Recently spotted this in the Phuket Gazette

"If you are not a guest at Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort in Karon, you are not welcome to use the public beach in front of their hotel for recreational activities. There is no walking access to the beach, and unless you are a guest you cannot use their road access, or park your motorbike there.

We have even been told to leave the beach before. I believe the beach is Crown land and the hotel should be providing access to the public beach, if their land prohibits access. Le Meridien, could you please explain? "

Reply

“The beach is public, not private, and everyone can use it. We can confirm that non-guests are allowed to use the beach, free of charge.

In order to get to the beach, you must pass through the hotel. We have to screen every one who comes through for safety purposes, and we monitor who comes in and out via our road.

We will charge, however, if non-guests on a day trip to the beach want to use our facilities, such as the bathroom or the pool. There is never a charge to use the beach.

We have not been informed of any instance in which non-hotel guests were told to leave the beach. We would never do that. We would only ask someone to leave, if they are a non-guest that uses the facilities without paying.”

Has anyone got actual experience of using this beach area that Le Meridien occupies?

I have years ago. I was never challenged walking though the hotel, and I know others that have too. The problem is parking. I don't buy that if they know you aren't staying there they won't stop you from crossing their property.

Like most big hotels, just walk into the hotel as the bell boy etc don't know all the guest.

I don't think they will ask you when entering the hotel for proof of stay.

I wonder if they've been asked to remove their sunbeds from the public beach?

I wonder if they've been asked to remove their sunbeds from the public beach?

Yes, all gone. But on request of the guests available.

On the other hand: Do you know who is co-owner of the place :-) ....