The Slate, Phuket

I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it! For an amazing price, a great location, terrific food, multiple pools, right on the beach, a wonderful staff, the best massage ever...a great gym, trying to think of more "greats" as there are a ton!!Pro's1. The breakfast buffet is almost unparalleled - the choices are infinite, the food is fantastic and represents more than just Thailand, the staff could not be nicer, and the breakfast area is in a stunning pavillon.2. Three pools - choose the one furthest from the main lobby, it's super quiet, only adults and was never overflowing with people. For a swim-up bar, socializing and more - there is a pool mid-property and it's all adult too.3. Location - for a jet in/jet out, this place is perfect. It's all of 5-10 min from the airport so no endless, traffic laden, stressful run-for-your-plane moments. The hotel has a short-bus ready to whisk you there is mere minutes.4. Proximity to beach - through gates and high walls, you are plopped right on the beach. Note that the hotel doesn't have their own services here but there are innumerable inexpensive options, chair, umbrella and go! Also there are a plethora of seaside beach bars and restaurants and they are both incredibly well priced and offer great, safe-to-eat food.5. The spa - I had the best massage of my life. The end.6. The gym - hardly used, brand new equipment, big, bright windows. Used it, loved it.7. The team - from airport pick up to airport drop off and every minute in between, the staff were happy, engaging, charming, lovely, helpful and all around terrific.8. It's chic - the industrial design and stone, steel and timber finishes are unexpectedly fab. They stylishly blend traditional Thai with, let's say...Restoration Hardware. It's a look, and I liked it.9. The Room - I chose a second floor (highly recommended) Pearl Suite. It was great, replete with outdoor, terrace cantilevered bathtub...why not? A large, step in stone shower, rich hardwood floors, blackout curtains, comfy bed, large lanai and landing pad as I call them...Winner, big time.Potential Con's - I struggle to come up with these but as this is a review for many, I'll do my best considering different needs/desires etc.1. The Size - this place is big in terms of number of buildings and shear acreage. Look at the master plan and pre-request privacy or quiet. There are some buildings that face each other with less privacy, others that are completely secluded.2. A Schlep - if you are mobility challenged and don't like to walk a lot, this place might not be for you. They do have golf carts and will happily pick you up and drop you off - but you really need to be in the room or lobby to request...vs beachside.3. No Elevators in buildings, so don't take a second floor room if you can't do stairs. The pools aside from the kids pool have a flight of stairs to ascend/descend.4. Some Service - the place is massive (though doesn't feel it), however if you're poolside and want a drink (note, one adult bar has a swim up cocktail station...I availed of this benefit, A LOT) grab someone when you see someone and it might be a bit...5. Drinks - this is not a dig on the Slate but is very Thai - if you're looking for a stiff drink, be prepared to ask for a double or a triple or bring a bottle from duty free. Or, there is a 7 Eleven a short walk away that has beverages and booze. The bartenders use shot glasses so a single shot is just that and they don't bend the rules no matter how many baht you chuck their way.6. The Location - if you want to party like a rock star in Patong, it's not close so not convenient to book it south for a night of cha-cha and more. You certainly wouldn't do it nightly unless you have the patience of Job.I struggled to come up with the con's and none are major. This is a fantastic place to stay, super affordable plus plus, and I would go back to the Slate in a New York Minute as we say. Bravo Slate!

Beautiful hotel, it was an amazing architecture sort of industrial-metal-factory themed. Great staff, perfect location for our return flight to the airport is 10 min away by car

Simply outstanding. We travelled as a couple with other friends. The layout, facilities, staff, restaurants, gardens and architecture design are exceptional.  …

Great resort environment and staff service ! Well managed wonderful garden , good room condition. I cannot feel it's been old.... felt more comfortable from well aged and experienced ones.. Especially such excellent food at Black Ginger!! I cannot forget such good memirable experience of service as well as food taste!!