On my recent trip to Thailand in April/May 2O15, I stayed at the Westin Siray Bay Resort in Phuket, having been loyal to SPG for years, and with good reason. There are several Starwood hotels in Phuket:
- The Naka Island,a Luxury Collection hotel, located in the northwest of the island
- Le Méridien, located in the southwest of the island
- This hotel, the Westin, located in the southeast of the island
As far as price is concerned, the Westin was the most advantageous, with a promotion at 3000 THB per night, unbeatable price considering the late reservation (4 days before the arrival).
As usual, I booked the cheapest room, without breakfast, and without using the Suite Night Award, a mechanism that guarantees suite upgrades at SPG.
A welcome to be improved
I arrived shortly before noon at the hotel, thanks to the airport transfer reserved by internet. For your information, the hotel offers them, but at a rate 75% higher than that found elsewhere.
My luggage was not taken care of automatically, and I had to ask for the intervention of a baggage handler.
The reception is very nice, located in the open air in the main building.
I was taken care of immediately by the receptionist, who invited me to sit down while I checked in, and brought me a welcome drink to wait.
After a few minutes, she came back to give me the keys to my room: an upgrade to an Discovery suite, not the largest in the hotel, but rare enough according to FlyerTalk.
The SPG benefits, in addition to the upgrade, were also presented to me: two drink coupons to be used from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the bar for each night spent, complimentary buffet breakfast with a glass of champagne, 15% discount in all the hotel’s bars and restaurants, and a reception hosted by the General Manager.
Afterwards, a baggage handler accompanied me by cart to my room, located about halfway up the hill on which the resort is situated.
A dream suite
The assigned suite was beautiful, not so much for the interior space as for the view and the private pool.
Here is a virtual visit of the room:
The bed was very large, and very comfortable as promised by the chain.
The bathroom was well-equipped, with shower and tub, but the toilet was separated from the bathroom only by a glass door, which means that it is difficult to use the toilet while someone else is using the bathroom, unless you share some privacy.
Westin toiletries are always excellent.
The suite’s living room, while pleasant, was sparsely furnished, and the furniture seemed worn out by the heavy tourist traffic the establishment seems to face.
The highlight of this suite is the private pool. It is shallow, but the pleasure of being able to swim alone is such that this aspect is quickly put aside. A deckchair is available, as well as a small table where you can have a drink or a meal in room service.
Here are some views from my room taken at different times during the stay. This view is truly unforgettable.
Quality and well-maintained common facilities
The hotel has 3 large swimming pools located near the rooms to avoid long and tiring walks (many stairs).
These pools, all equipped with a bar and deck chairs, are of good quality and well maintained. Staff is always available to respond to the requests of holidaymakers.
The establishment has several restaurants, almost all of which I tried. The Italian restaurant, located a bit apart, is of excellent quality and serves very good imported products.
The international restaurant, has a qualitative buffet, and very tasty a la carte dishes, such as curries.
The breakfast is of very good quality, with many stands mixing continental, American and Asian options. I particularly note the on demand crepe booth, or the omelets very well executed and served without coloring, in the rules of art. Only the service is to be questioned, the clearing up or the coffee service can be a little too long.
The bar, located in the extension of the hotel lobby, is very pleasant, airy, and the service very attentive.
Conclusion : A small paradise on earth
I had an excellent stay in this hotel, which seemed much too short. Everything is done to make you feel good. I warmly recommend it, recommendation supported by the price which defies any competition in Phuket!
Articles similaires
