Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa [No longer Hilton after 3/23] {THA}
Sep 3, 2022, 12:39 pm
#242
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,468
I imagine the Ukraine situation has hurt them badly, on top of covid. The Kata/Karon area was very popular with Russian tourists. Rooms right now are available for around 1600 THB, i.e., under $50 US.
Sep 8, 2022, 1:28 am
#244
Join Date: May 2001
Location: RNO, NV, USA.
Programs: UA 2MM
Posts: 5,063
On Facebook, I often see the Hilton ad “Book Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa from B1,699”. 😊
Sep 8, 2022, 4:02 pm
#246
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,468
Sep 12, 2022, 8:06 am
#247
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Bangkok
Programs: Bonvoy Amb, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 553
Lounge extremely busy and quiet small - offering is alright compared to BKK. Can't really complain for an island hotel with a free lounge. Staff were super friendly. Will see
Hotel is super dated, it really shows. Junior suite definitely doesn't feel 62sqm unless they're counting the balcony. Getting around the hotel is a process.
Would say overall for the money and being in a chain seems just alright given the upgrades + lounge but the overall experience is eh compared to competitors even without lounges.
Sep 18, 2022, 10:28 am
#248
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Bangkok
Programs: Bonvoy Amb, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 553
Tomorrow will mark a week here so thought I'd give a bit of an update. Mainly, staff and service around the hotel is great! Every single person is friendly and there's been 0 issues from service failures etc.
The sunset views from the rooms + panorama lounge are absolutely stunning. We also found it's possible to walk towards the ocean beach club and exit from there to the beach making it a much shorter trip (the hotel grounds are super big).
Lounge for breakfast/evening has been consistent. The staff bring round drinks very timely and the outdoor seating in the lounge is very relaxing.
Ordered room service once - felt like frozen pizza (not sure if it was or not) and the Thai grilled beef was very salty/fishy from the sauce (overly). Ocean beach club food was decent (Burger / Thai pasta / Calamari). We've also been able to find some various options walking near by the beach and by grab (some great healthy options on here) and they'll drop the grab driver and/or the food to the main lobby.
Hotel gym is decent - some machines need a refresh. Gym wise got quiet a good selection but wish they'd have a cable machine as well.
Overall hotel isn't overly busy, nor is Karon beach. Seems mostly international tourists that are visiting rather than local tourists.
The sunset views from the rooms + panorama lounge are absolutely stunning. We also found it's possible to walk towards the ocean beach club and exit from there to the beach making it a much shorter trip (the hotel grounds are super big).
Lounge for breakfast/evening has been consistent. The staff bring round drinks very timely and the outdoor seating in the lounge is very relaxing.
Ordered room service once - felt like frozen pizza (not sure if it was or not) and the Thai grilled beef was very salty/fishy from the sauce (overly). Ocean beach club food was decent (Burger / Thai pasta / Calamari). We've also been able to find some various options walking near by the beach and by grab (some great healthy options on here) and they'll drop the grab driver and/or the food to the main lobby.
Hotel gym is decent - some machines need a refresh. Gym wise got quiet a good selection but wish they'd have a cable machine as well.
Overall hotel isn't overly busy, nor is Karon beach. Seems mostly international tourists that are visiting rather than local tourists.
Sep 18, 2022, 6:23 pm
#249
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: Montréal, Canada
Posts: 1,610
Haven't been in many years, but my wife and I were always well taken care of as Diamond guests in the era before the Russian onslaught. In those days, it was never over crowded, and actually quite tranquil. I recall them making quite a fuss over my birthday. These days I'd rather it be overlooked. Should the property become part of Bonvoy, I'd be curious to give it a go.
Sep 18, 2022, 11:46 pm
#250
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Hong Kong SAR
Programs: OZ & BA Gold, HHonors Diamond, Marriott & Accor Plat
Posts: 295
Tomorrow will mark a week here so thought I'd give a bit of an update. Mainly, staff and service around the hotel is great! Every single person is friendly and there's been 0 issues from service failures etc.
The sunset views from the rooms + panorama lounge are absolutely stunning. We also found it's possible to walk towards the ocean beach club and exit from there to the beach making it a much shorter trip (the hotel grounds are super big).
Lounge for breakfast/evening has been consistent. The staff bring round drinks very timely and the outdoor seating in the lounge is very relaxing.
Ordered room service once - felt like frozen pizza (not sure if it was or not) and the Thai grilled beef was very salty/fishy from the sauce (overly). Ocean beach club food was decent (Burger / Thai pasta / Calamari). We've also been able to find some various options walking near by the beach and by grab (some great healthy options on here) and they'll drop the grab driver and/or the food to the main lobby.
Hotel gym is decent - some machines need a refresh. Gym wise got quiet a good selection but wish they'd have a cable machine as well.
Overall hotel isn't overly busy, nor is Karon beach. Seems mostly international tourists that are visiting rather than local tourists.
The sunset views from the rooms + panorama lounge are absolutely stunning. We also found it's possible to walk towards the ocean beach club and exit from there to the beach making it a much shorter trip (the hotel grounds are super big).
Lounge for breakfast/evening has been consistent. The staff bring round drinks very timely and the outdoor seating in the lounge is very relaxing.
Ordered room service once - felt like frozen pizza (not sure if it was or not) and the Thai grilled beef was very salty/fishy from the sauce (overly). Ocean beach club food was decent (Burger / Thai pasta / Calamari). We've also been able to find some various options walking near by the beach and by grab (some great healthy options on here) and they'll drop the grab driver and/or the food to the main lobby.
Hotel gym is decent - some machines need a refresh. Gym wise got quiet a good selection but wish they'd have a cable machine as well.
Overall hotel isn't overly busy, nor is Karon beach. Seems mostly international tourists that are visiting rather than local tourists.
1) read on tripadvisor that "Happy hour between 5 and 6.30 every night either in the exec lounge or the pool bar with various snacks and free drinks." --> is this still true you can get the drinks at the pool bar too?
2) is it true Diamonds/golds can only get breakfast in the lounge if not included in the room, and not at the buffet restaurant? heard that was the case but seems strange...
Sep 19, 2022, 11:13 am
#251
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Bangkok
Programs: Bonvoy Amb, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 553
Thanks for the review, have two quick questions:
1) read on tripadvisor that "Happy hour between 5 and 6.30 every night either in the exec lounge or the pool bar with various snacks and free drinks." --> is this still true you can get the drinks at the pool bar too?
2) is it true Diamonds/golds can only get breakfast in the lounge if not included in the room, and not at the buffet restaurant? heard that was the case but seems strange...
1) read on tripadvisor that "Happy hour between 5 and 6.30 every night either in the exec lounge or the pool bar with various snacks and free drinks." --> is this still true you can get the drinks at the pool bar too?
2) is it true Diamonds/golds can only get breakfast in the lounge if not included in the room, and not at the buffet restaurant? heard that was the case but seems strange...
Yes it's not included from the buffet. It's 200++ per person extra. The real breakfast is at Sails which I see a few people go to in the morning mostly sitting outside. However, I only go to breakfast to grab a coffee so I prefer it in the lounge as it's same floor.
Sep 22, 2022, 9:24 am
#253
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Bangkok
Programs: Bonvoy Amb, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 553
Usually some kind of salad/fruit section. 2 sweet things and then 3 mains, 1 veggie and 2 proteins. Not sure if there's more or not but that's what I've noticed. 5pm to 6:30pm and quiet a lot of drinks available. This is in the panorama lounge. Did not try the ocean beach bar yet for the lounge.
Oct 6, 2022, 8:21 pm
#255
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Phuket
Programs: SQ *Gold, BA, QR, EY, Hilton Diamond, IHG Platinum, Marriott Gold, Amex Platinum
Posts: 5,272
No word (seemingly) on whether a re-flag will occur or what it might be if indeed it happens. I am still seeing ads for the property on social media here & drove past the property this week - all was as it ever was. Who knows what will happen but whoever takes over will need deep pockets to bring this place into the 21st century!