Hotel Banthai Beach Resort

The Banthai is situated at the heart of the town of Patong, so it is not right on the seafront. It takes about 25 minutes to get to Phuket Town from here. The journey to the airport takes about 40 minutes by car, depending on traffic.

Guests must pay to use the Internet connection in the superior rooms (the basic category) but it is free in all of the others.

The Banthai has been around for more than 20 years now, but it doesn't look its age. The architecture of the buildings has been modernised since the hotel first opened. Initially, it consisted of bungalow accommodation, whereas today, these have all been replaced by large buildings, and the whole property is extremely well looked after. The most extensive renovations were carried out in 2006, and the rest were done in 2010. The Banthai is located at the end of a small street home to many little shops, which helps reduce the outside noise. The hotel lobby is located on an immense patio overlooked by the superior guest rooms. Guests are welcomed into an air-conditioned lounge. The two identical buildings containing the guest rooms are built on either side of the reception, and each has its own swimming pool. You won't really be able to swim some lengths, but the pools are really very pretty. The area is interspersed with little recesses and flower beds, and there are private spaces dotted all along the poolside. To get to the hotel's fitness centre, you will need to leave the hotel buildings and head towards the street. Here there is a whirlpool bath, gym and sauna, all of which can be used by guests free of charge.

The Banthai has 290 guest rooms divided into seven categories, from Superior up to Deluxe Pool View. Bear in mind that the rooms in the superior and deluxe categories are identical: the only difference is their location. Inside, the room feels very new and comfortable. A number of facilities are provided, including a television, air-conditioning and 24-hour room service... The tastefully chosen decor is of a completely contemporary style, making it a real treat for the eyes. Although there are not many decorative features, the overall look is harmonious. The washbasin is actually out in the corridor, which you will soon understand when you enter the bathroom. It is really tiny, and although you might not expect it, it is fitted with a bathtub.

The hotel has two restaurants: the Eatsy Restaurant and the Port. The first only opens for dinner, and serves Thai fusion cuisine offered à la carte. It is a pity that the dining room is not well lit, and that there is no terrace. As for Port, this operates as an American buffet at breakfast time, then changes to à la carte for lunch and dinner. The dining room is large, but the plastic furniture detracts somewhat from the decor and the noisy ambience soon becomes irritating. The various buffet counters have been well arranged, allowing easy access to the dishes on offer. Outside, the terrace extends out as far as the street. You would never guess that this restaurant belonged to a hotel...

The Banthai is not right next to the beach, but it isn't too far away either. Indeed, there are only a few hundred metres separating the hotel from the long, wide Patong Beach. It is covered with good quality sand, but it can prove somewhat of a challenge to find a little area to yourself as it is absolutely swarming with people. There are lots of places located on the seafront that hire out deckchairs and parasols at a rate of about £4.50 per day. If you like water sports, you are sure to find your favourite activity here. Parasailing and jet skiing are just two of the thrills on offer here. However, if all you are looking for is a quiet little spot for a swim, it's mission impossible here!