The hype
Guests are blown away by the architecture and breakfast spread, but many are surprised by how far the 'Mountain' rooms are from the ocean.
Intercontinental Phuket Resort
$250-600/ night
Book this if You want a visually stunning, Instagram-ready resort with excellent service and don't mind splitting your time between a beach club vibe and a quieter mountain sanctuary.
Why People Love It
- The 'Heaven' design concept with the white temple pavilion is genuinely jaw-dropping
- Five different pools mean you can always find a vibe, from adults-only rooftop quiet to family fun
- Service is consistently rated as top-tier Thai hospitality, even when the hotel is full
Quick Take: A tale of two resorts: a stunning beach club on one side and a serene (but currently construction-adjacent) mountain retreat on the other, connected by a trippy underground tunnel.
Reviewed by @travelwithhilla: I felt like royalty staying here. The Sawan Pavilion is breathtaking, and having seven restaurants meant we ate like kings every day. The pool vibes are unmatched—perfect for a romantic getaway. Definitely the highlight of our Phuket trip!
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'Pool View' rooms on the mountain side often face the public pool directly, meaning zero privacy on your balcony unless you close the blinds.
- You are an IHG Diamond member looking to burn points for high value
- You love a high-energy beach club breakfast (Pine Beach Bar) followed by a quiet spa afternoon
- You are traveling with kids—Planet Trekkers club is excellent and free
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.8
- Housekeeping: Generally excellent twice-daily service. Some reports of missed dust in high corners.
- Bathroom hygiene: Sparkling, though the marble floors get dangerous when wet. No widespread mold issues reported recently.
- Maintenance: Newer property (2019) so wear is minimal, but humidity takes a toll on paint/plaster in ground floor rooms.
- Linens & towels: Crisp, high-thread-count sheets. Towels are plush and plentiful.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells like jasmine. Some ground floor rooms can smell 'damp' if AC isn't running constantly.
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Construction noise from 'The Residences' project (Mountain Wing)
- Road noise for rooms closest to the highway
- Damp/musty smell in some ground floor rooms due to humidity
Before you book
Good to know
- A deposit of roughly 2,000-3,000 THB per night is taken at check-in
- The 'Club InterContinental' access includes afternoon tea and sunset cocktails, which can offset the high drink prices
- Breakfast at Pinto (Mountain side) is a massive buffet; breakfast at Pine (Beach side) is à la carte and breezier
What to pack
- Mosquito repellent – the lush gardens and outdoor dining areas are bug havens
- DampRid or moisture absorbers – closet humidity is a real issue here
- Slip-on shoes – you will be taking them off constantly for the beach and pool areas
Room Genie
Best picks
- Club InterContinental Ocean View Rooms (Beach side) – worth the splurge to avoid the tunnel commute
- Lagoon Villas – if you want direct pool access on the quieter side (but check construction proximity)
Rooms to avoid
- Classic Mountain View rooms facing the construction site (ask specifically to face away)
- Ground floor Pool Access rooms if you value privacy (guests swim right past your window)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am aware of the ongoing construction at The Residences. Please assign a room in the Mountain Wing that faces completely AWAY from the construction site and cranes, preferably on a higher floor to minimize dampness.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the beach private?
No, all beaches in Thailand are public. However, the hotel maintains a clean section with loungers for guests.
How bad is the construction noise?
It varies. As of early 2026, heavy machinery is active on the hillside. If you are at the beach pool, you won't hear it. If you are napping in a Mountain View room, you might.
Can I walk to local restaurants?
Yes. Walk south along the beach (5-10 mins) to find spots like Smile Bar or Lillo Island for cheaper Thai food and cold beer.
Is the kids' club free?
Yes, Planet Trekkers is free for ages 4-12, open 9am-7pm. Younger kids need a parent or paid nanny.
Do they serve alcohol during religious holidays?
Thailand bans alcohol sales on major Buddhist holidays. The hotel may still serve in rooms, but bars will be dry. Check the calendar.
Is there a resort fee?
No hidden 'resort fee', but a 10% service charge and 7% VAT are added to everything (standard in Thailand).
Insider Tips
- ✨
Don't pay hotel prices for laundry (150+ THB/item). Use 'Laundry Service Phuket' which picks up/delivers for ~70-100 THB per kg.
- ✨
The 'Serene Pool' on the mountain side has a hidden hot-water jacuzzi zone – a rarity in Phuket and great for rainy days.
- ✨
Book the 'Sunday Brunch' at Pine Beach Bar well in advance; it's one of the best on the island and sells out to locals.
5 things to know before you go
💡The tunnel is actually a highlight – it has AC and cool murals, making the walk pleasant.
💡The 'Mountain View' is sometimes just a view of the other hotel building with a slice of green.
💡You can hear the call to prayer from the nearby mosque, which adds local flavor but might wake light sleepers.
💡The bathroom floors are incredibly slippery when wet – use the bathmat religiously.
💡Grab/Bolt taxis are sometimes banned from picking up right at the lobby by local taxi mafias; you might have to walk to the main road.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Intercontinental Phuket Resort is located and what's nearby.