Novotel Phuket Vintage Park

A typical Thai pitched roof distinguishes the front of this tan and green six-story building, with a fountain splashing below. It's a suitable welcome to what is a mostly pleasant hotel, with a style that feels just a bit too forced. Once inside, guests are greeted with a cold drink and towel during their seated check-in. The space is dramatic, if a bit dated, with palm-leaf-topped columns, a patterned marble floor, and a ceiling that soars. A gigantic gold-relief mural depicting goddesses behind the reception desk adds even more pizzazz, as does a life-size painted horse statue and a fountain with goddess statues. Multiple seating groups give guests places to hang out, though given the resort's popularity and size -- not to mention name-brand status -- it can be busy and public areas do tend to be noisy at times. The center of activity at the hotel is the large outdoor pool, where families especially like to gather and couples visit the swim-up bar. This property is suitable for all sorts of travelers looking to be near the action right in the heart of Patong. It's popular with guests on package deals and bus tours. 

This hotel is located on the busiest street leading through Patong. As such, it's surrounded by shops, restaurants, and nightlife, including the town's notorious sex shows. The area is very noisy and a bit dirty, but it is a good location for tourists looking for eye-opening adventures in Patong. Bangla Road, the heart of the nightlife action in Patong, is less than 10 minutes away on foot, as is Patong Beach and Jungceylon Shopping Mall. Tiger Kingdom Phuket is about a 10-minute drive away, and the Red Mountain Golf Course can be reached in 20 minutes by car. Phuket Town is a 30-minute drive from the hotel, and the drive to Phuket International Airport takes about 50 minutes. 

Rooms are decorated in a relatively pleasant Thai style, though the look is a bit gaudy. Each room features large Thai artwork over the beds -- scenes of temples and the like -- along with modern wood-laminate floors, upholstered headboards, and neutral color schemes of cream and beige with brightly colored accents. The cherry wood furniture is nice enough, though the traditional silhouettes in the desks is a bit dated. All come with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, safes, and mini-fridges. Bathrooms are small, but include granite countertops, toiletries, hairdryers, robes, and walk-in showers with windows into the sleeping area (modest guests can close the blinds). Superior Rooms offer a king-size or two twin beds, as well as a sofa bed. Connecting rooms are available for families, as are cribs and extra beds. Balconies are tiny, but furnished with a wooden chair, and some have nice views of the pool. Suites are a little larger and add tubs in the bathroom that look through the window into the sleeping area. Family rooms have bunk beds for the kids. 

The hotel's restaurant, The Square, is open around-the-clock, serving international and Asian fare for all meals. Guests can choose whether to eat inside or outside under a roof near the pool. Drinks and snacks also are served in the Night Blooming Lounge in the lobby, and guests can swim up to the Velvet Pool Bar for snacks and drinks there. Happy hour is held daily with drink specials. 

The large outdoor pool is in the center of the resort with the buildings, palm trees, and tropical greenery surrounding it. The pool bar is in the center, and rock islands with blooming flowers and waterfalls add interest. A shallow area is suitable for the kids. Lounge chairs and umbrellas poolside invite relaxing. Some rooms have direct pool access, and some on higher floors look out onto the pool area. Massage and beauty treatments, a hot tub, and foot reflexology are available in the InBalance Spa by Novotel. The fitness center offers cardio- and weight-training equipment, as well as free weights and exercise balls. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow in natural light, and there's a large flat-screen TV for entertainment. A billiards table is available as well. 

A free kids' club keeps the little ones entertained with games, toys, and crafts. The hotel's ballroom can be divided into three smaller rooms for gatherings of various sizes. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, and while there is free parking, it's limited.