I can't understand why people rate this place bad and even didn't stay there... anyway, we DID stay there for 4 days..

First we stayed in the "1" building. Rooms were nice. Bathroom was OK, I would have used mold proof silicone though. Banthai is REALLY in the core center of Patong Beach, however, we did not notice the outside entertainment places, partly because of distance, partly because the aircon is a little noisy.

Later we moved to block "2" (non-smoking), which seems newer. Bathrooms here were perfect.

All those "issues" were minor and we would stay anytime again.

Ban Thai Beach Resort was the worst hotel we have ever stayed at in all of our years traveling all over the world!!!. Checking in, they overbooked many people leaving us roomless for hours (several other people were in the same situation). The management and staff lied continuosly about their mistake. Very disorganized!!! They were very unprofessional and did not say sorry once or try to accomodate us in any way...AT ALL!!! . We had to move rooms three times in two days. The first night we stayed in a cheaper room then what we had booked and had to fight for hours just to get the money difference that they owed us. They were not going to even refund us the difference!! The rooms were full of mold because this resort had been under water, due to the tsunami.....the price you pay is way too high for the quality of rooms. The rooms were near construction that woke us up very early every morning. Our room service was missing for over 1 hour 45 minutes...no one could find it anywhere??? The vehicle we pre-booked to take us back to the airport was over 45 minutes late, leaving us to almost miss our flight.
We spoke to many other people during their stay and they had similiar problems.
Overall, I have not one good thing to say about this hotel. When a person pays a lot of money and travels a long way, they expect good quality service. Ban Thai will not give you the true enjoyable holiday experience that you derserve. The management and staff are by far the worse I have ever seen in any hotel. There are many other good quality hotels to stay at in Patong Beach...make another choice!!!!

we flew from canada for a vacation at this hotel which we booked rooms two months prior. when we got there they tried to move to a different hotel,said they were full. the front desk were completely disrespectfull,lied constantly and ruined six hours of our time in phuket. there was mould around the tubs on the bottom level,and the rooms stunk of mildew. we moved to three different rooms in eight hours. would NEVER STAY AGAIN!!!!!!!!!

Central heaven!
We have just returned form 6 beautiful nights staying at the Banthai in a standard twin room and it exceeded all expectations we had wished for.
On arrival we were greated with cool face cloths and a welcoming drink. We had arrived at 12 from the airport with check in being 2 pm, but as our room was available were able to go straight in.
the room was cool and spacious enough for two people. Two good size beds, a day lounge a table and chair.
the bathroom was large and clean. the bath very deep. the basin and hairdryer is located outside the shower/toilet room, which was very handy having two women sharing a room!
The roon was cleaned everymorning with the fruit bowl and water filled, it was again checked and tidied in the afternoon and then of an evening the beds turned down with an orchid on the pillow.
The grounds of the hotel were spotless with staff seeming to be always cleaning the grounds.
breakfast was plentiful and varied, and could be eaten inside in airconditioning or outside.
The swim up bars had at least 2 if not 3 staff in them at all times and the drinks were varied and not overpriced.
The staff had a very god grasp of english and there was always a staff member free to help, we never had to wait once.
The Banthai is located within 2 minutes stroll of the sand, yet once you are inside the resort, it is like an oasis away from the hustle and bustle of Patong.
While we were there I celebrated my birthday, we had not told the staff, but they must have notice on my registration card. On the mornig of my birthday a card was left on the table, nice I thought...in the afternoon the most beautiful birthday cake was sent to our room with plates and candles, even iced with my name!
I highly reccommend the Banthai, central and close to everyhting, yet and perfect little oasis hidden away.

Chelle