Why would one stay at an airport hotel? No other reason than proximity to the airport and convenience factor of course. Phuket’s Airport Resort & Spa meets this demand. It is less than a kilometre from Phuket International Airport, and a major plus point is the free pick-up and drop-off service that the hotel offers all guests – no matter the time of day or night.

Not a bad spot to wait for a plane.

A recent early morning flight to Bali required a layover in Phuket to take advantage of the low-cost airlines that fly from this airport but not direct from Samui. On arrival in Phuket, the resort’s driver was waiting with sign in hand for the four-minute transfer to the resort. The welcome was friendly and the check-in process swift.

One isn’t really looking for much more than basic comfort and cleanliness in a one-night stopover hotel, and Airport Resort & Spa provided this. Rooms are spacious, clean and have a fair TV channel selection as well as air-con, fridge and complimentary tea, coffee and bottled water. WiFi is available, but unfortunately at a hefty 50 baht per half hour. We’ve already written in some detail about how much we don’t like this practice.

A comfy bed and a good book before an early start.

Although the hotel is close to the airport, it’s not directly under flight paths, so a pleasant surprise is the lack of aircraft noise. Rooms are also set back from the highway, so there is little disturbance from traffic either, allowing for a good rest before an early start.

Pool loungers and umbrellas in need of some repair surround the pool, which is the central focus of the hotel, and is serviced by a pool bar. Drinks are on the pricey side, at 60 baht for sodas and 120 baht for fruit shakes, but with little else within walking distance, one may have no other choice.

Doctor said to keep "your feet up" before and after flying. Just following orders.

Rates via Agoda are considerably cheaper than through the hotel’s own site; we paid 1,050 baht for a night in mid-July. Advertised rates range from 1,400 to 3,000 baht for a standard double or twin room, excluding breakfast. Should you be staying here due to a pre-dawn start, then it’s probably best to skip the extra 300 baht per room for breakfast, and grab a bite at the airport after check-in.

The restaurant delivers average food at above-average prices, with a tom kha gai (coconut milk fragrant chicken soup) going for 150 baht and French fries for 120 baht.

Mediocre food, but at least the book is good.

Would we stay here again? From a price and convenience perspective, definitely. The driver was more than happy to run us to the airport at 04:30. It might be wise to bring a few drinks and snacks to pop in the fridge, due to a lack of convenience stores in walking distance and the bar’s inflated drinks prices.

Airport Resort & Spa
9/19 Moo 1, Nai Yang Beach, Phuket (make use of the free airport transfer)
T: (076) 327 771
F: (076) 327 775
www.airportresortandspa.com
info@airportresortandspa.com
Check rates & availability at Airport Resort & Spa

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