The island of Phuket truly has something for everyone; it's a tropical paradise, surrounded by white-sand beaches and full of everything Thailand has to offer, for better or worse. Patong is one of the larger cities on Phuket. It has a great beach, but the city can be too much for some travelers. Small towns outside of Patong offer more sedate accommodations while hotels in Patong proper run the gamut.
The town of Kata is a few miles from Patong; close enough to make an easy day trip but far enough away to escape the bustle and noise. Perched atop a very steep laneway is the bungalow complex known as Kata on Sea, with a restaurant overlooking the town and small bungalows arranged on a hillside. As of January 2011, the air-conditioned rooms start at 400 Thai Bhat per night ($13 USD), but the hotel offers discounts for longer stays if you're brave enough to barter once you arrive. Kata on Sea is about 10 minutes from Kata's main beach.
Centara Villas Phuket in Karon (a few miles close to Patong than Kata) is about as opposite to Kata on Sea as can be imagined. The rooms are exquisitely furnished in a grand style; the hotel has two outdoor pools and most of the villas are ocean-facing. The villas are spread out amongst a well-manicured garden, connected with paths that lead each guest to the main hotel area with three beach-front restaurants. The starkest contrast to Kata on Sea is the price: Centara Villas begin at 6000 Bhat ($170 USD) per night, as of January 2011.
For those looking to be a little closer to the action, the Absolute Sea Pearl Beach is ideal. It's only a few steps to Patong Beach and close to the city center. The rooms all have balconies and offer views of the Andaman Sea or Phuket's mountains. From the superior room to the family suite, the Absolute Sea Pearl Beach has a little something for everyone. In low season (which excludes Christmas and New Years), rooms start at 4000 Bhat (about $130), as of January 2011.
If you're heading to Phuket to fully embrace its party lifestyle, look no further than the Expat Hotel, which offers a "quiet and tranquil oasis right in the heart of the pulsating nightlife of Patong Beach." The Expat is a five-minute walk from the beach and just a few steps to Soi Bangla in Patong, home to near countless bars and restaurants. The hotel has a small swimming pool and air-conditioned rooms ranging from 1490 to 2590 Bhat per night ($50 to $85 USD), as of January 2011.
