Chedi Hotel

We just returned from a 2-night stay at The Chedi and enjoyed ourselves despite having to endure 1.5 days of rainy weather. As many other people have pointed out, the hotel is a little past its prime (especially if you take a walk to the Amanpuri and check it out) and the steps can be a killer (we stayed in a pretty high-up villa, great exercise!) but the service is excellent and all the staff are very professional and friendly. I was very pleased that we were able to check-in early (9am) and check-out late (5pm) at no extra cost. We were told at first that we would have to check-out of the hotel at the standard time (12pm) as they had incoming guests but they called our room 10 minutes later to inform us that they managed to reshuffle the rooms and we were welcome to stay till 5pm. This is a great hotel if you are looking for a little retreat, and are not looking to venture out too much on your own. We were only there for a weekend and wanted to check out Patong and find some 'real' local eateries, so we rented a motorbike from Andaman Car Rentals which is just outside the Chedi. Most guide books will advise against doing this as they say the accident rate among tourists is pretty high, but if you are feeling adventurous and are not reckless, i reckon it's a fun experience. Also, renting your own transport (motorbike/jeep/minivan) will save you quite a bit of money as taxi fares from the hotel to anywhere else on the island will definitely add up.

The Chedi is one of my favorite hotels ever. The service is incredible, the rooms were fantastic, the spa was great, the beach was heavenly, and the atmosphere was quiet. We have paid five times as much for a room and have been disappointed, but this is truly a gem. When people talk about Phuket being over crowded they are staying on the wrong side of the island. We were nestled away on our own very private beach next to the Amanpuri hotel. Since both hotels are small, you will never have a problem finding a place to relax. The beach there is perfect. Fantastic snorkeling and diving. Great for body surfing too. Sparkling blue water and the softest sand. The staff was amazing, the English skills were not fantastic but they certainly did everything to make us happy. When we arrived our room category was over boooked so they upgraded us to a really fantastic bungalow right on the sand. They provided us with a driver to go sightseeing and shopping in a new volvo. They cleaned our room several times a day and we were always treated to fresh fruit and flowers upon our return. The room service had the most amazing desserts and ice cream. We skipped dinner several times to partake in late night tea and sweets. The hotel provided so many amenities, great gift shop, a library, plenty of public space to lounge, computer and internet in both the rooms and lobby. It was incredibly cheap to use the internet in the comfort of my room. I think it was the cost of one local call. If you must work at least you can do it in comfort. This hotel is so romantic, I would definitely go there if you appreciate beautiful surroundings and intimacy. The only thing which did get a bit bothersome, were the children selling wares and drinks. They were very sweet but sometimes it was a bit much. We learned to ask for a lot of things but one at a time and always tip well. That way they would take their time getting back to us because they had so many runs up and down the beach. You have to sort of beat them at their own game, but politely. You can't be rude to people who always smile no matter what. At least it was nice to have cool drinks and beer on the sand. This is something we take for granted in the states. I would never let this stop me from going to the Chedi, it is far worse in many countries and other part of Thailand. it didn't take away any of its beauty. You are much more alone here than many more exlusive hotels. Its all about its gorgeous location that makes the Chedi so private.

Just returned from the Chedi (1st week of September). Great food and beach. But note that all the cottages immediately overlooking the beach are being renovated. All of them are gutted. There is a fair bit of construction activity during the day. While the noise was not overwhelming, we thought it spoilt the beach/holiday atmosphere and checked out early. Also, I agree with previous reviewers about lack of privacy - from the walkways, you can clearly see all the balconies and into many of the rooms.

Do you ever read some of the reviews from other people and wonder if they really stayed at the same resort you did??? My boyfriend and I stayed at the Chedi in June this year and we had an amazing time! It was wonderful from the moment we were welcomed into the impressive lobby by the friendly staff offering us tasty drinks and the first of many ice cold towels to refresh ourselves. We arrived at nightfall and I promise you that absolutely nothing could have prepared us for the view we encountered when we were taken to our room. You walk out from the lobby through one of the restaurants and you are then outside, high above, overlooking the swimming pool and the beach & ocean. Then you are taken along a romantically lit walkway to your cottage. I do not agree AT ALL with a few people who said that the rooms at the Chedi are 'tired'!!! I have no idea what cottage they were in but ours was fabulous - we had a deluxe cottage overlooking the ocean and it was great - very modern design, spotless, with a big, comfy bed and the freshest linen ever. The bathroom was great with lots of luxurious products, bathrobes and even a little vase with fresh jasmine flower petals floating in it - the smell was incredible! In a previous review someone said that the rooms were too small but for heaven's sake, who in the world comes to Thailand on a beach holiday to hang out in their room??? Maybe in Bangkok if you're on a business trip but at a beach resort? Please. Our room had the lovely bed and end tables and a couch, tv, 2 closets, shower and bathroom and the size was perfect. You also get a great deck area with 2 sunloungers although we went down to the beach or pool most of the time. Our cottage (number 331) was really wonderful though because we could lie in bed and see the ocean out the window and we could hear the crashing of waves as we fell asleep. My boyfriend still says those nights at the Chedi were the best night's sleep he has ever had! The beach is great - clean, private and uncrowded and the pool is fantastic. on our first night we really wanted to go for a midnight swim so we asked and they let us - it was magical! also the food at the pool restaurant was so good and they'll work to amend items if you have a special request. Also on my boyfriend's birthday I asked if they could do anything so they delivered a chocolate cake to our room with candles and a message from me written on it! on that particular night it was pouring rain (a rarity thankfully) and the poor guy still brought it to us - all the staff were so helpful! I will agree with people who say that this resort is not for older people, people with disabilities or those who may have difficulty walking. Whatever way you look at it, you will have to walk up and down a lot of steps! We didn't mind though and I swear I felt healthier and more fit by the time we left! Also someone else mentioned that the sliding doors into the cottages do not always fully close together thereby allowing some mosquitos to get through. I admit this was annoying and it needs to be fixed - thankfully the bed had a mosquito net over it! Overall though, those are minor things and this resort was fabulous! You won't be disappointed! Susan P.S. Order the fresh pineapple from the vendor on the beach - the freshest and most succulent pineapple ever!!!!

Our purpose for the vacation this time was to get relaxed with a quiet surrounding. And Chedi was the absolutely perfect place for that matter. All the rooms are built with a cottage style, thus we really could feel the sense of "our own space" during the stay. The ceiling of the cottage was so high that we felt like the room, though it is spacy enough in the first place, was a lot more specious inside for its size from the looks of outside. Rooms are always kept really clean, and the interiors are nicely placed. Very lovely for a couple. Not highly recommended for elders as up-down stairs connect everywhere from your room; to the reception, restaurants, swimming pool, and the beach. We are 30 year + 28 year old couple and have confidence in our physical conditions, but sometimes we sighed when we go back to our room from the beach or the restaurant (our room was located at the top of the hill). But other than that, this hotel will give you a great comfort and you will fall in love with the Chedi!

I stayed here a few weeks ago and had an amazing time. All the staff are amazing: they always smile and they remember faces so there's a great friendly atmosphere. Breakfast is really good: fresh pancakes, omlettes, fried eggs and waffles made to your liking by a chef: fresh fruit, yogurt, cereal, juices and even some Chinese stir-fries. There are three restaurants available (two in the off-season) for lunch and dinner... two of which I highly reccomend (I couldn't visit the third - it was closed for the off-season). The Sunset Bar/Restaurant serves mainly western-styled food with some Oriental alternatives, and they have a good happy hour. Upstairs is another restaurant which serves barbecued seafood and mainly oriental food. This restaurant also sometimes has buffets and dancing shows. The bungalows/huts were great: air conditioned and very clean. The only problems were the fact that the doors don't shut all the way, so occasionally a couple mosquitos would get in. But the hotel provides you with repellant and a mosquito net for your bed so bites aren't frequent. The hotel was also really safe... no one there that I spoke to had mentioned any theft etc. and each bungalow has a safe installed. The only comlaint I really have is the difficulty in finding your way around the hotel: the bugalows are spaced out and connected by a series of walkways... but it can be hard to find your way around, and you can get lost... There are always options of going out on day trips. I took trips out to ride elephants and go on an island tour around some of the nearby islands (including the one where they filmed "The Beach"). Horseriding on the beach was also pretty good. All of them were well-priced. Definitely stay at this hotel... you won't be dissapointed. Steffi

We have just spent the last few days at the chedi. The best point is the location. Having what seems to be one of the best beaches in Phuket, much more private then other hotels, the Chedi and Amumpuri have near exclusive access. The beach is missing the waterside trading activities that you get in many parts of Thailand. The views over the sea from the Chedi 's restaurants and pool are also great. If you like beaches then thus is the hotel for you. Also the hotel is located in a very natural settings surrounded by palm trees making for a pleasant feeling. The other good thing about this hotel is the staff - whom are really helpful & friendly, even in assisting for services purchased outside the Hotel. A drawback of this hotel is that it is feeling its age. It is now 21 years old and it does not appear to have been through a major refit in that time. Our cottage felt a little tired and was past its best. It is not very private with walkways between the cottages directly overlooking some of the rooms and their balconies. They are in the process of some post - tsunami refurbishment though so things may change. As in other reviews if you have any sort of mobility problems you cannot stay here as there are just too many steps. A lady with disabilities had to leave no sooner she arrived - they should warn people of this in their literature. All in all we really enjoyed our stay at the Chedi, I would return, though not so sure about my wife who prefers larger and newer rooms.

Hi, I've been to the Chedi a couple times and just wanted to advise people that you shouldn't stay there if you have bad knees or are elderly. I went to the Chedi with my mother last year and she had a very tough time because the chalets are located on a hillside, and there's lots of climbling up and down stairs to go from the main area to the pool, etc. Other than that, the Chedi is a great place to stay. Very nice villas with a great 'private' feel, good food and service. Highly recommended.

My wife and I have just returned recently after spending 10 nights at The Chedi in Phuket. I feel I can honestly say that we experienced a "real" sense of Thai hospitality and friendship, while travelling throughout Phuket and being cared for at The Chedi. I agree with the previous writer that the cottages, that one stays in, are looking are bit "tired" and need upgrading, also one MUST be aware that there are many steps to get from your cottage to the dining establishments and the pool. The restaurant for breakfast is somewhat small for the size of the hotel but serves guests well. Breakfast starts at 0630 and the array of food is pretty good.Overall the waiter service is EXCELLENT and that goes for all the staff at The Chedi.The "little things" like cleaning your room when going for breakfast or leaving lovelly array of flowers on the bed once made ...presents a happy and caring atmosphere while staying there. A well stocked library with current english newspapers add to the tranquility of the place. The only negative aspect is that there is no gym to work off the great food served..but there are excellent tennis courts available day and night,if one wants any exercise. Overall we were pleased staying at The Chedi..but an upgrade or refurbishment is probably required to compete with other high ended establishmants.

The Chedi has a really great location. Perched high above a really lovely beach with a constant sea breeze blowing through the open spaces it's perfectly situated. And the staff are also superb, friendly, helpful and with a wonderful can-do attitude. But we didn't like the room much at all and left early. The Chedi is composed of individual cottages arranged on the steep hillside down to the beach. We had a deluxe 1-bedroom and expected something somewhat larger than we found. The cottage is really one rectangular room, one end is bathroom with a small shower and toilet and the other end is the bedroom, and the king-sized bed fills a very large part of that. The sliding glass doors at one side open straight into the bedroom end and had another sliding wooden shutter to cover them. There wasn't a good feeling of privacy and we found that walking along the path back to the main complex you got a bird's eye view of many rooms. The rooms are a little tired, but as of 26th June 2005 there was a note saying that they were starting the process of refurbishing them, so that is being addressed and I would expect they will be back to tip-top status in the coming months, but still small. There are stairs at the chedi. Steep ones which go up and down a lot. If you have a room at the end of the development, you're going to go up and down quite a bit. If you have a problem with stairs, bear this in mind, if you don't, the stairs are a minor inconvenience. For us the room was a deal-killer, it was just too small. We tend to hang around hotels during our vacations, not just go back there to sleep and we weren't going to be happy there so we moved out the next day and went elsewhere. The staff were understanding, tried to find something they could do to make us stay, and when it was clear we were leaving, booked us transportation to our new hotel with a smile, excellent service. There was a lot to like about the Chedi, location, architecture and decor and great service and a really amazing sea breeze. For us we felt the rooms let the place down and that was a shame.