Asia - Phuket: Hilton Arcadia R&S vs. JW Marriott R&S

Hello everyone,

my parents are planning a trip to Thailand and plan on going to Phuket, among other places. Against my better judgement and advice Dad seems set on using points for hotels in Phuket (which I consider a waste, considering rates are cheap and it's a good place to pick up stays/nights/more points, but oh well...). However, he's asked me to take care of the arrangements, so here goes:

From what I can tell, there are two resorts worthy of mention for his two main programs, Marriott and Hilton:

Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa

and

JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa

My first reading of the situation is that the Marriott is the better hotel, but I was hoping that someone on this board had been to one or both of these properties and could give me some feedback on this question.

I've been to Phuket myself, but I stayed at a *ahem* rather less illustrious accomodation :o , since I like to play backpacker every now and then. As such, I'm not too familiar with the market for upscale accomodation on Phuket.

Any replies would be greatly appreciated, as would post-Tsunami reports!

Well, does your parents have any status with either program? I personally like the Hilton property but I think they will be much happier at the Marriott as it really is a much nicer property. The Hilton is more spread out and more resort and although nice not neary as well decorated and luxurious as the Marriott.

If status is the same with both chains then the Marriott wins hands down I think but I like both.

Hello everyone,

my parents are planning a trip to Thailand and plan on going to Phuket, among other places. Against my better judgement and advice Dad seems set on using points for hotels in Phuket (which I consider a waste, considering rates are cheap and it's a good place to pick up stays/nights/more points, but oh well...). However, he's asked me to take care of the arrangements, so here goes:

From what I can tell, there are two resorts worthy of mention for his two main programs, Marriott and Hilton:

Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa

and

JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa

My first reading of the situation is that the Marriott is the better hotel, but I was hoping that someone on this board had been to one or both of these properties and could give me some feedback on this question.

I've been to Phuket myself, but I stayed at a *ahem* rather less illustrious accomodation :o , since I like to play backpacker every now and then. As such, I'm not too familiar with the market for upscale accomodation on Phuket.

Any replies would be greatly appreciated, as would post-Tsunami reports!

I also would go for the JW Marriott. Great gardens..super service

Marriott - far superior - a whole different league. But, it is a bit away from things - more important to consider it a destination resort. Quite different from the Hilton from where it is easy to get to Patong - or you can even walk into the Karon shopping areas. The Marriott is on the far north of the island and a good 45-50 taxi ride into Patong.

The best bakery on the island - Siam Deli at the Marriott - try the sticky buns!

Thanks to all who have replied so far.

mcgahat, my dad is a Silver with Marriott, Gold with Hilton. Does that change the equation? As far as I can tell the only benefit the Hilton Gold offers over the Marriott Silver is the possibility of a room upgrade. However, I don't know if this applies for award bookings as well. However, Marriott books award guests into the a mid-range room category at this resort anyway, while Hilton puts their award guest into the bottom-tier "Standard room". I don't know how the rooms look at the two properties, but from a first reading, this would also speak for the Marriott since they would be guaranteed a better-than-average room.

The Marriott is on the far north of the island and a good 45-50 taxi ride into Patong.

tedkarma, I'm guessing that would be 45-50 minute taxi ride, right? :confused: But since my parents are mainly going there for some much-needed time at the beach, this would not be a major issue.

Hilton is 700 rooms hotel while Marriott is only 260 rooms. Marriott is only less than 5 yrs old product with constant maintain while Hilton is more than 15 yrs old with small retouch. Marriott is low rise 3 storey bldg while Hilton is a high rise one. The pool at the Marriott is a perfect one, you can lie down all day reading books and jump into the pool if you wish. Overall property, JW Marriott wins all categories. Beach in Karon area(Hilton) is more swimmable than Mai Kao where Marriott located.

JW Marriott is far upnorth only 10-15 min to the airport, Hilton is down South approx almost an hour from the airport but less distance to the famous Patong area.

Good luck :D

Where is the Hilton at Karon - definately not on the beach.
My suggestions for other beachside hotels on Phuket which may suit your parents(but admittedly not in any of the programmes you mentioned) are the Meridian Beach Hotel, The Meridian Yacht Club, The Kata Thani, The Dusit Laguna and the Kata Beach resort. They are all on the beach and close to some local nightlife.

the famous Patong area.

Funny, I seem to remember it as infamous... :D

tedkarma, I'm guessing that would be 45-50 minute taxi ride, right? :confused: But since my parents are mainly going there for some much-needed time at the beach, this would not be a major issue.

My apologies - yes 40-50 minutes by taxi.

I liked both hotels very much but they are quite different.

The Marriott is much quieter. Much classier, too, but away from everything. You can't really relax on the beach (it's very steep) and I found it harder to escape the kids than in the Hilton. You can get in on Priceline for a great price though.

As a Gold at Hilton I was upgraded to a nice room and had access to the exec lounge. They have a new spa which is amazing. The beach is just across the road. I prefer the location because Karon is still fairly quiet but Patong only 10 minutes and 200 baht away.

Another option would be the Crowne Plaza which just openend in Karon.

You could also try a search. There are several other threads that mention those two hotels.

Marriott is a great property with awesome food outlets, however very western priced, and no real close options for local food at local prices.

If it's just R&R then this place is probably a great option. When I was there last (may 05) they mentioned they would be building a 3rd pool area that would be adult only. Depending on the season, the beach can be less steep as pointed out by another poster. Of course they could just stay on the little stretch between the resort and the sand while getting massages all day long.

The Hilton is in a much busier part of the island and provides for a lot of local flavor in close proximity.

Hope they enjoy -- either way it will be hard not to.

Maybe you can check rates for them, book a paid stay and use their points for yourself!

Phuket has made great progress on coming back from any tsunami damage. Phuket did not take it as hard as some other areas of Thailand.

Another poster suggested the Le Meridian or Laguna area hotels. The Le Meridian is a bit dated and needs a face lift (I was there a couple weeks ago), and the laguna area has some great hotels and could be a good option -- although I think the only chain there is starwood for point redemption.

Hilton Arcadia Phuket is a bargain for award redemption....only 10K pts per night. HHonor Gold members get lounge access (the lounge has a great view of Karon beach and ocean), upgraded rooms. The property is quite spread out, with 3 different wings (buildings), situated across from the beach, has several pools, tennis court, health club, game room. The hotel has small cart to take you around the property, ie from restaurant to your room, from lobby to restaurant (because the property is so big and spread out.)

someone mentioned Crown Plaza....I have been there, in my opinion, it can not compare with Hilton, not even close. Crown is small, rooms of villeages are grouped in a very complicate manner like a small maze, one can easily get lost.

Add: the maze is quite dark at night, once you are lost, you can only pray to be found. :D

I was at Hilton during the thanksgiving week. Love it! As a HHonor Gold, I paid the lowest rate (~USD80) and get upgraded to the exec. floor with lounge access.
Tried the spa, fantastic ^ although a bit pricey by Thai standard ;) .
Walking distance to Karon town for bars, resturants, cheap daily supply such as beer :D .
There are more details in the Hilton forum.

someone mentioned Crown Plaza....I have been there, in my opinion, it can not compare with Hilton, not even close. Crown is small, rooms of villeages are grouped in a very complicate manner like a small maze, one can easily get lost.

I stayed at the CP just two weeks ago.
It certainly isn't the easiest property to navigate, but it's not that bad either. There are signs everywhere.
I also wouldn't call it small. It isn't as huge as the Hilton (and certainly not as ugly) but the main building is 5 stories high and there are lots of 'villas' in front of it. And the breakfast is much, much better than the one at the Hilton.

As others have mentioned the redemption level of the Hilton can't be beat. As a gold they do upgrade you, better room, better view, flowers at check-in and use of the executive lounge. We also prefer the location because it is close to a village and all that that entails.