REVIEWS CHECKING OUT... STAY:
BY HUGH WILLIAMS THE BACKGROUND: The property over- looks both the Kata and Karon beaches on the western shore of Phuket. The hotel has two separate buildings, one with family rooms and deluxe suites, and the other with club rooms overlooking the pool; good for those wanting a quiet option with a balcony. The rooms have DVD players and the bathrooms feature separate bath and shower, twin sinks and coastal views.
THE LOCATION: The hotel is an hour’s taxi ride from the airport, and a fi ve- minute'walk from Kata beach. A twice- daily free shuttle bus operates to both Kata and Patong beaches. THE ROOM: We stayed in a Grand De- luxe room with a city view in the new- er wing of the hotel on the 4th fl oor. The room was very well appointed, open plan with a modern minimalist fi nish and felt very light and airy. With a furnished panorama balcony, a glass-walled ensuite bathroom with separate bath and shower and both king-size and double beds there was plenty of space. There was also a small kitchenette and storage space. RESTAURANTS/BARS: The Zing pool bar offers poolside service while the En Vogue Restaurant provides a range of dinner options from BBQ and Thai buf- fet to sports and karaoke nights. KEY FACILITIES:The hotel caters well for families looking to relax, with a recreation room, a library and a kids’
STAY:
HOTELS / RESORTS / RAIL / AIRLINES THE AVISTA KATA BEACH RESORT – PHUKET, THAILAND THE VERDICT
club. There are also two separate swimming pools, a gym, room service and the Sukko Spa. Complimentary WiFi is also provided.
The Avista Kata Beach Resort and Spa 4/1, 4 Leam Sai Road, Kata, Karon, Phuket, 83100 Thailand RES: 0066 02 66181413 E: reservations@
avistahotelandresorts.com HOTEL: 0066 76 298888 E: avista.kata@avistahotelandresorts. com W:
katabeach.avistahotelsandresorts.com
SANDMAN SIGNATURE HOTEL – NEWCASTLE, ENGLAND
BY STEVE HARTRIDGE THE BACKGROUND: The 175-bedroom hotel on Heber Street is the fi rst to be opened in the UK by Canadian-owned the Sandman Hotel Group, which owns over 40 hotels, resorts, inns and suites across Canada. Built on the former headquarters of the Scottish and Newcastle Brewery, it has quickly established itself as a favourite of both leisure and business travellers and those visiting the city to watch a Premier League football match. THE LOCATION: The hotel is located on the edge of the city centre, immedi- ately opposite St James Park, home of Newcastle FC. THE ROOM: There’s a variety of room types, including fully-furnished, self- catering suites. My spacious fi fth fl oor junior suite looked out onto an area of the city earmarked for development. I loved the full kitchen, wet-room style shower, king-size bed with deep- plunge mattress, and fast and free wifi .
THE VERDICT
RESTAURANTS/FACILITIES: On the lobby level the Shark Club Gastro Bar serves cocktails and a range of beers and ales, along with an extensive and reasonably priced bar menu. It doubles up as a trendy nightspot and is also where hotel guests have breakfast. The bar provides a 24-hour room service to hotel residents. There's a small rooftop fi tness facility.
WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE: It's a short stroll to attractions such as St. James’ Park – tours of the stadium are available – Chinatown, Castle Keep, Quayside and Tyne Bridge as well as several restaurants and bars.
Sandman Signature Hotel Newcastle Gallowgate, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 4SD Tel: 0191 229 2600; E: res_newcastle@
sandmanhotels.co.uk; W:
sandmansignature.co.uk
For a central city property the Sandman manages to combine an intimate approach – see the cosy fireplace and swing chair in the lobby – with the classy touches expected of any upmarket modern city hotel. The staff were fabulous: I arrived in torrential rain and, seeing my drowned-rat look, offered to dry my clothes and send tea to my room.
EXCEPTIONAL LOVED IT! PASS FARCE
The Avista Kata Beach Resort and Spa is the perfect choice for families or those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere away from the excesses of Patpong or Phuket Town. It's a good base from which to explore the west coast of Phuket. The hotel is well maintained and nothing is left to chance, providing fantastic facilities and perfect customer service with a smile.
EXCEPTIONAL LOVED IT! PASS FARCE
66 May 2013
www.sellinglonghaul.com
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