Located off the beaten tourist track, approximately ten minutes drive from Ao Nang's commercial center, Ao Nang Phu Petra abuts the spectacular limestone cliffs for which the region is famous, so affording the guest excellent views.
The ambiance is uncrowded and peaceful, and visitors' sense of ease is enhanced by the breathtaking vistas. The hotel boasts a lovely pool setting with perfect views of the rocks. Whilst not depriving the resort of sunshine, these cliffs loom over the hotel's setting and add an undeniable air of peace and serenity.
This is a great place to choose if one prefers tranquility and privacy. However, for those who choose hotels based on proximity to the action, this might not be the place for you, as it is a good distance away from the main road and a good ten minute shuttle bus ride from the town's main beachfront strip.
Having said that, the hotel provides hourly shuttles to the town center, with return trips 20 minutes past certain hours. These shuttles run until 9 pm, after which time, a tuk tuk is an easy and affordable transportation choice to return to the hotel. Phu Petral also offers motorbike rentals at affordable prices.
The service levels are high, even for us less-than-impressively dressed travelers. We were offered sweet Thai tea and cold towels as we lounged poolside, awaiting a tour of the facilities. The architecture is a contemporary fusion of Thai and Mediterranean styles, where natural materials are predominant. The lobby is spacious, with tall ceilings, traditional decor and local handicrafts.
The outdoor dining terrace is an especially pleasant spot, and as informed by Trip Advisor, the food is reasonable both in quality and price. Should one get tired of the hotel menu, a quick walk across the road offers the visitor another dining experience, a lovely restaurant run by a German native and his Thai wife. The fare includes delicious, affordable breakfasts, Thai food and traditional German foods like wiener schnitzel and spaetzle.
As of November 12, 2012, some minor maintenance issues appeared to need some attention, but only the most pampered of princesses would complain. Though not immaculate and, for example, in need of rust removal from the walls surrounding the pool, the ultimate result is very pleasing. In addition, the lush green grounds are nicely manicured, very well-kept, and even host a shaded playground with slides, see saws and other play equipment for the youngest visitors.
Accommodation
The hotel offers four types of rooms. All rooms have private balconies, LCD TVs, air-conditioning, satellite TV channels, free wifi and the usual mini bars, safety deposit boxes, complimentary coffee, tea and water.
Rooms come with small refrigerators, hair dryers, flashlights, umbrellas, robes and slippers for the guests' comfort. The hotel lends DVD players and DVDs to guests who request them.
Hillside Villa
These offer guests the least expensive choices, most of which offer excellent views of the cliffs. The rooms are large with lovely wooden floors, comfortable furniture and king sized beds. All rooms can accommodate extra beds should the need arise. The bathrooms in the hillside villas are somewhat special as well.
They are large and include all amenities, with large separate showers and deep tubs. An island vanity with a sink and mirror add to the tasteful decor.
There is, however, a marked difference in quality of views from unit to unit, the best of which offer a grandstand view of the limestone cliffs that separate Ao Nang from the Railay peninsula, so when booking through us, allow us to help request the best views these rooms have to offer.
Poolside Villa
These are similar rooms to the Hillside Villas, and to us it seemed the only benefit of one of these rooms was that the visitor is 30 seconds or so closer to the pool. In our opinion there is no compelling reason to request this room type.
Majestic Suites
These offer honeymooners and other guests a spacious bedroom as well as a good-sized sitting room with an additional flat screen TV. Be advised that the sofa, whilst comfortable enough to sit on to watch television, isn't quite big enough for extracurricular honeymoon activities!
This suite is spacious enough to add two extra beds if necessary, though we would only recommend that a guest add one. A child could also share the gigantic 7-foot bed with his parents, provided parents don't mind that wriggly sensation of their kids between their sheets.
The suites are well appointed that feature a three-tiered Thai style ceiling which just adds a pleasingly Asian atmosphere to these already very comfortable units. The bathrooms offer deep tubs and separate showers and all the amenities.
Finally, comfy, private terraces just out the front door offer a great place to relax, and some are located as to allow guests with kids to keep one eye on them in the pool while the other eye enjoys one's favorite book. Again, these villas vary in their view quality, and again, we are happy to help you by requesting the suites with the best views.
Family Villa
These offer families 2 bedrooms (one with a king sized, the other with two large twins), 2 baths, a living room and a dining nook, which, with four chairs, may be more useful for a rousing family card game than for a family sit down, take away dinner.
These villas are equipped with two refrigerators and two TVs, one in the master bedroom and the other in the living room. That way parents won't get stuck watching "Finding Nemo" for the umpteenth time.
All rooms in the villas lead to a large, comfortable terrace, one of which is located with the pool in plain view. The other has an obstructed view of the pool, so again, parents who want to keep an eye on the small ones playing in the pool, let us know and we will be delighted to request this one for you.
