Cape Panwa Hotel

Phuket, Thailand

Virgin rating

The hotel

Nothing less than idyllic, Cape Panwa offers a quiet retreat in the southeast corner of this popular island. Excellent service, stylish rooms and world-class amenities can all be enjoyed as well as a secluded beach for hotel guests only. All suites and villas boast plenty of space and light with airy décor. There’s a variety to choose from, ideal for couples, families or groups of friends. Activities at the Cape Panwa abound – although if you want to do nothing more than laze by one of the 2 pools, that’s absolutely fine! For moments when you’re feeling more active, there are water sports galore, including canoes and stand-up paddle boards. As well as sporting activities, there are cultural activities and a spa in which to feel truly pampered. Children are welcomed with open arms and there’s plenty for them to do too, allowing parents time out to soak up the sun. Dining is plentiful at the Panwa, there are several superb restaurants, serving dishes from around the globe. There are also four bars to unwind in at the end of the day, sipping on a handcrafted cocktail perhaps whilst listening to a live band at The Light House or the swell of the sea at Bamboo Bar.

Amenities

  • Sailing
  • Babysitting service
  • Bar
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Games Room
  • Internet Access
  • Laundry Service
  • Restaurant
  • Safety Deposit Box
  • Swimming Pool
  • Beachfront location

Where is it

Built into the hillside and overlooking a gorgeous stretch of white sand. Although everything is within walking distance, there’s a quirky little train to transport you between the hotel, the beach and gardens! Transfer time from Phuket Airport: 50 minutes.

Hotel information

205 rooms, suites and villas. All are air-conditioned with private balcony or terrace, widescreen TV with cable,  telephone, WiFi access, mini-bar*, tea/coffee maker, safe and hairdryer. Superior Rooms with partial views of the ocean have 1 king-size bed, or twin beds, sleeping maximum 2 adults or 1 adult and 1 child (aged 2-11 years).

Junior Suites have extra living space and large balcony with most offering partial views over Panwa Bay with 1 king-size bed, or twin beds, sleeping maximum 3 adults or 2 adults and 1 child (aged 2-11 years).

Cape Suite with partial sea views (limited by vegetation), master en-suite bedroom and separate lounge with sofa bed, sleeping maximum 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children (aged 2-11 years).

Family Suites are comprised of a Cape Suite with connecting Superior Room, with master en-suite bedroom and separate lounge with sofa bed, sleeping maximum 5 adults and 4 adults and 2 children (aged 2-11 years).

Two Bedroom Pool Villa with private swimming pool and master en-suite bedroom, sleeping maximum 5 adults and 4 adults and 2 children (aged 2-11 years).

5 restaurants including: Café Andaman (International cuisine), Panwa House (Thai delicacies), Top of the Reef, Uncle Nan’s Italian Restaurant, Laem Panwa Restaurant (outdoor seafood restaurant). 4 bars including: The Light House, Otter’s Bar, Bamboo Bar, Dolphin Bar. Café Kantary. 

2 swimming pools. Cape Spa*. Thai massage on the beach*. Fitness centre* with sauna. Water sports* including canoes, catamaran and stand-up paddle boards. Badminton* and table tennis on the beach. Beauty salon*. Weekly cultural activities* including Thai cooking classes, Batik painting and fruit and vegetable carving, games room, playground and menus.

Babysitting available* (on request). Complimentary WiFi in public areas and guest rooms. Laundry/dry-cleaning service*. 24-hour reception.

5 nights between 27 Dec-5 Jan.

*Denotes local charge.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (2406)
  • Very good (887)
  • Average (339)
  • Poor (129)
  • Terrible (68)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Characterful hotel

Aug 26, 2024 637Traveller Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Stayed with family in three rooms T101, T102 both large rooms with sea view in need of a update ie Tv and hairdryers are really old, but room clean and air conditioning good. My son stayed in a room by the lighthouse which was in desperate need of renovation ,, I would of asked for a change in room, wardrobes damaged and silicone in bathroom… Read more
Stayed with family in three rooms T101, T102 both large rooms with sea view in need of a update ie Tv and hairdryers are really old, but room clean and air conditioning good. My son stayed in a room by the lighthouse which was in desperate need of renovation ,, I would of asked for a change in room, wardrobes damaged and silicone in bathroom mouldy. Food served in the hotel was really good, favourite restaurant Top of the reef although the food is good in all of the restaurants. Drinks are really expensive including water. The hotel has lots of positive points like staff and the old character and charm of the complex itself, quite location yet accessible by taxi or hotel shuttle to Phuket old town or night market Positives point is the private beach with plenty of sun beds , the hotel advertises the best time for swimming. Beach bar is also good for lunch. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Perfect hotel offering Colonial Style Charm

Aug 15, 2024 Intrepid_explorer000 uk

We have stayed at this hotel on and off for 25 years and, for us, it is perfect. We love Cape Panwa and are glad to say the quiet colonial charm offered here has been retained over the years, and it is this which makes this hotel so very special. It is listed on various sites as a 4.5-5* hotel and this will depend on your expectations as to… Read more
We have stayed at this hotel on and off for 25 years and, for us, it is perfect. We love Cape Panwa and are glad to say the quiet colonial charm offered here has been retained over the years, and it is this which makes this hotel so very special. It is listed on various sites as a 4.5-5* hotel and this will depend on your expectations as to whether you agree. If you want loud music pumping out day and night, lots of children’s activities, slides etc in the pool, air conditioning and high tech gadgetry everywhere then maybe you should look for a different hotel, as you won’t get these things here. What you do get is a private beach, a gym, two swimming pools, a spa, quality service, and idyllic surroundings to switch off and relax in. There are several bars and restaurants on site offering different cuisines: Thai, Italian, classic French, a beach restaurant and of course, the buffet, all of which are excellent. If you want to dine in the Thai or French restaurants however please respect there is a dress code request – no vest type T-shirts, no shorts and no flip-flop beach shoes, you can be more casual in the other eateries. We have stayed in a different room each time we have been to Cape Panwa, and can honestly say that we have never been disappointed. But one of the most charming things about this hotel is the staff. Without exception from the Reception to the beach towel attendants and everyone in between, the staff are all so helpful and polite. We would especially like to thank everyone involved for making our stay this time so special. We will be back. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great place to relax

Aug 15, 2024 cate90104 Sydney, Australia

A great place to relax and recharge after the hustle and bustle of Patong. It is very quiet with few entertainment options after dark. The room ( seaview suite) was spacious, the view from the balcony amazing and the bed very comfortable. However it is the staff who make this hotel so memorable. A special mention and thank you to Dol, Jakub and… Read more
A great place to relax and recharge after the hustle and bustle of Patong. It is very quiet with few entertainment options after dark. The room ( seaview suite) was spacious, the view from the balcony amazing and the bed very comfortable. However it is the staff who make this hotel so memorable. A special mention and thank you to Dol, Jakub and Kob who went above and beyond, daily, to ensure we were looked after. As a person with a mobility disability their care and attention was very much appreciated. While the hotel is not particularly accessible ( lots of steps, some stèep ramps, inaccessible toilets in public spaces) all of the staff tried their best to assist us. We knew before we arrived that there were stèep stairs, but we didn't realise the extent. The regular shuttle service is very convenient and well used by guests as the road to the hotel is extremely steep and almost unwalkable in the heat. Overall the hotel is worth a visit, if only to experience the wonderful service from the staff Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A real paradise in Phuket

Aug 15, 2024 NewyoMadrid Turin, Italy

Staying in Cape Panwa was just a dream. Paradisiac place, nice location, good food with a lot of variety and the people. The hotel staff is really the best: supportive, problem solver, with a positive attitude all the time. We spent 11 days in paradise, and it has been so hard to say goodbye to A place like this. I really hope we can come back… Read more
Staying in Cape Panwa was just a dream. Paradisiac place, nice location, good food with a lot of variety and the people. The hotel staff is really the best: supportive, problem solver, with a positive attitude all the time. We spent 11 days in paradise, and it has been so hard to say goodbye to A place like this. I really hope we can come back sometime. ขอบคุณ ครับ - Thank you!! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A nice stay but needs some TLC

Aug 13, 2024 Aman2000 Newcastle

Let’s start by saying the staff at this hotel are fantastic. Incredibly friendly and very courteous. The hotel itself has a great beach-side location which is around 45 minutes from HKT. The hotel pool and grounds are well maintained however having stayed in a family suite I have to say this does not represent 5 start hotel (in terms of the… Read more
Let’s start by saying the staff at this hotel are fantastic. Incredibly friendly and very courteous. The hotel itself has a great beach-side location which is around 45 minutes from HKT. The hotel pool and grounds are well maintained however having stayed in a family suite I have to say this does not represent 5 start hotel (in terms of the rooms and resort). I can imagine when it opened 30 years ago it did but it’s looking really tired in lots of places such as the balcony, bathrooms and some of the facilities and bar areas such as the lighthouse. The hotel does need a fresh refurb and I’m pretty sure they are aware of this. Just be aware it’s not a 5 star but it’s great all the same. Read less