Impiana Resort Patong Phuket

The Impiana Resort Patong Phuket is a quiet, Thai-style beach retreat that manages to preserve a laid-back vibe despite being right on Patong’s Bangla Road, which is the area’s party and nightlife center. The Impiana is one of the few beachfront hotels in the region, and the beach is uncluttered and picturesque. The resort’s grounds are manicured tropical gardens, with palm trees and tropical flowers everywhere, and lawns with seating areas where guests can socialize, read, or listen to the waves. The infinity pool is surrounded by a wide wooden deck, loungers, and umbrellas, and has unobstructed sea views. The spa is filled with luxe touches, like hammered metal bowls for foot baths and tropical blossoms throughout. Even the business center is comfortable and lined with buddhas and cushioned sofas. The Impiana is slightly older and wear and tear is visible, but accents like a series of graceful hand sculptures throughout the rooms and common areas, and a laid-back Thai vibe, make this a restful haven. Families are welcome, but not especially catered to, and the hotel is most popular with groups and couples.

The Impiana Resort Patong Phuket is sandwiched between a beautiful Andaman Sea beach and Patong’s Bangla Road with its shopping, food, and lively nightlife. Right in Patong’s entertainment district -- surrounded by hotels and bars (many of the latter are outdoors) -- the Impiana is a mile from the popular Sphinx Theater complex and a 15-minute walk from the Junceylon shopping mall, which also has a multiplex cinema and bowling alley. Somewhat miraculously, the Impiana is generally quiet and calm, despite the Bangla Road cacophony just steps away.

Rooms at the Impiana Resort Patong Phuket are cabana-style, all on the ground floor, with private patios and serene, Thai-inflected decor. The rooms are spacious, decorated in beiges and browns with bright pops of jewel-toned color in the upholstery and artwork. All have sofa-beds and sitting areas, and some have spa tubs beside picture windows. Bathrooms are similarly elegant, with black granite countertops and plush bathrobes; many have shower/tub combos. Rooms also have air-conditioning, flat-screen satellite TVs with pay-per-view movies and premium channels, minibars, safes, free bottled water, and soothing eye masks. Pool view rooms have sunset beach views, while those close to the road can be quite noisy. It's worth noting that most rooms are dimly lit and show some wear and tear, and some guests have complained of housekeeping issues.

In addition to its popular central swimming pool (with a kids' area and ocean views), the Impiana Resort Patong Phuket is home to the Swasana Spa, which offers a variety of massages, facials, and Ayurvedic treatments, as well as a sauna and steam room. The beach is open and uncluttered, with lovely views, and a beach bar serves cocktails and light food. The hotel's Sala Bua restaurant has been recognized as the best in the area, and serves Mediterranean cuisine with an Asian twist in a thatched-roof, ocean-view dining room. The hotel has two other restaurants, too: 3 Spices, which serves Southeast Asian cuisine, and the Bistro, which serves Italian food in a dining room lined with black-and-white photographs of gangsters and Italian movie stars. The hotel also has a business center and meeting and event spaces. There's free Wi-Fi throughout, although it can be spotty at times. Cars and motorbikes can be rented through the hotel. A free breakfast buffet is served for guests each morning.