Absolute Sea Pearl Beach Resort

Great Location but that's where it stops

We stayed at the Absolute Sea Pearl at the beginning of the month for a week and were impressed when we walked in through the lobby as it's quite a striking looking hotel. The location is perfect too as it's directly across the road from Patong beach and a stream of bars and shopping and places to eat.

We were made to wait more than half an hour for our room. We were given a drink voucher, which was for two juices. Nice and all but I'm sure the idea was for us to spend money at their bar.

When we got tired of waiting, we asked if we could have our room key as we were hot and bothered. We were met with dazed looks from the reception staff, frenzied searching through three drawers, again, and again. (If you didn't find it the first time it won't be there the second or third time you look.)

We were led away by some guy that laughed it off and asked us to sit in the internet area until the room key had been found. POOR!!!

Finally, we were taken to our room. The guy that led us away walked into our room and sat himself down. (WHAT THE???) I took my hand luggage to the bedroom while the porter was showing my husband how to use the safe.

I walked back to the dining/ TV area and asked the guy to leave. He said he was leaving some information on tours and such. If we wanted that, we would seek it out ourselves in the lobby. (We later found out it was a customer service rep for 'Absolute' Sales)

The room was dirty, there were ants in the kitchen part ( as it had a semi kitchenette), the ants were also in the bathroom. The venetian blinds in the bathroom didn't work so we had to go to the toilet and shower with them open. There was a clear view to the road/ beach even though we were on the 3rd floor

My husband decided to have a spa but guess what? It didn't work. What a surprise.

We have been to Phuket 4 times previous and have stayed at other hotels. This is meant to be 4 star. The bed was like a plank of wood, there was a massive power box just to the left of our balcony that buzzed constantly. At night you could see the sparks.

Breakfast was a poor choice and everything was only just warm. Nice area to sit though, overlooking the beach.

Some man was using a mozzie mister after midnight some time. We were in bed early because of an early tour the following day. The noise could have woken the dead.

Road noise was intolerable.

Would I recommend it to anyone? No freaking way.

Unique Quality: The fact that Patong beach is durectly across the road from the hotel is a definate plus.
There are a bunch of bars and countless restaurants and the otop markets within a few minutes walk from the hotel.

The draw back for this hotel is that the sales team for Club Absolute run their offices from the ground floor of the hotel. Also the aggressive marketing is a huge put off.