Grand Mercure Phuket Patong
The Grand Mercure Phuket Patong is easily accessible from Pattaya. There are frequent flights from Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports that take just 90 minutes to Phuket. Then with around an hour’s drive to the resort, it’s an ideal place to enjoy a short break. The hotel provides a peaceful retreat from Patong’s lively atmosphere while remaining within easy walking distance of the beach, markets, shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Also everyone at the Grand Mercure is welcoming and friendly. From the General Manager, a long-time Thailand resident with extensive local knowledge, to the maid pushing a linen cart down the corridor who greets you as you pass the whole team here give genuinely smiling, friendly service.
The dining options are excellent and I must give special mention to the incredible breakfast buffet. Catering to such a wide variety of nationalities means the dishes are many and varied. There are vegetarian specialities at the Taste of India table alongside freshly made smoothies and local fruits. Also, Asian noodles, Dim Sum, Thai curries, Halal meats, cheese and cold cuts, homemade yogurts and of course an egg station with full English and American specialties. Alongside the pastries I marvelled at freshly baked breads that included sourdough, ciabatta, Kraftkorn and gluten free. It would be easy to over indulge but there were signs everywhere to remind diners not to overload their plates saying “Here the food is too good to waste” so true! A plentiful supply of coffee brought to the table by friendly waiting staff was an added bonus that really set us up for the day.
We decided to go take a look at Phuket Old Town as it’s one of the island’s most colourful and culturally rich areas. Heading down Thalang Road from the brightly coloured town hall, we came across many charming cafés, boutique shops and painted shophouses. The old town also offers a taste of Phuket’s multicultural identity, influenced by Chinese, Malay, and Thai communities that have lived here for generations. Housed in a beautifully restored Sino-Portuguese mansion is the fascinating Thai Hua Museum. With interactive exhibits, photographs, and displays it tells the story of Chinese immigrants who came to Phuket during the 19th century to work in the island’s booming tin-mining industry.
The museum explains that tin was one of Phuket’s most valuable resources and attracted workers, merchants, and entrepreneurs seeking economic opportunities who played a significant role in shaping Phuket’s economy and society.
After all the day’s walking there was a lovely swimming pool in which to relax, refresh and rejuvenate.At the Grand Mercure Phuket Patong, if you wish you can even opt for a one or two bedroom villa to give constant pool access. Swim up to the Bounce Pool Bar for a happy hour special. Or find your way to the craft bar to enjoy the famous Chalong Bay rum mojitos for a tropical twist!
Some guests opted for Thai cookery lessons or a spin at the Fitness centre but I decided a full body massage at the award winning Ryn spa was just what was needed. I have to report back that it was really first class and once again the staff were amazing!
Phone Number: +66 76 231
999
Email: [email protected]
1 Soi Rat Uthit 200 Pi 2, Tambon Patong,
Amphoe Kathu, Chang Wat Phuket