The hype
Guests are obsessed with the pool and views but divided on the food prices and the steep location.
Crest Resort & Pool Villas
$150-250/ night
Book this if You want a highly Instagrammable infinity pool and floating breakfast without the Patong chaos, but close enough to visit.
Why People Love It
- The 240-degree Andaman Sea views from the infinity pool are genuinely world-class
- Pool Access rooms let you roll out of bed directly into the water
- It's quiet at night unlike the bass-thumping hotels in central Patong
Quick Take: A stunning hillside fortress that looks like a billionaire's mansion on Instagram but feels a bit like a steep, leg-burning workout in reality.
Reviewed by @explorewithkevs: I stayed in this pool villa and it was the perfect escape. Waking up, opening the curtains to the ocean, and having a floating breakfast in my own private pool was unforgettable. If you want a slow, aesthetic morning in Phuket, this is the spot.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'luxury' veneer shows some cracks with minor plumbing issues and wear-and-tear in standard rooms.
- You live for the 'floating breakfast' photo op
- You want to be near Patong nightlife but sleep in silence
- You are fit enough to handle stairs and steep gradients
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.8
- Housekeeping: Daily and generally thorough, though some guests note missed dust in corners.
- Bathroom hygiene: Good, but watch out for minor plumbing odors in older blocks during heavy rain.
- Maintenance: Mostly good, but 'wear and tear' is visible in standard rooms (scuffed furniture, loose handles).
- Linens & towels: Fresh and crisp, pool towels are plentiful.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells fresh (lemongrass), hallways can be humid/musty in wet season.
Sleepability™
8.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Occasional daytime DJ at the pool (stops by sunset)
- Plumbing noise from neighboring rooms in older blocks
Before you book
Good to know
- A deposit of 3,000-5,000 THB is required at check-in (cash or card hold)
- The free shuttle to Patong runs hourly but stops early evening—check the last bus time!
- Lobby was renovated in mid-2025, so the arrival experience is fresh
What to pack
- Slip-on shoes for the constant pool-to-room transitions
- Mosquito repellent (hillside jungle means bugs at dusk)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Deluxe Pool Access Panorama View (worth the upgrade for the view + swim-up)
- Premier Panorama Pool Villa (total privacy, best sunset views)
Rooms to avoid
- Deluxe Partial Sea View (often blocked by the white building in front)
- Rooms near the main lobby if you dislike high foot traffic
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“Request a room in the upper buildings for unobstructed views, specifically avoiding the 'Partial Sea View' units that face the roof of the lower building.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the hill really that bad?
Yes. It is not a casual stroll. You will rely on the hotel shuttle, taxis, or strong calves.
Can I walk to the beach?
Tri Trang Beach is a 5-10 minute walk down, but the walk back up is strenuous. Patong Beach is too far to walk comfortably.
Is the pool water clean?
Generally yes, though heavy usage during 'pool party' hours can make it cloudy by late afternoon.
How much is the breakfast if not included?
Approximately 800 THB per person. It's rated highly ('best in Phuket' by some), so it might be worth booking a rate that includes it.
Is it suitable for elderly guests?
Not recommended due to the steep terrain and stairs, even with the buggy service.
Does the hotel offer airport transfer?
Yes, for about 1,500 THB per vehicle. Grab or local taxis are often cheaper (800-1,000 THB).
Insider Tips
- ✨
There is a hidden gem restaurant called 'The Hideout' on Tri Trang beach—feet in the sand, hard to find, but worth the trek.
- ✨
The 'Happy Hour' at the pool bar often has 2-for-1 cocktails just before sunset.
- ✨
Use the 'Grab' app for transport to avoid haggling with local tuk-tuks who overcharge for the hill.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Partial Sea View' is sometimes just a view of the building in front of you.
💡The humidity on the hill can make the hallways feel a bit damp/musty during rainy season.
💡You can hear the Muay Thai class grunts from the gym if your room is directly above it.
💡The 'floating breakfast' is cool for photos but the food gets cold fast.
💡Room service pizza is surprisingly decent and a lifesaver when you don't want to brave the hill.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Crest Resort & Pool Villas is located and what's nearby.