little dated, but our rooms were clean and comfortable. It was peak season, so service felt stiff and the place a bit commercial. I’d call it a high-end 3-star or low-end 4-star experience.

The kids’ club was lovely, with activities our children really enjoyed. The hotel is a little old but generally clean, including the pools and our room. Breakfast food was tasty, though the coffee was poor. Nobody mentioned that you could order a proper cappuccino from the machine in the back kitchen. Dinner and room service were tasty too. Alexander at reception was especially nice and helpful, and tried to make our stay better. The service was disappointing overall, though perhaps we were unlucky. We booked a one-bedroom suite for two adults, two children, and a baby. It took 2-3 hours after arrival for the cot and extra sheets to turn up. There were dirty dishes with leftover food in the room, and staff took over a day to clear them. Birds got in and ate the leftovers while we waited. The bathroom sink was clogged and took two days of repeated requests to fix. The rain shower also didn’t work and was repaired a day after we reported it. We complained at reception about the slow service, but it didn’t improve. I was surprised, since none of the reviews we’d read mentioned problems like these. Breakfast was another frustration. There were long lines to get into the dining room, and we waited about 10 minutes for a table, something we hadn’t experienced before at a hotel like this.

We’ve stayed here twice before, but I’m afraid this may be the last time. We booked two rooms two months ahead and arrived two hours before check-in, yet had to wait until 3pm. Even then, only one room was ready. Check-in felt messy and unwelcoming, with no welcome drink, perhaps because there weren’t enough staff. Management didn’t seem proactive. It can suit families, with spacious rooms and the public beach within walking distance. But the supposedly “no kids” big pool was full of screaming children and babies, with no control. The pool felt slimy. Around 90% of the chaise lounges were taken up by towels left for hours while people were away, so there was no relaxing spot. The beach is close but getting there is dangerous with cars and bikers. In the last two years a guard helped guests cross, but this year we were on our own. The public beach itself was messy and dirty. We only had breakfast included because we prefer eating out. They no longer have coffee machines this year, just weak, watery coffee, which was a huge disappointment for someone who likes strong coffee in the morning. The reception looks nice, but the corridors and room walls are shabby, with dents, peeling paint, and mold. The only positives are the sun and water.

Dain, our manager, deserves a special thank you for making our five days at Holiday Inn Resort Karon Beach unforgettable. He was always available, kind, and ready to help with everything from small details to special requests. His warmth and professionalism made us feel looked after. It’s rare to meet someone so dedicated to guests’ happiness. The whole resort was beautiful, peaceful, and well maintained, from the gardens to the sparkling pools, with the beach just across the road. Staff were friendly, helpful, and smiling from the moment we arrived. Our room was spotless and comfortable, breakfast had lots of delicious options, and the atmosphere was wonderful. We’d happily recommend this place and will definitely return. Thanks to Dain and the whole team for making our Karon holiday so special!