Phuket, located on the west coast of Thailand, in the Andaman Sea, is considered one of the largest islands in this kingdom. It is connected to the mainland by three bridges. If earlier Phuket, which has a bright and rich history, existed through the extraction of rubber and tin, today its main source of income is tourism. This island is an attractive resort with a highly developed infrastructure.
general information
Coming to this island get an amazing palette of impressions. Swimming in the blue lagoons, pink sunsets, the contemplation of monks dressed in orange robes, three-wheeled cycle rickshaws and long-tailed boats that take travelers to numerous local attractions, and much more will be unforgettable. On the south coast are the most popular beaches of Phuket - Kata, Karon, etc. From May to October, they are literally crowded with surfers. The fact is that this season a very strong wind blows here, causing high waves. Phuket, Kata in particular, is famous for the cleanest sea and snow-white beaches.
In the northern part, the coast is much calmer. The island of Phi Phi, as well as Phang Nga Bay and, of course, Patong Beach are preferred by tourists who go diving, like boat trips. No less popular is the interior of the island with its wooded hills, mountains and cliffs.
Climate
The weather in Phuket is characterized by two distinct seasons: rainy and dry. The first starts in May and lasts until October. During this period, passing tropical cyclones are likely, accompanied by showers and wind. There are not many sunny days on the island in summer. The average temperature ranges from twenty to thirty-three degrees. It is during this season that prices for Phuket hotels are reduced . "Kata", "Patong" and other beaches attract mainly athletes who relax in the economy class. They are not interested in comfort. The main thing is the presence of waves at sea so that you can ride on the board.
Another thing is the warm "high" season. It starts in November and ends in March. At this time, the average temperature rises to thirty-six degrees, few tropical showers and, conversely, many sunny days. The beaches of Phuket - Kata, Karon and Patong - are literally crowded with tourists who come to this exotic country to swim and sunbathe.
Kata
On the map, it is located between Naiharn and Karon. This is the third most popular beach area in Phuket. The golden sandy coating, the amazingly blue sea, with an azure hue, bordered by green hills - all this resembles the famous Bounty chocolate commercial . But the main thing that comes to mind for those who first see this beach is the complete serenity that prevails on the coast, even despite the presence of tourists. Here, unlike the Karon or Patong, there is no vibrant nightlife, which is probably why the beach is so popular among families vacationing with young children. True, from April to November, few people come here because of sufficiently strong waves.
"Kata" by many tour operators is positioned as a good place for a beach holiday and as a developed tourist resort. It has excellent infrastructure - cafes and restaurants, shops and massage parlors. It’s also calm. And the prices do not really bite.
Hotels
Located on the first line, near the sea, tourist complexes differ in their target clientele. In the northern part of the beach area, on Kata-Yai, predominantly large hotels were built, perfectly suitable for youth recreation and active entertainment. The southern lane is considered more quiet. Therefore, it was here that numerous family hotels were concentrated, where you can safely and comfortably relax with young children.
Local hotel complexes, as a rule, comply with four- or five-star standards. Almost all of them have private beaches, swimming pools, sports fields, spa centers. Another advantage of this accommodation is that in such hotels there is always the opportunity to get a room with a gorgeous view of the sea.
Near the tourist area is a magnificent coral reef. That is why the most popular entertainment in the resort is considered diving.
The best hotels on Kata Beach are considered to be the chic five-star Impiana Private Villas, Avista Phuket Resort & Spa, Metadee Resort. Among the "four" tourists note Kata Beach Resort, Sugar Palm Grand Hillside, Sawasdee Village Resort. I must say that these hotels are quite expensive. Therefore, those who are counting on a budget holiday in Thailand, in particular in Phuket, it is better to opt for three-star options, for example, Ibis Phuket Kata Hotel or Orchidacea Resort. We will talk about the latter later.
Description
The hotel is located in the area of Kata beach, on the most picturesque island - Phuket. In just fifty minutes you can get to the international airport, which is especially true for tourists with children who do not tolerate a long transfer. The hotel is located on a low hill in a quiet location. It offers a magnificent view of the crystal clear waters of the Andaman Sea surrounding the island. Just a five-minute walk away is a fishing village.
The hotel building is surrounded by green palm trees. The territory is fully planted with exotic plants and beautiful tropical flowers. Just a few steps flaunts the snow-white Kata Beach. Patong Beach is a fifteen minute drive away. In half an hour you can get to the center of Phuket, where there are many nightclubs and other entertainment, interesting young people. One and a half kilometers from the hotel are a market and a mini-golf park.
Infrastructure
Orchidacea Resort 3 * (Phuket, Kata) provides tourists with all the range of services necessary for a comfortable stay. Its territory is guarded around the clock. There is a small conference center with all equipment, a banquet hall and a meeting room.
The hotel buildings are storey, so there are elevators in them. The infrastructure also includes a 24-hour reception desk. Of the paid services, tourists can use the laundry and medical office, as well as dry cleaning. According to the rules, no pets are allowed at the hotel, including guide dogs. Check-in time is fourteen hours, check-out is noon.
At the registration desk, an employee will help you call a taxi or arrange a transfer to the airport. There is a daily newspaper in the lobby. The hotel has several compliments - for newlyweds and regular customers, as well as for tourists on their birthday.
Housing stock
Hotel Orchidacea Resort 3 * (Phuket), according to modern standards, average. In total, this complex has one hundred forty-six rooms, which are located in five four-story buildings located at different levels on the hill.
Categories are different. There are eighteen Standard rooms measuring twenty-two square meters. meters (max. 2 + 1), fifty-three Superior (30 m 2 ), Deluxe and Family Room with a bedroom and a living room and, finally, two Premier Suites - the largest and most comfortable. Each of them has a set of dishes and everything necessary for making tea or coffee.
Room service is round the clock. Deluxe, Family Room and Premier Suite have a free safe; the rest do not. The rooms have new furniture: desk, luggage rack, wardrobe, table with chairs, upholstered furniture in the living room, mirror. Each has air conditioning.
Bathrooms combined. There is a hairdryer and all the necessary accessories. Superior rooms offer bathrobes, slippers, and a bathtub instead of a shower. Television is satellite. You have to pay for using the minibar and for connecting to the Internet.
Each room (except for the Superior category) has small balconies with views of the sea or the neighboring hotel. Smoking rooms are also available, located separately.
Nutrition
Orchidacea Resort offers two concepts - breakfast only and half board. There are also three restaurants serving Thai and international cuisines. Live music is played here in the evenings.
You can also have lunch or dinner at one of the adjacent cafes or restaurants. Orchidacea Resort also has a Papillo Pool Bar located by the pool. It is open until midnight and offers a large selection of freshly squeezed juices and cocktails, as well as a wide range of drinks and snacks.
Naturally, everyone can eat delicious food in the restaurant, having pre-booked a table. And in the market, a ten-minute walk, you can buy exotic fruits and seafood.
Beach
Orchidacea Resort 3 * (Phuket, Kata) is located across the road from the city's sandy beach. Guests enjoy a free shuttle service to Kata Beach. Towels for the sea can be obtained at the reception. For renting sunbeds and umbrellas, tourists need to pay an additional 100 baht per day. The shore of the Andaman Sea is ideal for vacationers with small children: the entrance to the water is gentle, which is very convenient in terms of security, and the weather in Phuket contributes a lot to an excellent pastime.
For the little ones
The infrastructure of Orchidacea Resort (Thailand) for children includes a special pool. There is a comfortable playground. Upon request, you can get a folding bed in the room, as well as use the services of a babysitter (for a fee).
Entertainment
Hotel Orchidacea Resort, being urban, has a small but fully equipped and landscaped area with a swimming pool. Around there are many sunbeds, mattresses and umbrellas, for which you do not need to pay. There is no animation in this complex. Those who wish can play table tennis and billiards, renting the latter at an additional cost. There is also a gym and fitness center. Daily from morning until six in the evening you can get a Thai massage.
If the hotel Orchidacea Resort is not very much entertainment, then on the beach - on the contrary. Here you can rent a catamaran or scooter, rent all the equipment required for diving. Under the supervision of experienced instructors, beginners can admire the underwater world.
Fans of noisy entertainment will have to go to the center of the island, where there are many clubs, restaurants and cabarets. Here you can buy a ticket for any of the fights of famous Thai boxers, which take place in the sports center.
Reviews
Many of our compatriots who have visited the Orchidacea Resort believe that this hotel is very good. Although it does not claim to a higher level, it is quite consistent with its three stars. It has an excellent location: there are two beaches nearby - a five and ten minute walk. The hotel consists of several four-story buildings, the latest, new, according to some guests, is not very conveniently located - right by the road.
Judging by the reviews, the staff at Orchidacea Resort are polite and professional. Both managers who speak only English (not counting their mother tongue) and Russian speakers work here. According to tourists, in terms of price and quality, this complex is considered the best in the region. The rooms are recently renovated, new furniture, quality plumbing, blackout curtains.
Among the shortcomings, the Russians call the cleaning time. Maids clean the rooms at two in the afternoon when the children are sleeping. Another minus, according to our compatriots, is monotonous breakfasts. Although they are very satisfying. Holidaymakers who like to eat tight and tasty even in the mornings, sometimes there is not enough choice at the buffet.
Some buildings are elevated. And although many people do not have special difficulties with lifting, nevertheless, this gives older tourists some discomfort.
In general, summarizing all the information presented in the comments, we can come to the conclusion: for those who want to relax on the Kata beach and not spend too much money, the hotel we are considering is perfect.