We just completed our 6th annual stay at the Marriott Phuket Beach Club. These are the older timeshare units and they have full access to all of the JW Marriott's pool and spa facilities.
Our stay was excellent as in the past. The resort is as clean as ever and the staff go out of their way to please you, and always with a big smile. The economy however has resulted in a lower occupancy rate and therefore some of the restaurants are closed a couple days a week. But there are plenty of restaurants to choose from and they publish a weekly schedule of which restaurants are open and any special themes...
We, a group of four, had the Marriott Thailand Gold card so that made the meals we ate at the resort, much more reasonable. We were not able to use up all the coupons which are fully transferrable, so we gave some away to other resort guests and some to fellow FTers..Still a great value if you plan on eating several meals at the resort...
We hired a local taxi for the full day a couple times through the hotel and were very happy with the drivers. A full day costs over a $100.00 , so we made the most of the days we had a car..
Overall, a great stay and plan on returning again next year when winter hits Canada..