Traveling to Phuket with young children can be an incredible adventure—think sandy beaches, warm sunshine, and new experiences. Phuket does tourism well, and there are so many options for accommodations and activities. After several trips with my two little ones, we’re put together a list of the best hotels in Phuket for families.

1. JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa: Luxury with a Kids Club

Why it worked for us:
The JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa in Mai Khao Beach is a true family haven. It’s the first resort we ever visited in Phuket, and remains our favorite. Its suites and villas are spacious, and the resort’s lush gardens and large pool area kept everyone entertained for hours. What stood out most was their dedicated and full-staffed kids’ club, The Play Zone, which kept our children happily engaged with arts, crafts, and supervised swimming sessions. The kids made friends quickly in the kids club and often did not want to leave — this is our kids’ pick in our list of best hotels in Phuket for families. It’s kid and family approved!

What we loved:

• The calm, uncrowded beach right outside the hotel was perfect for building sandcastles and playing in the waves.
• The multiple pools, including a shallow kids’ pool, were a lifesaver during the heat of the day.
• The staff was exceptionally friendly and accommodating—serving kid-friendly menus and helping us with stroller rentals.
• The full staffed kids club! The kids actually wanted to visit and stay at this club, unlike others that they often rejected. This gave the adults lots of time off. The kids made friends throughout the week — there were actually some tears when saying goodbye to a new friend.
• A short walk down the beach, you can get to beach-front dive bars and restaurants that cater to those from the resort.

Tips:

• Book a suite or villa if you want more space, especially if you’re traveling with toddlers who nap during the day.
• Take advantage of their babysitting service during evenings—an unexpected but appreciated treat!
• Be aware that the hotel can be a bit isolated from Phuket Town or Patong, so plan your excursions accordingly.
• Take a walk down the beach and you’ll find some great tiki-style restaurants and bars.

Challenge:
If you want to explore the area outside the resort, it can take a while. Expect a long drive, especially during peak hours. Hire a driver in advance (use Grab, or talk to the concierge)

2. Thavorn Palm Beach Resort Phuket: Tropical Gardens and Family-Friendly Charm

Why it worked for us:
Located in Karon Beach, Thavorn Palm Beach Resort gave us that classic tropical holiday vibe — think swaying palms, open-air spaces, and massive curated gardens. The top selling point for us was the kids pool with waterslides — you’ll find four waterslides, and a splash pad area for small kids Such a great energy burner!

What we loved:

• The beautifully landscaped grounds, which became a mini nature walk each morning.
• Several pools to choose from, including one with a gentle sloping edge — great for toddlers.
• Four waterslides that were just the right size for kids — exciting but not overwhelming.
• A daily meeting zoo! Twice a day, the kids could feed a pig, watch a turtle do it’s turtle thing, and hold birds.
• Family-sized rooms with plenty of space for toys, snacks, and a travel crib.
• Direct access to Karon Beach, which has calmer waves and fewer crowds than Patong.

Tips:

• Ask for a ground-floor room near the pool for easy access with little ones.
• Visit the on-site animal garden early in the day — it’s shaded and less crowded.
• Grab dinner at the beachfront restaurants just across the road for a relaxed sunset meal.
• The hotel offers cooking classes — if your kids are old enough, it’s a fun family bonding activity.

Challenge:
The hotel doesn’t have a kids’ club, so it’s best for families who don’t mind creating their own fun. We found plenty to do with the pools, slides, gardens, and beach right there, but if you’re looking for a structured activity program, you might want to pair your stay with short outings. This is one we’ll certainly return to, and is truly one of the best hotels in Phuket for families.

3. Splash Beach Resort: Waterpark Fun

Why it worked for us: Splash Beach Resort near Mai Khao Beach is a total hit. It’s home to a large water park and entry is included when you stay at the resort. It was wonderful not having to plan a big day out — everything was right on-site. It’s also very close to the airport. You can get there in a 15 minute Grab ride, making it a great sport for quick vacations. And, short walk down the beach you can watch the planes land right over head! It’s quite thrilling (and loud) but very memorable. Grandpa traveled with us on one of the trips to Splash Beach Resort, and he became addicted to tracking the planes on his phone, and watching them land. (Oooh, a plane from Singapore! Ooooh, a plane from Moscow!)

We’ve been there twice now, and it’s especially great if you just want a “hands off” easy vacation. The included breakfast is nothing special — coffee not so great, and quite crowded. Generally I used the breakfast to feed the kids, and then ordered something better from myself via Grab.

What we loved:

• Unlimited access to the Splash Jungle Water Park, with lazy rivers, kid-friendly slides, and splash pads.
• Spacious family suites with kitchenettes — perfect for preparing quick meals and snacks for picky eaters.
• The beach is just a few steps away, and it’s far less crowded than Patong or Karon.
• It’s an easy walk to shops and kid-friendly restaurants. The nearby Elephant House Cafe is great for kids.
• Watching planes land overhead was so much fun!

Tips:

• Bring water shoes! The ground around the water park can get hot midday.
• Book a ground floor room if possible — it makes coming and going with pool gear and tired kids much easier.
• Make use of the resort’s shuttle service to nearby malls or explore a quieter part of Mai Khao for dinner.
• Don’t forget swim diapers — they’re required in the splash areas and not always available at the resort shop.
• Use the breakfast to feed the kids. However, if you need good coffee, you’ll need to have it delivered or walk to a nearby shop. Breakfast aside, this one of the best hotels in Phuket for families.

Challenge:
Watching planes land is fun. But sometimes the noise can be bothersome. Light sleepers might prefer a room further from the beachside runway path.

4. Holiday Inn Resort Phuket: Fun, Convenience, and Great Location

Why it worked for us:
The Holiday Inn Resort in Patong is a great hub for families wanting a lively yet comfortable stay. Its central location meant we could easily walk to the beach and local markets, and the hotel itself was a peaceful oasis.

What we loved:

• The kids’ water park with slides and splash zones kept my kids entertained for hours.
• The daily kids’ activities, like face painting and cookie decorating, were a hit.
• The family rooms had separate sleeping areas, which made bedtime easier.

Tips:

• The hotel’s proximity to Patong Beach allows for quick beach trips, but beware: Patong can get very crowded and noisy, so if you’re seeking tranquility, consider visiting other beaches.
• Make sure to get a room with a balcony for some outdoor space where kids can play safely.
• Check for early booking discounts or family packages—they often include free breakfast for kids.

Challenge:
The nightlife and traffic around Patong can be overwhelming, especially with small children. Plan your outings early in the day and avoid peak traffic hours.

5. Katathani Phuket Beach Resort: One of the Best Hotels in Phuket for Families

Why it worked for us:
The sprawling Katathani Phuket Beach Resort in Kata Noi was a favorite for our family. Its large grounds meant kids could roam freely, and the multiple pools and quiet beach provided a peaceful environment away from the busier parts of Phuket.

What we loved:

• The beach was pristine and shallow enough for safe swimming.
• The resort offered free kids’ breakfast and had a dedicated kids’ buffet, which made dining hassle-free.
• The on-site babysitting service let us enjoy a romantic dinner once or twice—very handy!

Tips:

• Bring along some beach toys and inflatables, as the shallow water was perfect for gentle splashes.
• Take a short walk to nearby local restaurants for authentic, budget-friendly meals.
• Consider renting bikes or scooters for quick excursions around Kata Noi.

Challenge:
The resort is a bit remote, so we relied on taxis rather than walking to local attractions. Plan some downtime at the hotel to avoid long travel times.

6. Amari Phuket: Convenient Location and Best Family Comforts

Why it worked for us:
Amari Phuket, perched on the southwestern coast, offers a fantastic blend of comfort and accessibility. The hotel’s hillside location means stunning views, but it also has a great beachfront area for kids to play.

What we loved:

• The kids’ club offered supervised activities, giving us a bit of adult time.
• The pools are kid-friendly and have shallow areas for little ones.
• The hotel arranged a fun boat trip to nearby islands, which was a highlight for our family.

Tips:

• Request a room close to the pool or beach for easy access with kids.
• Bring sun protection—Thailand’s sun can be fierce, even in the morning.
• Book island excursions in advance to secure kid-friendly options.

Challenge:
The hotel’s hillside location means some staircases and slopes, so strollers can be tricky. A baby carrier might be more convenient for younger children.

7. Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket: All-in-One Family Playground

Why it worked for us:
If you’re looking for a resort that has everything—beach, pools, entertainment, and kids’ activities—Centara Grand is a winner and one of the best hotels in Phuket for families. Located on Karon Beach, it’s a little more lively but still very family-friendly.

What we loved:

• The expansive water park with slides, lazy river, and splash zones was pure joy for our kids.
• The variety of dining options, including kid-friendly menus.
• The nightly entertainment and kids’ club kept the children busy while we enjoyed some quiet moments, making it one of the best hotels in Phuket for families — kid and parent approved!

Tips:

• Arrive early to secure shaded loungers by the pool or beach.
• Use the resort’s free shuttle to explore nearby areas—Karon’s night market is great for family-friendly shopping and street food.
• Pack some extra snacks—although there are plenty of dining options, kids sometimes get hungry between meals.

Challenge:
The resort can get crowded, especially during peak season. To avoid long waits, plan your main activities early in the day.

Final Thoughts on the Best Hotels in Phuket for Families

Look for hotels in Phuket with spacious rooms, kid-friendly pools, easy beach access, and local activities to keep everyone happy. Don’t forget to factor in travel times and choose accommodations that suit your family’s rhythm—whether that’s relaxing by the pool, exploring local markets, or enjoying quiet beach days. Also, while you’re in the area, consider a trip to Krabi to see the islands and archipelagas! Be sure to read more about Thailand and our travel recommendations!

Pro tip: Always check for family packages, free breakfast offers, and babysitting services beforehand. And pack a small bag with essentials—sunscreen, hats, snacks, and a few favorite toys—to keep your little ones comfortable and happy.

Happy exploring!