NoY

A new (and much needed) Hilton (formerly Courtyard by Marriott) will open as the DoubleTree by Hilton in Surin Beach Phuket.

The property is currently closed for refurbishment and will reopen sometime this year.

This is very good news for Hilton brands as the ageing Hilton Arcadia (south of Surin at Karon Beach) is currently the sole Hilton property on Phuket. This new property is not on the beach but is set back a few minutes walk from the beach & sea. There are sufficient amenities within walking distance including restaurants/cafes/shops. A nice option in a more upmarket location closer to the Laguna area.

privateuly

Hi all,

Does anyone know the status of this property? The doubletree website is still showing it as "Coming Soon". However, I was able to find availability for 9/5-9/9 on multiple travel websites (booking.com, agoda.com.sg). I tried calling the hotel number given on doubletree website, but it does not seem to be a live number.

So is it still operating under the old flag? Is there renovation work going on? The travel websites that I called are not at all helpful - they only want to take my reservation and they can't tell me what the status of this hotel is. I can't find the phone number of the property anywhere.

privateuly

Update: called hilton reservation and the lady (in India, i think) told me that the hotel is opening on 9/6 but the inventory is not yet in the system. Can't tell me any more than that. I am still not sure why the travel websites are showing availability on 9/5. Anyway, I don't know if I want to stay at a hotel during its opening week. They may have lots of kinks that need straightening up.

Btw, I'd never called up hilton reservation line prior, but I was surprised at how aggressive the CSR tried to sell me the nearby Hilton Arcadia. I asked for the rates and if there was any promotion, and she quoted me a standard room rate and then proceeded to ask me for the name of the first guest. I was taken aback. She didn't ask me if that room was okay or whether I wanted it. She just assumed that I did. At that point I tried to say no thanks. I figured I could do my research online and book thru the website. But she refused to take my no and kept on arguing why I should take it. I finally had to hang up on her as she just wouldn't let me go. I wonder if she was on commission. I did tell her that we needed 4 nights / 4 rooms including 1 or 2 suites.

olisch

It seems that there will be a new Doubletree to open in Phuket, Surin Beach

DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Phuket - Surin Beach

Never heard about ths before, but I guess that this is the former Coutyard in Surin.

fozziedoggie

You are correct Sir, give that man a cigar!

NoY

Ahem, I've already smoked that cigar

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hilto...ng-2012-a.html

olisch

khor thot na khrap

NoY

Eh? Try some English pal.

olisch

Rates are now online from december 10th on.

Wiirachay

Any advice on whether to stay at the Hilton or the Doubletree? I'm looking for a tranquil, upscale, environment and am not really interested in the nightlife. I'm more for enjoying the beach during the day. I'm currently booked at the Hilton. (Price is not an issue. It's called HHonors points. )

needtoescape

Rates are now online from November 17, but I didn't see any Points & Money rates or availability using PR13CB for early December.

I am considering the same options as you with similar criteria, but I also want to stay somewhere that will allow easy/included transportation for a day trip to Phi Phi island. I'm currently holding a reservation at the Hilton Arcadia Phuket. The Points & Money rate there seemed like my best option (compared to a pure points redemption, I'm saving 12.5K points per night by paying about $50 USD).

If anyone has any recent feedback about either the Doubletree or the Hilton, I would be interested in it too!

Wiirachay

Thanks. I decided to stay at the Hilton Arcadia, as it's near Patong (but not too near.) The Doubletree is further away.

NoY

There is a long thread on this forum about Hilton Arcadia.

JeauxBleaux

I'm booked at the Doubletree Surin Beach in March, but am still struggling with deciding between the Doubletree or the Hilton Arcadia. The reviews on TA seem to be so split. Would appreciate any first-hand, recent experience with Doubletree/ or any recommendation of Surin Beach vs. Karon Beach.

NoY

I prefer Surin Beach (& that location in general - its a little more upmarket). There is a lovely beach at Karon but it feels more exposed, touristy, & commercialised (its on the main road between Karon & Kata). The beach at Surin extends in a very long Crescent to lovely Layan Beach (all walkable). Will be there later this week

I stayed at Doubletree a few years back when a Marriott - it was good as was the Arcadia - much more a resort - good too. Surin/Laguna is more classy/upmarket than Karon/Kata IMHO.