In my first trips to the sea, I looked exclusively at the stardom of the hotel. Not lower than four and all inclusive :) And both times I was very embarrassed that you had to go to the beach 10 minutes on the way dying of heat... What is it? It seems that everything is of the highest standard, and the beach is not known where. Later I already started pay attention tolineswhere the hotel is located and always booked hotelslocated on the first line.

What is the difference between hotels on the first line

From my own experience I can say that first line - this is the best way, If speak about Egypt or Turkey... Such hotels are located maximallyclose to the sea (further - hotels on second line or third), they have private beachvisit which free for guests... Although one the proximity to the sea is not limited, each country has its own concept " first line".
In general, all hotels can be conditionally divided into 2 types:

• urban;
• beach.

In the same Turkey where I rested, the wording is used " beach hotel". In fact, this hotel,located on the beach... To get to the beach, you need to walk the maximum 150 meters... At the same time, be sure that there are no obstacles in the form of motorways or intrusive local residents you will not meet, unless a small footpath:)

the main thing hotel difference 2nd and 3rd line consists of distance from water... But where is this mysterious border officially not specified anywhere. Therefore, it is important to focus specifically on distance to the beach.

What to expect from front line hotels

Some companies can be beautiful talk about the first line of the hotel, but do not elaborate on one detail - is there a beach nearby... The hotel may have a sea view, but you can't swim there... Do you want to swim - please sit down on the bus and shake it for 5-10 minutes.

A similar story with city \u200b\u200bhotels on the first line... Even if the hotel stands on the coast, then on the way to the beach there may be an obstacle in the form busy highway or railroad ... Theoretically, no one deceives you: in front of the hotel there are no other buildings, sea \u200b\u200bview - yes... That is why, before you book first line hotel, I always specify what the travel agency employee meant.

There are various classifications of hotels - by letter, "keys", "crowns", "points" and finally by stars. Most often, the European consumer of hotel services uses the "star" classification.

1* - hotels of this class are located in quiet, unremarkable places. They are small, with up to 10 rooms. Meals are not provided, but a modest breakfast is sometimes available for a fee. Amenities in the room include a wardrobe or hanger, chairs, a washbasin, a mirror, and towels. Cleaning is daily. Linen change - every 7-8 days, towels - every 3-4 days. At least two bathrooms per floor and one toilet for no more than five rooms.

2* - everything is the same as in 1 * hotels, only linen is changed every 6 days. Toilet and bathroom are usually located in the room. The hotel should also have a restaurant or cafe and offer food options.

3* - in hotels of this category, each room must have a toilet, bathroom, dressing table, luggage stand, radio. Rooms have TV, air conditioning. Bed linen is changed 2 times a week. Towels are changed daily. On the territory of the hotel there can be located - a guarded parking lot, a swimming pool, a restaurant, a hairdresser, a business center, currency exchange. The hotel personnel are dressed in uniforms that have a division by service.

4* - everything is the same as in 3 * hotels with additions: in the rooms - mini-bar, individual air conditioner, telephone, safe, hairdryer, shampoo, shower gel. Daily change of bed linen and towels, laundry, ironing, cleaning services. A breakfast menu is served in the room. On the territory of the hotel there are - a beauty salon, a sports and fitness center, car rental, a TV salon, a music salon, games and conference rooms, a restaurant, a sauna, a swimming pool.

5* - everything is the same as in 4 * hotels, but at a higher quality level. In some cases, hotels of this category have the following additions - a second bathroom in the room and a telephone in the bathroom.

In a number of countries, there is an alternative classification of hotels. For example, in Turkey, you can relax in club hotels, which are divided into:

HV1 - hotel of the club system of the first category with accommodation in cottages. Roughly corresponds to a three-, four-star. They are distinguished by good animation, a large green area, but the rooms are small.

HV2- a club hotel of a lower second category.

Hotels also differ in the following criteria:

The first coastline - these are hotels located directly on the seashore.

Second coastline - these are hotels with a road or a promenade between the territory and the beach.

Reading sentences travel companies, we often come across terminology, the meaning of which is not fully understood.

A first line hotel is always more expensive than a second or third line hotel. What is the additional fee for and is it always justified? We'll figure out...

Shoreline rules

If you follow the letter of the rules of hotel associations in most countries of the world, then the classification by line provides the following rules:

• 1st line - hotels are located directly on the seashore, the distance from the hotel door to the nearest beach is no more than 100 meters. Between the hotel and the beach there can be no promenade, no road, no barriers, let alone other hotels. In this case, the distance is taken geometric - between the hotel and the sea in a straight line. Considering that the first line hotel may be located in the mountains, and a winding path leads to the beach, the actual distance may be slightly longer, but certainly not more than 150 meters. Most often, first line hotels have their own beaches, which are free of charge for the guests of these hotels. Usually these are 4 * and 5 * hotels, although there are also "treshki";
• 2nd line - between the beach and the hotel there is a promenade (promenade along the coast) or an ordinary road. The distance to the nearest beach is not more than 200 meters (direct). There should still be no other hotels between the sea and the beach. Most of the second line hotels have their own beaches, some invite their guests to the nearest public beach (3 * hotels). From the second line to the beach, most often the hotel transport does not go, you have to get there on your own;
• 3rd, 4th and 5th lines - city hotels, the distance to the beaches is more than 300 meters. Among this type of hotels there are high-level establishments - 4 * and 5 *. In this case, special transport to the beaches is provided for guests. Depending on the level of your tour, it can be used without restrictions or for a nominal fee. Private beaches for hotels on the 3rd line are rare. Most often, they offer clients to relax next to an excellent swimming pool with both sea and fresh water. The cost of rest in city-type hotels, far from the beaches, is significantly lower than in hotels on the seashore, but the level of comfort is no less, quite the opposite.

What about life?

All of the above rules apply to Europe. Here, numerous associations, corporations, tourism ministries and similar bureaucrats monitor the observance of order. But the East is a delicate matter, therefore, in Egypt, everything can be somewhat different:

• The first line in Egypt will be considered a hotel located near the sea (up to 100 meters), but the presence of a promenade or a busy highway in front of the hotel is not considered an obstacle. The main thing is that there are no other hotels in front of the hotel on the first line. This rule is optional. Older hotels, which were built 20-30 years ago, are most likely actually located on the coast and have their own beach. But new hotels often “sin” with not very reliable information in their advertising brochures. Exit? Before booking a tour, carefully study the photos of the hotel on the network, read the reviews (the main thing is that they are specific, not general and enthusiastic, many people like to write reviews for little money);
• In Egypt, you rarely find a third or fourth line hotel. Most likely, in the booklet the issue of coastlines will be cleverly obscured by phrases like: “not far from great beach"," The sea can be seen from the window of every second room "," a gorgeous pool for a discerning audience. " If the coastline is not listed, expect your hotel to be located in a city block. Rest in such hotels is rarely expensive, but if you come to the sea, then get ready for the fact that the cute young Aladdin at the reception will answer your legitimate question about the beach with an indication of where you can find the stop of the regular bus, “which in 30 minutes will take you to gorgeous public beachwhere everything is free. " How to deal with this? Inquire about the presence of a beach near the hotel, the cost of entering the nearest private "shores", the availability of your own hotel transport.

When choosing a tour, remember: only you decide where you will rest. Ask for complete information about hotels, beaches, living conditions, transport. Check everything yourself on travel forums, review sites, look at photos. Ask questions, get answers. It is quite easy to understand all the "Egyptian" tricks. But this must be done before you get on the plane. If the main thing for you on your trip is the sights of an ancient and exotic country, you just need to stay in a hotel with a good pool. You can also get tanned here. If you just need sea, sand, a beach umbrella and a comfortable sunbed, then choose a first line hotel - this is for you!

Tatiana Solomatina

Overview of hotels on the first line of Phuket island

Hello, friends! Going to vacation in Thailand, many are looking for hotels in Phuket on the first beach line. This is not an easy task, as on the island's popular beaches, residential areas are located across the road. On the very shore, there are few offers and you cannot call them budget.

Nevertheless, I tried to choose several options for different wallets, the main criterion was the proximity to the sea. Before you 14, in my opinion, the best offers in different parts islands. I must say right away that I have not considered hotels costing more than $ 200 per room per day, there are no millionaires among my readers.

Perhaps I'll start with the most famous beach in Phuket - Patong. I must say right away that it is worth choosing it for tourists who travel for active rest... This place cannot be called deserted, you will hardly find silence and solitude here. The sea in Patong cannot be called crystal clear either. But the vibrant nightlife, many entertainment venues and low prices, will definitely please you.

Tropica Bungalow Hotel 3 *

Tropica Bungalow Hotel 3 * is located in the very center of Patong on the first beach line across the road from the sea. Bangla Road is just a minute walk from it.

This hotel is of a bungalow type, which sets it apart from others. Very beautiful area, a real tropical garden, swimming pool, beer bar. Interesting interiors of rooms in Thai style, there are family rooms. The cost starts from 5800 rubles per day. The price, in my opinion, is overpriced for a 3 star hotel in Phuket.

The location is not quiet, so the hotel is likely to appeal to tourists looking for Patong's nightlife. It seems to me that it will not be comfortable here with small children, but just right for a vacation with teenagers.

Patong Lodge Hotel 3 *

Very popular patong Hotel Lodge 3 *. There are many "package bags", both Russian and Chinese. Located, like the previous one, on the first beach line of Patong, a little away from the noisy places.

Beautiful area, swimming pool. There are two beaches nearby, Patong and Kamala. Despite the fact that the sea is right across the road, you will have to walk a little to the beaches.

Large selection of rooms, there are family rooms. The price is more than adequate - from 2900 rubles.

Decent budget hotel. Suitable for families with children. Before nightlife Patong is just 15 minutes walk.

TIRAS Patong Beach Hotel 2 *

TIRAS Patong Beach hotel 2 *located on the first line on the left side of Patong Beach. The sea is across the road. Bangla Road is just a 10-minute walk away. I would categorize this hotel as an urban hotel.

There are no family rooms here, the cost of standard rooms starts from 3200 rubles. Tourists celebrate excellent location, cleanliness and good equipment of the rooms. Decent value for money. Although there are more interesting options in Patong a little further from the sea.

Active tourists will like it here. Patong itself is a hangout place. Therefore, people looking for solitude, a beautiful beach and clear sea are clearly not here.

Karon

Karon is also a fairly popular beach in Phuket. But unlike Patong, the sea is cleaner here, there are fewer people, and the hotels are more respectable. Accordingly, the prices for vacations are higher. As in Patong, hotels are located across the road, there is only one with direct access to the sea.

Beyond Resort Karon 4 *

Beyond Karon is a 4 star adults only hotel. Located on the first line on the left side of Karon Beach. The only one in the area with direct access to the sea.

The place is quiet, you need to walk 30 minutes to the main parties. However, everything you need is nearby: cafes, restaurants, an exchange office, etc.

All rooms are double with sea view. There are several pools and a spa. The sea near the hotel is calmer than in the center of the beach. There are almost no waves.

Among the disadvantages - overpriced drinks in the bar, a little "tired" rooms, there is no way to relax with children.

The cost of the room is 13,000 rubles. per day.

Not a bad choice for wealthy tourists who want to rest comfortably in silence on a beautiful beach within walking distance of "civilization".

Phuket Island View 4 *

Another good four on Karon Beach. But unlike the previous option, although it is located on the first beach line, the sea is across the road. As I wrote above, there are no more hotels with direct beach access in this area.

Phuket Island View 4 * is perfect for families with children. There are family rooms, swimming pools, children's room and animation. The cost of rest is also good, double Room about 5500 rubles. a day with breakfast. Apparently because of this, there are many "package" tourists.

The hotel is in the midst of Karon's infrastructure. There are a lot of different entertainment places around, many shops and others. useful for tourists places. There is a bus stop opposite public transport... Despite this neighborhood, the traffic is not intense, there is no noise.

Excellent value for money hotel. Of course, you cannot call it completely budgetary, but the cost is much lower than analogues. Due to the presence of developed infrastructure nearby, it is perfect for young people and active tourists. Families with children are likely to enjoy it too.

Baan Sailom Hotel Phuket 3 *

A good treshka on Karon is the Baan Sailom hotel, also located on the first beach line across the road. Reviews of tourists are only positive and the rating of the hotel is high.

The area is small, there is a pool. Nicely furnished rooms, free wifi everywhere. The cost of living is from 3600 rubles. day. Shops and other amenities for tourists are nearby.

The hotel will suit literally all inexpensive rooms and best location on Karon, the price and quality of service will delight you.

Kamala

A very beautiful beach with white sand and calm sea. Russian tourists there is very little here, and indeed there is no crowd sensation. This is not surprising, the beach is large, but there are not many hotels here.

Novotel Phuket Kamala Beach 4 * lives up to its 4 stars. Located at the very end of Kamala Beach on the first line with direct access to the beach. The place is quiet, you need to walk about 15 minutes along the coast to the main infrastructure.

All rooms are large and clean and have spacious balconies or terraces. Equipped with modern furniture and a flat-screen TV. On the territory there is a swimming pool, kids club, spa center. The hotel restaurant serves excellent food, while the cost of dishes is low.

Prices for a double room start at 6500 rubles. per day.

A great place for those who want to take a break from the hustle and bustle. Suitable for families with children. The presence of a fitness center, a visit to which is included in the price, will help to keep fit on vacation.

Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort 5 *

A great hyatt Hotel Regency Phuket 5 stars on a high coast with stunning sea views. Despite the fact that we can say that the hotel is on the first line, a bus carries tourists to Kamala Beach. The remoteness is perhaps the only disadvantage of the hotel.

The territory is beautiful. All the benefits of the five are present. There is an opportunity to relax with a child. The rooms are large with modern furniture and appliances. Excellent food in the restaurant. The cost of the room is small for a five - from 9600 rubles.

Good resort hotel for wealthy tourists. Relaxation and privacy are provided.

Kata

I think this is the second most popular beach after Patong. There are almost no hotels on the shore. All life is across the road. Moreover, the road to the beach goes around, and the travel time does not depend on the proximity to the sea, but on the distance to the road that allows you to get to the beach.

Beyond Resort Kata 4 *

A decent four Beyond Resort Kata located on the first beach line 20 meters from the sea. The only one on Kata beach (except for Club Meda), where you do not need to cross the road. Market, restaurants, exchange offices - everything you need is located nearby.

Several restaurants, swimming pool, fitness room, spa. Large selection of rooms, but no family rooms. The cost is certainly high - from 12,000 rubles, but with all the advantages of the hotel, the opposite would be surprising.

Suitable for literally everyone who can afford an expensive and high-quality vacation. People with limited financial resources are not allowed here, despite promotions and discounts.

Kata Country House 3 *

Nice hotel Kata Country House 3 stars in the Kata Beach area. The territory is surrounded by greenery; cozy bungalows are located around a picturesque pond. There is even a mini zoo.

To the sea 5 minutes. But you will have to bypass the territory of the large Club Meda, so the road to the sea takes at least 15 minutes. On the Kata beach itself in Phuket, except for Club Meda, there are no hotels at all. All infrastructure is located after the green zone across the road. Therefore, we can say that the hotel is located on the first line of the beach.

The interior, although simple, but the rooms are large, equipped with everything you need. The cost is good, it starts from 3000 rubles. per room.

If you are not afraid of a small promenade to the sea, then Kata Country House 3 * is an excellent budget option. Although it does not have direct access to the beach, it is a decent hotel and it would be wrong to keep silent about it. I recommend for families with children, walks are useful.

Nai Yang

On Nai Yang, I have a separate article, if you need details on this village and the beach, read it.

In a nutshell: a quiet, beautiful beach near Phuket Airport. In this case, the aircraft are not heard. The sea here is amazing. For small children and people who cannot swim, this is the most. There are no waves even when the weather is bad for all others. The beach is completely deserted. People can be seen only in its central part, where the entire tourist infrastructure is present.

Active tourists should not go here, after 11 pm life here stops completely, it is very far to go to busy places.

Nai Yang Beach Resort and Spa 4 *

Nai Yang Beach is my favorite hotel in Nai Yang. A good option in terms of price / quality ratio!

You can see a detailed overview of the hotel.

The cost of the room now is from 7000 rubles, but there are promotions, in the spring we managed to relax there for 5400 rubles, and not in the cheapest room.

I think the hotel is decent. Suitable for everyone who does not need parties and entertainment. Because of the quiet calm sea, will appeal to families with children.

TT Naiyang Beach Phuket 2 *

Despite the fact that the hotel is two stars, the furnishings in the rooms are quite decent, I would even say, almost no different from three-ruble notes or even some 4-star hotels.

But the biggest plus of TT Naiyang Beach Phuket 2 *, its location. The hotel is right on Nai Yang Beach. You leave the room and immediately sand.

I believe that the hotel more than justifies its cost - from 3600 rubles. day. Of course, the kopeck piece does not have its own territory, but the entire beach and the infrastructure of the village are at your service.

Good budget option on the first beach line. Perfect for anyone looking for a quiet, secluded getaway in beautiful place... Active tourists are definitely not here.

Surin and Bang Tao

Two of the most luxurious, in my opinion, Phuket beaches. There is a clear sea and a beautiful coastline with tropical pine trees. The hotels are all with high stars, there is little budget. Bang Tao is generally considered an elite resort... Only one complex "Laguna", which includes several hotels and a golf club, occupies a significant part of the beach. Surin Beach is much smaller, but not inferior to Bang Tao in terms of beauty and price policy. The necessary tourist infrastructure is also available here.

Surin Beach Resort 4 *

Surin Beach Resort located on the high bank of one of the most beautiful beaches Phuket - Surin. This small and very cozy hotel offers stunning sea views from the rooms. And the infinity pool allows you to admire the surroundings right from the water.

In addition to double / triple rooms, the hotel has family rooms. A family of five can comfortably accommodate there.

Despite the fact that the hotel is located on the first line, you will have to go down to the sea. But the path is not very steep.

All the paraphernalia of 4 stars are here: a fitness center, a children's room, great service... Another plus is free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, the availability of the necessary infrastructure in the area.

Room rates start at 5500 rubles. day.

Nice hotel, great reviews. It will appeal to literally all categories of tourists. It is especially attractive for families with children.

Sunwing Bangtao Beach 4 *

Decent family hotel Sunwing Bangtao Beach located on the shores of Bang Tao Beach. Several three-storey buildings are located around the pool area. there is waterslides, animation works in Russian.

Comfortable family rooms. Everything you need is there, even a microwave is present, which is very convenient, especially with small children.

Beach with white sand, pine grove around, there are almost no waves.

Room rates - from 8000 rubles. per day.

An excellent place for families with children, both with young and teenagers. Everyone will find something to do. The cost is certainly high, but the service and facilities of the hotel justify it.

My selection is certainly not complete. There are many hotels in Phuket on the first beach line. But most of them are located across the road from the sea. I tried to select those that are located the most advantageously, while choosing only the most popular and with good reviews.

Add your own options to the list in the comments or leave feedback in the "Readers' Travels" section. Read how to do this. You can find out about some of my movements in Thailand from the section "My travels".

You may be interested in other blog articles:

Subscribe to blog updates, share materials on social networks, I am always glad to active readers.

On this I say goodbye to you, I hope my collection will be useful.
Tatiana Solomatina

Once upon a time, our distant ancestors were guided by the stars in their travels. The stars helped them to plot a route and not get lost in the vast expanses of the earth.

For today's travelers, the stars continue to serve as landmarks. Only not in search of a road, but in choosing its final point - a hotel or a hotel, taking into account, first of all, their "stardom". For both experienced and novice travelers, the criterion is the same: "the more, the better."

Unfortunately, there is still no general classification system that would be accepted throughout the world. In different countries, and often within the same country in different regions, there are criteria for assessing the level of hotels. The WTO (World Tourism Organization) has been fighting for many years to bring the service level assessment system to some general standards, but so far unsuccessfully. The requirements that it puts forward today are nothing more than a recommendation.

But, nevertheless, they try to adhere to certain general requirements for comfort and quality of service everywhere.

In hotels of the same category, in different places, the range of services provided and the quality of service may differ significantly. But there is a certain minimum, which allows the tourist to at least roughly find out what he can expect from a hotel of this or that level. So…

Hotels without category

A huge number of hotels around the world do not have any category. This is the largest group. There can be very modest hotels that cannot reach even one star, and luxurious suites for which the category is below their dignity level.

So the absence of stars does not mean at all that the concepts of service and comfort do not exist here. Most often, in tourist catalogs, hotels and hotels outside the category are still assigned some level of "star rating" - so that tourists can get some idea of \u200b\u200bthe level of service.

1 and 2 star hotels

1 star hotels are designed for those who just need to spend the night somewhere and put themselves in order. This does not mean at all that everything is bad here. Most often, these are small hotels for which the small area does not allow equipping the rooms with a bath or shower.

• Such hotels should have at least one toilet for 5 rooms, at least two bathrooms per floor.
• There will be a refrigerator with a TV on the floor, room service is not provided. However, the room must have a mirror, sink, towel.
• They should clean up every day, and change the linen at least once every five days.
• As far as food is concerned, the presence of at least a dining room is optional.

• All the same on the floor there is a TV, a refrigerator and bathrooms, also at least two.
• There is also one toilet for five rooms, but it can also be in the room.
• Linen and towels should be changed more often - once every 3-4 days.
• In hotels of this category, there should be a dry cleaning and laundry service - not necessarily in the hotel itself, but they must accept things from the guest.
• The most important difference is that some kind of canteen, cafe or restaurant must work. However, if the numbers are less than 50, this may not be the case. Meals can only be provided in the form of breakfast. Room service may be available during breakfast, but this is not required.

Most popular - 3 star hotels

3-star hotels already represent something of themselves. This is the most popular group, and the most diverse. It happens that three star hotel in Europe is better than a five-star, for example, in Egypt.

In terms of price-quality ratio, this is the optimal, in general, option.

• Toilet, bathroom (or shower), refrigerator, TV - everything must be present in the room.
• If required climatic conditions, there must be an air conditioner.
• IN hotel 3 stars there may not be a bar or restaurant, but you are obliged to arrange access to them (for example, in a neighboring hotel).
• There should be a swimming pool, parking lot or at least a parking space near the hotel.
• There must be either a business center or access to the minimum office equipment - a computer, fax, telephone.
• Telephones, as well as safes, can be in the rooms, but this is optional.
• Room service in such hotels should be available throughout the day, towels should be changed every day, and linen - every 3 days.

4 and 5 star hotels

• The rooms must have a toilet, shower, TV, refrigerator, air conditioner, telephone, safe, mini-bar; in the bathroom - hygiene products and a hairdryer.
• Towels and linen should be changed every day, and cleaned too.
• The main differences 5 star hotels is the area of \u200b\u200bthe rooms and the restaurant menu. In five-star hotels, more rooms have good view from the window, they can provide a wider range of different services.
• On the territory of both categories of hotels, there should be restaurants, round-the-clock bars, swimming pools, parking lots, business centers, conference rooms, currency exchange offices.
• Room service is usually round the clock. But for 4-star hotels, it can only be during the day.

Hotels and coastline

In addition to the stars, there is also a gradation of hotels according to their location relative to the beach, the so-called. coastlines.

The location of the hotel on the first line means that it is in close proximity to the beach, at most across the road from it.

The second line assumes a 5-10 minute walk to the beach, hotels on this line are separated from the coast by some buildings, for example, other hotels or parks.

The higher the conventional number of the coastline, the further from the beach the hotel is. Usually, first coastline - these are 4-star and 5-star hotels, but 3-star hotels can be located on the first coastline.

Advice! When choosing a hotel, it is best to focus not on the number of stars, but on what exactly you came for and what you want to get from your vacation.

• If you plan to show up in your room just to spend the night, then it might not make sense to overpay for services that you will not use.
• If you will travel a lot yourself, then you should pay attention to the availability of transport.
• If you want the sea - choose the hotel to be located next to the beach or have a well-functioning delivery service.

Everyone has their own ideas about good restand you can always find a hotel that suits your needs.