Kamala Tropical Garden Hotel

The modest little Kamala Tropical Garden is located just off a busy road in Kamala. Guest follow a paved pathway set with gilded statues of female dancers to a small enclosure that acts as a reception with a pair of folding chairs and a long front desk. This isn't a space to linger but rather a way station to quickly check-in. Just beyond this lies the heart of the hotel: its freeform pool surrounded by a few little cute elephant statues. On one end is the pool’s swim-up bar, which comes into action during high season. Children can be spotted splashing around here, while solo travelers and retirees sunbathe and flip through their novels. 

The environment throughout tends to be tranquil, in part because many guests strike out in the morning to get breakfast off site at a waterfront location, and they simply stay at the beach all day or go out exploring. Those who stay behind on the premises are treated to a sleepy, low-key, casual environment, and in shoulder season, the pool could just have a single sunbather or two.

At just 16 rooms, the Kamala Tropical Garden is compact and guests appreciate the intimacy. Vacationers get to know one another and the staff. The resort draws a broad mix of travelers, but families in particular appreciate the value of the rooms and the amenities. Another thing Kalama draws is repeat guests, who come to know the staff and the friendly owner by name and gush about their experience to fellow travelers.

Kamala Tropical is hard to spot from street level. It's set behind a paved path and a driveway connecting to a busy six-lane roadway. On our visit, an independently owned French bakery was under construction right at the entrance, which could become a helpful pitstop for coffee or a quick breakfast once completed. Apart from that, a few other cafes and bars are within walking distance on the main road, but this area isn't really built for pedestrians, and the traffic zooming by can make it a struggle to cross the street.

Arguably the biggest draw for guests, Kamala Beach can be reached on foot in about 15 minutes. However, the walk can be challenging so guests usually opt for the hotel's tuk-tuk shuttle service, which can get guests to Kamala's sandy shore in five minutes. The beachfront area is also far more pedestrian-friendly and loaded with street vendors, selling everything from ice cream to Panama hats; sunset bars; outdoor massage spots; and restaurants with their tables on the sand. Also in the area is the over-the-top spectacle of Phuket FantaSea, an attraction that's half theme park half animal show, which can be reached in a three-minute drive as well. 

The area of Kamala itself is about halfway down the west coast of Phuket. The party-all-night town of Patong and its infamous Bangla Road -- loaded with flashy nightclubs -- is a 30-minute drive to the south. More high-minded attractions, such as the Wat Chalong temple complex or the towering Big Buddha statue, require 40 to 55 minutes to reach by car. Phuket International Airport is also 40 minutes away by car.  

Guest rooms at Kamala Garden are divided into three categories -- Studio, One Bedroom, and Two Bedroom Suites. Amenities and decor are similar throughout, and the main difference between rooms is simply space, with families opting for the larger Two Bedroom units and solo travelers settling into Studios. Rooms' sunny yellow walls and brown-and-white tile floors are perfectly pleasant, but when paired with neon green and orange bedding and accents, the color scheme can feel jarring. Artwork such as prints depicting the Buddha’s face add some more subdued touches. But decor aside, the rooms are spacious, and all face the pool with their own small furnished patios. Beige-tiled bathrooms throughout are rather polished as well with vessel sinks and walk-in showers.

For their pearl level, rooms are very well appointed offering flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, large minibars, microwaves and sinks, coffee/tea facilities, safes, and air-conditioning. Slippers, robes, and beach towels are also provided -- nice luxe extras that are unexpected in a budget-friendly property. 

The hotel also manages six apartment rentals across the street, and while they’re set apart from the hotel, guests there are welcome to use all the hotel's features including the pool.

As expected for a smaller hotel, features here aren’t extensive, but they more than meet the requirements for a budget beachy getaway. The hotel’s top feature is its central pool, surrounded by palm trees and loungers. To one end is the poolside bar with swim-up seating, though this is only in service during high season. 

The hotel’s restaurant is down on the beach (a five-minute drive away), which offers all meals including breakfast -- although that isn't always included in rates. Despite requiring a trip off the premises, breakfast earns rave reviews from past guests for its selection and quality. While there’s no full restaurant on site, the hotel is fronted by an independently owned French bakery (under construction on our visit) that could offer coffee and light bites. Rooms service and laundry service are provided on request as well.

Guests get free tuk-tuk rides down to the beach and to breakfast. As a bonus, the hotel also provides free loaner cell phones to guests so they're able to call for a tuk-tuk rides back to Kamala Tropical. Wi-Fi is free throughout.