Coco Phuket Bangtao Beach Hotel

We got good value for what we paid. The place is well kept, with steady Wi-Fi, a TV with YouTube and Google services, and a decent kitchen. The sea is about a 10-minute walk away, while Porto de phuket takes around 15-20 minutes on foot. Laundry costs 90 per 1kg.

The room felt worn and old, with some mold and peeling sections of wall. When we first walked in, there was sand everywhere and the floor was so dirty our white socks went black in about a minute. The location is okay, but the hotel feels basic overall. Slippers and bathrobes aren't provided, which surprised me for a place presented as 5-star, especially since many 3-star hotels have them. To me, this felt much closer to 3-star than 5-star.

We paid £150 for seven nights, and it was money well spent. The room's full-size fridge and freezer were a lifesaver, and the place was very clean with great service. It's a bit removed from Phuket's main attractions, though a pleasant 30-40 minute bike ride makes that manageable. There was a construction site next door and it could be noisy in the mornings. I think the low price reflects that.

Bangtao beach is an easy short walk, with both lively and quieter spots for swimming or a meal. Bring cash, since there are no ATMs down there and some places don't take cards. We had a lovely stay: the hotel was clean and tidy, and the staff were fantastic, helping us arrange our next transfer and sort out a few other things. My kid and I often had one of the pools to ourselves and really enjoyed it. Development is happening all over Bangtao. During our visit between Christmas and New Year's we heard no construction noise, though that may be hard to avoid at other times. I'd recommend the hotel to anyone visiting the area. I'd been a little worried after reading some reviews, but there was no need.