Sudeesh Nair

Review of La Marina/Phuket Lounge

The hotel is located on the way to Patong beach an...

The hotel is located on the way to Patong beach and is a 50 min drive from the airport..
we travelled as a group of 5 adults and 2 children and booked 3 rooms. upon arrival from bkk, we were greeted by very pleasant staff who ran from the reception to gather our bags at the entrance of the hotel. the reception staff were very helpful and quick while checking in to the hotel. they took the time to explain all the rules of the hotel in a kind manner. when we inquired about where we could get a cake for my son's birthday, they gave us directions to the nearest mall (jungceyleon). the restaurant closes at 10.30pm every night and although we arrived at 10.15pm to celebrate our son's birthday they were kind enough to wait for us to finish cutting the cake and finish our meal (which took us around 1.5 hrs). in the morning the breakfast was sufficient enough and even though i had first time travellers with me, they were very happy with the buffet offered to us. there was a live noodle station and egg station. in the buffet section there was an Indian curry along with nan/roti, sausages/chicken ham and a few thai dishes. there was cereal and bread/french toast available everyday along with a good selection of thai fruits which were delicious.. the rooms were comfortable enough for 2 adults and a child.. the rooms had a small balcony as well.. the balconies face the main road (i think all rooms face the main road) so the noise from the street was disturbing our sleep.. I'm not sure if they offer interconnecting rooms but we were not offered one at check in..
the swimming pool was the best attraction of the hotel.. there is a small kids pool along with a large pool (1.2 meters deep).. the pool has an adjacent bar that is open from 8am - 11.30pm.. the restaurant at the roof is open till 10pm and is a great place to relax in the afternoon.. they have special food and beverage deals which end at 8pm.. patong beach is about a 30 min walk from the hotel (although they tell you that it's only 15 mins) so your best bet is to hire a tuk tuk which will cost you around 200 bht.. there is a pharmacy and a 7/11 just 10 steps away from the hotel entrance which is very convenient.. there is a night market opposite the hotel which is open until 1.30am..
We ordered some room service and it was delivered to us promptly and the food tasted lovely.. the mini bar was stacked with essential drinks and there were sunscreen sprays and after sun gels (chargeable) which came in handy after a day in the pool..
The hotel also arranged a transfer to the airport which was cheaper than the taxi rates offered at the airport (1200 bht for a mini-van.. we paid 1400 bht at the airport)..
Overall a lovely hotel and as an Indian tourist I was very to receive the kind treatment from the staff since I've heard some horror stories about how other hotels treat Indian travellers in Thailand..