Roomer

D Varee Mai Khao Beach

Thalang District, Thailand
$75-150/ night

Book this if You want a dead-quiet beach escape near the airport and don't mind being 45 minutes from the nearest party.

Why People Love It

  • Direct access to a massive 70-meter swimming pool from ground-floor rooms
  • Walking distance to a pristine, empty stretch of Mai Khao Beach
  • Significantly cheaper than the JW Marriott and Renaissance neighbors

Quick Take: A budget-friendly resort with an identity crisis (formerly D Varee) that offers great pools but inconsistent room maintenance.

Reviewed by @Fitti: I booked this on a whim because of the low price, but I was blown away. Having a pool right off my terrace for £38 a night is insane value. The room is spacious, the bed is huge, and I spent my entire morning just floating outside my door. Highly recommend for a chill escape.

Guest Who Stayed Here Said

The hype

Guests love the massive pools and quiet beach access but are divided on room quality and breakfast variety.

Reality check

The '5-star' rating is a stretch; expect a solid 3.5-star experience with occasional maintenance hiccups like noisy AC or worn cushions.

  • You need a quiet place to decompress before or after a flight (15 mins to airport)
  • You plan to spend your entire trip in the pool or on the beach
  • You hate crowds and Patong-style chaos

Cleanliness & Maintenance

7
  • Housekeeping: Daily service is consistent, but attention to detail (dust under beds, balcony cushions) can be lacking.
  • Bathroom hygiene: Hit or miss. Renovated rooms are sparkling; older rooms have reports of musty smells and tired grout.
  • Maintenance: Aging infrastructure is visible. Expect occasional peeling paint or a loose tile in the pool.
  • Linens & towels: Towels are generally clean but can feel worn/scratchy in standard rooms.
  • Odors & scents: Lobby is fresh, but some ground-floor rooms have a lingering damp/musty smell due to humidity.

Sleepability™

8SILENT
SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
  • Loud air conditioning units in older rooms
  • Occasional hallway noise due to tile floors

Before you book

Good to know

  • Download the 'Grab' app before arrival; hotel taxis are overpriced (800 THB vs 500 THB for Grab)
  • A security deposit of 2,000 THB is required upon check-in
  • The on-site mini-mart has limited hours and stock; buy essentials at the airport 7-Eleven

What to pack

  • Mosquito repellent — the lush gardens and still water attract bugs
  • Your own beach towel clips — it gets windy on Mai Khao beach

Room Genie

Best picks

  • Deluxe Pool Access (Ground Floor) — stepping directly into the water is the highlight here
  • Building 3 — often cited as quieter and closer to the beach

Rooms to avoid

  • Rooms facing the road (rare, but possible)
  • 2nd floor rooms if you have mobility issues (elevators can be far or slow)

Room Request Genie – copy & paste

“I am booking a stay and specifically request a recently renovated room in the Deluxe Pool Access category. Please ensure the AC unit has been serviced recently.”

FAQ & Hidden tips

Everything you actually want to know before you book.

Is the hotel name D Varee or Estella?

It is now officially 'Estella Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort', but many signs and locals still call it D Varee.

Is it close to the airport?

Yes, about a 15-minute drive. You won't hear loud plane noise, but it's very convenient for layovers.

Can I walk to restaurants?

Yes, there are a few local bamboo-shack restaurants along the beach (like Seaside Restaurant) within a 10-15 minute walk.

Is there a shuttle to Patong?

No free shuttle. A taxi to Patong will cost 800-1000+ THB each way and take over an hour.

Is the pool clean?

Generally yes, but older reviews mention broken tiles. Recent 2026 reviews praise the pool condition.

Are pets allowed?

No, the resort has a strict no-pets policy.

Insider Tips

  • ✨

    Walk north along the beach for 10 minutes to find 'Micky Monkey Beach' for cheaper drinks and a chill vibe.

  • ✨

    Don't pay for the hotel breakfast if it's not included; the nearby 'Mama's Restaurant' opens early and is cheaper.

  • ✨

    The 'Garden View' rooms often look at a wall or hedge; pay the extra $10 for Pool View.

5 things to know before you go

  • 💡The 'gym' is basic and often opens late or has AC issues.

  • 💡You might be the only guest in the massive lobby bar at night — it's a ghost town.

  • 💡The beach has no lifeguards and strong currents in the low season (May-Oct).

  • 💡Room service stops early compared to big chain hotels.

  • 💡The 'renovation' was partial; check your mattress immediately upon entry.

Local Playbook

Map

See where D Varee Mai Khao Beach is located and what's nearby.

Key amenities & services