The exclusive Grand Mercure provides the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of Patong in elegant, serene surroundings
by Katherine Walsh
The Grand Mercure Phuket Patong (www.grandmercurephuketpatong.com) is located in the heart of bustling Patong on the holiday island of Phuket, and provides guests with a peaceful place to relax away from the local hubbub. This resort offers a tranquil space to stay, which is shrouded in a calming ambience that stands in stark contrast to the lively areas found nearby. Special care and small attention to detail is paid to everything from the immaculate modern Thai décor, through to the high level of impeccable customer service. The azure-blue swimming pool represents the nucleus of this exotic resort and is surrounded by a choice of accommodations, all offering stunning pool views.
The hotel caters to a range of guests including families, business travelers, young couples and groups of friends looking for stylish residences in the center of Patong. There are 314 rooms made up from an eclectic choice of 252 Superior Rooms, 38 Deluxe Pool Access Rooms, 10 Suites, 10 One-bed Pool Villas and four Two-bed Pool Villas, ensuring all budgets and tastes are catered to. Walking into the plush reception area, one will immediately feel at ease as smiling staff greet each guest with a genuine sense of warmth and hospitality. The lofty ceilings and shiny marble floors, complete with twirling fans create a cool environment, and the friendly character of the resort is palpable throughout. This quiet hideaway with contemporary Thai furnishings successfully combines traditional Southeast Asian trends with innovative style, to establish a retreat that blends customary Thai culture with a fresh twist.
After checking in, guests will be shown to their accommodation where a 40” television, comfortable sofa, fully stocked mini bar, in-room safety box, tea and coffee making facilities and a view of the turquoise swimming pool will all be waiting. There is an option to connect to an adjoining room if required, and babysitting and laundry are among the helpful services on offer. A choice of a bathtub or walk-in rain shower is available and the complimentary Wi-Fi is on hand for those wanting to stay in touch with the outside world. Fancy a bite to eat in the privacy of your room? Tasty meals are served via room service 24 hours a day, allowing guests to enjoy the exclusivity of their room if so desired. For those ready to indulge, the Deluxe Pool Access Rooms, Suites and Pool Villas boast a personal sundeck for soaking up the warm rays, and light dimmers to help to create the perfect atmosphere in each room.
The grandeur of the Grand Mercure is evident throughout the resort. A tangible feeling of Asian sincerity and tropical calm can be enjoyed in the social areas from the Craft Bar and Bubbles Restaurant, through to the Chou Chou Deli, Bounce Pool Bar and the Sala Open Air Lounge. Start the day with an appetizing breakfast at the poolside Bubbles Restaurant, where a wide selection of delicious dishes can be enjoyed. From freshly made croissants and crispy bacon through to rice soup and noodles, East meets West in a culinary breakfast adventure that is the perfect way to start a day. Freshly-brewed coffee and refreshing fruit juices are also available at breakfast, and guests can choose between seating in the cool air-conditioned, naturally sunlit indoor dining room or outside by the swimming pool. Lunch and dinner is also available at Bubbles with a wide assortment of dishes on offer including tapas plates, Indian kebabs and pizzas, while Thai fare is well represented with pad Thai and tom yam khung proving popular. Want to sample a local delicacy? Gaeng poo is a Phuket favorite made from local crab, served in a tasty coconut yellow curry sauce that is a real culinary treat.
With the Andaman Sea just a short stroll from the Grand Mercure, the lure of the local beach is magnetizing. Recreational activities can be organized including elephant trekking, watersports, jungle walking, diving, Thai boxing shows, temple tours and shopping trips. Alternatively the on-site gymnasium or Ryn Spa are other wonderful ways to spend the day, while business travelers may prefer to make use of the modern business center, complete with a choice of three venues for hosting meetings or private parties. Throughout the day, guests can unwind in the semi-submerged Bounce Pool Bar and if that wasn’t enough, the Craft Bar serves the largest selection of beers on the island, allowing you to sample beers from places as close as Japan to as far flung as Europe.
Whether visiting Phuket for business or pleasure, indulge in the Grand Mercure for the ultimate calming experience, right on the doorstep of famous hullabaloo of Patong.
