First time stay at this relatively new hotel (it opened in 2018). The Avista Grande is a small resort (compared to, for example, the Pullmans on Phuket) located close to the pristine beach of Karon.

Lobby

Beach

Check In

Check in was swift after a late evening flight from HKG. The room booked was a pool access "suite" (more about that later) and the hotel had offered in advance to upgrade to a Jacuzzi suite which I had declined. The only other higher category at this hotel is the executive suite which was booked.

This pool access room did feature a sea view which was appreciated.

Room

The pool access "suite" description is somewhat misleading. A suite consists of two rooms whereas here these are just large rooms. While this is clear judging from the pictures on the website I am not sure they are doing themselves any favours by calling this room a "suite". That said it was a nice and airy room.

View from the terrace

The bathroom featured a large tub and separate rain shower. Toiletries were provided in large unbranded bottles (I'm personally not that keen on this).

The room featured: a mini bar (soft drinks free), a large TV (somewhat limited selection of channels), a sofa, armchair and dining table.

Tea and coffee was available via a kettle which is unacceptable for a hotel of this standing. Once I complained a Nespresso machine was dispatched in half an hour and capsules were replenished daily and on request.

Wifi was of course free and fast.

Service

Staff were friendly and pleasant throughout (in typical Thai fashion). The GM Alain Ruffier was very visible and engaging.

Dining

The food was generally good, though the breakfast has definitely room for improvement. Items are not replaced quickly enough and the choice (especially cold items such as cheese and cold cuts) was somewhat limited. Some days one had to wait to be seated.

Breakfast:

Lunch and dinner were much more serene (and of better quality)

As this stay included Christmas the hotel offered a number of special dining events, the Christmas eve buffet being the highlight:

At approximately €55/person it wasn't cheap but good value.

Room service (on arrival at 1am):

Loyalty

The hotel provided all the required status related perks: upgrade (though declined), welcome drinks vouchers and welcome amenity (below)

This hotel does not have an executive lounge but has come up with, in my mind, great alternative. For Platinum (and up) guests they offer free cocktails for an hour in the evening on the rooftop bar which offers a great view to the sea and the sunset. We took full advantage of this ;) Other hotels without a lounge should take note.

They need however improve their music choice, a bit Ibiza style chill music, rather than rock, would go down nicely. 

Location

The hotel is well located. A trip from Phuket airport takes about an hour (depending on traffic). The hotel is located in the second row from the beach (a very short walk). In the immediate neighbourhood you will find endless restaurants and shops (unlike the Pullmans which are more isolated). If one feels the need to experience the craziness that is Patong Beach (I really don't) this is only a 20 minute car ride away).

Leisure facilities

The hotel has three pools (one main one and two small ones alongside the pool access rooms).

Gym

Overall

Overall I would highly recommend this hotel. While the suite was not a suite and the hotel does not come cheap I enjoyed the hotel's smaller size and its location. You are not confined to the resort and the beach is lovely for sunbathing and swimming.