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Top 10 Budget Friendly Hotels in Phuket [for 2024]

Phuket is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand, known for its incredible beaches, lively nightlife and unique cultural attractions. With its gorgeous natural scenery and range of activities to enjoy, Phuket attracts millions of tourists every year.

Fortunately, there are a variety of cheap hotels in Phuket that offer excellent value for money without compromising on comfort and amenities. Yet, finding budget-friendly hotels in Phuket that perfectly suit your needs can sometimes be a challenge, as there are so many options to choose from.

Bay of tropical ocean with the beach - Thailand, Phuket, Kamala.

To help you out, here is a guide to 10 of the top affordable hotels in Phuket. However, if you are looking for a more comprehensive guide that covers all of the different areas of Phuket, be sure to check out our Where to Stay in Phuket guide.

For your convenience, all prices listed below are in United States Dollars. Keep in mind that these are starting prices and they will likely vary depending on season and availability.

Yet, before we get into the the budget accommodation in Phuket, you may notice that many have a variation of SHA Plus at the end of their names. SHA stands for Safety and Health Administration, which is a joint project by various government agencies and private sectors in Thailand.

Together, they have established standards of hygiene, cleanliness and safety that businesses in the tourism industry must meet. So, if you see SHA associated with any hotel in Thailand, you have some extra reassurance that they have officially met these particular standards.

With that covered, here are 10 of the best budget hotels in Phuket.

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Shunli Hotel – SHA Extra Plus

One of the best hotels in Phuket Town is Shunli Hotel. Phuket Town is a great location if you want to be near cultural attractions, as this accommodation is close to the Thai Hua Museum, Chalong Temple and Chalong Pier.

Within walking distance, you can discover rows and rows of colourful colonial houses, as well as local markets for great street food and cheap shopping. It is also close to the bus terminal, so you can save a lot of money by taking a public bus to and from the airport.

All rooms come with a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a hairdryer. You also have a choice of both American continental and Asian buffet breakfast each morning.  The price per night start from around $39 and $48, depending on the room. You can choose between a double or twin-bed room with a garden view or a deluxe double room with a balcony. You can also pay by card without any fees.

The only negative worth mentioning is that there is no lift, so beware if you are bringing any heavy luggage with you that you may have to lug it up the stairs. However, the lovely and welcoming couple who runs this hotel is sure to help you out with this.

Hotel Pick
Shunli Hotel In Phuket town

Shunli Hotel

  • Phuket Town
  • Double or Twin Room

Alleyhill Phuket – Private & Cozy Boutique

Another excellent family-run hotel is the beautifully-designed Alleyhill Phuket, located in Old Phuket Town. Although it is only a short walk away from the bus station and the Phuket Town Central Market, it is hidden away from any main roads.

The staff here are super helpful, ready to assist you in renting scooters, carrying your luggage, and figuring out where you want to go while in Phuket, so you don’t have to stress at all while staying here. A car rental service and airport shuttle are also offered upon request.

Each room comes with a balcony, and you can choose between a mountain view or a garden view. Single rooms are start at $23, while double and twin rooms range between $30 and $46, making it one of the cheapest hotels in Phuket.

If you want to spend a little more, a king room with a spa bath costs start $55 per night, while a family room will set you back around $72.

Note that there are no blow dryers or kettles included in the rooms; this may not be an issue for some yet a deal breaker for others!

However, there is a communal kitchen stocked with beverages and snacks where you can make a cup of coffee or tea there. The walls are quite thin here too, which may not be ideal if you are a light sleeper.

Hotel Pick
Alleyhill Phuket - Private & Cozy Boutique in Phuket town

Alleyhill Phuket

  • Phuket town
  • Communal Kitchen

The Z Nite Hostel

One of the best cheap hostels in Phuket is Z Nite Hostel, located a little north of Old Phuket Town. The beds are surprisingly spacious, comfortable and private for a hostel. Each bunk comes with a privacy curtain, an individual reading light, a wall socket to charge your phone, and even a small fan.

You’ll also be assigned your own locker to keep your valuables safely stored away. The rooms are limited to four beds, and you can choose a female-only dorm room if you prefer. A bed here starts from $19 a night, although the hostel occasionally runs promotions and offers discounts.

In the common area, there are books, board games, computers and a TV, and there is a daily a la carte breakfast with both American continental and Asian food options. There are free toiletries in the shared bathrooms, plus a hair dryer.

The first floor is a cafe bar, so you can order a hot or cold drink or get a bite here outside of breakfast hours too. The staff here are nice and helpful, and the hostel is always kept very clean. However, since it is located along a main road, some guests might find it a little noisy. 

Hotel Pick
The Z Nite Hostel Phuket town

Z Nite Hostel

  • Phuket Town
  • Optional Female Only Dorm

Rak Elegant Hotel Patong – SHA Extra Plus

If you’re after a cheap hotel in Phuket, Patong Beach but don’t want to compromise on luxury, look no further than the Rak Elegant Hotel. This clean and comfortable hotel, as the name might suggest, is elegantly designed. The front desk is open 24 hours a day and is staffed with friendly and helpful faces.

Although the hotel is 1.4 kilometres away from Patong Beach, there is a rooftop pool with ocean views that more than makes up for this.

There’s even a sauna and a hot tub, and the onsite Rak Spa offers incredible massages and aromatherapy treatments. If you feel like working out, there’s a fitness centre too. While a complimentary breakfast is offered, you can order a delicious meal at the Rak to Eat onsite restaurant at any time of day.

Since the rooms range from standard twin to studio suites, the prices also differ. However, you can get a standard room starting as low as $85.

Considering all of the amenities and facilities the hotel offers, this is a fantastic price point. Rooms facing the main road can get a little noisy, however, so be sure to request a high room away from the road. All in all, this is definitely one of the best affordable hotels in Phuket.

Hotel Pick
Rak Elegant Hotel Patong - SHA Extra Plus Patong

Rak Elegant Hotel

  • Patong
  • Rooftop Pool

R-Mar Resort and Spa – SHA Plus

One of the best budget resorts in Phuket is the R-Mar Resort and Spa, located less than a 10-minute walk from Patong Beach. The hotel has been refurbished in the last few years, so everything is very updated while still keeping some of the traditional wooden interior elements.

R-Mar is best known for its huge outdoor pool, complete with sun loungers and a poolside bar. The resort’s Daorueang Restaurant and Cafe are open all day, serving both local Thai and international dishes.

This budget accommodation in Phuket is perfect if you are travelling with children, as there is a dedicated Kids Club play area and a pool specifically for kids. For adults, there is a fitness centre and a relaxing spa. The resort is also very close to Jungceylon Shopping Mall if you are interested in doing some shopping while in Phuket. 

Rooms typically start at around the $50 per night mark and range from superior twin or double to deluxe rooms. All rooms come with a huge bathtub, a balcony, a flat-screen TV and a minibar. Some rooms also have beautiful views of the nearby mountains.

Although the resort is in a great location, there is no noise pollution at all. The only downsides here are that the laundry fees can get quite high if you want to have your clothes washed, and the walls can be a bit thin if you happen to have noisy neighbours.

That being said, the friendly staff are happy to sort out any issues during your stay to ensure you have the best time possible.

Hotel Pick
R-Mar Resort and Spa - SHA Plus Patong

R-Mar Resort and Spa

  • Patong
  • Huge Outdoor Pool

Nicky’s Handlebar

One of the most unique yet cheap Phuket hotels is Nicky’s Handlebar in Patong. This designer hotel is biker themed, with all 27 rooms based around a Harley Davidson vibe. If you’re a bikie or simply interested in staying somewhere totally different, why not try this place out?

Founded by local Nicky and his brother Khai, the hotel initially began as a small bar and a friendly place to have a few drinks and a bit of fun with old and new friends.

Now, there’s also a big pool that’s open 24 hours a day, and a large restaurant serving Thai and international cuisine, as well as plenty of cold beer to go around.

Nicky’s Handlebar is only a 500-metre walk to the beach and about a 10-minute walk to the centre of Patong. Although the hotel is found along a main road, it is still fairly quiet at night.

The 24-hour reception will help you feel safe and at ease, and the tour desk can help you out with renting a motorbike and planning your trip while in Phuket.

Prices start from around $38 to $50 per night, and each room comes with a terrace, a minibar, a flat-screen TV, a safety deposit box, a hairdryer, a drying rack, and an electric kettle with everything you need to make tea and coffee.

With all of these amenities and more at an affordable price, it’s easily one of the top budget hotels in Phuket. The only negative might be that breakfast begins a little late, which could be an inconvenience if you like to get out early to start your sightseeing for the day.

Hotel Pick
Nicky's Handlebar Patong

Nicky’s Handlebar

  • Patong
  • Harley Davidson vibe

Babylon Pool Villas SHA++

Finding cheap hotels in Phuket, Thailand in the sought-after area of Nai Harn can be overwhelming, but fortunately, Babylon Pool Villas is a great budget option.

This family-run hotel is almost equal distance from two of Phuket’s most stunning beaches, Nai Harn Beach and Rawai Beach. It is located just far enough off a main road to be easy to find yet quiet and peaceful at night.

The villas are set among a tropical oasis with well-maintained gardens. There are loungers with umbrellas surrounding the pool, and coin-operated laundry facilities are available. Although the rooms are quite basic, they are very spacious and clean, and come with everything you could need.

What the place lacks in flashy and modern decor is well made up for by the incredibly friendly staff who will go out of their way to help you out.

The rooms start from deluxe studios at around $35 a night to two-bedroom apartments with pool access for $78. If you’re travelling with a group of four or more people, the latter option couldn’t be more perfect. 

Hotel Pick
Babylon Pool Villas SHA Nai Harn

Babylon Pool Villas

  • Nai Harn area
  • Peaceful and Relaxing

Happy Eight Resort SHA

The Happy Eight Resort in Rawai is one of the top affordable beach resorts in Phuket if you’re hoping to stay in the Nai Harn area. This newer property is smaller than the larger resorts, giving more of a boutique hotel feel.

Although it’s only a five-minute drive away from Nai Harn Beach, it’s located away from the main roads in an area where you can truly relax and unwind in peace. The property is also a four-minute drive from the famous picturesque Karon View Point and a 10-minute drive from Kata Noi Beach.

The spacious suites start around $68 per night and come with a kitchen and dining area, a living area, and a comfy extra-large bed. When booking, you can choose whether you’d like a view of the pool or the mountains from your private balcony.

The resort is an excellent place to stay if you are a couple who likes to have their own individual space, are working remotely, or are staying in Phuket for an extended amount of time. If you want extra privacy, ask for room #4. Car hire, laundry services and an airport shuttle are also offered.

Hotel Pick
Happy Eight Resort SHA Rawai

Happy Eight Resort

  • Rawai
  • Great for remote workers

The Mareeya Place

The Mareeya Place is a small hotel located in a quiet area of Kamala Beach, with little street noise or traffic. Only 250 metres from the shore, this accommodation is perfect if you’re looking forward to spending most of your time at the beach.

Double and twin rooms with private balconies are usually available and starting for $58 to $75 per night. The clean, comfortable and modern facilities combined with the friendly staff make this hotel even better than some of the five-star resorts.

With 24-hour reception and security, you can feel safe and well taken care of here. Note that there is no parking available if you hire a car, but there is a free public car park just around the corner.

Hotel Pick
The Mareeya Place Kamala Beach

Mareeya Place

  • Kamala Beach
  • Amazing Staff

Glam Habitat – SHA Extra Plus

Last but not least is Glam Habitat, also located in Kamala Beach. Although this hotel is pricier than others on the list, the value for money is phenomenal. If you want to stay in luxury without the hefty price tag, this is the best budget hotel in Phuket that will meet your criteria.

The beach is only 100 metres away from the hotel, and many of the top-rated restaurants in the area are right around the corner.

Starting at around $130 a night, the one and two-bedroom suites each come with a kitchenette, a private pool, a balcony, a wardrobe, and so many more amenities. The kind staff go out of their way to help out each guest and ensure that any special requests are met.

Rooms are equipped with smart TVs that can access streaming services, and gaming consoles like an Xbox can even be provided. The hotel is designed with a modern and industrial look, with elegant white marble flooring in each room.

Also on-site is a restaurant and bar, a fitness centre, and a spa and wellness centre. Room service, a free buffet breakfast and an airport shuttle are all available too.

Hotel Pick
Glam Habitat - SHA Extra Plus - Kamala Beach

Glam Habitat

  • Kamala Beach
  • Luxury on a budget price range
  • Plunge Pool

Added Extra: Areas to Avoid

While there aren’t any places in Phuket that need to be avoided, there are some areas that may not be suitable if you are travelling on a budget.

Although the popular hotspots like Patong, Kamala Beach and Phuket Town are great to stay in, you will come across higher tourist prices far more often than you will in less-visited areas like Karon Beach and Kata Beach.

Bang Tao Beach in particular is known for catering to luxury travellers, so you should avoid this area if you need to remove the temptation of spending too much.

That being said, you can always find cheaper places to visit anywhere in Phuket so long as you look or ask around.

Tropical forest, sea coast, beach and sky. Phuket, Thailand. Traveling concept.

FAQs About cheap hotels in phuket thailand

What are good budget hotels in Phuket?

There are countless budget hotels in Phuket that are clean and comfortable. Glam Habitat and the Mareeya Place are great cheap hotels in Kamala Beach, while Rak Elegant Hotel, R-Mar Resort and Spa, and Nicky’s Handlebar are excellent budget choices in Patong.

The Alleyhill Phuket, the Shunli Hotel, and the Z Nite Hostel are all affordable accommodations if you want to stay in Phuket Town, and Babylon Pool Villas and the Happy Eight Resort are both perfect budget hotels near Nai Harn Beach.

Is Phuket a cheap place to visit?

Phuket can be a very cheap place to visit, so long as you are mindful of where you are spending your money and make budget-conscious choices.

You can easily wind up spending more than you intended, particularly if you’re unfamiliar with the currency and don’t know the exchange rate. For example, local transportation options like tuk tuks and songthaews are cheap, but taxis and ridesharing apps can easily add up.

Similarly, eating at expensive restaurants can easily cost three or four times what you would pay at a street food market or a smaller and less-flashy eatery.

Fortunately, there is plenty of cheap accommodation in Phuket, Thailand. You can save a lot before you even leave for your trip by booking one of the many budget-friendly hotels and hostels in Phuket.

Final Thoughts: best budget friendly hotels in phuket

In conclusion, Phuket offers a variety of beautiful and budget-friendly hotels for travellers who are looking to get the best experience for their money.

Whether you want to spend your days lounging around the pool or exploring the many sights that Phuket has to offer, there is something for everyone – and at great prices too!

We highly suggest booking your stay from these awesome recommendations and taking advantage of these unbeatable rates. So what are you waiting for? Book your budget friendly stay in Phuket today!

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Author

  • Samantha King

    Sam, a seasoned traveler across four continents and 49 countries, is a leading authority in travel planning. Her website, Travelling King, offers tailored itineraries and expert guides for seamless trips. Sam's expertise in luxury travel, fast travel, and destination guides keeps her at the forefront of the travel community.

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