Best Western Phuket Ocean Resort

Upon seeing the hotel's red brick facade and corrugated plastic roof, arriving at BEST WESTERN Phuket Ocean Resort can be a pretty underwhelming experience. Stepping inside, however, the lobby is pleasant and roomy, offering spaces awash with natural woods, wicker furnishings, and potted plants. The resort's hillside setting means the grounds are a series of terraced areas connected by sloping footpaths and steep stairways, all set among lush tropical gardens of palm trees, exotic flowers, and sculpted shrubbery. While most of the complex is well maintained, the overall feel is leaning towards dated, with little in the way of panache. Nonetheless, the property is still popular with vacationers willing to overlook some aesthetic shortcomings for a decent, family-friendly holiday. 

The hotel is set on a busy hillside road overlooking the north end of Phuket's Karon Beach resort. While it's only about five minutes by foot to the lovely white sands of the town's beach, the walk back uphill might be a struggle for some. There are bars and restaurants just outside the hotel as well as plenty more within walking distance, while the neighboring resorts of Patong and Kata Beach are both less than 10 minutes away (in opposite directions) by tuk-tuk or taxi. The area's capital, Phuket City, is about 25 minutes northeast by car, while Phuket International Airport is almost an hours' drive to the north. Flights to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport take an hour and 15 minutes, in addition to boarding time.

The resort's Deluxe rooms are spacious and tastefully finished in light tones with natural wood flooring and simple contemporary furnishings, while lower category Superior units are more traditionally styled and slightly dated. Bathrooms are little more than adequate. In-room amenities include large fridges, free Wi-Fi (a bonus for Thailand), and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. All rooms are air-conditioned and open onto furnished balconies or terrace areas. While higher-floor units feature the best sea and sunset views, they require the most step climbing. Low-level rooms, however, can suffer from street noise. 

The hotel features an impressive three outdoor swimming pools, one with a poolside bar and a small paddling pool for kids. The Beach Restaurant serves up a free daily buffet breakfast and fresh barbecued seafood as well as Thai favorites for lunch and dinner. Other facilities include the on-site Ocean Spa as well as a children's play area, fitness room, game room with billiards and table tennis, and minimart, though all feel a bit token and lackluster. Massage treatments are also on hand as are babysitting services for an additional fee. Free Wi-Fi and parking are available as well.