Originally built in the 1980s and formerly recognised as one of Phuket's pioneering luxury resorts, the passage of time has unfortunately left its mark on this property, rendering it somewhat antiquated and worn. Although some areas have received revitalisation, there are still numerous sections that require substantial attention and refurbishment. There are several positive aspects to appreciate about this classic resort-style hotel. Nestled gracefully on a hillside, this tranquil tropical haven bestows breathtaking vistas of the expansive azure waters, offering truly awe-inspiring views from various vantage points across the premises. To traverse between the main resort hub to the private beach, Bamboo Bar, and Panwa House, visitors embark on a charming single-track tram, a delightful experience for children and a unique treat for all guests. This short scenic journey not only treats everyone to splendid panoramas but also immerses them in the natural beauty of the landscape, as it glides through a canopy of lush trees. It's a fun and picturesque way to navigate the hill's slope. For those seeking respite from the bustling local tourist spots, a private beach awaits within the hotel grounds, featuring white sands and crystal-clear water. While the lounge seating may show signs of age, they ensure comfort under the shade of palm trees or pop-up umbrellas. Adjacent to the beach, the Bamboo Bar offers a concise menu, with various water activities available at the counter next door. To help you make the most of your aquatic adventures, a 'best time to swim' guide is located in your room, providing information on tidal fluctuations. The hotel provides an array of dining options in Panwa House, Café Andaman, Top of the Reef Restaurant and Bamboo Bar (Bamboo only serving lunch). Additional dining choices are available at the nearby sister property, Kantary Bay Hotel, which houses Uncle Nans Italian and Café Kantary. While the hotel website offers ample information, some advance planning and reservations are advisable. Upon arrival, I received a map but little else, with no guidance on dining reservations or other amenities. With regards to Panwa House, prepare to savour a dining experience that could easily become your preferred choice. Offering a classic Thai menu, with indoor and outdoor dining options within the manor, on its picturesque balcony, or in a charming courtyard just steps from the entrance. It's worth noting that if you're on an inclusive package, a more concise menu is available, still featuring delectable options. However, for an authentic taste of Thailand, indulging in the à la carte menu is highly recommended – your taste buds won't be disappointed. Make sure to secure a reservation to avoid disappointment. The quality of Thai cuisine at Cape Panwa is commendable, but it's important to acknowledge that, outside of this, the hotel falls short of a 5-star experience. The breakfast buffet's highlight is the bakery selection, but the rest feels like a repeat of a breakfast buffet from the 1990s. In this day and age, guest expectation for food and facility quality have reached new heights, with countless phenomenal options available worldwide. To uphold a reputation, every aspect of hospitality should be next level. With a few exceptions, the staff are superb, extending warm welcomes and providing valuable assistance. Some may face challenges with conversational English, their dedication to guest satisfaction remains. To facilitate smooth communication, patience, easy language, and a kind and understanding attitude go a long way. The front desk staff do seem quite disorganised though, on arrival (after a late flight) there was no porter in sight, no receptionist at the desk and I stood around for a good 10 mins waiting to be acknowledged. On departure, it took 25 minutes from when I called down to reception for a porter for my bags to arrive at reception. Note, there is no air conditioning in this area – so when you are prepping for a long haul flight and attempting to stay fresh, it’s not ideal. While the rooms are spacious (I stayed in a Junior Suite) they exhibit signs of wear and tear – I had the opportunity to view two different rooms (more on that shortly). In my initial room, numerous issues were evident, including cracked ceiling panels, a leaking toilet fitting, exposed wiring, birds nesting in the balcony roof cavity, a loose bathroom vanity sink bowl, and a non-functional sink plug. While the hotel promptly sent housekeeping and maintenance to address these concerns, these issues should not have arisen in the first place. During my six-night stay in room one, I welcomed two visits from technicians specifically for the air conditioning. The first was due to a significant leak that flooded the floor, and the second was because the unit was no longer cooling. After multiple calls to reception, I was eventually relocated to another room. In the second room, I noted comparable issues – the bathroom vanity sink bowl that was loose, an air conditioning unit facia on the verge of falling off and caked with dust, a beautiful wall picture that hung crookedly, a shower mixer that transitioned water temperature from icy to scalding with just a slight touch, and, lastly, additional rust on the balcony balustrade. The view from the balcony also exposed the neighbouring property with its neglected roofs, detracting from the once-iconic scenery. Throughout the facility, several details and maintenance issues have been overlooked. The main walkway from the hotel reception to The Cape Hotel (T wing) is in need of attention, with peeling paintwork, rust, overgrown foliage, lack of cover on rainy days, and water pooling along the tiles. The main pool area, in particular, has the appearance of a local motel – the aging wooden deck shows signs of disrepair, with uneven sections requiring replacement. The pool edge grating is old and discoloured in places, the pool cabanas are frayed and weathered, and the feature pots have weed grass growing in them with water staining underneath. I realise this has been a long review, and a bit of a rollercoaster. If I had written this on day three of my stay, I might have rated the Hotel as "very good" with four dots. However, taking in to account the overall experience, it can only be considered average when compared to other resorts and hotels I have visited worldwide. Had I paid the full rack rate for the room and board, I would have been more disappointed. If you seek an ultra-modern, luxurious, well-appointed hotel, Cape Panwa Hotel is not the ideal choice for you. However, if you can ignore the dilapidation, appreciate hotels and resorts with a rich history, cleanliness, decent location, and a variety of dining options, then Cape Panwa Hotel may suit your preferences – it certainly has huge potential with some tender care. …
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.