Phuket in May - Where to stay?

I'm looking for a hotel that's right on the beach in a relatively quiet side of town. I heard that many hotels there, even the fancy ones, are not really on the beach - that you have to cross the street to get to the beach. Would love some recommendations.

Phuket isn't one 'town' with beaches around it...there are areas on the island that are far from Phuket town/Karon/Kata/Patong...I would recommend the Laguna resorts at Bang Tao Bay, closer to the airport. Particularly Dusit Thani - true beach front, with additional lagoon frontage for watersports/sailing...if you have kids, very kid friendly. There is another beachfront Laguna resort just south of Dusit, but there is a shanty-town market set up on the beach directly in front of the resort...not the most picturesque IMHO...

If you don't mind a short walk to the beach, I can refer you for a free 4D/3N stay at the Marriott Mai Khao beach resort which is definitely on the quieter side of town and very tranquil. It is by the JW Marriott which is right on the beach so maybe you can stay free at this hotel and then move over to JW after? This is a referral package which as a Marriott vacation club member I can refer you for and it costs me nothing, but you will need to attend a 90 min presentation which is quite painless really and I like that they don't hard sell.


This resort is near Blue Canyon golf course which is one of the best in Phuket and the villa is a 2 bedroom (about 130 sqm) that sleeps up to 6 people. Very luxurious and normally retails at over USD 1500. The referral also includes free airport transfer both ways. PM me if you are interested and I'll send you the details.