Marriott Bonvoy hotels in Phuket, Thailand
May 28, 2012, 5:16 pm
#856
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+1 (having stayed at all 3 properties)
My personal preferences would be the Ren Phuket as they offer private pool villas (downside is lack of rest choices but you can use the hotel tuk-tuk to/from the JW Phuket all the time).
Next choice is JWKL but you really need wheels to get there/around-and-about.........location great for side trip to Similan Island............ off site rest called Jai has best Thai food..........
Last on my list, JW Phuket, but if you like being in Russia, purrfect place to stay
Question to OP - if you're using points, why are you ONLY staying 4-nights as 5th night same # of points as 4??
My personal preferences would be the Ren Phuket as they offer private pool villas (downside is lack of rest choices but you can use the hotel tuk-tuk to/from the JW Phuket all the time).
Next choice is JWKL but you really need wheels to get there/around-and-about.........location great for side trip to Similan Island............ off site rest called Jai has best Thai food..........
Last on my list, JW Phuket, but if you like being in Russia, purrfect place to stay
Question to OP - if you're using points, why are you ONLY staying 4-nights as 5th night same # of points as 4??
My tuppence-worth, having stayed in two, and visited a third, a couple of months ago:
JW KL is slightly cheaper/older/rougher around the edges, but I found the service more friendly/natural and it has an amazing pool. There is more local beach life - while it is remote, there are enough reasonably priced beach-front restaurants, bars and massage places if you get bored of the resort and don't have (or want to use) wheels
JW P is a mega-resort, the most child-friendly, the most restaurants and activities, plus a resort-style shopping centre just outside - families love it; if you think children should be seen and not heard (or, indeed, not even seen...), then avoid
Ren P is the newest, a bit more City glamorous, a bit more boutique, style over substance. The staff try hard, and nothing is too much trouble. Smallest pool (by far), more adult, less to do, and a bit more remote - there are 2 restaurants in the resort and one massage hut on the beach, and that's about it. Nice gym though!
So, it depends what you like - others, I'm sure, will disagree with my assessment. I guess KL is more "real" Thailand, if that's what you want, but a good 90 minute drive from Phuket. The JW P and Ren are in Mai Khao, which is a semi-gated community near the airport - a poor man's Nusa Dua - I didn't think the beach was as nice as KL (or Nusa Dua, for that matter). I quite enjoyed doing a few days at JW KL then moving to the Ren. Oh, and the beach massages and beers are cheaper in KL
JW KL is slightly cheaper/older/rougher around the edges, but I found the service more friendly/natural and it has an amazing pool. There is more local beach life - while it is remote, there are enough reasonably priced beach-front restaurants, bars and massage places if you get bored of the resort and don't have (or want to use) wheels
JW P is a mega-resort, the most child-friendly, the most restaurants and activities, plus a resort-style shopping centre just outside - families love it; if you think children should be seen and not heard (or, indeed, not even seen...), then avoid
Ren P is the newest, a bit more City glamorous, a bit more boutique, style over substance. The staff try hard, and nothing is too much trouble. Smallest pool (by far), more adult, less to do, and a bit more remote - there are 2 restaurants in the resort and one massage hut on the beach, and that's about it. Nice gym though!
So, it depends what you like - others, I'm sure, will disagree with my assessment. I guess KL is more "real" Thailand, if that's what you want, but a good 90 minute drive from Phuket. The JW P and Ren are in Mai Khao, which is a semi-gated community near the airport - a poor man's Nusa Dua - I didn't think the beach was as nice as KL (or Nusa Dua, for that matter). I quite enjoyed doing a few days at JW KL then moving to the Ren. Oh, and the beach massages and beers are cheaper in KL
May 28, 2012, 7:17 pm
#857
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Treasure Coast, FL
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Thanks kt and BKK.
As to the 5th night I would love to but we are on vacation and have to head back to Hong Kong to get back to the US. Will look into possibly making that happen though.
If kids are prevalent at the JW Phuket then that is probably out. Just me and the wife and not looking for a kid scene.
We definitely liked the Ren the best from the reviews and pictures we have seen online.
Since it is the last 4 nights of a 15 day vacation and will have all the luggage with us we prefer to just pick a spot and stay there.
Had an acquaintance who stayed at the JW KL and he said he hired a guide who planned things for them and took them there and back. If this is the case are they easy to find once there?
As to the 5th night I would love to but we are on vacation and have to head back to Hong Kong to get back to the US. Will look into possibly making that happen though.
If kids are prevalent at the JW Phuket then that is probably out. Just me and the wife and not looking for a kid scene.
We definitely liked the Ren the best from the reviews and pictures we have seen online.
Since it is the last 4 nights of a 15 day vacation and will have all the luggage with us we prefer to just pick a spot and stay there.
Had an acquaintance who stayed at the JW KL and he said he hired a guide who planned things for them and took them there and back. If this is the case are they easy to find once there?
May 28, 2012, 8:05 pm
#858
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Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Thailand
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ruling out JW Phuket is good idea (kids and non-stop smoking Russian/Ukranians)
can't help with tour guides as my wife is Thai and we live here so don't use them, however I can put you in touch with the FOM's at both hotels who could be of service (no Consierge Desk)
can't help with tour guides as my wife is Thai and we live here so don't use them, however I can put you in touch with the FOM's at both hotels who could be of service (no Consierge Desk)
If kids are prevalent at the JW Phuket then that is probably out. Just me and the wife and not looking for a kid scene.
Had an acquaintance who stayed at the JW KL and he said he hired a guide who planned things for them and took them there and back. If this is the case are they easy to find once there?
Had an acquaintance who stayed at the JW KL and he said he hired a guide who planned things for them and took them there and back. If this is the case are they easy to find once there?
May 28, 2012, 9:25 pm
#859
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Treasure Coast, FL
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Posts: 4,578
I would love to get the FOM information if you are willing to PM it to me.
Thanks
May 29, 2012, 3:36 pm
#862
Join Date: Apr 2011
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Arrange the car through the hotel. If you do get a cab make sure it is a car and not a tuk tuk (he told me this as a general rule for after dark).
A limo can be arranged through the JW for $1400 THB ($44 US dollars).
May 29, 2012, 9:37 pm
#864
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May 30, 2012, 4:18 am
#866
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are you referring to the meter taxis that will not use their meters? if so, then good luck getting THB300 as their fare basis is based not on how far they're driving but on which hotel, and thus how much $$$$$$$$ you have (and I speak the lingo, as does my Thai wife)
May 30, 2012, 3:41 pm
#867
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Posts: 18,620
This comes from a friend who has lived in Phuket for a time.
Arrange the car through the hotel. If you do get a cab make sure it is a car and not a tuk tuk (he told me this as a general rule for after dark).
A limo can be arranged through the JW for $1400 THB ($44 US dollars).
Arrange the car through the hotel. If you do get a cab make sure it is a car and not a tuk tuk (he told me this as a general rule for after dark).
A limo can be arranged through the JW for $1400 THB ($44 US dollars).
May 30, 2012, 10:41 pm
#868
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May 31, 2012, 7:27 am
#869
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Philly, PA
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If the cabby isn't using his meter when you get in, just make sure you know the Thai word for no (Mai ow) and say meter. Always worked for me. Just pass the first wave of cabbies.
It's not like an American Airport - there's no confusion. Walk to the cabby stand, give them the hotel address, and make sure the meter is on. It's all part of the experience $.02
May 31, 2012, 2:26 pm
#870
Join Date: Oct 2010
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Returning from a 4 day stay up in Khao Lak, it is a significant distance back to Phuket for trips to the airport or tours.
If that is important to you, then I'd stay closer in town. The extra distance easily adds on another 2 hours if you are planning a day trip to Phi Phi Lei.
If that is important to you, then I'd stay closer in town. The extra distance easily adds on another 2 hours if you are planning a day trip to Phi Phi Lei.