PHUKET: A boom in budget hotels is being accompanied by small apartments turning to stylish treatments on Phuket to compete.
With the condo property market enticing investment, it's highly likely that budget resorts, apartments and condos will be competing for a growing market segment.
The Auto Place is a small player in Phuket City, adding a stylish concept built around location and price.
In the Samkong district, noted for its many restaurants, this 10-room block targets graduates who have arrived on Phuket to try their luck in tourism.
With an asking price of 5000 baht per month for long-term residents and 600 baht a night for tourists and business visitors, Auto Place is pitched at regulars and budget-conscious holidaymakers.
Owner Sasiya Kaewmaneengarm said she was pleased with feedback so far on the venture, open since August 2012.
''We think we have it about right,'' she said. ''The Auto Place is just off the main road and well placed for people looking to do business in Phuket City or tourists out to see the sights in a few days.''
The rooms are spacious, clean and simple, with free wi-fi and a large walk-in robe. There's a coffee shop attached, but with good restaurants all around, providing another restaurant was considered pointless.
The modern motif and signage high above the neighboring Tops convenience store adds to branding appeal and charm.
Despite the name, the best that can be done for parking is in the nearby streets, where competition is constantly increasing.
The Auto Place, 369/59 Yaowarat Road, Phuket City. Tel: 076 224051 or 084 18888243.
With the condo property market enticing investment, it's highly likely that budget resorts, apartments and condos will be competing for a growing market segment.
The Auto Place is a small player in Phuket City, adding a stylish concept built around location and price.
In the Samkong district, noted for its many restaurants, this 10-room block targets graduates who have arrived on Phuket to try their luck in tourism.
With an asking price of 5000 baht per month for long-term residents and 600 baht a night for tourists and business visitors, Auto Place is pitched at regulars and budget-conscious holidaymakers.
Owner Sasiya Kaewmaneengarm said she was pleased with feedback so far on the venture, open since August 2012.
''We think we have it about right,'' she said. ''The Auto Place is just off the main road and well placed for people looking to do business in Phuket City or tourists out to see the sights in a few days.''
The rooms are spacious, clean and simple, with free wi-fi and a large walk-in robe. There's a coffee shop attached, but with good restaurants all around, providing another restaurant was considered pointless.
The modern motif and signage high above the neighboring Tops convenience store adds to branding appeal and charm.
Despite the name, the best that can be done for parking is in the nearby streets, where competition is constantly increasing.
The Auto Place, 369/59 Yaowarat Road, Phuket City. Tel: 076 224051 or 084 18888243.
