Reading sentences travel companies, we often come across terminology whose meaning we do not fully understand.

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 classification by lines provides for the following rules:

• 1st line – hotels are located directly on the seashore, the distance from the hotel doors 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, much less other hotels. The distance is taken geometrically - between the hotel and the sea in a straight line. Considering that a first-line hotel may be located in the mountains, and a winding path leads to the beach, the actual distance may be a little greater, but certainly not more than 150 meters. Most often, first-line hotels have their own beaches, access to which is free for guests of these hotels. Usually these are 4* and 5* hotels, although there are also “three rubles”;
• 2nd line – between the beach and the hotel there is a promenade (a walking alley along the coast) or a regular road. The distance to the nearest beach is no more than 200 meters (directly). There should still be no other hotels between the sea and the beach. Most second-line hotels have their own beaches, some invite their guests to the nearest public beach (3* hotels). Most often, hotel transport does not go from the second line to the beach; you will 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 establishments high level– 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 are rare for 3rd line hotels. Most often, clients are offered to relax next to an excellent swimming pool, both sea and fresh water. The cost of a holiday in urban hotels, far from the beaches, is significantly lower than in hotels on the seashore, but the level of comfort is no less, even vice versa.

What about life?

All listed 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 may 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 first line hotel. This rule is not mandatory. Old hotels that were built 20-30 years ago are most likely actually located on the shore and have their own beach. But new hotels often “sin” not too much reliable information in their advertising brochures. Exit? Before booking a tour, carefully study the hotel’s photos online, read the reviews (the main thing is that they are specific and not general and enthusiastic; many people like to write reviews for little money);
• It is rare to find a third or fourth line hotel in Egypt. Most likely, in the booklet the question of coastlines will be cleverly obscured with phrases like: “located nearby great beach", "the sea can be seen from the window of every second room", "a luxurious swimming pool for the discerning public." If coastline is not specified, be prepared for the fact that your hotel will be located in a city block. Holidays in such hotels are rarely expensive, but if you come to the sea, then get ready for the fact that the cute young Aladdin at the reception desk will answer your legitimate question about the beach by indicating where you can find a stop for a regular bus, “which is 30 minutes away.” will take you to a gorgeous public beach where everything is free.” How to deal with this? Inquire about the availability of a beach near the hotel, the cost of entry to the nearest private “shores,” and the availability of the hotel’s own transport.

When choosing a tour, remember: only you decide where you will relax. Demand full information about hotels, beaches, living conditions, transport. Check everything yourself on travel forums, review sites, and look at photographs. Ask questions, get answers. Understanding all the “Egyptian” tricks is quite simple. But this must be done before you board the plane. If the main thing for you on a trip is the sights of ancient and exotic country, all you need to do is stay in a hotel with a good pool. You can sunbathe here too. If you just need sea, sand, a beach umbrella and a comfortable sun lounger, then choose a first-line hotel - this is for you!

Tatiana Solomatina

Review of hotels on the first line of Phuket island

Hello, friends! When planning a vacation to Thailand, many are looking for hotels in Phuket on the first beach line. This is not an easy task; on the island's popular beaches, residential areas are located across the road. There are few offers on the shore itself and they cannot be called budget ones.

Nevertheless, I tried to choose several options for different budgets, the main criterion being proximity to the sea. In front of you is 14, in my opinion, best offers in different parts of the island. I’ll say right away that I didn’t consider hotels costing more than $200 per room per night; there are no millionaires among my readers.

I'll probably start from the very beginning famous beach Phuket – Patong. I’ll say right away that it’s worth choosing it for tourists who travel for active recreation. This place cannot be called deserted; you are unlikely to find silence and solitude here. The sea in Patong cannot be called crystal clear either. But there is a vibrant nightlife, many entertainment venues and low prices, will definitely please you.

Tropica Bungalow Hotel 3*

In the very center of Patong on the first beach line across the road from the sea is the Tropica Bungalow Hotel 3*. Bangla Road is just a minute's walk away.

This hotel is of a bungalow type, which distinguishes it from others. Very beautiful area, a real tropical garden, swimming pool, beer bar. Interesting interior rooms in Thai style, some for families. The cost starts from 5800 rubles/day. The price, in my opinion, is too high for a 3 star hotel in Phuket.

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

Patong Lodge Hotel 3*

The Patong Lodge 3* hotel is very popular. There are a lot of “packers” here, both Russian and Chinese. Located, like the previous one, on the first beach line of Patong, a little away from the noisiest places.

Beautiful area, swimming pool. There are two beaches nearby: Patong and Kamala. Even though the sea is right across the road, you will have to walk a bit to get to the beaches.

Large selection of rooms, some for families. The price is more than adequate - from 2900 rubles.

Not bad budget hotel. Suitable for families with children. Before nightlife Patong is only 15 minutes walk.

TIRAS Patong Beach Hotel 2*

Hotel TIRAS Patong Beach 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 classify this hotel as a “city” hotel.

There are no family rooms here, the cost of standard rooms starts from 3200 rubles. Tourists note the excellent location, cleanliness and well-equipped rooms. Good value for money. Although there are more interesting options in Patong a little further from the sea.

Active tourists will love this place. Patong itself is a party place. Therefore, people looking for privacy, 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 here is cleaner, there are fewer people, and the hotels are more respectable. Accordingly, vacation prices are higher. As in Patong, the hotels are located across the road, with only one with direct access to the sea.

Beyond Resort Karon 4*

Hotel Beyond Karon 4 stars for adults only. Located on the first coastline on the left side of Karon Beach. The only one in the area that has 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, exchange office, etc.

All rooms are double, with sea views. 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 shortcomings are overpriced drinks in the bar, slightly tired rooms, and no opportunity to relax with children.

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

A good choice for wealthy tourists who want to relax comfortably in silence on a beautiful beach within walking distance from “civilization.”

Phuket Island View 4*

Another good foursome 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 access to the beach in this area.

Phuket Island View 4* is perfect for families with children. There are family rooms, swimming pools, a children's room and animation. The cost of the holiday is also pleasing, a double room is about 5,500 rubles. per day with breakfast. Apparently because of this, there are a lot of “package” tourists here.

The hotel is located in the thick of Karon's infrastructure. There are a lot of different entertainment venues around, many shops and other useful for tourists places There is a stop opposite public transport. Despite this proximity, the traffic here is not intense, there is no noise.

Excellent hotel in terms of price and quality. Of course, you can’t call it completely budget-friendly, but the cost is much lower than its analogues. Due to the presence of developed infrastructure nearby, it is perfect for young people and active tourists. Families with children will most likely like it here too.

Baan Sailom Hotel Phuket 3*

A good three-star hotel on Karon is the Baan Sailom hotel, also located on the first beach line across the road. Reviews from tourists are only positive and the hotel has a high rating.

The area is small, there is a swimming pool. Nicely furnished rooms, free Wi-Fi everywhere. Cost of living – from 3600 rubles. day. There are shops and other amenities for tourists nearby.

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

Kamala

Very beautiful beach with white sand and calm sea. There are very few Russian tourists here, and there is generally no feeling of a crowd. This is not surprising, the beach is large, but there are not many hotels here.

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

All rooms are large and clean, with spacious balconies or terraces. Equipped with modern furniture and a flat-screen TV. There is a swimming pool, children's club, and spa center on site. The hotel's restaurant serves excellent food at low prices.

Prices for a double room start from 6,500 rubles. per day.

A great place for those who want to relax from the hustle and bustle. Suitable for families with children. Having a fitness center, which is included in the price, will help you stay in shape while on vacation.

Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort 5*

Excellent 5 star Hyatt Regency Phuket hotel on a high beach with stunning sea views. Despite the fact that the hotel is on the first line, a bus takes tourists to Kamala Beach. The remoteness is perhaps the only negative of the hotel.

The area is beautiful. All the benefits of the top 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 a room is small for a group of five - from 9,600 rubles.

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

Kata

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

Beyond Resort Kata 4*

The decent four Beyond Resort Kata is located on the first beach line, 20 meters from the sea. The only one on Kata Beach (except Club Meda) where you don’t need to cross the road. Market, restaurants, exchangers - everything you need is located nearby.

Several restaurants, swimming pool, fitness room, spa. Large selection of rooms, but no family ones. The cost is of course 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 quality vacation. People with limited financial resources are not allowed to come here, despite promotions and discounts.

Kata Country House 3*

Beautiful hotel Kata Country House 3 stars in the Kata Beach area. The area is surrounded by greenery, with cozy bungalows located around a picturesque pond. There is even a mini zoo.

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

Although the interior is simple, the rooms are large and equipped with everything you need. The cost is pleasing, 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 excellent a budget option. Although it does not have direct access to the beach, the hotel is decent and it would be wrong to keep silent about it. I recommend it for holidays with children, walks are useful.

Nai Yang

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

In a nutshell: a quiet beautiful beach near Phuket airport. At the same time, you can’t hear the planes. The sea here is amazing. Perfect for small children and people who can't swim. There are no waves even when everyone else is in bad weather. The beach is completely deserted. People can only be seen in its central part, where all the tourist infrastructure is present.

Active tourists should not come here; after 11 pm life here comes to a complete standstill; it’s a very long way to get to busy places.

Nai Yang Beach Resort and Spa 4*

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

You can see a detailed review of the hotel.

The cost of a room now is from 7,000 rubles, but there are special offers; in the spring we managed to relax there for 5,400 rubles, and not in the cheapest room.

I think the hotel is decent. Suitable for everyone who does not need parties and entertainment. Due to the quiet calm sea, it 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 rubles or even some 4 star hotels.

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

I think that the hotel more than justifies its cost - from 3,600 rubles. day. Of course, the two-room apartment does not have its own territory, but the entire beach and infrastructure of the village are at your service.

A good budget option on the first beach line. Perfect for anyone looking for a quiet, secluded holiday in beautiful place. This is definitely not the place for active tourists.

Surin and Bang Tao

The two most luxurious, in my opinion, beaches of Phuket. There is the clearest sea and a beautiful coastline with tropical pine trees. All hotels have high stars, few budget ones. Bang Tao is generally considered an elite resort. The Laguna complex alone, 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 beauty and pricing. There is also the necessary tourist infrastructure here.

Surin Beach Resort 4*

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

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

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

All the attributes of a 4 star are there: a fitness center, a children's room, excellent service. Another plus is free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and the availability of the necessary infrastructure in the area.

Room rates start from 5,500 rubles. day.

Nice hotel, great reviews. Literally all categories of tourists will like it. Particularly attractive for families with children.

Sunwing Bangtao Beach 4*

Decent family hotel Sunwing Bangtao Beach is located on the shores of Bang Tao Beach. Several three-story buildings are located around the pool area. There are water slides and animation is in Russian.

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

Beach with white sand, surrounded by pine groves, almost no waves.

Room prices start from 8,000 rubles. per day.

A great place to relax with children, both young and teenagers. Everyone will find something to do. The cost is of course high, but the service and capabilities 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 choose those that were located most advantageously, while choosing only the most popular and with good reviews.

Add your own options to the list in the comments or leave reviews in the “Readers' Travels” section. Read how to do this. You can learn about some of my movements around Thailand from the “My Travels” section.

You may be interested in other blog articles:

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With this I say goodbye to you, I hope my selection will be useful.
Tatiana Solomatina

Once upon a time, our distant ancestors used the stars to navigate their travels. The stars helped them chart a route and not get lost in the vast expanses of the earth.

For today's travelers, the stars continue to serve as guides. Only not in search of the road, but in choosing its end point - a hotel or inn, taking into account, first of all, their “star rating”. For both experienced and novice travelers, there is only one criterion: “the more, the better.”

Unfortunately, there is still no general classification system that would be accepted throughout the world. Different countries, and often within the same country in its different regions, have their own criteria for assessing the level of hotels. The WTO (World Tourism Organization) has been fighting for many years to bring the system for assessing the level of service to some common standards, but so far without success. The requirements it sets today are no more than advisory in nature.

But, nevertheless, certain general requirements They still try to adhere to 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 vary significantly. But there is a certain minimum that allows a tourist to at least roughly get an idea of ​​what he can expect from a hotel of one level or another. 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 at least one star, and luxurious suites for which the category is below their level of dignity.

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 out-of-category hotels are still assigned some level of “stardom” - so that tourists can get some idea of ​​the level of service.

1 and 2 star hotels

1 star hotels are designed for those who just need somewhere to spend the night and get cleaned up. This doesn't mean that everything is bad here. Most often, this small hotels, whose small area does not allow them to equip their rooms with a bath or shower.

• Such hotels must have at least one toilet per 5 rooms, and 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, and towel.
• Cleaning must be done every day, and linen must be changed at least once every five days.
• As for food, the presence of at least a dining room is not mandatory.

• There is still a TV, a refrigerator and bathrooms on the floor, also at least two.
• There is also one toilet for five rooms, but it can 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 dry cleaning and laundry services - 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 be open. True, if the numbers are less than 50, this may not happen. Meals can only be provided in the form of breakfast. During breakfast there may be room service, but this is not required.

The most popular - 3 star hotels

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

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

• Toilet, bath (or shower), refrigerator, TV - everything should be present in the room.
• If climatic conditions require it, there must be air conditioning.
• IN 3 star hotel There may not be a bar or restaurant, but you are required to organize access to them (for example, in a nearby hotel).
• There should be a swimming pool, a parking lot on site, or at least a parking space near the hotel.
• There must be either a business center or access to minimal office equipment - a computer, fax, telephone.
• Telephones, as well as safes, may be in the rooms, but this is not mandatory.
• Room service in such hotels should be available throughout the day, towels should be changed every day, and linen should be changed every 3 days.

4 and 5 star hotels

• The rooms must have a toilet, shower, TV, refrigerator, air conditioning, telephone, safe, minibar; In the bathroom there are hygiene products and a hairdryer.
• Towels and linen must be changed every day and cleaned too.
• Main differences 5 star hotels- this is the area of ​​​​the rooms and the restaurant menu. Five-star hotels have more rooms good view out the window, they can provide a wider range of different services.
• On the territory of both categories of hotels there should be restaurants, 24-hour bars, swimming pools, parking lots, business centers, conference rooms, and currency exchange offices.
• Room service is usually available 24 hours a day. But for 4 star hotels it can only be during the day.

Hotels and coastline

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

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

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

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

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

• If you only plan to be in your room to spend the night, it may not make sense to pay extra for services you won't use.
• If you travel a lot yourself, then you should pay attention to the availability of transport.
• If you want the sea, choose a hotel located next to the beach or have well-functioning transportation.

Everyone has their own ideas about have a good rest, and you can always find a hotel that meets your requirements.

On my first trips to the sea, I looked exclusively at the star rating of the hotel. Not lower than four and all inclusive :) And both times I was very embarrassed that you had to walk to the beach 10 minutes, on the way dying from the heat. So what is it? Everything seems to be of the highest standard, but the beach is unknown where. It was later that I started pay attention tolines on which the hotel is located and always booked hotels, located 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 the best option , If speak about Egypt or Turkey. These hotels are located maximumclose to the sea ( further - hotels on second line or third), they have private beach, whose visit free for guests. Although one proximity to the sea is not limited to everything, each country has its own concept" first line".
In general, all hotels can be divided into 2 types:

• urban;
• beach.

In Turkey, where I vacationed, the wording is used " beach hotel ". Essentially, this is hotel,located on the beach. To get to the beach, you need to walk a maximum 150 meters. At the same time, be sure that you will not encounter any obstacles in the form of highways or intrusive local residents, except perhaps a small footpath:)

Main difference between hotels 2nd and 3rd lines consists of distance from water. But where is this mysterious border? officially not stated anywhere. Therefore, it is important to focus specifically on distance to the beach.

What can you expect from first-line hotels

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

It's a similar story with city ​​first line hotels. Even if the hotel stands on the coast, then on the way to the beach there may be an obstacle in the form of busy highway or railway . Purely theoretically, no one is deceiving you: in front of the hotel there are no other buildings,sea ​​view - yes. That's why before you book first line hotel, I always clarify what the travel agency employee meant.

Tourist guide > Distance from the sea

Hotels also differ according to the following criteria:

1st coastline- these are hotels located directly on the seashore;

2nd coastline- these are hotels with a road or promenade between the territory and the beach.

City hotel is a hotel located in resort town away from the seashore (beach). Usually tourists get to the beach on foot or by bus.

In the USA and some other countries the classification is as follows:

Superior Deluxe: An exclusive and expensive hotel, often in the form of a palace, which offers the highest standard of service, accommodation and amenities. Has elegant and sophisticated public areas. Located in a prestigious location. Hotels of this category are considered the best in the world.

Deluxe: Hotels of this class are very similar to Superior Deluxe, but they are not so huge and have more affordable prices. Hotels of this category can be recommended even to very demanding clients.

Moderate Deluxe: Basically very similar to the previous class, but with some drawbacks. For example, it may not have the same luxurious exterior decoration as the Deluxe.

Superior First Class: This hotel corresponds to the above average category. This can be a beautifully restored period hotel, but more often it is a good modern hotel, specifically designed for first class, with some good quality features. The rooms and public areas are tastefully furnished and very comfortable. A hotel of this class is usually recommended to upper middle class clients, although it can satisfy the needs of very demanding clients.

First Class: Comfortable hotel with standard rooms, entertainment and public areas. May have an entire level or a wing with suites. Most often, hotels of this class are recommended to clients with average needs and for the best group tours.

Limited-Service First Class: The quality is similar to First Class, but with limitations in additional amenities, services (for example, no 24-hour room service) and public areas. Typically, breakfasts are held in a small hotel restaurant, and evening cocktails are held in the lobby. Often without proper nutrition (lunch and dinner). These hotels are used for individual business trips.

Moderate First Class: Also similar to a First Class hotel, it has comfortable but simple rooms and public areas. It may not have some amenities (such as a restaurant). Such hotels are suitable for budget-conscious clients.

Superior Tourist Class: very good guesthouse. The rooms contain all the necessary amenities, are modestly but neatly furnished, some can meet First Class standards. Public spaces are either non-existent or very small. Such hotels usually have a lot of clients. Suitable for independent travelers.

Tourist Class: The hotel is strictly a boarding type hotel. All necessary amenities are available in the rooms. Recommended for clients with modest requirements for comfort and service.

Moderate Tourist Class: Inexpensive boarding house, often quite old and not in very good condition. There are minimal amenities (toilet/shower/washbasin) in the rooms.

Unclassified hotels and boarding houses may not necessarily include only the worst establishments. Small private establishments, cozy, clean and quite acceptable for both budget tourists and middle-class clients, also sometimes fall into this category. More often, a large number of Such unclassified hotels can be found at small ski resorts.