Hotel Kata Beach Resort

As its name suggests, the hotel is located on Kata beach, one of the most popular in Phuket. It is some 30 mi from the airport (allow between 50 minutes and an hour by car) and about 12 mi from the town centre.

Like the Karon Beach Resort, this hotel also belongs to the Kata group, so don't be surprised if the decor looks familiar.

The Kata Beach Resort is housed in a 4-storey building with a tree-lined interior patio and is designed in the style of a large beach complex. Although the hotel building is not tall, it is still something of a sprawling complex. The reception is decorated mostly in shades of red, and the interior patio is reminiscent of a Chinese pagoda, and once you get past this part of the hotel, you reach the extensive gardens overlooking the sea and the swimming pool. The spaciousness of the surroundings is another of the hotel's strong points. The spa consists of a massage room for two people and a sauna, whilst more active guests will be pleased to know that there is also a gym so you can work out, should you so wish, and excursions are organised from an office set up in the reception area.

With no fewer than 275 rooms, the Kata Beach Resort is certainly worthy of its name. It is a large hotel, but because it is only 4 storeys high, it is not as daunting a complex as you might think. All categories of room are spacious, with parquet flooring and a small lounge area next to the window. Of course, it is worth reserving a room with a sea view and balcony, if at all possible. The rooms are fully-equipped, and a bottle of mineral water is also provided for guests on arrival. The only drawback is the condition of the bathrooms, which are a bit shabby and could do with a thorough renovation. The clothes rail could even pass for an antique!

The Atrium Cafe, just next to the reception, serves breakfast inside or on the terrace, weather permitting, as well as a wide range of à la carte Thai, Asian and Western dishes. Other options include the Italian restaurant and the pool bar, which serves snacks and, most importantly, has a 'happy hour'. There is also a restaurant close to the beach which is open to non-residents and where seafood dishes and lighter meals are served at lunchtime.

The beach is undeniably one of the hotel's best assets, if only because it has a virtual monopoly of this part of the coast. Kata Noi beach is also a winner, big enough to be able to relax without being crowded out by neighbours on all sides. It is large and pleasant, albeit a bit breezy from May to October, and the good quality water of the Andaman sea, together with the beach's gentle slope, should please all the swimming enthusiasts among you. However, the beach itself has very few areas offering shade.