Hotels for Sale in Phuket

Hotels for sale in Phuket attract buyers exploring hospitality property ownership in a tourism-driven market. This segment involves operational businesses rather than standard residential property, requiring careful consideration of licensing, staffing, management structures, and ongoing compliance obligations.

For a broader overview of property ownership structures and buyer guidance, see Phuket Property for Sale. Buyers assessing structured acquisition opportunities may also refer to Best Investment Properties in Phuket.

What Makes Hotels a Strong Investment in Phuket

Why Buyers Choose Hotels for Sale in Phuket

Buyers choose hotels for sale in Phuket for their combination of established tourism demand, income-generating potential, and long-term relevance within a mature and internationally recognised hospitality market. As one of Southeast Asia’s most visited island destinations, Phuket continues to attract year-round international and domestic travellers, supporting consistent occupancy and operational viability.

Phuket’s hotel market remains attractive to buyers due to several key structural factors:

  • Strong international tourism demand supported by global air connectivity

  • A diverse hospitality market ranging from boutique hotels to large-scale resorts

  • Long-term government and private investment in tourism infrastructure

  • Broad buyer appeal including owner-operators, investors, and hospitality groups

  • Enduring relevance within Thailand’s and Southeast Asia’s tourism economy

Hotel Investment Strategies in Phuket

Hotel investment in Phuket typically focuses on established income streams, long-term tourism demand, and operational scalability rather than short-term speculation. Buyers often approach hotel acquisitions with a clear strategy in mind, whether targeting hands-on management, professional operation, or long-term asset holding within a mature hospitality market.

Depending on objectives, some investors prioritise cash flow from existing operations, while others focus on repositioning, refurbishment, or brand alignment to enhance long-term performance and resale value.

Common hotel investment strategies in Phuket include:

  • Acquiring operating hotels with established occupancy and revenue history

  • Targeting boutique or lifestyle hotels in high-demand tourism areas

  • Repositioning or upgrading existing properties to improve performance

  • Partnering with professional operators or hotel brands for management

  • Holding hospitality assets for long-term capital appreciation

Phuket Hotel Market Trends 2026

Independent research and verified data by Thai Residential’s Phuket Market Analysis Team.

Phuket’s hotel market continues to demonstrate resilience, supported by strong international tourism demand, improving travel connectivity, and sustained interest from both leisure and investment buyers. Established resort areas and well-located hospitality assets have benefited from consistent occupancy levels, while limited new supply in prime locations has helped support long-term value.

Looking ahead to 2026, buyer focus is expected to remain on operational hotels with clear legal structures, proven performance history, and potential for repositioning or brand alignment. As Phuket strengthens its position as a year-round destination, hotel assets offering scalability, professional management options, and long-term relevance are likely to remain in demand.

Did You Know?

Hotels in Phuket benefit from the island’s status as a year-round tourism destination, supported by international air connectivity and a diverse visitor base. This helps reduce seasonality risk and supports more stable occupancy levels compared to many purely seasonal resort markets.

Frequently Asked Questions On Buying a Hotel in Phuket

All insights are based on questions most frequently asked by our Phuket buyers and investors, compiled by Thai Residential’s property consultants.

Can foreigners buy hotels in Phuket?
Foreigners can purchase hotel properties in Phuket, but ownership and operation must comply with Thai law. The hotel business is a restricted activity under the Foreign Business Act, meaning foreigners cannot freely own and operate a hotel without an approved legal structure. Most compliant routes involve Thai company ownership, BOI promotion, or approved foreign business licensing, depending on the scale and nature of the project.

What is the most legally compliant way for foreigners to own a hotel in Thailand?
For large-scale hotel investments, Board of Investment (BOI) promotion is generally considered the most legally robust route, as BOI-approved projects may allow foreign majority or full ownership of the operating company, subject to qualification criteria and investment thresholds. However, BOI approval is not suitable for all hotel purchases and typically applies only to significant commercial projects.

What is the minimum investment required for BOI-approved hotel projects?
BOI-approved hotel projects in Thailand require a substantial capital investment, and eligibility thresholds depend on project structure and size. For larger hotels with 100 rooms or more, investment requirements are generally set on a per-room capital basis, while smaller projects below 100 rooms must meet a high total investment threshold. Because these requirements can vary by project type and promotion pathway, qualified investors should consult a BOI specialist or legal advisor for precise criteria before proceeding.

Can foreigners simply buy a hotel through a Thai company?
Some hotel transactions use Thai majority-owned companies, but this approach must be handled carefully. Thai authorities increasingly scrutinise company structures, particularly where nominee arrangements are suspected. Buyers should always obtain independent legal advice to ensure the structure is fully compliant and defensible.

Is buying a hotel different from buying a resort or guesthouse?
Yes. Licensing, zoning, and operational requirements differ depending on the type of accommodation. A licensed hotel must comply with the Hotel Act, fire safety regulations, environmental rules, and local authority approvals. Not all properties marketed as “hotels” are fully licensed, which is why due diligence is critical.

Are hotels in Phuket mainly investment purchases?
Yes. Most hotel purchases in Phuket are made for commercial investment purposes, including long-term income generation, redevelopment or repositioning, brand conversion, and institutional portfolio expansion. Hotel investments differ significantly from residential property purchases and require a different risk and compliance assessment.

Do hotels for sale in Phuket usually include an operating license?
Some hotels in Phuket are sold as fully licensed, operational businesses, while others are sold as property assets that may require licence renewal or operational restructuring. Buyers should always confirm the current hotel licence status, whether it is transferable, and compliance with current regulations, as these factors can materially affect both value and risk.

Should buyers seek professional advice before purchasing a hotel?
Absolutely. Hotel purchases in Thailand involve multiple layers of legal, regulatory, and operational complexity. Buyers should engage experienced legal, tax, and property professionals before proceeding to ensure the investment structure is compliant and commercially sound.