Avista Hideaway Phuket

Harnoor Gill

We had a great stay at this resort. We were there for 3 days and still barely explored the entire place. The room was spacious, clean, and comfortable. We had a jacuzzi on our balcony that we ended up not using because it didn’t look fully clean, but I’m pretty sure if we had asked, they would have taken care of it. The location is quiet and away from the hustle and bustle of Patong, which we preferred. It’s walking distance to Freedom Beach, and there’s a 7/11 about a 3-minute walk away for snacks and drinks. Just note: you’ll need transportation to get into town. We used scooters, which were much faster, cheaper, and honestly a really fun experience. Service was fast, the pool was nice, and the staff were exceptional. Abhi was especially great, and all the staff we interacted with were really kind and helpful. The 24/7 buggy service was super useful (and necessary) because the hills are intense, but the buggies always came quickly. Overall, a beautiful resort with great service and a peaceful location. We’d happily stay here again. Also the fire show was neat on Friday evening!

Alin Ioan

My stay unfortunately started on the wrong foot. The first room I was given had a very strong mold smell, and the walls showed signs of dampness. After raising the issue with the hotel, I was “upgraded” to a jacuzzi room, which I initially appreciated. However, the next day when we tried to use the jacuzzi, the water had a swamp-like smell, which was extremely unpleasant and disappointing. The hotel overall feels dated and in clear need of renovation, certainly not delivering a 5-star experience. Breakfast was good, but despite asking guests about dietary requirements in advance, they don’t actually accommodate them. For example, I’m lactose intolerant and couldn’t find any lactose-free yogurt available. The restaurant food is average and overpriced. They charge premium prices for Western dishes, yet the quality doesn’t reflect it — the pizza, for example, was just bread with cheese and an excessive amount of oil. Additionally, two people in our group experienced food poisoning, and we suspect it may have come from the hotel — either from the ice in the drinks or something at breakfast. We ultimately left disappointed. We had hoped this resort would be a relaxing retreat, but it turned out to be just average, comparable to many 4-star properties in the area. It’s a pity because the place itself looks beautiful and has so much potential.

AUDITWELL

We had a wonderful stay. This hotel is 100% recommended! It’s our second time here, and this time we came with family as well. We would like to thank especially Abu, who works at breakfast — he is very kind, a really good person and always attentive to his guests. Also, there is a girl we met here three years ago in the same hotel (unfortunately we don’t remember her name), but she was lovely too. The Manager and Majda were also extremely helpful and charming — their attitude made us feel very welcome. In general, all the staff are very nice and friendly, and they make your stay comfortable and pleasant. The room cleaning was also excellent — everything feels very well cared for. Breakfast is very good, with a nice variety and fresh products every morning. The atmosphere is relaxing, and the whole environment is perfect to disconnect and enjoy your holidays. We truly appreciate the way everyone works here to make every detail perfect for the guests. We will definitely come back again — this place really makes you feel at home.

Maisie Cairns

Thank you to the staff at Avista Hideaway, in particular the lovely lady who checked us in and Aye. We had issues with our banking-their support throughout the three day process was outstanding. We were able to continue our great holiday with minimal worry. The resort itself was a great escape from the busy Penang township. What a view!!! Our short trips into town (300baht each way, or the free restore bus), and around, were forever memorable as was our ability relax on the serene landscape of the hotel. 24 hour room service supported our late nights, a golf buggy to take us to our room when we had tired feet, and an incredibly honest, happy and responsive staff at the lobby, the restaurants, the garden, the pool bar, the spa. Where ever we were, when ever we interacted it was always a positive experience. Maintenance and room Renovations were happening but so discretely that it was no bother at all. One of the travellers has had multiple knee and ankle surgeries and the hilly, full of steps location was totally okay for us. The resort was out of town, but at the bottom of the driveway was a street with restaurants, a tailor (got my pants fixed), a laundry (cheap as chips), a 24 hour 7-11, other services. Next to the 7-11 was a little restaurant which had THE BEST GREEN CURRY I’ve ever tasted-thanks to the Granny who stood in the kitchen with her daughters?? To make it 😋 We would stay here again in a heart beat. Loved it!!!

Susanne Jones

We booked the Avista Hideaway as we had to extend our trip due to a medical emergency. Prior to arrival, I was emailed a 'personalise your experience' form which I thought was great. Unfortunately, none of the information submitted (including my husband's heart attack while on holiday only a week earlier) was met/taken into consideration upon arrival which was a real shame. Why issue such form in the first place if you don't look at it? Utter waste of time for all. The impersonal service continued during our stay unfortunately. On our first evening we decided to book Sizzle restaurant given the reviews online. Upon arrival, they could not find our booking (made via front desk), service was over the top (we were asked whether we wanted dessert 4 times!), food was average and overpriced. We also could not have our welcome drink at Sizzle (Accor member). But what really upset us was when we asked for the bill to be put onto our room we felt almost like criminals as they asked us to wait so they could verify our room number and name. Very dramatic! We did not bother trying the Indian restaurant adjacent to Sizzle following that experience and ate in the Vista restaurant for the remainder of our stay which by the way was beautiful food with 30% discount recognised for Accor/Explorer Diamond. Breakfast was fantastic also and I want to mention Bella, Alisa and Natcha for an excellent service. Special mention to Abu, without whom Avista would not be the same in my opinion. The hotel has 3 pools, 2 of which are adult only. Special mention to Tuktik for serving yummy Limoncello Spritz' at the pool bar with a beautiful smile. The resort itself is very, very pretty but you need a good level of fitness and good knees to climb up and down those stairs! We stayed at the Pool Villa which was specious and clean. Housekeeping and concierge were responsive and friendly. In terms of staffing, it was probably the front desk that felt most disorganised and slow. The hotel is around 10 minutes from Patong Beach and Bangla Road and taxis and tuktuks seem to cost a lot more from there compared to our first hotel which was on the other side of Patong with simar distance to Bangla Road. There is a 7 Eleven in walking distance, a launderette, tailor and massage place. We visited the Spa in the resort which was very pretty also. Overall, a good and relaxing stay. It lacks the personalised service we would expect from a 5 star. While the resort is beautifully appointed, it is very shabby as soon as you leave the resort. Transport seems overpriced. We preferred the other side of Patong and Karon Beach for a very different experience.