Novotel Phuket Vintage Park is a brand new four-star hotel on Patong Beach, Phuket’s nightlife central. The new hotel features contemporary Southeast Asian architecture, with its 303 rooms divided into 207 superior rooms, 74 deluxe rooms, 14 pool access rooms, seven family rooms and one suite. All rooms have private balconies overlooking the swimming pool, and there’s free WiFi throughout.

Rave: The 2,000-sq-meter pool is the biggest in Patong, and if you can, book a pool access room to take advantage of the relaxing poolside Jacuzzi. The In balance Wellness Spa offers a wide range of Thai and oil massages (B2,980-4,980). They also offer Thai cooking and batik painting classes.

Rant: Though its huge entrance and reception area, where a grand chandelier reflects off a giant metal relief are impressive, other parts of the hotel are a little less inspiring. Also, we can’t tell the difference between the superior and the deluxe. Be warned, there is no mini-bar so come supplied.

Neighborhood: Those who want a relaxing stay without feeling isolated, this hotel is for you. It’s situated right near shopping centers like Jungceylon and Patong’s famed nightspots. And the beach is only a 5-minute walk away.

Food and drinks: The main restaurant, The Square, serves international cuisine, from tom yam gung to grilled Australian beef. Come the weekend, it’s all about the buffet: Friday night is international food (B700), Saturday is barbecue seafood (B850) and Sunday is Thai food (B500).

Price: Opening prices are B2,750 for a superior, B3,550 for a deluxe, B4,250 for a pool access room and B7,100 for the suite, until Oct 31. Monruedee Jansuttipan