Novotel Phuket Surin Beach Resort

Part of the Accor brand of resorts, the Novotel feels like a chain property. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing as it does a consistent job providing all the prerequisite resort features. It's especially appealing to families looking for a dependable property and a trustworthy name. The Novotel makes a good first impression. A palm-tree lined driveway leads up to the property's stone reception building. This square structure is fronted by a wooden awning giving welcome shade from the Phuket sun. Inside, the lobby is a broad, rectangular space with banquette seating topped in sunset-orange cushions along one side and two front desks doing swift business along the other. Constantly twirling ceiling fans attempt to keep the heat down in this open-air area. The lobby remains busy with guests coming through check-in, arranging taxis, or weaving in and out of the buffet restaurant along the opposite end, but it never feels hectic.Still, most guests don’t linger here as they’re making a beeline for the pools: three twisting cobalt-blue bodies of water that lure plenty of children with their corkscrew waterslides plus shallow kiddy pool. But adults are also drawn to this spot, nursing drinks at the swim-up bar or dozing in loungers, and the enclosed vegetation and lack of a thumping sound system means sunbathers can snooze on. 

This Novotel outpost is set in the middle of Phuket's island on the west coast by Surin Beach. The beach, a pretty but short stretch of white sand, is a brief six-minute walk away and lined with beachside eateries, bars, and street-food vendors. In general, the area around Surin has its share of high-end resorts, and the streets surrounding the Novotel have mini markets, pharmacies, and more restaurants and bars. But this area isn't as built up as Patong or Karon, which is a mixed blessing. On one hand, it can be quieter and more family-friendly. On the other, it's missing the nightlife Phuket is famous for. The thumping nightlife scene of Bangla Road in Patong is about 30 minutes away by car or tuk tuk. Other major sights are also quite a ways off, including Wat Chalong temple and the Big Buddha statue, a  35- and 51-minute drive, respectively. On the plus side, it takes travelers only about 30 minutes to reach Phuket International Airport by car. That travel time is doubled if you're coming from neighborhoods farther south like Karon.

Guest rooms have a pleasant, clean-lined look done up in the deep reds, marigold yellows, and sunset orange shades so typical of the area. Wicker and wood-veneer furniture in ebony shades give a darker counterpoint, but rooms overall feel fresh and light. The look is hardly high-fashion, but it’s unified and appealing. Bathrooms are also nicely finished with glassed off walk-in showers and square sinks inlayed into black countertops. All rooms include flat-screen TVs with international channels, free Wi-Fi, electric kettles with tea/coffee supplies, irons and ironing boards, hairdryers, safes, and rather large mini-fridges. Higher categories include waffle-weave robes. One thoughtful detail is the free-trade toiletries in the bathrooms, a step above from the pump dispensers usually seen at this pearl level.Here and there a little wear can be spotted (such as scratches on the room doors), but it’s nothing so extreme that it takes away from the rooms overall pleasantness. Rooms are also advertised as being four-star, but they lack some of the more high-end fixtures typical of that level, such as rainfall showerheads. But those details don’t seem to be missed by the majority of guests.Rooms are split into seven categories, from Standard all the way to a Two-Bedroom Suite. The largest distinction is between Standard and Suite Rooms, the latter of which adds a separate living room space and a sleeper sofa (helpful for families as kids can bunk here). Higher categories also add balconies with pool or garden views, or poolside terraces, which are large enough to hold cushy sunbeds. But those seeking beach views will have to look elsewhere.

The Novotel’s lineup of features aren’t extensive, but they’re a big part of its appeal, particularly for families. Topping that list are the hotel’s three pools, which snake through the center of the hotel. These include a kiddy pool and a pair of corkscrew waterslides that touch down in a shallow splash zone. Several loungers and electric-orange sun umbrellas give plenty of spots for guests to lounge poolside. A Poolside bar with swim-up seats gives another. Off to one side is a sunbed for alfresco massages and a petanque court that’s also used as a sandbox for kids.In the center of the hotel’s courtyard is the resort’s kids club, with toys and games including enormous teddy bears. Parents can also make use of the property’s babysitting service. Loads of kids’ activities are offered by the hotel as well, such as balloon art, treasure hunts, and coconut bowling. Adults aren’t forgotten with their own activity list that includes water polo and Thai boxing.Dining takes place at the Novotel’s buffet restaurant, Asia Alive, off the lobby, which serves all meals along with breakfast (not always included in rates). Across from the main restaurant is Champions Surin Beach Bar & Grill, a sports bar ringed with flat-screen TVs tuned to various games. Guests can also order burgers here or play a game of pool. Those looking for a slightly quieter spot for cocktails could consider the circular bar just across reception, which also offers a few snacks like fresh fruit and chips. For wellness features, the Novotel does better than most at this pearl level. Its 24-hour gym is surprisingly big and well-equipped with free weights, treadmills, and a number of other cardio and weight-lifting machines. Windows here face out onto the pool and bring in some natural light to the space. The spa just upstairs has a series of curtained treatment rooms and a manicure station. Thai massage and couples treatments can be requested.  Two meeting rooms on site handle events of all sorts, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Guests can also buy vacation essentials like beach bags at a little shop by the resort’s entrance, and a taxi and tour desk here can make arrangements for excursions.