Mida Grande Resort Phuket

I had read reviews prior to coming out and assumed there are always people that complain so ignored them. Unfortunately a lot of the negative reviews are what we experienced. On our arrival we were asked to provide 3000 baht which was not clearly explained when booking the hotel prior to going, as we were all inclusive this was a chunk of our spending money, you get this back following a room inspection at the end of the holiday. We were informed that renovations were starting on the hotel the day we arrived, again if this was clearly stated by the hotel when booking we would not have booked. The hotel was run down, lots of chipped paint, dirty marks, stained cushions or chairs with no cushions (I have attached photos) There was noise from work men that frequently woke us up in the morning around 8 and strong smells of paint. Plastic down in lots of places outside the building we were staying in which were a slip hazard when walking back to our room. Lots of the amenities were closed, roof top bar closed and the pool on our building. Every time it rained the bar would close, when the bar was open on an evening the staff would frequently wander off for long periods of time so often long waits for drinks or drinks not available such as a white wine or daiquiri flavours. Electricity was off for a day whilst there and hotel put on 'complimentary' lunch despite us being all inclusive, another inconvenience and again would not have booked if we knew this was going to be the case. We were often having to go to the shop for drinks due to bars being closed etc which was frustrating, during one of the periods of rain I asked the bar staff for 2 bottles of water, they said no and gestured the tap. There is no entertainment at the hotel and the all inclusive runs 11.30-22.00 (that's if there are any staff at the bar) I have visited 5* hotels before so had high hopes for our holiday but sadly this was not met, some staff were amazing and some staff evidently could not be bothered and made you feel like you were inconveniencing them. Rooms were also run down, marks on the walls. I had spoken to other people who tipped well and had a very different experience, we did tip however I don't feel you should have to tip to receive basic hospitality in a 5* hotel. This was our honeymoon, family had emailed the hotel ahead of time to ask if anything could be organised for us but had no response. I would've been disappointed regardless but it certainly added more to the disappointment it being our honeymoon. I will certainly not be recommending this hotel and have contacted my travel company due to our experience as they did not meet what we had booked. I did not formally raise concerns with the hotel due to speaking to several other couples who had raised similar concerns and appeared to not be of any benefit so we just tried to make the best of it and realistically the renovations were going ahead regardless of what we had to say. If I'm going to be fair, the food was excellent at the hotel and that was the saving grace. As I say some of the staff were wonderful just a shame it wasn't the majority, the drinks were also good when someone was available to make them.

Amazing customer service at the hotel with friendly staff especially Fern. Thank you once again.