Phuket's Patong has a new kid. (Well...a little not-so-good timing, though.)  

Just few steps from the bustling beach road of Patong Beach, tucked inside a small street is the newly-opened The Tique Patong Hotel (29 Sawasdirak Rd., Patong, Phuket, 076-297-023/4, www.thetique.com).

The name is derived from a term “antique,” as this five-story hotel tries to harmonize modern contemporary and vintage flair by decorating the simple raw cement and white floors and walls with oldie furniture and decoration items - all designed by one of the owners who is an interior designer. All 22 rooms are equipped with convenient facilities including broadband Internet. On the topmost for is a plunge pool overlooking the serene Patong Beach.

As one of the owners used to work in a five-star boutique hotel in Bangkok so it could be certified that she knows what people really expect from boutique hotel.

The Patong Eco Chic package, including breakfast, rates at B2,900 for Tique Room and B3,900 for Terrace Room. What I like is that they serve free beer (Tiger) during the weekend happyhour and encourage their guests to get to know each others. Hope they keep running well during this harsh time.