Royal Crown Hotel - Any Good experiences Please?

[oysterfiend]

hi
Next year June 2007 my hubby and I have a timeshare exchange at the Royal Crown Hotel Phuket.
I have read some discouraging reviews and also that Nanai road is a sleazy area. It is uphill and aways from the beach but they do offer an hourly shuttle service to the beach.
We want a nice pool, clean linen and bathroom , view , friendly service and a safe deposit box in our room.
I already have our exchange confirmed and won't be changing but can't believe it is as bad as some reviews state.
Any comments please would be appreciated .
Thanks in advance

[landofsmiles]

There's nothing sleazy about Nanai Road. It's an area where the majority of Patongs' Thai workers and foreign expats live and has many good hotels, bars and restaurants.

It is quite a walk to the beach but you can enjoy the thrill of a motorbike taxi ride for just 20baht to get there...or a tuktuk will probably cost about 50.

Don't use the hotels' airport pickup service...they are charging more than if you just walk out the terminal and jump into an Airport Limousine.

[oysterfiend]

Thanks
I have used other forums such as trip advisor and playa info for our last trip tp The Yucatan Mexico and reviews are very subjective.
The hotel looks nice enough on its website and looks as though we should have views of the sea if we get the right room.
Some of the reviews for the resorts we stayed in Mexico were really critical and yet we thought the resorts were fine if not top notch.
Cleanliness and security are issues we like to know are ok as no one wants to worry about what they'll find in the bed (other than what they want that is) or find their money gone from their own room safe deposit box

[M & M]

Originally Posted by oysterfiend

Thanks
I have used other forums such as trip advisor and playa info for our last trip tp The Yucatan Mexico and reviews are very subjective.
The hotel looks nice enough on its website and looks as though we should have views of the sea if we get the right room.
Some of the reviews for the resorts we stayed in Mexico were really critical and yet we thought the resorts were fine if not top notch.
Cleanliness and security are issues we like to know are ok as no one wants to worry about what they'll find in the bed (other than what they want that is) or find their money gone from their own room safe deposit box

Don't worry about cleanliness...most 'reasonable' hotels are very clean and have maid service every day with clean sheets and towels...and the rooms don't usually have carpet either timber parquetry or tile...very clean really...

I tend to disagree regarding airport transfers...I like to ensure them from the hotel because of the marfioso at the airport trying to give you bus ride with accommodation and everything else that is to be sold...they can get very dogmatic...but that's just me I like to secure airport/hotel transfers before I travel...

Marcia

[Frode10]

Originally Posted by M & M

I tend to disagree regarding airport transfers...I like to ensure them from the hotel because of the marfioso at the airport trying to give you bus ride with accommodation and everything else that is to be sold...they can get very dogmatic...but that's just me I like to secure airport/hotel transfers before I travel...

I agree with you that it's "safer" to get a car from the hotel to pick you up at the airport. But if the aiport-limo guys stop somewhere to sell you anything, then you should tell them the hotel is already paid and you have done all the excursions that is on the island before.

No excursions, only look girls.

(well, the last one was not for you Marcia)

F

[landofsmiles]

You don't get any of that sales stuff with the meter taxis out in the top left corner of the carpark and they are cheaper than the limos....450 baht to Patong.

[ancientmariner]

the rooms at this hotel are old and the bathrooms are not very clean. it's located on a hilly street and so you would have to get a motorbike or tuktuk to get around

[oysterfiend]

Originally Posted by ancientmariner

the rooms at this hotel are old and the bathrooms are not very clean. it's located on a hilly street and so you would have to get a motorbike or tuktuk to get around

Do you Know someone whose been there recently?
As I said we have our exchange confimed now with Rci so we'll just have to make the best of it.
If we are pleasantly surprised - thats good too!

[cybernator_uk]

Originally Posted by M & M

Don't worry about cleanliness...most 'reasonable' hotels are very clean and have maid service every day with clean sheets and towels...and the rooms don't usually have carpet either timber parquetry or tile...very clean really...

I tend to disagree regarding airport transfers...I like to ensure them from the hotel because of the marfioso at the airport trying to give you bus ride with accommodation and everything else that is to be sold...they can get very dogmatic...but that's just me I like to secure airport/hotel transfers before I travel...
Marcia

I tend to agree with Marcia on this point.... I always arrange for the hotel to pick me up.... No worries in getting from A to B and if it costs a little more then so be it.... Its not much you are going to be worrying about really is it 3-4 GBP....Id rather pay that than get messed around going to a travel agents and being told this hotel is better or these tours are good... That isnt really just for Thailand but for anywhere out of Europe... (apart from Tokyo)

[oysterfiend]

I agree it is comforting to arrive somewhere and see a recognisable name even if it is only the name of the hotel you are going to.
I think we will take the hotel transfer as I am a greenie when it comes to Phuket

[M & M]

Originally Posted by oysterfiend

I agree it is comforting to arrive somewhere and see a recognisable name even if it is only the name of the hotel you are going to.
I think we will take the hotel transfer as I am a greenie when it comes to Phuket

Good call oysterfiend...save any hassels...