Sawaddi Patong Resort & Spa

The Sawaddi Patong Resort is a small property, with everything close together, but the atmosphere is lovely, with a strong Thai spirit. The decor is influenced by the style of Phuket, with aspects of the Chinese and Portuguese cultures and colonial style verandas of earlier days. The architecture is reminiscent of Thai “shophouses," or low-rise multifunctional buildings. Black-and-white photographs of old Phuket hang on the walls, and even the resort’s shuttle bus is a brightly painted Po Thong, a brightly painted bus that was the classic mode of transport in old Phuket. The scent of jasmine candles is everywhere, and orchids, cherry blossoms, tropical plants, and palm trees exude jungle vibes. The restaurants and bars offer authentic local dishes. Even the breakfast buffet offers fried noodles, dumplings, and other southern Thai delicacies. Afternoon tea and a signature Phuket menu are also available, with attention paid to every detail, including the authentic local serving dishes. While many guests partake of the heavy Patong party and nightlife scene, which can make for late-night noise, the resort offers a great deal of local color, Thai gentility, and Phuket history for travelers interested in a little bit of culture with their holiday.

The Sawaddi Patong Resort is located just outside the noisy, chaotic city of Patong, but near enough that everything is within a short walk. Patong Beach, Patong Boxing Stadium, and the entertainment district known as Bangla Night Street are all within a 15-minute walk. The one-of-a-kind Sphinx Theater is 10 minutes from the resort on foot. There are many fruit stalls, pharmacies, small shops, and  a 7-Eleven just outside the property. Phuket’s center is a 20-minute drive, and the airport is 40 minutes from the resort, by car.

Rooms at the Sawaddi Patong Resort are clean and spacious, with little extras like welcome cookies that make them special. Decor is simple but pleasant and sophisticated, with light wood furniture, black-and-white photographs of old Phuket on the walls, and linens in subtle tones, with pretty floral throw pillows that add pizzazz. Bathrooms are narrow, but have plenty of counter space. Private balconies are furnished with comfortable wicker chairs. All rooms face the pool, but there are blackout curtains plus breezy sheers for privacy. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, DVD players, a DVD lending library, minibars, laptop safes, and free bottled water.

The Sawaddi Patong Resort features a large saltwater pool, surrounded by decks with sunbeds, umbrellas, and a bar. In the evenings, a barbecue seafood buffet is served on the deck. Afternoon tea is Phuket-style, with Thai delicacies, and Roydi Restaurant serves Western food, but also southern Thai specialties at every meal, including the delicious, free (vegetarian-friendly) breakfast buffet. Gourmet coffee can be taken on the terrace or in the lobby’s library area. There is a full-service spa specializing in Thai massage, but also offers wraps, scrubs, and aromatherapy. Pool and table tennis are free for guests' use, and there's free Wi-Fi.