Jamie's Phuket Blog

Top 10 Family Resorts in Phuket

Several times on the Phuket blog, I have blogged about the Best Hotels in Phuket, the list being based mostly on TripAdvisor rankings (for want of anything better). The hotels in the most recent list are all styles and all over the island, but mostly 4 - 5 star resorts .. I mean it's a list of the best hotels, so you'd expect them to be classy! TripAdvisor is not perfect, anyone can leave a review, there's no way to check if the reviewer actually stayed at the hotel, but I would hope that on average things even out, though results can be skewed by smaller hotels which actively pursue TripAdvisor reviews. A hotel might be great, but get less reviews simply because they don't ask guests to leave a review. Anyway, we digress... Blog readers gave me some suggestions to do some different "top 10 hotel" lists for families, couples or low budget hotels. So here goes...

On this page you'll find a list of the Top 10 Family Hotels and Resorts in Phuket, again based on current TripAdvisor rankings. For each hotel there are links for checking rates online, for booking and availability. For each hotel there's also a link to reviews on Agoda (where available) - and only people who have booked the hotel through Agoda can make the review (I use Agoda.com myself and leave reviews). With all the reviews on Agoda, and other sites like Booking dot com or TripAdvisor, you get a very wide range of opinions.

1. Andara Resort and Villas (Kamala Beach)



A 5 star resort, on the hillside near Kamala Beach with luxury villas. I'm a bit surprised to see this rated as the top Phuket family hotel, but it does provide relaxation in comfort for the whole family, and since it's individual villas with private pools, suits families as well as couples. Andara resort is not right on the beach - it's on the hillside. Many of the villas have great seaviews.

Andara Resort & Villas - Information, Reviews and Reservations

2. Rising Sun Residence (Chalong)



Rising Sun Residence is also not a beachfront hotel - it has 12 villas in the hills of Chalong overlooking Chalong Bay and Chalong Temple. There are seven 3 bedroom villas - some of these have a private pool and jacuzzi, kitchen and large living room. There are also five 1 bedroom villas arranged around a large pool with sun deck and jacuzzi. Long way from the main beaches, more of a "home away from home" and would be a good idea to rent a car if you stay here.

Rising Sun Residence - Information, Reviews and Reservations

3. Kantary Bay Hotel (Cape Panwa)



The Cape Panwa area is south of Phuket Town, well away from the main Phuket beaches, an area that we really like. Kantary Bay Hotel is right by the Phuket Aquarium, and the hotel has studio, 1 bedroom, and 2 bedroom suites. All suites have a living room and kitchenette. Seeing a trend here? Family hotels are not the standard "room" - it's nice to have something more like an apartment so you can be a bit more independent.

Kantary Bay Hotel - Information, Reviews and Reservations

4. Pacific Club Resort (Karon Beach)



The Pacific Club Resort is a long time favourite and seems to often rank highly, despite (again, that's 4 out of 4 so far) not being by the beach. It's about 10 minutes walk down the hill to the sands of Karon Beach. The hotel is in the hills, with seaviews and green views. There are normal rooms and also 1 and 2 bedroom suites. The restaurant is also meant to be very good and I must try it one day!

Pacific Club Resort - Information, Reviews and Reservations

5. JW Marriott (Mai Khao Beach)



I think everyone knows the Marriott brand? Actually there are 2 different hotels in the top 10 - Marriott Beach Club and the JW Marriott Resort, so I combine them here. Marriott is at Mai Khao Beach - north of the airport and a long way from the main tourist areas or Phuket Town (like 40 - 50km away). A place to relax. Mai Khao Beach is very uncrowded. I'd advise on car hire if you stay here to get out and explore, especially as dining options nearby are limited.

JW Marriott - Information, Reviews and Reservations

6. Cape Panwa Hotel



Another hotel at Cape Panwa - the Cape Panwa Hotel is an older hotel, has a little private beach and I knew the guest relations manager, Tim. He was very helpful arranging trips and knows plenty about Phuket, though he's now working in Bangkok. The hotel has a variety of suites of different sizes, many with seaviews, and the Cape Panwa area is very nice.

Cape Panwa Hotel - Information, Reviews and Reservations

7. Serenity Resort and Residences (Chalong Bay)



Chalong Bay is not a swimming beach, but great views and actually a good central location for getting around Phuket. Serenity has simpler rooms up to huge 2 - 3 bedroom suites, with seaviews, kitchens and some with private pools. You're not far to drive from here to Kata or Rawai beach and only 20 minutes to Phuket Town too. The pool suites are expensive / luxurious. The simpler rooms are a good deal and kids under 5 stay at no extra cost, good if you have smaller kids.

Serenity Resort and Residences - Information, Reviews and Reservations

8. Banyan Tree (Bang Tao Beach)



The Banyan Tree - definitely luxury. You're looking at 1000 US$ per night, but go on, you're worth it! I'm amazed that this place makes the list, must be a few rich TripAdvisor readers! The 2 bedroom pool villas look amazing. I'm going to stay here if we win the lottery! Just for a night....

Banyan Tree - Information, Reviews and Reservations

9. Twinpalms (Surin Beach)



Twinpalms has now been open many years and is one of the best places around the Surin area, which despite rampant hillside development manages (on the beachfront) to retain a laid back feel with small restaurants and bars. Twinpalms has less than 100 rooms, some of which are huge duplexes and penthouse suites. It's those 2 bedroom suites that are great for families. Twinpalms also has its own semi-private beach club right by the sand.

Twinpalms - Information, Reviews and Reservations

10. Holiday Inn Resort (Patong Beach)



Holiday Inn has been around for ages, and is the only Patong beach hotel to make this list. The resort has lots of kids activities and family rooms and the south end of Patong is quite family friendly away from most of the bars and noise. Holiday Inn also recently opened at Mai Khao beach with the resort also specifically catering to kids. Holiday Inn has not only family suites but these things called Kids Suites - kids will love it!

Holiday Inn Resort - Information, Reviews and Reservations

Hope this list of Phuket family hotels is useful! For online hotel bookings, I always recommend looking at Agoda.com. See you in Phuket?

Things to do with kids in Phuket
Best Hotels in Phuket 2023
More Phuket Hotel Suggestions






You have been reading : Top 10 Family Resorts in Phuket

Looking For More? Search Jamie's Phuket Blog ...


Find Your Phuket Hotel ...