B-Lay Tong Phuket, Thailand

B-Lay Tong Phuket

198 Taveewong Rd, Patong, Kathu, Phuket, 83150 Thailand

b-laytong.com

When we decided to spend 24 hours in the famous Patong area in Phuket we knew what we should expect. And we really wanted that experience. After just a few hours I was glad that our hotel is at the far end of Patong Beach, where it’s much more quiet, and we can hide there from everything that Patong wanted to show us. With a good people-watching spot in the pool and our upstairs room, we were far enough from all the action to feel safe, unhurried and able to breathe.

Hotel

At the first glance, B-Lay Tong Phuket may seem small, but when staff walked us to our room I quickly stopped thinking so. There are 5 buildings, connected with each other and arranged in a “U” shape, hiding 123 rooms and suites. In the middle of the resort is a quite big, infinity-style pool with swim-up bar and a grassy area with funny shaped chairs for relaxing. I found the pool area way too hot on a sunny March day – sun was there almost all day long, but on the other hand that’s the best spot to watch the Patong beach and the gorgeous Andaman Sea.

Breakfast, buffet style, is served under the pool area and is actually good. I was happy that cappuccino was available and we didn’t have to go coffee-hunting in the early morning. There is also a dining spot and private club, but you don’t have to stick for those to the hotel – Patong offers a wide range of restaurants, bars, pubs etc.

I really liked the design of B-Lay Tong. Gray coloured building looked minimalistic from the outside but when we entered the lobby area I needed a few minutes just to stand there and look at things. I absolutely loved that lobby – quirky paintings on the walls, huge chairs, enormous windows, books about design and golden throne. Just wow. And it didn’t stop when we walked downstairs – there was a white piano with colourful stripes painted all over it. All those things gave me a feeling this hotel must be a great match for young, creative people.

Room

Our room, Grand Deluxe, was bright & spacious and had a great view from the balcony – green grass, pool area, palms by the beach and turquoise sea. We spend a lot of time on our balcony not only because of the views but also for the whirlpool bath. It was big, so filling it with water was a slow process but the lukewarm water was great after walks in the tropical sun.

Design wise, it wasn’t as different as the lobby, but still my cup of tea. Lots of shiny, reflective surfaces, white walls and bold colours that worked good with each other and looked modern yet contemporary.

I liked that they provided not only beach/pool towels and robes like most of the hotels do but also a big bag for things you may want to carry to the beach. There are also other little things that make the stay nicer – colourful mood lamp, iPod dock, cute bathroom toiletries bottles, magnetic housekeeping signs.