Marriott’s Mai Khao Beach – Phuket

Part of Marriott's Vacation Club, this resort is a stellar pick for families heading to Phuket thanks to the well-equipped apartments, kid-friendly features, and largely affordable rates. All rooms here are two-bedroom apartments, with kitchens fully equipped to make meals (a grocery mart is within walking distance), living rooms with sofa beds, and washer/dryers. Some units have private plunge pools, though most guests make use of the main pool and separate kiddy pool with a slide. Although it's not along the beach, visitors can walk to Mai Khao Beach in about five minutes, or staff can provide free buggy service. The atmosphere here is lively and relaxed, with kid-friendly daytime activities, movie nights at the pool, and happy hour specials at the pool bar. 

While rooms are rather generic and lack much in terms of local flair, public areas are far more atmospheric and attractive. Expect ponds filled with lily pads, Buddha sculptures tucked amid lush greenery, and Thai-style structures. Although this resort offers a good value, it's worth considering the similar and nearby Marriott's Phuket Beach Club, which is along the beach and provides access to the numerous facilities at JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa. 

Marriott's Mai Khao Beach - Phuket is actually located about a five-minute walk from the beach, which is pretty but often too rough for swimming. It's conveniently located about a 15-minute drive from Phuket International Airport. The hotel is next to a 7-Eleven, as well as the Turtle Village shopping complex, which has a grocery store, dining options, and shops. On the downside, there's little else in the way of sights nearby, and the happening area of Patong Beach is an hour's drive away. Big Buddha and Wat Chaithararam temple are both roughly an hour away by car.

All units here are two-bedroom apartments, either with or without private plunge pools. They're done in a contemporary, if a bit bland, design with warm earth tones, dark-wood furniture, and subtle elephant accents in wall hangings. One bedroom has a king-size bed while the other has two double beds, each with their own bathroom. The master bathroom has a separate tub and shower, while the second bathroom has a shower/tub combo. A great perk for families, apartments have kitchens that are fully equipped with microwaves, stovetops, coffeemakers, toasters, and cookware. Glass dining tables seat six and the open-plan living rooms have sofa beds. Also standard are washer/dryers and laundry detergent, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, ample bottled water, coffee and tea, and electronic safes. Robes, slippers, full range of toiletries, and hairdryers are also provided. Huge terraces have tables and resort views.

Features at Marriott's Mai Khao Beach are geared toward families, and most guests tend to congregate around the main outdoor pool. A separate kiddy pool with fountain features and a waterslide helps lessen the crowding, as do the private plunge pools in some rooms. The main pool has a shallow area on one side and a pool with a volleyball net on the other. Comfy cushioned loungers under umbrellas line the deck, and there are a handful of daybeds. The vibe here is lively, with lots of kids playing. 

Adjacent to here is a glass-walled pagoda housing the kids' club, which provides various games, arts, and crafts. A full schedule of kid- and adult-friendly activities are on offer, ranging from yoga and stretching to face painting and movie nights at the pool. Free water sports such as Hobie Cats, paddleboards, and kayaks are available during the day. Shuffleboard, a tennis court, and small mini-golf course are on-site as well. The fitness center is small but sufficient, situated above the lobby. 

Mai Khao Beach is a five-minute walk away, but be aware that the ocean is often too rough for swimming and there are no loungers set up. Additionally, there is no spa here.

The main restaurant here is Zest, which serves an extensive breakfast buffet of Western and Asian dishes for a fee. Lunch and dinner consist of both Thai specialties and international fare such as burgers and pasta. Food receives positive reviews. Delights is also open all day, offering cozy couch seating and casual fare like sandwiches, coffee, and desserts. It has a little mart selling items such as fresh fruit, snacks, and alcohol. Adjacent to the pool is an open-air bar for cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages, and there are daily specials. Room service is available 24/7.