» U Zenmaya http://thaholiday.com Fri, 13 Mar 2015 13:44:51 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Gorgeous 5-Star Hotel: Review of U Zenmaya Phuket Hotel & Resort http://thaholiday.com/u-zenmaya-phuket-resort-review/ http://thaholiday.com/u-zenmaya-phuket-resort-review/#comments Sun, 08 Feb 2015 05:22:57 +0000 http://thaholiday.com/?p=11048 Phuket has always been one of the most desired destinations in Thailand. No wonder, with it’s gorgeous beaches, clear waters, and breathtaking views. There are plenty of places to stay in at Phuket, but the U Zenmaya Phuket caught our eye right from the start. U Zenmaya Phuket is part of the U Hotels & […]

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Phuket has always been one of the most desired destinations in Thailand. No wonder, with it’s gorgeous beaches, clear waters, and breathtaking views. There are plenty of places to stay in at Phuket, but the U Zenmaya Phuket caught our eye right from the start.
U Zenmaya Phuket

Hotel Overview

U Zenmaya Phuket is part of the U Hotels & Resorts brand, which has several hotels across Southeast Asia, namely in Thailand, India, Indonesia, Laos and Vietnam. The brand targets sophisticated travelers who are open to new ideas and experiences. U Hotels & Resorts offer modern and luxurious accommodations, but are designed with the influence of the local heritage the hotel is located in. There are currently five hotels in Thailand, with two more opening soon.

U Zenmaya is carries the unique quality stamp of U Hotels & Resorts. This 5-star boutique hotel is located in Kamala beach, about ten minutes away from Patong beach, and overlooking Patong Bay.

Rooms

Deluxe Seaview

Deluxe Seaview

Deluxe Seaview Pool Access

Deluxe Seaview Pool Access

The hotel has 50 rooms, all designed in a Sino-Portuguese style that is strongly influenced by the heritage of Phuket. Take your pick from the Superior, Deluxe Seaview, Deluxe Seaview Pool Access, Junior Suite Seaview Pool Access and the Suites Seaview. All rooms have a balcony and an en suite bath, and some have a Jacuzzi too. The Seaview rooms are among the popular choices, particular those at the higher level that offer not just breathtaking views of Patong Bay, but also ample privacy.

Junior Suite Pool Access

Junior Suite Pool Access – Living Area

Junior Suite Pool Access Balcony

Junior Suite Pool Access – Balcony

Suite Seaview Living

Suite Seaview Living

Rooms also come with a mini bar and coffee/tea making facilities. Keeping connected is not a problem as each room has access to deluxe channels on the television through satellite feed, IDD access telephone, and high speed wireless Internet access. The room also has an entertainment system that you can personlize, and guests have the freedom to control the rooms temperature as needed. Guests also don’t have to worry about the security of their belongings, as an electronic safe is also built in the room.

An interesting feature that the hotel has is the U Choose program, where guests can make selections of pillows, soaps, and tea from the hotel’s stock when booking for a room. Upon arrival, these preferences are made available in the guests’ room.

U Zenmaya stands out from other luxury resorts because of its check-in and check-out practice. While many hotels have a fixed time for checking in and checking out, U Zenmaya does it differently: the time you check in is also the time when you check out. For example, if your check-in time is 11:45 PM on Friday, your check out time on your last day is 11:45 PM. This is great news for those who find themselves checking in late, as it allows them to enjoy their room and accompanying amenities and services for the full 24 hours.

Dining

Zeascape

Zeascape

U Zenmaya has a restaurant and lounge bar for its guests. Located next to the hotel lobby is Zeascape, the hotel’s restaurant that offers all day breakfast. Zeacret is the hotel’s modern bar lounge that has a rustic and cozy atmosphere similar to European pubs. It is located at the beach deck area that makes it easy for guests to move from the lounge to the beach and vice versa. Opposite the lobby area, next to the infinity swimming pool is the Breezes Pool Bar, where guests can chill and relax as they take in the gorgeous view of Patong Bay.

Other facilities

While the hotel has an overall ambiance of relaxation, they also offer amenities that contribute to the well-being of their guests. The Zensala Spa offers pampering packages of European or Thai massage treatments, including singles and couples massages. The hotel’s fitness center is fully outfitted with the latest exercise equipment and offers classes like yoga and other physical activities facilitated by professional in-house instructors.

Library

Library

For a bit of intellectual reprieve, the hotel has a library located below the Zeascape. Guests can find magazines and an extensive collection of books.

Infinity Pool

Infinity Pool

Swimming pool

Swimming pool

The hotel also has an infinity pool where guests can take a dip, just across the hotel’s main restaurant. The hotel can also provide for small to medium gatherings through meeting rooms, equipment, and even catering.

Verdict

U Zenmaya Phuket certainly has a lot going for it. The hotel’s location is ideal, as it very near the well-known Patong beach. It amenities are topnotch, and the hotel effectively provides for all the needs of its guests. The hotel has a 24 hour front desk that the guests can contact for room service or other assistance, and there are not enough good words to describe the conveniences of the 24-hour check-in/check-out policy.

While strictly not cons, a few things can probably make a person hesitate booking at U Zenmaya Phuket. The hotel is located 45 minutes away from the airport, and it may not be ideal for those who want to quickly access it. However, the hotel does offer drop off and pick up services to the Jungceylon shopping mall in Patong, and arrangements for the rental of chauffeur driven vehicles can be made through the hotel. To save on costs, guests can opt to rent scooters, although these would most likely come from outside sources.

The lowest fee for a room is 3499 Thai Baht (THB), which as of this article’s publication, is roughly 106 USD, and that does not come with any meals. While it is still affordable, it is slightly on the higher side of costs for backpackers and budget travelers. The good news is the hotel offers some deals when guests book through their website, offering discounts for certain number of days or on specific dates. These are great options for anyone who is on a budget but would like to experience U Zenmaya Phuket. Currently the hotel offers four deals, and to keep updated, guests can sign up for email alerts. Note that the cost of these deals do not include tax and service charges.

Service seems to be great too, although a few reports indicate that it could be improved. Communication is often usually the cited reason for errors, but it is easily rectified. On the whole, the resort’s atmosphere is great for vacationing couples, but not so much for families. However, there is no doubt that the hotel is top notch and would provide the best vacation experience. If you’re willing to splurge on a place to stay, U Zenmaya Phuket should be on your list.

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