VERDICT: WE GAVE 5 OUT OF 5 TICKETS AND HERE’S WHY!
A beautiful tropical resort, panoramic ocean views, memorable island excursions and a steep hill that almost defeated us!
This guide forms part of our complete Thailand Ultimate Travel Guide, featuring magnificent temples, cultural experiences, tropical islands, beautiful beaches and honest first-hand travel experiences from Bangkok to Phuket.
This review is also part of our Phuket Ultimate Guide, sharing our firsthand experiences exploring Phuket’s beaches, island-hopping adventures, cultural attractions and favourite places to stay.
From Busy Bangkok to the Beaches of Phuket
After six wonderful nights at the Chatrium Hotel Riverside in Bangkok, it was time for the next stage of our Thailand adventure.
We were heading south to Phuket, one of the country’s most famous island destinations. We’d already enjoyed an incredible experience attending the Rotary International Convention and exploring Bangkok’s fascinating attractions. Now we were looking forward to something completely different.
Beautiful beaches, tropical scenery, boat excursions and a slightly slower pace.
We’d booked nine nights at Pacific Club Resort, a boutique-style hotel situated on a hillside overlooking the Karon Beach area. After arriving at Phuket International Airport, we collected our luggage and arranged a taxi to the hotel. The journey took us across part of the island, passing busy roads, shops, small communities and increasingly tropical scenery as we headed toward the west coast.
Getting From Phuket Airport to Pacific Club Resort
Pacific Club Resort is approximately 40 kilometres by road from Phuket International Airport, although the exact distance depends on the route you take.
The journey usually takes around 45–75 minutes, but can take longer during busy periods. For travellers planning the same journey today, a regular taxi to the Karon area typically costs approximately 1,000–1,200 Thai baht per vehicle.
Private transfers may cost more, while shared buses and public transportation can be cheaper but are generally less convenient if you’re travelling with luggage.
We found that taking a taxi directly to the resort was a simple way to begin our Phuket stay. And once we arrived, we were immediately impressed.
Our First Impression: A Beautiful Resort on a Very Steep Hill!
Pacific Club Resort is tucked away on a hillside above Karon Beach. The elevated location is part of its appeal, providing wonderful views toward the surrounding hills, town and Andaman Sea. But there’s something you should know before booking.
That hill is steep!
When we first arrived, we were delighted by the appearance of the resort. It was attractive, beautifully presented and surrounded by tropical greenery. The reception area had a relaxed, open atmosphere, and the architecture felt very different from the high-rise luxury hotel we’d just left in Bangkok. But it quickly became apparent that walking down into Karon and back up again would require a little effort.
Going downhill was the easy part. Coming back, particularly in Phuket’s tropical heat, was a completely different story!
Still, the peaceful hillside position had its advantages. We were away from the noise and bustle of the main road, with an attractive setting that felt like a tropical retreat. And fortunately, we eventually discovered a very practical solution to our transportation challenge.
More about that shortly.
Another Wonderful Thai Welcome
Once again, Thailand’s hospitality made a lasting impression. From the moment we arrived at Pacific Club Resort, we were greeted with warm smiles and friendly service. The staff were welcoming, attentive and eager to help us settle in.
After our excellent experience at the Chatrium in Bangkok, we wondered whether a smaller Phuket resort could possibly deliver the same level of hospitality.
It certainly did. The hotels were very different in size and style, but they shared something important. The people made us feel genuinely welcome. And that’s something we value enormously when travelling. A comfortable bed and attractive surroundings are important, but friendly staff can transform an ordinary hotel stay into a memorable experience.
We soon discovered that Pacific Club Resort had plenty of character.
Our Room: Smaller Than Bangkok, but Comfortable
Our accommodation was definitely smaller than the enormous high-floor room we’d enjoyed at the Chatrium. But that was hardly surprising. Pacific Club Resort is a more intimate property, with a completely different atmosphere.
Our room was clean, comfortable and provided everything we needed for our nine-night stay. After spending so much time travelling, we appreciated having somewhere relaxing to return to each evening. The room was practical rather than extravagant, and that suited us perfectly.
We’d come to Phuket to explore the island, enjoy the beaches and take advantage of the extraordinary boat trips available along the Andaman coast.
We didn’t need an enormous apartment. We wanted somewhere comfortable, welcoming and well maintained. And that’s exactly what we found.
The Resort Atmosphere: Tropical, Relaxed and Welcoming
One of the things we particularly enjoyed about Pacific Club Resort was its overall atmosphere.
Much of the reception and dining area felt open to the tropical surroundings, with an airy atrium-style layout and attractive greenery. It created a wonderfully relaxed environment. Unlike a large international hotel where you can sometimes feel like one of hundreds of anonymous guests, Pacific Club had a more personal character.
There was always someone available to help, and we enjoyed the easygoing atmosphere throughout our stay.
The resort’s location on the hillside also helped create a sense of privacy and separation from the busy town below. It was lovely being able to return from sightseeing and relax in quieter surroundings. And there was certainly plenty to enjoy within the resort itself.
The Rooftop Pool: Spectacular Views Over Karon
One of Pacific Club Resort’s standout features is its beautiful rooftop swimming pool. Perched high above the surrounding area, the pool offers expansive views toward the Andaman Sea, Karon Beach and Phuket’s forested hills.
It’s a spectacular setting. From this elevated position, you can appreciate the geography of Phuket, with the coastline stretching into the distance and steep tropical hills rising behind the resort.
The pool area provides a lovely place to relax between sightseeing excursions. And after spending a hot day exploring the island, returning for a refreshing swim is particularly appealing. The surrounding scenery makes the experience even better.
We thought the pool was an excellent feature of the hotel, and the elevated setting helped compensate for that rather challenging hill leading up from town. Of course, we would recommend checking the weather before planning an entire day beside the pool. Phuket’s tropical climate can bring sudden showers, especially during the rainy season.
But when the skies are clear, the views are wonderful.
Great Food and Relaxing Massage Facilities
Another aspect of Pacific Club Resort we thoroughly enjoyed was the food.
The hotel offered an attractive restaurant setting, with an extensive selection of dishes and friendly service. We found the food excellent throughout our stay. It’s always reassuring to know that you can return to your accommodation after a long day and enjoy a good meal without having to travel elsewhere.
The resort also offered massage and wellness facilities. Thailand is famous for its traditional massage culture, and Phuket has plenty of opportunities to enjoy relaxing spa treatments.
Having those facilities available at the hotel added another useful option. For couples looking for a comfortable base with places to relax between excursions, Pacific Club offered a very appealing combination.
A beautiful pool, good food, attractive surroundings and friendly staff.
What more could we ask for?
Well, perhaps an easier way to get up that hill!
Discovering the Hotel Scooters: Problem Solved!
Our one real concern during the early part of our stay was the hotel’s location at the top of the steep access road. Walking down into Karon was manageable.
Walking back up in the tropical heat was less enjoyable. And because we wanted to visit the beach, explore nearby communities and enjoy the freedom to stop wherever we liked, we began looking for a practical transportation solution.
That’s when we discovered that the resort rented scooters. Brilliant!
Andrew and I decided to rent a scooter for a few days. And what a difference it made. Suddenly, getting down to Karon Beach, visiting local shops or travelling toward neighbouring communities became much easier. We no longer had to think about tackling the hill every time we wanted to leave the resort.
Having our own transportation also gave us considerably more freedom to explore the area. We could visit restaurants, discover different beaches and enjoy some of Phuket’s beautiful coastal scenery at our own pace.
For us, it transformed the convenience of staying at Pacific Club Resort.
Important Advice About Renting Scooters in Thailand
Although we enjoyed the freedom of having a scooter, we wouldn’t automatically recommend it to every visitor. Phuket’s roads can be busy, steep and challenging, particularly for travellers unfamiliar with local driving conditions.
Thailand also drives on the left. Anyone considering scooter rental should have the correct motorcycle licence and an appropriate International Driving Permit, along with valid insurance coverage.
Wear a proper helmet, avoid riding after drinking alcohol and be particularly careful during rain. If you’re not an experienced rider, a taxi or hotel transfer is a safer alternative.
The resort currently advertises motorcycle rental and private transportation arrangements, so visitors can choose the option most suitable for them.
Booking Our Island-Hopping Adventures Through the Hotel
One of the biggest advantages of staying at Pacific Club Resort was the assistance we received when planning our sightseeing excursions.
The resort offered a selection of tours, and we found the prices very reasonable. Rather than searching endlessly for excursion operators, we were able to discuss options and book activities directly through the hotel. This proved particularly convenient. We had several places we wanted to visit during our nine-night stay, and the staff helped us organize some unforgettable experiences.
Among our favourites were excursions to James Bond Island and the Phi Phi Islands.
James Bond Island: An Extraordinary Limestone Landscape
One of our most memorable excursions took us into Phang Nga Bay, famous for its towering limestone formations rising dramatically from the water. The best-known landmark is Khao Phing Kan and the nearby Ko Tapu sea stack, widely associated with the James Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun.
The scenery is remarkable.
Enormous limestone cliffs, sheltered bays and beautiful tropical waters create a landscape unlike anything we’d experienced in Canada.
This is one of Phuket’s classic day trips and an excellent choice for visitors who enjoy photography and boat excursions.
Phi Phi Islands: The Thailand We’d Seen in Photographs
Another highlight was our trip to the famous Phi Phi Islands. This beautiful island group is known for its turquoise waters, towering limestone cliffs, sandy beaches and spectacular scenery. It’s easy to understand why the islands have become internationally famous.
Travelling by boat through the Andaman Sea and seeing these extraordinary landscapes was one of the highlights of our Thailand adventure.
Being able to arrange excursions through the hotel made the process considerably easier. And the value for money was excellent.
Exploring Karon Beach and the Surrounding Area
Pacific Club Resort’s hillside location provides easy road access to Karon and several nearby Phuket destinations. Karon Beach itself is a long, attractive stretch of sand with beautiful views across the Andaman Sea.
It’s one of Phuket’s best-known resort areas, offering restaurants, shopping, beach activities and accommodation. Compared with Patong, which is famous for its nightlife and busy streets, Karon generally offers a somewhat more relaxed atmosphere.
For us, it was a good compromise. We could enjoy the beaches and local restaurants while returning to a quieter hotel in the hills. Kata Beach is another popular destination farther south, while Patong offers a busier atmosphere to the north.
Phuket has plenty of variety, and having a convenient base made it easier to explore.
Karon Beach and the Indian Ocean Tsunami
There’s another important part of Phuket’s history that visitors should know about.
On December 26, 2004, a devastating earthquake off the coast of Sumatra triggered a tsunami that struck communities throughout the Indian Ocean.
Thailand’s Andaman coast was among the affected regions. Parts of Phuket experienced terrible destruction, and thousands of people lost their lives across Thailand. Karon Beach was affected, although the extent of damage varied significantly along the coastline.
Some coastal areas were protected by natural features and elevated terrain, while other sections experienced flooding and damage. Today, the region has rebuilt, with hotels, restaurants, beaches and tourism businesses welcoming visitors once again.
Pacific Club Resort’s elevated hillside location offers a very different geographical setting from the low-lying beachfront. It’s worth understanding that Phuket’s beautiful coastline also has a history of significant natural hazards.
Visitors should familiarize themselves with local tsunami evacuation signs and move immediately to higher ground if they experience strong or prolonged earthquake shaking, observe unusual sea withdrawal or receive an official warning.
The events of the tsunami remain an important part of the region’s history and the experiences of its communities.
Five Things to Know Before Booking Pacific Club Resort
1. It’s Above Karon Beach, Not Directly Beside It
The hillside setting offers beautiful views and a quiet atmosphere, but the access road is steep. Visitors with mobility difficulties or those who dislike climbing hills should consider transportation arrangements before booking.
2. The Rooftop Swimming Pool Is a Highlight
The elevated pool area offers spectacular views of the coastline and surrounding tropical hills. It’s one of the resort’s most attractive features.
3. The Resort Offers Transportation Options
The hotel currently advertises scooter rentals, private transfers and airport transportation services. Confirm availability and prices before arrival.
4. Tours Can Be Arranged Through the Hotel
During our stay, we booked excellent island-hopping excursions through the resort. Check current tour prices and cancellation conditions when booking.
5. It’s a Good Alternative to a Large Beachfront Hotel
Pacific Club Resort offers a more intimate, relaxed atmosphere than some of Phuket’s larger resort complexes. For us, the combination of friendly service, comfortable accommodation and peaceful surroundings worked extremely well.
Planning Your Stay at Pacific Club Resort
Hotel: Pacific Club Resort
Address: 16 Patak Road, Soi 24, Karon, Phuket 83100, Thailand
Our stay: 9 nights
Location: Hillside above Karon Beach
Airport: Phuket International Airport (HKT)
Distance from airport: Approximately 40 km by road
Typical airport transfer: Allow 45–75 minutes, longer in traffic
Indicative taxi cost: ฿1,000–1,200 per vehicle, one way
Accommodation: Rooms and suites, with selected categories offering sea or hillside views
Facilities: Rooftop swimming pool, restaurant, spa and wellness amenities
Transportation: Hotel-arranged taxis and motorcycle rentals, subject to availability
Best for: Couples, independent travellers and visitors wanting a quieter base near Karon
Main consideration: The steep hill between the hotel and the town
Our Verdict: Another Five Tickets!
We arrived in Phuket after an exceptional six-night stay in Bangkok, wondering whether our second hotel would live up to the first. It certainly did.
Pacific Club Resort was a completely different property from the Chatrium.Smaller, more intimate and situated on a tropical hillside rather than beside a busy city river. But what it lacked in grand scale, it more than made up for in character, hospitality and convenience.
We loved the relaxed atmosphere, the beautiful pool, the excellent food and the friendly staff. The tours we booked through the resort became some of the most memorable experiences of our entire Thailand vacation.
And once we discovered the scooter rentals, even the steep hill ceased to be much of a problem. Would we return?
Absolutely.
Our Ticket Rating: 5 out of 5 Tickets.
Pacific Club Resort provided us with a wonderful nine-night stay, combining great service, comfortable accommodation, attractive facilities and excellent opportunities to explore Phuket.
It was the perfect second chapter of our Thailand adventure.
Two Hotels, Two Different Experiences: Both Outstanding
Looking back on our time in Thailand, we were extremely fortunate with our accommodation choices.
In Bangkok, the Chatrium Hotel Riverside impressed us with its luxury accommodation, magnificent river views and exceptional breakfasts.
In Phuket, Pacific Club Resort offered something entirely different: tropical surroundings, a relaxed atmosphere and outstanding assistance organizing our island adventures.
Both hotels made us feel genuinely welcome. Both provided excellent food and comfortable accommodation. And both earned our highest rating.
Five Tickets each!
It reinforces something we’ve learned from years of travelling. You don’t necessarily need two hotels that look or feel the same to enjoy equally memorable stays. What matters is hospitality, comfort, location, value and the overall experience. For us, both hotels delivered.
And when your accommodation is this good, it makes an already wonderful vacation even better.
Continue Exploring Thailand With My Return Ticket
Our six nights in Bangkok were only the beginning of our Thailand adventure.
After attending the Rotary International Convention and exploring Bangkok’s temples, cultural attractions and riverfront, we travelled south to Phuket for another nine nights.
- Thailand Ultimate Travel Guide
- Bangkok Ultimate Guide
- 103rd Rotary International Convention Bangkok
- Chao Phraya River Dinner Cruise — Grand Pearl
- Pacific Club Resort Phuket: Our Nine-Night Review
- Chatrium Hotel Riverside: Our 6 Night Review
- Phuket Ultimate Guide
- Island Hopping in Thailand
At My Return Ticket, we share real travel experiences, honest reviews and practical information to help readers discover remarkable places around the world.
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