Perfect for families with children and beyond: review Four Points resort Phuket

In my last stay in Phuket, specifically in the Patong area, I stayed at the Four Points by Sheraton, a truly giant structure that belongs to the Marriott group. Definitely more central than the Marriott Merlin Beach Resort, but equally interesting for those who want to ua vacation in the most "lively" part of Phuket Island.

This was also my "first" post-pandemic time on the island., considering that the last two times I had passed through here had been just for the Reopening borders with sandbox protocol who had opened to the possibility of returning for "nonessential" reasons to this amazing land that is Thailand.

Location

The resort is located at the end (since it is one way from south to north) of the Patong Beach boardwalk, is the last hotel and is the last Marriott property opened on the island, opened just before the pandemic.

Patong is about 80 minutes from Phuket International Airport. The hotel is far enough away from the liveliest areas of one of Thailand's most popular beaches, but not so far that you can't walk from Bangla to the hotel.

Therefore, in my opinion, it is a perfect facility for those who want, even with their families, to experience the nightlife but without being too much in the middle of the mess.

Reservation

When I decided to spend a couple of days in Phuket, I targeted this facility because I wanted to review it and because it gave me a chance to Accumulate points and qualifying nights in the Bonvoy program.

Unlike Hilton, which has only 2 hotels on the island, Marriott has many facilities (12), scattered in different parts of the island, some more isolated and some less so. The most exclusive is Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.

I could have booked using points, but we are in low season and a basic room cost just under 100€ while in terms of points 22k Bonvoy per night was required , certainly in Thailand you can sleep in more than good facilities for a few tens of euros, but if you want quality service (and brand warranty) you have to be willing to pay a little more.

The resort

The structure is huge, consists of a series of four-story, horseshoe-shaped buildings. At the center of the facilities are the swimming pools and reception. As told on our FB group dedicated to serial travelers, when it reaches important employment rates, it can also be unlivable.

The rooms are of different types, there are those with direct access to the pools, those in quieter areas, and those with an ocean view, let's just say you are spoiled for choice. There are also family suites with themed bedrooms for children.

There are two restaurants, as many bars, a kids club a gymnasium and all possible amenities, But it's not a facility comparable to Merlini Beach where you can easily live in it without going outside, and in any case coming all the way here to stay locked in the hotel is "suicide"

Check-in

I arrived late in the morning, hoping for the chance to check in early and be able to relax in one of the pools. The hotel has a dedicated desk for Bonvoy elite guests. Platinum and up, Unfortunately, the Gold Bonvoy level is an almost meaningless tier.

Having Titanium status I was welcomed very warmly (with a glass of fresh juice) .

Operations have been a tad confusing. First they apologized that they couldn't upgrade me and offered me points or credit, then they gave me a room that was absolutely not up to the level of the one I had booked and finally they gave me a beautiful oceanfront room, probably the most beautiful view of all the rooms in the resort.

The room

As mentioned before I was taken to a room in the building in front of the reception, when I looked out onto the small terrace, I did not like the view so I went back to the reception to ask for a better room or at least pool view as per my reservation.

The manager apologized for the wrong assignment and told me that a better room had just opened up, renewed my papers and changed the cardboard, and took care of moving my suitcases to the new room.

The situation in the room was much better. Probably of the central part of Patong Beach this is the best view you could want to watch sunrise and sunset over the bay.

Four Points is an entry level sign for the Sheraton world, something similar to what Aloft represents for W Hotels. A way for customers to approach a brand in stages.

The room is the classic room you would expect in such a facility. The beauty of choosing a chain is that no matter where you stay, there are standards that have to be guaranteed and at most so sti find something more but not less.

Price-wise this was one of the most expensive rooms to choose, inferior only to the rooms that have direct access to the pool.

Spacious room with a king bed and a small sofa with small table and armchair. In room the usual options such as kettle, empty minibar, but no coffee maker. Closet with ironing board and safe. Alarm clock and prayer books included.

Livable terrace with two comfortable chairs and coffee table perfect for enjoying the sunset, or to observe movements on the beach.

The fact that these are the few rooms that do not have overlooking the inner courtyards, swimming pools, or other buildings ensures a very high degree of privacy. The rooms witha pool access are comfortable, but in terms of privacy we are zero.

The other Pool View rooms, on the other hand, have a little more privacy, but you have to sacrifice the fact that you will have continuous "noise" all day long.

Ever-present mega-screen TV, which I basically just use for the picture and then turn off until I leave the room.

Bathroom in the normal range, with little plastic and the usual setup.

Sweet surprise

A few minutes after arriving at the room, I was handed a small welcome surprise, accompanied by a handwritten letter from the Loyalty Manager.

A small bottle with iced coffee, the local traditional kopi-O and some products from the resort kitchen, only flaw there was no way to know what I was eating. I am not allergic to anything, but some indication should be given.

Services

The resort has one major flaw, it has very few indoor common areas. Except for the restaurants and kids club, the only other public area covered is the reception area

But it is precisely a covered area, with open on the two sides. That is, the one looking at the entrance and the one looking at the inside of the pools. There is no business center, or rather there is a desk with two computers, but it is not enclosed or even refrigerated.

There is no area to chat away from the chaos of a lobby where people come and go all the time.

The small kids club has a full schedule of activities and is open from morning to afternoon, and also has a small shaded playground in the inner courtyard of one of the buildings.

Swimming pools

There are two, although perhaps it would be better to say one and a half. E absolutely unable to satisfy all guests, but fortunately you don't come to Thailand to hang out by the pool.

The main one is the one located above the parking lot at the front of the facility.

It overlooks the beach, and if you don't look too closely you can't even see the traffic flowing between the pool and the beach, taking photos at the right angle it looks like you're skimming over the sea like in the Maldives.

There is also a bar here and a choice of accommodations; there are also sunbeds in islands surrounded by water. Let's say it is the best for tranquility, for views and for sunbathing.

The other pools are those in the heart of the resort. As mentioned, some rooms have personal ladders, but not a lounger. There are bridges and walkways for guests to move from one part of the resort to another, and lots of sunbeds in more or less close to the water.

There are then three mega cots, I have no idea if free according to who occupies them, or paid, definitely the quietest place in the whole resort.

Food & Beverage

There is a small bar in the reception area, a bar in the main pool, and one in the central pool. There are two restaurants. And to accommodate the large turnout, breakfast in the morning is served in both, only the main one has a larger selection of items, while Sear's & Co is quieter.

I, of course, had breakfast where there was more choice. Needless to say, breakfasts in Thailand never disappoint, And I was not disappointed this time either.

There was everything and more, this was the first time I found, Among the various live Cooking stations the grill. Chicken, pork and fish skewers freshly prepared for guests. Needless to list what was there because from local to Indian cuisine, from noodles to eggs. All freshly prepared, even scrambles to finish with ice cream (6 flavors) with the choice of making your own cone or cup.

I have not taken advantage of the Sers & Co, but I had dined there before; it often offers themed dinners, Sunday Brunch, and buffet nights. I had gone to one where there was a seafood all you can eat and was not disappointed.

In conclusion

I found no major flaws, but the lack of an enclosed, air-conditioned area is a really serious flaw for a facility of this type. On a rainy day, and it rains often in Thailand, you have no alternative but to stay in the room, and that is not very logical. Last but not least, I dare not imagine in peak season the war to grab poolside loungers and a table at breakfast.

• Bonvoy