The most remarkable thing about this mid-range hotel is the effort expended by the architects to give it an authentically Asian ambience.
The entrance is a large portico built from antique bricks, flanked by a pair of grinning terra cotta dragons and backed by a koi carp pond. Delicate and elegant statuary half-hidden behind tropical foliage competes for the eye’s attention with larger pieces, such as the large goddess spouting water next to the pool.
Appropriately for Patong, the goddess statue is bare breasted and as broad-shouldered as the transsexual singers and dancers who perform nightly at Patong’s Simon Cabaret. The medium-sized pool is shaded by frangipani trees, whose fallen petals decorate and perfume the water and ground below them.
Attention to detail and style, combined with competitive pricing, account for the remarkable popularity of this hotel. It is no surprise that the resort is usually full in high season. What is remarkable, indeed almost unique, is that the hotel is often full in the low season as well. This travel journalist has reviewed 60 hotels over the last month, and this is the only one that has been full.
The spa is reasonably priced.
The restaurant in this competent hotel serves only reasonable Western breakfast, but good Thai food. It is an ambient and atmospheric place to spend time.
This resort has recently been receiving some poor feedback on Tripadvisor, mainly due to the state of the rooms, which are deteriorating. For the price charged, however, we still believe that the Patong Premier offers good value for money in a convenient Patong location.
Accommodation
The rooms are on the small side and can not be described as being in immaculate condition, but will displease only recently impoverished travelers who are used to better. The décor concentrates on pastel hues which pleasingly complement the real wood floors and furniture. The downstairs rooms have direct pool access, but are the worst-preserved rooms in the hotel - dark and somewhat dinghy. The rooms upstairs are recommended in preference, as they are in better condition, and have airier, lighter feels to them.
To the left is an image of one of the Pool Access rooms, it's a shame they no longer look as good as they do in this rather old image.
Here's a Deluxe room. These are in better condition than the Pool Access rooms and are the room type to choose, as they aren't much more expensive than the Superiors.
The Superior rooms (image left) feel rather basic compared to the Deluxe and aren't much cheaper.
Prices
The above rates are net per room per night and inclusive of service charge and breakfast for 2 people.
