Situated on a busy Kata Beach road is the Kata Beach Resort and Spa and its palm-shaded entrance, featuring a fun, if kitschy, elephant fountain. The pagoda entryway leads into the bright, airy lobby. Colorful retro designs, a lovely atrium glass roof, two small antique glass elevators, and greenery dangling over three floors creates a striking first impression. Indoor hallways are standard and dimly lit. With slightly worn fixtures and outdated decor, the resort could use freshening up. Overall the atmosphere is relaxed but a touch noisy, especially in the sometimes crowded lobby and pool.

Located on the sandy shores of Kata Beach, guests can catch views of Crab Island from the resort. Water sports rentals are available on the sand. It’s less than two minutes on foot to shops, ATMs, restaurants, bars, and cafes. The street outside -- lined with mopeds -- is in a busy area of Kata Beach. The airport is 46 minutes away by car. Wat Chalong Temple is a 13-minute drive. Phuket town is reachable by car in 19 minutes. Phuket Surf is a seven-minute walk. Surf House Phuket is a one-minute stroll. Driving to Phuket Fantasea takes 26 minutes.

Wood floors, colorful draperies, and throw pillows create a homey feel in Superior, Deluxe Seaview, Grand Deluxe, and Grand Pool access rooms. Junior Suites (some with pool access) are also available. All rooms feature air-conditioning, minibars, safes, electric kettles, flat-screen TVs, and umbrellas. Balconies or terraces face the street, pool, and/or sea. Standard bathrooms have shower/tub combos and pump dispenser toiletries. Upgraded rooms have bathrobes and charming window seats. Pool Access rooms offer terraces with lounge chairs and submerged ledges with jets (kids aren’t allowed in these rooms). Junior Suites have living rooms. Some rooms have old fashioned, tired decor. Key cards operate lights.

The resort’s lagoon-shaped pool and kids' pool overlooks the sea. Palm trees dot the deck lined with plastic lounge chairs and white umbrellas. A tour desk -- near a water gear kiosk -- offers water sports rentals, snorkeling trips, and charter boat reservations. In December, the King's Cup Regatta is based at the resort and the waters are crowded with yachts.

To help guests unwind, there’s a lovely spa with three treatment rooms, a sauna, and a whirlpool tub. The gym offers lots of windows, modern cardio equipment, and weights. The kids' club -- featuring a Disney mural, toys, and a tube-style TV -- is available for children ages two to 12. 

The three on-site restaurants and two bars take advantage of the beautiful beachfront setting. The Pagoda swim-up bar -- with terrace seating and a daily happy hour -- appeals to couples and solo travelers. Peppino Italian restaurant features classic furniture and dark wood ceilings. The beach bar faces the beach and street, with traditional furniture that’s a bit rustic. There’s also an atrium coffee shop that offers live entertainment and the Kata Wine Cellar.

The hotel also has five meeting spaces, fitting between 20 to 500 people. Meeting supplies and audiovisual equipment are available. Weddings can also be arranged on-site. Wi-Fi is free, but slow.