During our trip in Phuket, we stayed...
During our trip in Phuket, we stayed at Patong Bayshore for 3 nights, from Jan 06 2009 to Jan 09 2009.
After reading all the negative reviews on ASIAROOMS, my friends and I were rather skeptical about the quality and service of the hotel. However since this was the best deal we could get as it was the peak period, we decided to take a gamble instead.
Once we arrived at the hotel lobby, we were whisked into our room(1212)on the 2nd floor, promptly. Our extra bed was already set up. Room was and toilet was clean, albeit the size of the room being a little on the small side.
As we were rather lost on where to visit first, we approached the reception staff for suggestions. Staff was helpful and had a positive attitude, even with the limited command of english.
Location wise, Patong Bayshore is close to the beach, and a bazaar along the street selling hand crafted souveniers, knock off clothings and accessories. If you're interested in more up-market/ branded goods, and tired of bargaining, the walk to Jungceylon shopping mall is about 700m away. For cheap booze, convenience stores are aplenty around the location.
One of the down sides though, would be the lack of free wifi in the rooms. But if you're just interested in going online "for fun" and don't mind spending a little, there are computer terminals at the lobby.
Serious business travellers might consider utilising their prepaid wifi service.
Also, they do provide a mosquito coil in the drawer of your room. PLEASE USE IT. The mozzies go on a crazy attack at night. I woke up on the 2nd day with 7 mosquito bites on my body. The toilet bowl and the mini fridge may make weird sounds and start vibrating in the middle of the night. Just be prepared for it and don't be startled.
Breakfast though, was rather repetitive throughout the 3 days. After reading the reviews here, my friends and I were keen on meeting the "CATS JUMPING ON CHAIRS" and "GRUMPY EGG LADY". Yes. we saw all of them, but the reviews about them were obviously exaggerated. There was only a cat in the restaurant (ok, not like it is acceptable,but....) and it wasn't bothering us in any way, neither was it poking its nose in out food. It was just walking around aimlessly. As for the grumpy egg lady, we think she's fine. Moreover, the only interaction with her would be telling her how you want your eggs to be cooked.
Please excercise prudence when you speak to the tour agent though, like how you would to any other vendor in phuket. You'll only get the "best price" after extensive bargaining. One thing about phuket. Vendors selling the same service/product seem to have discussed the selling price. Initial quoting by the vendors would be absurdly high, and the final price offered wouldn't differ much.
C'mon, you get what you pay. And I guess for the service that myself and my friends recieved throughout the three days, it's really value for money.
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