Phuket SHA+ hotels

[superal]

Hello all ,

               I have never been to Phuket but will be doing so soon  using the " Sandbox " forum . Can anyone recommend a 4 star hotel that is not too noisy , has say a 7 -11 close by and maybe a few restaurants around too  ( not too bothered about beach location but can do ) . I have looked on the Thai embassy SHA+ hotels list and there are many but I do not always trust some of the reviews that I read on hotel booking sites , recommendations are best . Hotel facility for booking covid pcr testing would be useful . 

[Tidal wave]

Jumping on your thread I would like to know that also and anyone with recent experience of just how long it takes to get your passport back from the Thai embassy in London for a new O'visa  its been a week already. 

[superal]

11 minutes ago, Tidal wave said:

Jumping on your thread I would like to know that also and anyone with recent experience of just how long it takes to get your passport back from the Thai embassy in London for a new O'visa  its been a week already. 

normally only 3 days for me , did you send the p/p by recorded delivery which has a tracker ? give them a ring 0207 589 2944 but be prepared to wait in a long queue

[Tidal wave]

1 hour ago, superal said:

normally only 3 days for me , did you send the p/p by recorded delivery which has a tracker ? give them a ring 0207 589 2944 but be prepared to wait in a long queue

No tracking number is not accepted tried everything numerical wont accept sent return special delivery with tracking still not posted according to post office site.

[oliverphoenix2]

 I used 'SANDBOX HOTELS' by Thai Visa Center to book my hotel (Paripas Patong Resort). I used Booking.com hotel reviews to rate hotels - if there are a lot of reviews then the rating is probably somewhat reliable. In Patong there is usually a 7-11 not far away, although some may be closed. Paripas sorted out the covid pcr testing prepayment for me - paid for room first and then a few hours later paid 8000thb for covid tests(I was linked to paypal site to make payments), downloaded SHABA the day after paying. I fly into Phuket from UK on 17 July. I applied OA visa from London embassy mid June and got passport back 3 days after mailing 'special delivery'.

[Espanol]

I booked my SHA+ hotel in Agoda. 

 

I find easier and cheaper booking with then.

[superal]

6 minutes ago, Espanol said:

I booked my SHA+ hotel in Agoda. 

 

I find easier and cheaper booking with then.

Hotel payment straight forward but how have you booked and paid for the covid pcr tests ? Did you have to phone them ?

[Espanol]

13 hours ago, superal said:

Hotel payment straight forward but how have you booked and paid for the covid pcr tests ? Did you have to phone them ?

Hotel emailed me with price of 3 PCR (8000 bahts) and approved transport from airport to hotel (800 bahts) and a link for payment. 

 

Once I paid both, I got another email with SHABA certificate with code for COE, PCR booking with appointments for 2nd and 3rd tests at Jungceylon (Patong) and receipt of payment. 

[DFPhuket]

You will ultimately have to deal directly with the hotel to get your SHA+ certificate so if the cost is the same, I'd suggest you book directly. Also, it's good to contact the hotel to see if they have any special sandbox promotions. Since a hotel has to pay a commission to Agoda or other sites, sometimes you can get a better rate. 

 

I'm currently in day 7 of the Sandbox at the Doubletree Hilton on Patong beach. The full cost for 14 days including breakfast, tax and fees is 21,000 (plus 8,000 for the required PCR tests). To get Hilton, Marriott, etc. points you have to book direct. 

[zzzzz]

hotels will NOT give you a better price if you go direct>
they all sign a contract and can not give a better price>
if they do an agoda finds out, they will be dropped and as most hotels generate 50% and up business

they won't rock the boat

 

I've even walked into hotels in Thailand and speaking thai ask for a lower price than they offered me when i show them the price on booking.com and they tell me book there, which i than do using their wifi.

go figure

[LivinginKata]

15 minutes ago, zzzzz said:

hotels will NOT give you a better price if you go direct>
they all sign a contract and can not give a better price>
if they do an agoda finds out, they will be dropped and as most hotels generate 50% and up business

they won't rock the boat

 

I've even walked into hotels in Thailand and speaking thai ask for a lower price than they offered me when i show them the price on booking.com and they tell me book there, which i than do using their wifi.

go figure

 

True. Been there done that as in book Agoda in reception. Seems cray as hotel must pay some commission.

[tomazbodner]

Well, whichever hotel you choose, you might spend most of the time in SHA+ associated quarantine hospital, so better check which quarantine place hotel is associated with...

[superal]

On 7/9/2021 at 4:09 PM, oliverphoenix2 said:

 I used 'SANDBOX HOTELS' by Thai Visa Center to book my hotel (Paripas Patong Resort). I used Booking.com hotel reviews to rate hotels - if there are a lot of reviews then the rating is probably somewhat reliable. In Patong there is usually a 7-11 not far away, although some may be closed. Paripas sorted out the covid pcr testing prepayment for me - paid for room first and then a few hours later paid 8000thb for covid tests(I was linked to paypal site to make payments), downloaded SHABA the day after paying. I fly into Phuket from UK on 17 July. I applied OA visa from London embassy mid June and got passport back 3 days after mailing 'special delivery'.

Which airline are you using because I hear that Thai Airways have stopped flying until start of August , tried to call them but both UK phones not working . Also, how did the paying for the 3 Thai covid tests happen , did they contact you or you contact them cos this is one area that is not clear for the application .

[gearbox]

On 7/9/2021 at 10:09 PM, oliverphoenix2 said:

 I used 'SANDBOX HOTELS' by Thai Visa Center to book my hotel (Paripas Patong Resort). I used Booking.com hotel reviews to rate hotels - if there are a lot of reviews then the rating is probably somewhat reliable. In Patong there is usually a 7-11 not far away, although some may be closed. Paripas sorted out the covid pcr testing prepayment for me - paid for room first and then a few hours later paid 8000thb for covid tests(I was linked to paypal site to make payments), downloaded SHABA the day after paying. I fly into Phuket from UK on 17 July. I applied OA visa from London embassy mid June and got passport back 3 days after mailing 'special delivery'.

I checked a hotel I stayed in during March and this site is showing prices 50% plus more than the normal booking sites. 27586 baht for 14 days vs 18762 baht on trip.com (with free cancellation). 

 

I can recommend The Senses Resort and pool villa, stayed there for 8 nights in March,  very quiet with good views, but not that close to the beach. There are restaurants and 7-11 nearby.

 

However I paid 4500 baht for 8 nights in March via trip.com, now it is way more expensive, but still much cheaper than my ASQ hotel in Bangkok with way better room and facilities.

 

 

 

[Espanol]

5 hours ago, superal said:

Which airline are you using because I hear that Thai Airways have stopped flying until start of August , tried to call them but both UK phones not working . Also, how did the paying for the 3 Thai covid tests happen , did they contact you or you contact them cos this is one area that is not clear for the application .

Turkish Airlines flights to Phuket twice a week.

 

I booked hotel in Agoda. 

 

Hotel contacted me, sent me link for payment of 3 PCR and transport from airport. Once I paid everything they uploaded my data to SHABA and they emailed me code for COE and documents (Appointment at jungceylan for PCR and transport voucher to hotel).