Phuket Paradise Found: Big Buddha Hillside Hotel's Unbelievable Views!
Phuket Paradise Found: Big Buddha Hillside Hotel - Views That'll Steal Your Breath (and Maybe Your Wallet a Little) - A Rambling Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on my recent Phuket adventure at the Big Buddha Hillside Hotel, and let me tell you, it's a mixed bag, a delightful, sun-kissed, occasionally-frazzled mixed bag. This isn't your polished, five-star, perfectly-crafted review – this is the real deal, warts and all. Prepare for some serious views, some slightly-less-than-perfect moments, and a whole lot of rambling.
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- Keywords: Phuket hotel review, Big Buddha Hillside Hotel, Phuket views, Thailand hotel, accessible hotel Phuket, swimming pool, spa, restaurant, Wi-Fi, free breakfast, luxury hotel, travel review, Phuket travel tips, Thailand travel blog.
- Description: Unfiltered review of the Big Buddha Hillside Hotel in Phuket, Thailand. Explore stunning views, accessible features, dining options, and overall experience. Honest opinions and travel tips included!
The Views. Oh, the Views! (And That's Where We Start, Naturally)
Let's be honest, the main reason you're probably even considering this hotel is the promise of those breathtaking views. And folks? They deliver. I mean, unbelievable is the word they use, and it’s not an exaggeration. From the moment you step onto the terrace, your jaw will drop. You're perched high up, overlooking the rolling hills, the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea, and, of course, the majestic Big Buddha himself. Honestly, I spent a good hour on the first day just staring, completely mesmerized. The photos? They don't do it justice. It's a sunrise/sunset kind of deal, where you want to just stay put and let those colors wash over you. Pure Instagram gold, people. Pure, unadulterated Instagram gold.
Accessibility - A Mixed Bag (Like Life, Isn't It?)
Okay, so here's where things get a little… nuanced. The hotel touts itself as being partially accessible, and while they do have the elevator, a ramp here and there, and Facilities for disabled guests listed, the "hillside" part is a bit of a challenge. Navigating the property with mobility issues would require some serious stamina (or a very persuasive bellhop). The main pool area and the restaurant were easily accessible, but some areas, well, let's just say they were a bit less accommodating. Look, I'm not disabled, but I noticed it, and it’s something potential guests should be aware of.
The Room: My Little Oasis (With Occasional Quirks)
My room (Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens) was pretty darn comfortable. The Air conditioning was a lifesaver (because, hello, Phuket humidity!), and the Extra long bed was a godsend for my clumsy limbs. The Free Wi-Fi (Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!) was, thankfully, reliable. I especially loved having a balcony where I could just sit with my coffee and soak in those views again. The Mini bar was stocked with the usual suspects (and, let’s be honest, I may have indulged a little too much in the overpriced snacks). The only real hiccup? One morning the hot water decided to take a personal day. A quick call to the front desk (thank goodness for Bathroom phone) and it was promptly sorted, but it did add a touch of… adventure to my morning shower.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Feast for the Eyes (and Sometimes the Stomach)
The hotel offers a decent range of Dining, drinking, and snacking options. The main restaurant, with its poolside bar, serves a mix of Asian cuisine in restaurant and International cuisine in restaurant, and the Breakfast [buffet] was pretty extensive, with the usual suspects (a decent Western breakfast alongside Asian breakfast). I have to say, the Coffee/tea in restaurant was always a welcome start to the day. There was a Snack bar and Poolside bar offering more casual options. The Happy hour deals were a definite plus, especially after a hot day! I'm not going to lie, I spent a fair amount of time at the poolside bar, because, you know… Pool with view is a recipe for instant relaxation. It should be noted, and appreciated, the hotel uses Anti-viral cleaning products and has Staff trained in safety protocol, with all options carefully laid out for us. A quick note on Alternative meal arrangement, those are available if needed.
One night, I decided to try the A la carte in restaurant, and while the presentation was lovely, the taste was a little…meh. Okay, maybe more than a little. The Pad Thai was decent, but nothing to write home about. This is a restaurant that tries to do a lot but sometimes falls short. (And while I'm being honest, I will admit, the Desserts in restaurant were a highlight!)
Spa & Relaxation: Trying to Find My Zen (And Failing, Kinda)
The hotel boasts a Spa, a sauna (Spa/sauna), and a Swimming pool [outdoor]. Naturally, I had to try the spa. The Massage was good, very good actually, and the ambiance was lovely. The Body scrub and Foot bath were enjoyable too. But the thing that I always look for, I could not find. It's a Pool with view and I tried to relax; I am still trying to find my zen. I'm very sure that’s my fault.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Relatively Safe (Especially Post-COVID)
I was impressed by the attention to cleanliness. The Rooms sanitized between stays, the Daily disinfection in common areas, and the readily available Hand sanitizer reassured me, especially with the lingering effects of COVID still prevalent. The staff seemed diligent in following safety protocols, and I appreciated the effort to create a safe environment. Kudos to the hotel for staying on top of things.
Services & Conveniences: Helpful Stuff (and the Occasional Annoyance)
The hotel offers a range of Services and conveniences, including room service [24-hour], Daily housekeeping, Luggage storage, and Laundry service. The Concierge was immensely helpful in arranging tours and offering local recommendations. The Front desk [24-hour] was always available to help with any requests. The Car park [free of charge] (a huge plus!), and the Airport transfer was a welcome convenience. Now, for the downside. There seems to be a Cash withdrawal limit from the ATM on-site (but, hey, there's a Convenience store, too).
Things to Do (Beyond Just Staring at the View)
Okay, so you're not just going to sit in your room or by the pool the whole time, right? The hotel is a great base for exploring Phuket. They can arrange Airport transfer, and Taxi service, and the Car park [on-site] makes it easy to rent a scooter or car. Of course, the attractions of Phuket are beyond the scope of this review, but you'll be hard-pressed to be bored here.
For the Kids:
I did not have any children during my stay, so I cannot give a full review.
Final Thoughts: The Verdict (Mostly Positive, With a Few Caveats)
Okay, so here it is: The Big Buddha Hillside Hotel is a good choice, a great option if the views are your priority.
- Pros: Those views! The comfortable rooms, the friendly staff, the good breakfast, the spa. The Wi-Fi [free] was reliable. The attention to cleanliness. The Swimming pool. The Pool with view.
- Cons: The accessibility (if you need it). The sometimes-inconsistent food quality. The occasional service hiccup. The prices could be a little lower.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely, with a few caveats. Go for the views, go for the experience, but go in knowing that it's not going to be perfect. It's a hotel with character, a hotel with charm, and a hotel that, for the most part, delivers on its promises. And ultimately, those views? They’
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into Phuket, baby! Specifically, the majestic, potentially overpriced, hopefully air-conditioned paradise that is the Big Buddha Hillside Hotel. Here's the rough plan, don't expect this to actually happen on time – I'm notoriously bad at following schedules, especially when there's a beach involved.
Day 1: Arrival, Jet Lag, and Questionable Food Choices
- Morning (6:00 AM - Ish): Land at Phuket International Airport (HKT). The flight was a blur of crying babies, questionable airline food, and the desperate hope that my luggage actually made it. Immigration? A sweaty, chaotic dance. Found my pre-booked transfer to the hotel – a guy holding a sign with a barely legible font that might say my name. Fingers crossed.
- Morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Arrive at the Big Buddha Hillside Hotel. Whoa. The view. Like, actually breathtaking. You know, the kind that makes you forget how gross you feel from the flight and the fact that you probably haven't showered in… well, let's not dwell on that. Check-in. Pray the room is clean. Pray the air conditioning works. Pray the mini-bar isn't obscenely expensive.
- Morning (9:30 AM - 10:30 AM): Room tour! Found the infamous Thai baht. Quick unpack. First impression of my room: Not quite as luxurious as the photos, but the balcony view still slays. This is where I realize I really need to hit the bathroom, and have a coffee.
- Mid-day (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Food! The hotel restaurant looks… generic. Let's be adventurous. Lunch. Maybe a Pad Thai somewhere? I'm thinking a local place. Probably stumble upon a place that's been open for 30 years, only knowing enough Thai to point and smile, praying I don't accidentally order a plate of fried insects. (Not that I'd be completely opposed… curiosity, you know?)
- Mid-day (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): The Jet lag is absolutely kicking in… Rest. Nap. Attempt to resist the siren song of the pool. Fail. Head to the pool!
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Pool time! Sunscreen application is key. The hotel pool is… well, it is a pool, hopefully. Might meet some fellow travelers. Or, more likely, retreat into the serenity of my own thoughts after staring off into the distance for a while.
- Evening (7:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Dinner. This time, the hotel restaurant. Gotta at least sample the offerings. Maybe try something the menu describes as "spicy, but not too spicy." Knowing my luck, I'll accidentally set my mouth on fire.
- Evening (8:00 PM - ???): Drinks on the balcony. Sunset view. Contemplate life. Regret the questionable food choices. Fall asleep watching Netflix.
Day 2: Big Buddha, Beach Bliss, and Potential Disaster
- Morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Wake up. Assess the damage. Hopefully, the spicy food didn't win. Head to the Big Buddha.
- Morning (9:30 AM - 12:00 PM): Big Buddha time! Hire a taxi, or brave the local transport. The drive? Part of the adventure, I'm sure. The Big Buddha itself? A moment of pure, unadulterated "wow." The feeling of respect, the sheer scale of the thing. I'm praying I don't commit some sort of cultural faux pas. No selfies.
- Mid-day (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch. The cafe at the Big Buddha, I'm assuming? Or, you know, hunt down something cheaper and more authentic. Curry? Noodles? The options are endless. The heat, less so.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Beach time! Patong Beach. The legendary, the infamous. I'm mentally preparing myself for the sensory overload. Lots of hawkers, the crowds, the potential for overexposure to sun.
- Afternoon (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Dinner at Patong Beach. Find a restaurant by the beach. I will definitely be asked if I want a 'ping pong show' or something else that I will politely decline, but also be slightly terrified by.
- Evening (8:00 PM - ???): Beach stroll. Drinks. People-watching. The energy of Patong. It'll be loud, it'll be chaotic, and it might just be the best night ever. Or the worst. Who knows!
Day 3: Island Hopping (Maybe), Massage, and a Near-Death Experience (Probably)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Decide whether or not to take a boat trip and island-hop. Phi Phi? James Bond Island? The possibilities are dizzying. But also, the potential for seasickness haunts me.
- Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): If feeling adventurous, explore island hopping! If not, chill out at the hotel and get a massage.
- Mid-day (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch somewhere. Probably something with seafood!
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Massage time! Thai massage. Prepare to be both exhilarated and a contortionist. I'm terrified of the pain, but also desperate to relax!
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Free time. Last chance, whatever.
- Evening (7:00 PM - ???): Final dinner. Pack. Contemplate the meaning of life while looking out at that gorgeous sunset. Seriously. Don't you think?
The "Messy, Honest, and Funny" Stuff (aka The Things That Will Actually Happen):
- The Food Adventures (or Mishaps): I'll probably try some street food that leaves me questioning my life choices – but hey, adventure!
- The Sunburn: I'm a pale-skinned ginger. Sunscreen will be my best friend, and probably my worst enemy.
- The Lost in Translation Moments: Expect a lot of pointing, gesturing, and awkward silences. I'll probably accidentally order something terrifying.
- The Emotional Rollercoaster: From pure joy at seeing a perfect sunset to a total meltdown over a rogue mosquito, prepare for a wide range of reactions.
- The Laundry Pileup: My suitcase will be a disaster. Clothes everywhere!
- The Overall Feel: Phuket will be chaotic, beautiful, frustrating, and utterly unforgettable. I'll probably fall head-over-heels in love and not wanting to leave.
This itinerary is a suggestion. It's more likely than not I will wake up late, wander around aimlessly, deviate from the plans – repeatedly – and have the time of my life. So, here goes nothing! Wish me luck. I'm going to need it.
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Phuket Paradise Found: Big Buddha Hillside Hotel FAQs (Because HONESTLY, You Have Questions)
Okay, Real Talk: Are the Views REALLY as Mind-Blowing as the Pictures?
Alright, let's be brutally honest. Yes. Like, *holy moly* yes. I've seen sunsets, people. I've SEEN them. But sitting on that balcony, cocktail in hand, watching the sun melt into the Andaman Sea from the Big Buddha Hillside Hotel... It was beyond. The pictures? They're good. They're tempting. They're… kinda a lie. They don't capture the actual *whoosh* of awe that hits you when you first walk out. It's like your brain just short-circuits for a solid five minutes. My jaw legit dropped. I'm not even kidding.
I remember the first day, I wandered onto the balcony, utterly wrecked from the flight, and basically wept (quietly, of course. Tried to maintain some semblance of composure). The sheer scale! The different shades of blue! The way the clouds painted themselves across the sky! Seriously, pack tissues. You'll need them. For the view, not the sadness (hopefully).
The Hillside Part Sounds…Steep. How's the Climb? Are you Exhausted Before Tea is Served?
Okay, so the "Hillside" bit? Yeah, they're not kidding. It's a climb. Let's be real. I'm not exactly an Olympic athlete. More of a "professional napper" actually. So, the initial ascent from the main road to reception... It *was* a bit of a trek. Especially in the midday heat. But they have golf carts! Thank GOD for the golf carts. They're your best friend.
The carts are a lifesaver. Think of them as your chariot of chill. Request one, you're good. If you're feeling truly adventurous (or, like me, misjudged the distance to your room and didn't want to admit defeat) there is a walkway, but the golf cart is the way to go and the staff is on it.
After a few cheeky Chang beers and the golf carts, the hillside became less of a mountain and more of a gentle suggestion of exercise. And the reward at the top is, you know, a freaking *paradise* so it's worth it.
The Big Buddha – How Close ARE you to it? Does it get VERY noisy?
Okay, "close" is relative. You're not literally *next door* to the Big Buddha. But you're bloody close enough to feel its presence. Like, spiritually close. And the views… are even MORE spectacular because of it. The perspective is utterly amazing from the hotel. Being so close really adds to the whole vibe.
About 'noisy'? Honestly? Not really. The occasional distant chanting or bell ringing is more of a spiritual massage than noise pollution. It enhances the atmosphere, actually. Adds to the serenity. Though I did briefly worry about getting up a 5am to prayer. (Luckily, I'm a heavy sleeper). Plus, the hotel rooms are very well-soundproofed. Unless a family yells in the hallway, I didn’t notice a thing!
What's the Food Like? Is it All Just Pad Thai and Curry? (And Is That a Bad Thing?)
Okay, let's talk about the important things: food. The hotel's restaurant is…good. Really good. They've got the pad thai, the green curry, all the classics, of course. And yes, they're fantastic. I basically lived on green curry for the first three days. No regrets.
But here's the kicker: They also have a really good selection of Western options. Some of them are even *surprisingly* good. I had a burger one night (don't judge!), and it was actually decent. And their breakfast buffet? Forget about it. You'll be in a food coma by 10 am. Seriously, pace yourself. It's a marathon, not a sprint. Too many options. Too little willpower. I loved it; but bring bigger pants, or at least extra stretchy ones.
There is a restaurant on site, and nearby restaurants. But I'm kinda lazy, so I stayed in the hotel. They were really lovely about dietary restrictions (which, admittedly, are mainly my aversion to anything green that ISN'T curry-related).
This place feels luxurious, what's the price range?
Let's be real, luxury ain't cheap. But, listen... you get what you pay for. It's not *cheap*, no. But for the quality, the views, the service... I thought it was pretty reasonable. Considering the sheer jaw-dropping-ness of the place, I'd say it's worth every penny. It's an investment in sanity, happiness, and stunning Instagram photos (don't lie, you're thinking about it too).
Be warned however, that prices can fluctuate based on the season. Best to check directly for the specific dates you are looking into. Personally, I went during the shoulder season, and it was perfection. Less crowds. Slightly cheaper. Win-win.
What else does the hotel HAVE going on? Any Pools? Spas? Activities?
Oh, YES. They have a pool. And it's not just *any* pool. It's an infinity pool. With, you guessed it… incredible views. Pictures don't do it justice, of course. You will literally feel like you're swimming into the sea. I spent a lot of time there, mainly because I'm essentially a water-based creature. Pro-Tip: get there early to snag a sun lounger. They do get busy.
They also have a spa. I got a massage. A *very* good massage. My knots vanished. I floated out of there like a cloud. And the prices were very reasonable. If you're stressed, book a massage, stat. It's a lifesaver. (Or, you know, a stress-saver.)
Any Tips? Anything I *Need* to Know Before I Go?
Okay, listen up, because here's the REAL inside scoop.
- **Pack bug spray.** Seriously. Mosquitoes are sneaky assassins. Don't ruin your sunset cocktail by getting nibbled to death.
- **Bring a phone charger AND a portable charger.** You *will* be taking a ridiculous number of photos. Trust me. Your battery will drain faster than your cocktail glass.
- **Tip generouslyBlog Hotel Search SiteBig Buddha Hillside Hotel Phuket Thailand
Big Buddha Hillside Hotel Phuket Thailand
