Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket

Centara Grand Phuket is a massive property spread out over tropical grounds facing the Andaman Sea, and though everything here is big: beach, restaurants, pool, the whole place is often overrun with kids and families. Expect lines and crowds throughout. Couples can and do stay here, but they should probably rent a villa with a private pool and look for quiet in the spa. 

The multi-story pink lobby is a great example of Sino-Portuguese architecture with arch windows and tile roof turrets. Guests are greeted under an enormous porte cochere with wooden beams that leads to the front doors, designed to mimic a medieval gate, painted pink. The lobby includes cluster of well-used (and often occupied) leather and wooden chairs. Windows on the back wall overlook the lush gardens. Three matching wooden reception desks are set in an alcove to one side of the lobby, while the Lobby Lounge Bar is on the opposite end. Those who paid for a Club upgrade have access to a quiet and elegant club room set with sophisticated furniture and snack presentations.

Outside, there's a large courtyard with checkerboard squares of grass and tiles, surrounded by exterior-facing balconies. Flowering bushes, rubber trees, and large urns add interest to the grounds. A flat water fountain is accented with a white stage. 

Though the Centara Grand Phuket is only a 10-minute drive from the shops, restaurants, and nightlife in Patong Beach, there isn't much to see or do within fast walking distance of the resort. The surrounding neighborhood is hilly, with gorgeous mountain views. Expect a 50-minute drive to Phuket International Airport. Parking at the resort is free and plentiful. 

There are 262 guest rooms, suites, and villas at Centara Grand Phuket. A furnished balcony and sea views (though some vistas are partially obscured), air-conditioning, one king or two double beds, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, minibar, and tea- and coffee-making facilities come standard in each. An upgrade to Club Level (automatically applies with the villas) gets free Wi-Fi and other perks like meal presentations and expedited check-in.

The Luxury Pool Suite is a good option for couples, but not the best for families, considering the peek-a-boo bathroom (there's a sliding wood door for privacy if required) and cramped interior quarters. The king size bed is set in the middle of the room, with a desk and chair placed just behind the headboard. The entryway has an alcove where the minibar and coffee facilities are tucked away. Large wooden wardrobes provide plenty of space for hanging clothes and storing luggage. The bathrooms are a real highlight in this room category. Each includes a soaking tub large enough for two, a rainfall glass shower, a private water closet, a vanity area, and a large sink. Aside from the bed and desk, there isn't any interior place to sit. Instead, the emphasis is on the outdoors, where guests can find a love seat, chair and ottoman, and wooden table and chairs set on the semi-private terrace. An infinity-edge plunge pool looks romantic, but is only separated from the neighbors by a see-through iron gate. Past guests have complained about everything from spotty housekeeping to broken air-conditioners. 

Though the rest of the property is geared towards kids, Spa Cenvaree is decidedly for grownups. The emphasis here is on couples, with treatment rooms set with two massage beds and large whirlpool tubs. There's a quiet relaxation lounge and cool touches like a wall made of running water. An herbal steam room and sauna are available, too. The fitness center is decent, but a little '70s with wood-paneled walls and rubber flooring. Technogym equipment is nice, though the machines don't have individual TV screens. 

The indoor/outdoor kids' club looks like a colorful pre-school classroom. The ceiling is painted to look like a sky and both parents and kids are regularly found lounging on pillow cushions, watching DVDs, and creating art projects. There's a covered patio with plastic equipment, like dollhouses, but no pool. Babysitting services can be arranged for a fee.

Wi-Fi must be purchased separately, unless guests upgrade to a Club Level room. Laundry services are available for a fee and the concierge team can assist with booking tours and excursions. 

Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket offers guests a solid variety of drinking and dining choices. The Cove Restaurant is the main option; it's open all day and serves international buffets for breakfast (included with most packages) and dinner with seating indoors and out. A la carte options are available for lunch. Mare Italian Restaurant has a stocked wine cellar and serves dishes like pasta and pizza for lunch and dinner. Luna Bar opens in the late afternoon on the rooftop for handcrafted cocktails and light snacks. The Beachcomber Beach Club is super popular for seating in the sand. This is the spot for tapas, grilled seafood, and chilled beer overlooking the Andaman Sea. Splash is the swim-up bar, which also serves snacks. Ripples is the pool bar by the adults-only pool and the Lobby Lounge serves coffees and cocktails in the lobby. Room service is available 24/7. 

For many guests, the huge outdoor swimming pool is the main reason they choose to stay at Centara Grand Phuket. The pool is like a miniature water park with waterslides, a lazy river and inflatable tubes, and waterfall accents. The infinity-edge and palm trees keep the space looking upscale, as do the views of the nearby beach. Parents can lounge on sun chairs under white umbrellas, or sit on a submerged chair in front of the swim-up bar. There's plenty of space for paddling around apart from the lazy river and waterslide area. Adults can utilize the quieter pool away from the beach that doesn't allow little ones. 

A wide stretch of soft sand leads into the clear blue water of the Andaman Sea, just behind the resort's main swimming pool. The water can get rough (watch for posted red flags) but on calmer days guests sail, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard in the water. Two rows of sun loungers are set on the hotel's property, overlooking the beach but not directly on it. Karon Beach is public so there's an occasional vendor and lifeguard to be seen, but this isn't the party spot found at Patong Beach. Diving lessons can be arranged for a fee.