BYD Lofts Hotel, Phuket

a very nice modern apartmenthouse. The staff is very friendly and always helpful. I actually didn´t like some of the furniture items, as one could see, that they have used quite cheap materials (bathtub; shower). The location is good, as there is only a five minutes walk to Patong beach and just around the corner there is the seafood center, about 8 seefood restaurants open air. Very good quality food at a reasonable rate. (Did not use restaurant next door, therefore ranking 3)

Enter room via 3/4 split door into a living area the floor is tiled with large white tiles thought nice and cool on the bare feet. Wonderful large L shaped sofa to stretch out on and a funky leather dentist chair with overhanging light, very comfortable and relaxing. Close to the entrance is a working desk and funky work chair and a simple Chinese style (modern) cupboard. Nice bright artwork hang throughout this accommodation. There is a large flat screen TV with DVD and surround sound, videos can be rented from the hotel at 50B/night, I think this is a little steep as even the cheapest hotel in Thailand normally offers this service for free. The room is finished with a nice large coffee table To the right of main living area is a large kitchen space, sufficiently furnished to allow guests to cook simple dishes, all worktops and cupboards are of an extremely high standard not usually seen in Thailand. Large double (high quality) French windows open to a balcony dining area, very nice and spacious but the furniture does not really match the rest of the style although still of high quality. Only problem would be mosquitoes for that late night dinner party. You can tell the Dutch owner has had a great input into the design as at times I found myself thinking I was back in an apartment in Amsterdam. From the lounge there are 2 sliding (grinding) doors to the bedroom, the bedroom has plenty of mirrors and a nice large soft’ish bed, certainly softer than most Thai beds I have slept in. Good linen plenty of pillow a very nice sleep, bedside lights and tables with a separate air-conditioning control to the main living area. The bathroom again is tastefully done with large contemporary bath tub free standing, separate elegant shower cubicle ( although the drainage is too slow and hand shower holder too high and not working in all positions), nice touches like scented oil burner and plenty of mirrors make this a pleasant room to spend some time in.

BYD Lofts are located on a side street off the main drag of patong and within easy walking distance from the beach. A quite location on a street with local character. The Lofts are in themselves a treat. Large one and two-bedroom apartments which have been finished to a very high standard. The kitchen is adequately stocked to cook in yourself (and try out the recipes you can learn from the culinary school around the corner) or to enjoy take out int he privacy of your own hotel space and the comfort of the apartment. On the roof top there is a very nice (albeit somewhat small) infinity pool to lounge about. The hotel also has a very lively chic restaurant and bar (which makes a pleasant change form the surrounding soul-less bars/restaurants of Patong. Although its price may be a little high it is still a bargain and those who want more than a hotel room and yet want to be close to all the action will find what they are looking for. The staff by the way are incredibly friendly and helpful and can arrange.