Patong's ICONIC Landmark Hotel: Your Phuket Paradise Awaits!
Patong's ICONIC Landmark Hotel: Your Phuket Paradise Awaits!
Patong's ICONIC Landmark Hotel: Phuket Paradise - My Brain Dump Review (Totally Honest & Human)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a whirlwind trip to Phuket, and I'm here to spill the tea (and probably a little bit of mango juice) on the ICONIC Landmark Hotel. This isn't your textbook review; this is my raw, unfiltered, and slightly caffeinated opinion. So, grab your sunscreen and let's dive in! (and, uh, try to ignore my messy organization, okay?)
First Impressions (and a near-disaster):
Okay, let's be real. Patong is… intense. Like, neon lights, tuk-tuks blasting music, and a constant hum of activity. Finding ICONIC Landmark was thankfully easier than navigating the chaotic streets. Accessibility: YES! An elevator, which, after a few flights of stairs laden with my suitcase, felt like a hug from the heavens, and ramps made me happy. Score one for not breaking my back before my vacation officially started. Speaking of breaking… that nearly happened at check-in. I somehow left my passport in the taxi. My face when I realized was probably priceless! (Think horror movie meets slapstick comedy.) The hotel staff, bless their hearts, were AMAZING. They jumped into action, calling around, and eventually, a very apologetic taxi driver showed up with my precious ID. Doorman: absolutely helpful. They seemed used to dealing with jet-lagged, slightly frantic tourists, which is a skill in itself! Concierge, super helpful.
The Room: Paradise Refined or Slightly Bumpy Ride?
My room, the promised paradise, was actually pretty darn good. Clean. Cleanliness and safety are clearly a priority, which is a massive plus in this day and age. I appreciated the Daily disinfection in common areas and the Rooms sanitized between stays. They even offered Room sanitization opt-out available, which is nice for those who prefer a more natural approach.
- Available in all rooms list? Right:
- Air conditioning: Thank god, Phuket's heat is no joke.
- Alarm clock: (I never figured this one out)
- Bathrobes & Slippers: Luxurious touch (and handy for trips to the Sauna).
- Bathroom phone: Not sure I'd ever be using that…
- Blackout curtains: Crucial for sleeping off all the delicious cocktails I was planning on… testing
- Coffee/tea maker: A life saver, especially after those late nights.
- Complimentary bottled water: Always appreciated.
- Desk: Useful to pretend to work one day (I didn't)
- Hair dryer: Essential for my disaster of hair.
- In-room safe box: peace of mind.
- Internet access – wireless The Wi-Fi [free] was generally good. Internet access – LAN – I don't even know anymore! Lol.
- Mini bar: Tempting… always tempting.
- Non-smoking: YES!
- Private bathroom: always prefer that.
- Refrigerator: Great for keeping the beer cool!
- Seating area: Lovely to drink in.
- Satellite/cable channels: Mostly useless to me but you know
- Shower: Worked, thankfully.
- Smoke detector: Good.
- Sofa: Comfy.
- Soundproofing: Pretty good considering the madness outside.
- Telephone: I called room service way too many times…
- Towels: Soft and fluffy.
- Wake-up service: Didn't use it, because I'm a night owl.
- Window that opens: Fresh air always helps!
- Additional toilet: Not that this has any benefit for a single person.
… So yeah, it was nice! It even had an Extra long bed, which was a bonus for my long legs.
Eating, Drinking, and the Pursuit of Happiness (aka Food Coma):
Okay, let's talk about the good stuff. The food. The Asian breakfast was a winner, but be warned: the Breakfast [buffet] is dangerous. SO MUCH FOOD. I'm talking pancakes, eggs, fruit, noodles… I basically ate my way through the entire buffet every morning. It's a buffet, right? You're supposed to eat everything? The Asian cuisine in restaurant was also a winner. The Pad Thai was divine. I was told that all the kitchen and tableware items have been Sanitized kitchen and tableware items so that was a bonus.
- Restaurants: Plural! Multiple options.
- Coffee shop: I went to the coffee shop a lot.
- Poolside bar: Because, pool. And cocktails.
- Happy hour: A religious experience.
- Room service [24-hour]: Dangerous, but amazing.
I’m happy to report that the Alternative meal arrangement was absolutely no issue with the staff; for some reason, I requested a vegetarian meal. The Vegetarian restaurant and the Salad in restaurant, plus pretty much everything in the buffet, made me feel good about the dining experience!
Relaxation Station (and me almost drowning myself…):
This is where the ICONIC Landmark really shines. Swimming pool [outdoor]: It has a pool with a view, which is spectacular. The Pool with view is beautiful! The pool itself? Huge. Sparkling. Wonderful. I spent a ridiculous amount of time in there. One day, though, I may have gotten a little too relaxed with a cocktail in hand and nearly face-planted. My own fault, of course. But hey, the Sauna, Spa, and Steamroom helped me recover. I'm a big fan, to be honest. I also had a Massage which was out of this world. They also had a Foot bath and offered Body scrub and Body wrap, which I, frankly, regret missing.
Ways to relax: Ah, where to begin? Seriously, you're in Phuket. Relaxation is mandatory. Between the pool, the massages, and generally just being in paradise, you'll find your zen. I found mine with a cocktail in hand, staring at that awesome view from my room (or maybe even the Terrace).
Things to do: Well, you're in Patong. Shopping, beaches, nightlife… it's all there. The hotel itself is pretty central which means you're always near the action. They provide lots of information about what to do around the island.
For the Kids (and my inner child):
I didn't travel with kiddos myself, but they have a Babysitting service and Kids facilities, so it seems like they're pretty dedicated. Family/child friendly is a definite check.
The Nitty Gritty (aka Behind the Scenes):
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Reassuring.
- Cashless payment service: Convenient.
- Elevator: Thank GOD.
- Daily housekeeping: My room was always spotless.
- Laundry service: Helpful to get those sweaty clothes clean.
- Luggage storage: Useful for early arrivals or late departures.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: Didn't try.
- Safety deposit boxes: For the valuables.
- Security [24-hour]: Made me feel safe.
- Airport transfer: Easy and stress-free.
- Car park [on-site]: Didn't use it, but good to know it's there.
The Not-So-Perfect Moments:
Okay, I'm not going to sugarcoat it. Nothing's perfect. One small complaint: My internet dropped out a few times. Otherwise, it was pretty perfect.
My Extremely Reluctant Conclusion:
Look, I’m picky. Seriously, picky. Amd ICONIC Landmark? It's awesome! I'm already planning my return trip. If you're looking for a comfortable, convenient, and relatively affordable base for exploring Patong and Phuket, I highly recommend it. Yes, Patong is busy. But the hotel is an oasis.
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The Deal - My Personal, Unsolicited Offer to You (Because I Loved It That Much):
Stop scrolling! Seriously. Just do it. Book your stay IMMEDIATELY because I'm telling you you'll love it.
**My
Escape to Paradise: CASA ISON Hotel, Sablayan's Hidden Gem
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This ain't your grandma's perfectly polished travel itinerary. This is how I think a whirlwind adventure at the Landmark Patong Hotel in Phuket, Thailand, should (and probably will) go. Prepare for chaos, questionable decisions, and a whole lot of "OMG, I can't believe this happened!"
Landmark Patong: A Hot Mess Itinerary (with a Sprinkle of Hope)
Day 1: Arrival and Utter Disorientation (aka "Where Am I?")
- 7:00 AM: Wake up in my actual bed, staring at the ceiling and wondering if packing was a drunken hallucination. Flight to Phuket…supposed to be boarding in 3 hours. Panic ensues.
- 7:00 - 10:00 AM: Stuff everything in the suitcase. Did I actually pack sunscreen this time? Nope, but who needs it? It's fine. Taxi arrives, I sprint out of the house.
- 12:00 PM: Arrive in Phuket. The humidity hits like a wall. Seriously oppressive, but also…beautiful?
- 1:00 PM: Taxi to the Landmark Patong. Hopefully, I've got the address right. (Spoiler alert: I did. Miracle!) Check-in. Pray my room has air conditioning that actually works.
- 2:00 PM: Room acquired! And the AC is glorious. Unpack, immediately put on a swimsuit and head to the, supposedly, amazing pool. Which is where the first disaster of the trip occurs: my favorite sun hat flies off my head and into the pool. I spend 10 minutes awkwardly fishing it out with a pool noodle. Humiliating.
- 3:00 PM: Drinks at the pool bar. This is what I call a LIFE DECISION. Overpriced, but worth it. Feeling good, maybe too good.
- 5:00 PM: Wander aimlessly through Patong, utterly bamboozled by the chaos. So many people! So many tuk-tuks! So much stuff to buy! I end up buying a pair of questionable elephant pants. Regret is already setting in.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a place called "No Name Restaurant," recommended by the guy at the pool bar. Ordered something called "Pad Thai," which is a revelation. Now I understand what all the hype is about.
- 9:00 PM: Attempt to navigate Bangla Road. It's…an experience. I'm probably not the target audience, but the energy is infectious (in a slightly terrifying way). Decide to retreat back to the safe haven of the hotel before I buy something else questionable.
- 10:00 PM: Collapse in bed, already sunburnt and overloaded with new experiences. This is going to be interesting, isn't it?
Day 2: Beach Bliss (and a Bit of a Disaster)
- 9:00 AM: Wake up craving a Western breakfast.
- 10:00 AM: After a lengthy breakfast, it's time to find the beach, which is one of the main reasons why I went to the island.
- 10:30 AM: I find the beach, and I find bliss, as I swim in a sea, so beautiful.
- 1:00 PM: I eat at a beachside restaurant.
- 2:00 PM: Sunbathing, trying to not think how red my skin is.
- 4:00 PM: I find a street vendor selling fresh fruit smoothies. They are to die for!
- 6:00 PM: I decide to visit the Phuket Old Town. It looks beautiful.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant on the island
- 9:00 PM: I buy a souvenir.
- 10:00 PM: Sleep.
Day 3: Island Hopping and Monkey Mayhem (Possibly Don't Do This)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up, slightly hungover and regretting last night's karaoke attempt – I swear, they didn't have my song!
- 9:00 AM: Force down some toast, determined to make the most of my last full day.
- 10:00 AM: Decide to join an island-hopping tour. Sounds idyllic, right? Famous last words.
- 11:00 AM: Boat to Koh Phi Phi Leh and Maya Bay, a beautiful beach. The water is ridiculously turquoise; I could cry. Spend hours swimming.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch on the boat, some sort of buffet which is delicious, and I meet friendly people.
- 3:00 PM: Monkey Beach. OMG, the monkeys! Cute little furry bandits. I have read the warnings, and they are not joking. One steals my sunglasses. I'm suddenly surrounded by a horde of grinning primates, scrambling for anything they can get! This is where my sunglasses meet their tragic end.
- 4:00 PM: Return to the hotel, exhausted but exhilarated.
- 6:00 PM: Trying to get all the sand off my body, the worst thing.
- 7:00 PM: Decided to have dinner on the rooftop restaurant.
- 8:00 PM: Finish dinner.
- 9:00 PM: Ready to sleep.
Day 4: Departure and the Post-Holiday Blues
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. Pack my bags.
- 9:00 AM: Have a final breakfast at the hotel restaurant, eating the delicious food.
- 10:00 AM: Hotel Check out
- 11:00 AM: At the Airport.
- 12:00 PM: Board to my plane.
- 2:00 PM: Take off the sky.
Final Thoughts:
This trip was a mess, but a beautiful, chaotic mess. It's okay to not have a perfect vacation. Embrace the awkwardness, the mistakes, the sunburn, and the questionable souvenirs. Because those are the stories you'll tell, the memories that will make you smile, and the reason you'll be desperate to return to Phuket ASAP.
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Mosaic Condo Awaits in Rayong!
Patong's ICONIC Landmark Hotel: Your Phuket Paradise (Maybe!) FAQ - Let's Get Real!
Alright, buckle up buttercups. You thinking of the Landmark? Good choice... maybe. It's a *landmark*, alright. Here's the lowdown, straight from someone who's sweated and cried (mostly from the humidity and the chili) figuring things out there.
1. Is this hotel *actually* on the beach? 'Cause the photos... well, they lie, don't they?
Not *exactly* on the beach, my friend. Let's just say you're a *very* convenient walk away. Like, a "dodging-tuk-tuks-while-hustling-through-vendors-and-sweaty-tourists" kind of walk. The beach is close, but the hotel sits a bit back. Expect a five-minute sprint... or a pleasant ten-minute meander, depending on your tolerance for street food aromas and aggressive massage hawkers.
2. The rooms... what's the *deal* with the rooms? Are they... modern? Or are they… "classic"?
Okay, let's be brutally honest. "Classic" is putting it kindly. Think… well-loved. Some rooms *are* being updated, supposedly (fingers crossed!), but some… let's just say they’ve seen some things. Check the photos REALLY carefully online before you book. Ask for a room facing *away* from the street if you value sleep. You might get lucky, or you might feel like you've stepped into a time capsule... a time capsule with questionable air conditioning. My first time... the grout in the bathroom had opinions. *Strong* opinions. I may or may not have cried a little. The view, however, was AMAZING.
3. What about the pool? Is it Instagrammable? (Because, priorities.)
The pool… ah, the pool. It's there. It's usually clean. Is it infinity-edge with a swim-up bar and a DJ spinning chill house music? No. But it's a pool. You can swim in it. You can splash. You can get away from the insane heat for a bit. Is it Instagrammable? Maybe. If you use the right filter and a good angle. The kids that day were absolutely loving it, which was nice to see. But I was too busy internally complaining about the sun.
4. The food? Is it safe to eat? And is there a decent breakfast? Because hangry me is a monster.
Alright, food. Breakfast… well, it *exists*. It’s… sufficient. Think scrambled eggs, some fruit, toast. Nothing to write home about, but it'll fill the void. Lunch and dinner? Patong Beach has a million food options, so explore! Get out there! Try the local restaurants! (Just… maybe stick to cooked food, alright? I learned that the hard way.) The hotel restaurant? It's... convenient. I remember one time I ordered a burger and it was... edible. But I'm a burger snob, so take that with a grain of salt (and maybe a Pepto-Bismol nearby, just in case...).
5. Oh god, the noise. How bad is the noise? I need sleep. I really, really need sleep.
The noise… ah, the soundtrack of Patong. It's present. It's persistent. It’s a symphony of tuk-tuk horns, bar music, and general hedonistic revelry. Earplugs are your best friend. Ask for a room on a higher floor, facing away from the main street (I mentioned this, right?). And, honestly? Embrace the chaos. You're in Patong, baby! It'll be an experience.
6. Is it a good place for families? Or should I leave the kids at home?
Families… hmmm. It's… doable. It *is* Patong, though. There's… shall we say, a certain… *vibe* in Patong. You'll need to be comfortable explaining certain things to the little ones. The hotel itself? It's okay. The pool is kid-friendly enough. But if I were you? I'd weigh the pros and cons carefully. Maybe consider a quieter area of Phuket if you're really prioritizing family time. I'd personally leave the kids home. You're too young, and they'll just be annoying (kidding!).
7. Okay, the staff. Are they helpful? Are they… even awake?
The staff? Generally, yes. Helpful enough. They're dealing with a LOT of people. A *lot*. Be polite. Learn a few basic Thai phrases ("Sawasdee kap/ka" – hello, and "Khop khun kap/ka" – thank you – go a long way!). They will try their best. Expect things to move at a slightly slower pace. It's Thailand, after all! The front desk... well, sometimes I could swear they were telepathic. They would know I needed something before I even knew I needed it! And then there was that one time, I asked for extra towels and they gave me a whole truckload.
8. What's *the best* thing about this hotel, truly? Give me something positive!
Okay, okay, here's the good stuff. The location. Yep. It’s central. It's *in* the heart of the action. You can walk to the beach, to Bangla Road (for better or worse!), to restaurants, shops, massage parlours (again, your choice!). It's a springboard to the whole Patong experience. Also, that view I mentioned? If you get the right room, it’s breathtaking. Especially at sunset. And while the hotel itself might not blow your mind, the location... That's where the magic happens. If the best thing turns out to be the location in the end, then the hotel has done its job.
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