Andaman Seaview Hotel Review

Karon Beach - Phuket

Andaman Seaview is aptly named. A friendly and unpretentious seafront hotel, guests will enjoy the pleasing blue-and-white colour scheme throughout the property, the large central freeform swimming pool hemmed in by mature frangipanis and the handy location in southern Karon, only minutes walk from Kata Beach.

Classic Sino-Portuguese in theme, practical by nature, the hotel's modest size works to its advantage, lending it a distinct intimacy.

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Where is It?

Sunset in front of Andaman Seaview

The hotel is situated some metres back from the Karon Beach Road at the south end of the beach, close to a headland that separates Kata and Karon beaches. This means Kata is a mere stroll away and the soft white sand of Karon just over the relatively quiet road.

Karon Beach is approximately three kilometres long and its town centre is found at the northern end. However, nightlife, dining and shopping is just around the corner on Karon's Soi Bangla and Kata is also a lively alternative. Karon is a 50-minute drive from Phuket International Airport and 15 minutes from Patong Beach.

(View location map...)

How Many Rooms/Suites?

Andaman Seaview has 141 Superior 40sqm rooms and 20 Deluxe 75sqm rooms. All rooms have full or partial sea views and are equipped with refrigerator, cable and satellite TV with 50 channels, hair dryer, safety box, key card control, telephone, complimentary coffee and tea-making facilities, mini-bar, plug-in internet and complimentary seasonal fruits.

Room Facilities

Superior room

My Superior Room has a soothing white colour scheme (guests can choose between green, white orange and blue-themed rooms) with blue trimmings, lending it a classic feel. A chill-out area next to the sliding doors that lead out to a balcony features Thai-style bedding/cushions.

Bed combinations vary according to guests' needs and my room has a king size and a single bed. The bathroom offers plenty of toweling options, a bath and a walk-in shower, adequate complimentary toiletries, robes, slippers and a well-stocked mini-bar.

The beach bag, ready packed with two brightly coloured beach towels, is a nice touch and the gorgeous Karon Beach sunset views a definite plus.

Restaurants & Bars

Maneekram restaurant

The signature restaurant at Andaman Seaview is Maneekram – a Sino-Portuguese designed dining space. Open-sided and poolside, the 60-cover eatery doubles as a breakfast space and serves Thai and international food and offers all-day dining.

The outdoor Sunset Terrace is the place to be during Phuket's high season from November to April as it features evening barbecues, entertainment and al fresco candlelit dining beneath the stars – as all of this is poolside and in the midst of fragrant frangipanis there's magic in the air.

For swimming-and-eating aficionados the Pool Bar serves light snacks and cool drinks.

Leisure Facilities

Swimming pool & sun loungers

With two outdoor swimming pools, one a large freeform pool set in idyllic surroundings, and a shady children's pool, guests hardly need to leave the premises for aquatic fun but it's reassuring to know that the Andaman Sea and Karon Beach are mere steps away. There are plenty of sun loungers so early-morning towel depositing is largely unnecessary.

For those looking for true relaxation the Samunprai Spa has a wide menu of massages, treatments, programs, scrubs, baths, steam treatments, facials and a beauty salon service. Kids will have fun at the poolside playground while parents looking for some nightlife need anticipate no problem due to the hotel's babysitting facilities.

An air-conditioned reading room with a great selection of paperbacks and magazines in various languages doubles as a modest fitness room while guests without laptops can avail themselves of the internet room behind the classically appointed reception area.

Overall

"Old-world charm"

Andaman Seaview is a victory of substance over style, of functionality over image.

The 161-room hotel retains a tangible homey feel that sets it apart from the other mega-projects along Karon seafront and its old-world charm sits well with its classic feel. All in all, a good family destination.

By Sam Wilkinson - Photos by Stephan Audiger