DoubleTree by Hilton Phuket Banthai Resort

The DoubleTree by Hilton Phuket Banthai Resort consists of four-story white buildings with wood roofs surrounding three separate pools -- appropriately, guests include tourists seeking a mix of downtime and nightlife and honeymooners ready to relax. The grounds are laced with tropical plants and palm trees, which contribute to a secluded vibe, despite the property's close proximity to vibrant street life. The three pools are basically identical, with clay tile decks lined with bright blue lounge chairs and umbrellas; each has a simple swim-up bar. Other outdoor spaces include the Port Restaurant terrace and an outdoor stage that hosts live music nightly. Inside, a modern, minimal aesthetic pervades, with edgy furnishings, pops of color, and loads of natural light. The lobby bar is long and white, and set off by wood flooring and long couches with turquoise plexiglass backing. The Port Restaurant is a mostly simple space, other than a few tree decorations lining one wall.

This ideally situated property is just a few minutes' walk from both Patong Beach and the nightlife epicenter Bangla Road, which is lined with clubs and bars. The streets immediately surrounding the hotel are busy, with plenty of shops and eateries, but the property is set far enough off the street to remain reasonably quiet during the day. The Junceylon Shopping Center is about 15 minutes away on foot. Phuket's International Airport is a 40-minute drive.

All of the rooms have either terraces or balconies with wooden furniture and look out onto one of the three pools. All rooms are air-conditioned and come with safes, flat-screen TVs, and minibars. Decor is clean and modern. Superior Rooms, the most affordable option, have richly hued wood flooring and built-in bench seating, dark-wood trim, and blinds on the glass balcony doors, and white walls and bedding. There's a fee to use Wi-Fi in Superior Rooms. Deluxe Room terraces are just four meters from the pool, and these rooms include free Wi-Fi. Superior Suites also have whirlpool tubs. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos, and include beach towels, bathrobes, slippers, and hairdryers.

The three pools all have swim-up bars, and there are two additional interior bar areas -- a gong is sounded every evening to denote the beginning of happy hour. The on-site Port Restaurant serves breakfast daily, which includes hot and cold items, smoothies, and iced coffee drinks that receive great guest reviews. The business center has four computers for guest use. A fitness center with lots of windows offers a pleasant setting in which to use cardio and weight machines.