Where Should You Stay?

Accommodation in Phuket caters to all needs, wants and budgets. Before deciding on where you to stay, you must decide on how much you're willing to spend per night and if sharing a bathroom with a whole floor is something you’re okay with or a big no no. It would also be a good idea to decide whether you’ll be staying for a couple of days or if Phuket is just a bit stop for the night before you head onto your next destination.  

If you’re staying in Phuket just for the night and planning to head to Phi Phi islands or Krabi the next day by ferry. Do make sure you stay near Rassada Pier in Old Phuket Town. I stayed for one night in Pek House. It is a 5-minute drive away from the Pier which is very convenient if you are planning to take the earliest ferry the next day and a 20-minute walk from Old Phuket Town. It is a family owned business, where they offer rooms with air conditioning for 15 USD per night or without for 10 USD. If you are looking for a luxurious stay this is not the place. However, the host (who unfortunately I can’t remember his name) goes above and beyond for his guests. He helped me book the ticket and organize transportation to the pier, showed me where to go and where everything is on the map, he even offered to take me to some of the sightseeing spots on the back of his scooter when he knew I don’t drive. If you have a valid license and can drive you can rent a scooter at the property. I booked Pek House using www.booking.com. They are almost always fully booked, especially during the high season. I was able to get my room due to a last-minute cancellation so make sure you book well in advance. They only accept payments in cash in Thai baht.  

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If you’re staying for a couple of days and would like to explore everything Phuket has to offer, make sure you’re staying in Patong beach area which is lined by cafes, restaurants and bars; or close by Patong Beach road, also known as Bangla - where all the partying and nightclubs are.  

Thailand, especially Phuket and Bangkok are famous for their Party hostels. Activities in the morning, pub crawls and partying all day and night is the only way to go in party hostels. If you enjoy this scene, I would recommend you stay at Slumber Party or Bodega Hostel. Both cost 7 USD per night for a bunk bed in an 8-person mixed dorm. Both are safe, in a great location and have won several awards. They are also the perfect place to meet wonderful people. On pub crawl nights, both hostels go to the same places, so it is a great opportunity to mingle. If you’re travelling during the high season (Novemeber to early April) make sure you book the duration of your full stay well in advance as they’re mostly fully booked during this time. You will not be able to extend your stay the night before like I was able to do in the low season.  

Slumber Party is located a 10-minute walk away from both Patong Beach and Bangla road. Even though we were supposed to be staying in Bodega, my friend booked Slumber Party by mistake and it turned out to be one of the greatest places I have stayed in in Thailand. It is where I met 3 of the most amazing people, who are now very close friends of mine. The rooms and the hostel in general are very clean - I especially loved the black satin curtains around my bed. You can only access the main door and the door to your room using an electronic card and you get a locker for your valuable (you need to bring your lock!). It had a more chill vibe which I really liked. Jack (the representative) and the tours/activities they offer were awesome.

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On the other hand, Bodega Hostel is even closer to Bangla road, less than a 2-minute walk. It is normally more occupied, with bigger parties, and is louder and run down than the newer Slumber Party. Regardless, somehow, they manage to keep it sparkling clean and safe. If you want to party nonstop, this is the place to go. Again, make sure you bring your lock as you are offered a large metal storage compartment for your bag and valuables. 

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Do note that there are 2 Bodegas though – Bodega Party Hostel and Bodega Party Resort. The resort is newer, slightly more expensive and has a gorgeous pool but it is much further away. The party scene is mainly in the party hostel, however, Bodega offers free shuttle service between the two, and if you stay in the party hostel you are still allowed to use the pool. It costs 8 USD per night to stay in the resort. I booked my stay in all 3 using www.hostelworld.com.  I would recommend staying in Bodega Party Resort if you are planning to stay a while in Phuket. The pool is perfect in the mornings when you have nothing planned and the weather is too hot, it is also great to take a dip once you get back from whatever hectic activity you have been doing during the day. Not to mention that is cleaner, bigger and quieter. 

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I do know that there are many clean, safe and much quieter hostels around Phuket. You can use www.hostelworld.com to look for them. Make sure you go through the reviews and booking instructions before you book though. Many hostels – including Slumber Party and Bodega – hold onto passports during the duration of your stay. This is something you may or may not be okay with so do your research before you book. Make sure you bring a long any other form of identification and keep it on you if you stay in a place where they keep your passport. It will also be helpful if you plan on renting a car or a scooter as they will ask for your passport as well or any form of identification and your license. 

If your budget allows and you would rather stay in a hotel, you can use www.booking.com to look for one. Phuket is full of luxurious hotels and resorts that cater to every want and need. 

Generally, check in is at 2 pm and check out is before 12 pm. Do make sure you stick to those times as they are strictly followed, especially the checkout time. Most properties will charge you a hefty late check out fine.  

It is important to note that most hostels only accept cash in Thai Baht so do make sure you have enough. On the other hand, many hotels accept cash and cards but charge you an extra fee (normally 4%) so do keep that in mind. 

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