Treat Yo’ Self Trip Report: Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa, Phuket

Posted by Noob Master on Mar 7, 2013 in American Express, Amex, Hotels, Starwood Preferred Guest, Trip Reports, Uncategorized | 2 comments

• Treat Yo’ Self Trip Report Introduction 
• Lufthansa 747-8i – IAD-FRA
• Canceled Flight Leads to Poetic Train Ride
• Lufthansa First Class Lounge in Munich
• Thai Air First Class 747 | MUC-BKK
• Grand Hyatt Bangkok 
• Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa, Phuket

After a quick stay in Bangkok, it was time to move onto Phuket. I picked the Starwood Westin location based off of a recommendation from a friend and because the price was 2,800 SPG points + $45 a night (via the Cash & Points redemption). Now, after the increase in SPG’s Cash & Points, the cost would be 3,500 points and $55 a night.

View flying into Phuket

Check-In

After the 30 minute taxi ride from the airport, I finally arrived at the Westin. Phuket is hot and muggy, so I was happy to accept the cold towel and fresh juice during check-in.

Phuket weather recovery

The check-in lobby was wide open, clean, and offered several seating options. There were several guests there just to hang out and relax.

Check-in area

After completing the check-in – which was very smooth – a Westin employee offered to escort me to my room in a golf cart. The golf carts are necessary on this resort. Trust me. It was a 5 minute ride to my room, which was in the center of the resort.

Room

The room was very spacious. I had a Superior Seaview King room that was 538 sg. ft, came with heavenly bed and bath,  a comfy couch, 37″ flat screen HD TV, and a balcony with an incredible view. I don’t know why, but I wasn’t expecting much when I booked the room. But, when I walked into my room, I was more than pleased.

bedroom

I especially liked the bathroom with a walk-in shower and an opening over the tub. This opened up the room and made it feel even bigger. It was a nice touch.

Bathroom

Dual shower heads. Awesome sauce.

Shower

Open spaces

Ummm. The view from the balcony rocked!

View from the room

The pillow-to-seating ratio swinged mightily in the decorative pillows favor. My lumbar appreciated the added cushioning, though. I had a nice time waking up and eating breakfast on the balcony. It was a great way to start the day.

balcony

The rooms down below each had a swimming pool! That’s redic.

Pools down below

The Property

The hotel was well maintained and kept to the Thailand tropical resort feel.

Grounds

I loved all the areas where you could go and relax if you wanted to.

Seating options

Pool

The cabana huts were very inviting.

More relaxing options

Wrap Up

I really enjoyed my time at the Westin Siray even though I didn’t spend much time there. I found it to be a great place to relax. It was very quiet and many families were there on vaca. The location was great as it was only a 10 minute ride to Phuket town, 30 minutes to Old Town, and about 30 minutes to Patong Beach.

It’s also a large property so you wouldn’t have any trouble finding a nice, secluded place to get away and read a book or iPad, or whatever you like to do when you’re alone.

All the staff that I encountered were friendly and happy to serve, even the hotel employee who picked me at 5am to escort me the front of the hotel for my taxi to the airport.

I wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again, but I don’t feel like I got the full experience because I was there for such a short time. I mainly explored Phuket and only sleep at the Westin. The hotel offered many services that I didn’t partake in such as: six restaurants and bars, Heavenly Spa, Westin Kids Club, meeting facilities overlooking Siray Bay, and a choice of three refreshing outdoor pools.

The Westin is a category 3 Starwood property costing 7,000 SPG points a night, or 3,500 points and $55 a night. Currently the sign-up bonus for the Starwood Preferred Guest® and Starwood Preferred Guest® Business  cards are 10,000 points on first spend and another 15,000 points after spending $5,000 in 6 months.

I hope this helps if you’re weighing hotel options in Phuket.

— Noob Master