Sugar Marina Resort - ART

Sugar Marina Resort - ART is part of a flamboyant mini-chain of boutiques each with a different theme. As the name suggests, the theme here is "ART" -- in all caps, and that's evident from the get-go. Arriving guests are greeted by the hotel's sign, done up in rainbow stripes of mosaic tile in different patterns. Over one corner of the sign, a suspended jumble of aluminum cans acts as contemporary sculpture. A little jetted fountain in front switches on colored lights at night, keeping things vibrant even when the sun has set.That fresh, contemporary mood continues into the lobby, a wide open space with white and gray walls and upbeat pop music playing. Instead of a welcome drink, many guests are treated to a cup of the hotel's signature ice cream. From there, hallways branch out toward rooms, but they still display quirky touches of the hotel's theme, such as clusters of different clock faces displaying international times. Certain blocks of rooms also have paintbrushes used as "do not disturb" signs. Sugar Marina Resort - ART was the first property opened in the Sugar Marina group, and it's split between two buildings: one that dates to the hotel's opening in 2010 and another newer building that was added in 2016. While both are attractive, the older building does show a bit more wear, which we witness on our visit with a touch of rust on the stairwells. But overall in both wings things were tidy and appealing.Grounds aren't extensive, but they're big enough to hold two rectangular pools in deep cobalt blue, all trimmed in an Astroturf sundeck. Box hedges and short palm trees here provide a bit of lush greenery. This Sugar Marina draws a wide range of guests including couples, solo travelers, and friend groups -- but this hotel also gets the most families out of any of the properties in the mini-chain. There's also a diverse number of nationalities represented, including guests from Japan, Russia, and Spain, along with plenty of Americans and Australians.

Sugar Marina Resort - ART is incredibly well situated, particularly for beach-goers, as the sands of Karon Beach are just a two-minute walk away, past a traffic rotary. Karon is a wide sandy beach that's always active, with plenty of sunbathers and swimmers along with occasional vendors coming through. The surrounding streets are pedestrian-friendly with paved sidewalks (not a given in Phuket) and they're chockfull of eateries, beachfront bars, massage spots, and other hotels. There are also plenty of conveniences at close hand: A pharmacy, a shop selling mango drinks, and a little coffee shop all share the hotel’s short block. A 7-Eleven is just down the street, a two-minute walk away, and a Family Mart is on the corner. Money exchange outlets, tour providers, and ATM kiosks can all be found nearby. The Karon Night Market, a five-minute walk away inland, offers more food vendors and handicrafts for sale. The Karon area is considered relatively quieter and calmer compared to the up-all-night party scene that can be found in Patong -- particularly along its famed Bangla Road. But guests that want to visit that area can reach it in a 16-minute taxi ride. Likewise, Phuket's major culture attractions also require a car: The temple complex of Wat Chalong can be reached in a 20-minute drive, while the iconic Big Buddha sculpture can be reached in 30 minutes. Reaching Phuket International Airport takes an hour by car.

The fashionable "art" theme seen in public spaces continues into guest rooms. Over a sleek, modern white-and-gray backdrop, quirky little details add plenty of character. Some rooms display Andy Warhol quotes over the bed; others wireframe, geometric art. And several have zany commando figurines scaling the walls. Furnishings are stylish throughout, with platform beds topped in crisp white sheets, writing desks, Eames-style chairs, and large wardrobes.Rooms are split across three categories: Deluxe, Deluxe Pool View, and Deluxe Pool Access. All rooms offer balcony space, but Deluxe ones are limited to a narrow ledge just wide enough for a pair of stools. Higher categories provide enough room for a set of chairs and a table. Views from these also vary, as Deluxe ones overlook the road and other categories have pool vistas and some can even show a peek of the sea beyond. Pool View and Pool Access categories expand their square footage and add streamlined sofas, which can be topped with sheets and an extra pillow to make another bed. (A boon for couples traveling with kids.)Throughout all categories, rooms are well equipped with individually controlled air-conditioning, (smallish) flat-screen TVs picking up international channels, free Wi-Fi, electric kettles with tea/coffee, flip flops, flashlights, umbrellas, bathrobes, safes, and beach mats and beach bags (a welcome extra not always spotted). Guests also rave about the minibars; each is lightly stocked with just a few beverages and a Snickers bar, but for many, their contents are included in room rates. (Items are restocked daily.) Pool towels and hairdryers are also on hand, and toothbrushes and toothpaste can be requested. Bathrooms are just as stylish as bedrooms, although Deluxe ones can be compact with little counter space. Throughout all categories, they still offer fun details like industrial light fixtures and towel hooks in the shape of curved paint brushes. Walk-in showers and separate soaking tubs are also standard, although higher-categories have more plush fixtures, like rainfall showerheads. Toiletries are provided in pump dispensers. In terms of downsides, past guests have noted that rooms in the older building suffer more maintenance issues compared with those in the newer one. Travelers may want to confirm that their rooms are in the newer wing of the two. Layouts can vary, too, and guests have complained that in some rooms, the balconies awkwardly backup against the bathroom space. 

Sugar Marina Resort - ART provides the sort of fully rounded features travelers would expect of an upper-middle-range resort meeting all the demands of a fun-in-the-sun getaway. The resort's highlight are it's two rectangular pools, which are freely available to guests in both buildings. Features like a cordoned-off kiddy pool section and immersed bench seats with whirlpool jets add to their appeal. A long Astroturf sundeck topped with mesh loungers and coffee-colored umbrellas provides space to sunbathe and relax (although some guests complain there aren't enough loungers here to go around).On-site dining covers all meals in a stylish dining room. Breakfast is buffet-style, while lunch and dinner are a la carte. The morning buffet caters to both Eastern and Western tastes with an egg station, noodles, fresh fruit, stir fries, breads, pastries, and other dishes. Breakfast is often included in room rates, but not always. While there's no poolside bar, orders from the restaurant can be taken out to the pool. Room service is also available in limited hours.The hotel also holds a petite fitness center on the third floor with cardio machines, free weights, and floor-to-ceiling windows for plenty of light. There's also a small meeting room by the restaurant attractively finished in white subway tile and furnished with marble tables and directors chairs. A little nook holds two public computers, too, and Wi-Fi throughout is free. A loaner library of DVDs are also on hand.Families may miss having a kids' club, but there is a little playground by the pool for children to race around. Babysitting is on request as well. On-site parking is free, and the front desk can help arrange taxis or rental cars.