I can't tell if I am stepping on someone else's thread or this is the main thread for Hilton Arcadia. We are spending four nights in phuket mid April 2019. So, in two weeks. Marriott dropped me to gold, I am Hilton Diamond, and Platinum IHG. I was leaning toward the Arcadia to take advantage of my status. We are in our sixties but very mobile and not prone to laying out on a beach. Love food and beverage. I am not excited about renting a car or even driving a car while also not excited about being locked in to a square mile of walking distance. During this trip (brought on by the Cathay Pacific mistake fare), we are also visiting Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Bangkok. So, if I could ask a favor, does anything believe that the Hilton is the place for us, or should we stay on the other side or closer to town? I took a survey and it recommended Kamala beach and so I was going to look at some non brand hotels there. (any recommendations?). We are well travelled but this trip has rushed up on us and I am trying to not sound like the accidental tourist that hasn't done any research and wants someone else to do it. I like the price range of the Hilton which is right now on sale for 3000 TB per night and I would not be happy with anything over $250 a night.

so ultimately I would like some advice about the ability to get away from the Hilton for exploring the island, would tour companies avoid picking us up at the hotel, are there restaurants and bars within walking distance of the Hilton, any shuttles? We definitely don't want Patong, but food and beverage typically drives our trips. I will sincerely appreciate any guidance.