Aquarius Gay Guesthouse Review: My Honest Stay at a Phuket Gay Hotel (Patong Sauna + Travel Tips)

As part of my Thailand LGBTQ travel vlog series, I spent four nights at Aquarius Gay Guesthouse—a well-known Phuket gay hotel located in the heart of Patong. I found this place as I was searching for go-to gay friendly hotels in Phuket, and this place piqued my interest with its proud boast of being the “only gay sauna in Patong.”

I went in curious and open-minded, with a mutual understanding with the owner: if I enjoyed the stay, I’d feature it positively on my Thailand travel vlog. Spoiler? I ended up paying full price and chose to speak honestly instead.

This post is my unfiltered Aquarius Guesthouse review—sharing exactly what went down, who this hotel is really for, and why I wouldn’t recommend it to most solo gay travelers in Asia.

Getting There: Navigating to a Gay Hotel in Patong, Phuket

Getting to Patong from Phuket International Airport was an adventure of its own. My flight arrived around 3:30 PM, and I didn’t reach my hotel until 8 PM. That’s longer than the flight itself! If you're planning your own Thailand gay travel guide, prepare for long delays getting into Patong during peak traffic.

Once in Patong, I had a tough time locating the hotel. Aquarius is tucked behind a row of massage shops in a plaza off a narrow alleyway—not the most glamorous entrance to a gay guesthouse in Patong.

The vibe of the area? Honestly, a little dodgy. I got approached multiple times by men offering massages, and one guy even grabbed my arm after I politely declined. For anyone wondering about gay nightlife in Phuket, this side of it can feel less fun and more intrusive when you're solo.

Eventually, I found the entrance—though it looked more like a bar than a hotel. I had to flag down someone at the front to check in.

Room & Amenities: What to Expect from Aquarius Gay Hotel

I stayed in the Double Superior Room. I lost my own footage, but the photos online were pretty accurate. That said, the room felt more like a spare guest room at your older relative’s house than a modern hotel room.

Here’s what stood out:

• No toiletries besides soap (no toothbrush or shampoo or body wash)

• Wi-Fi was unreliable—I mostly used mobile data

• Lukewarm water, uncomfortable bed

At nearly $75 USD a night, this felt overpriced for what you get, especially in Thailand where finding cheap accommodations that offer more value isn't that hard.

The location, however, is central—only a few minutes’ walk from Patong Beach, bars, and the EDC Thailand shuttle pickup point. So if you're here for EDC Thailand travel or the beach parties, you’re pretty close to the action.

The guests at the gay hotel leaned older—most travelers were mature gay men chatting at the bar or having breakfast. If you're a younger LGBTQ traveler in Thailand, this might not be your ideal social crowd, but it felt safe and friendly enough in that regard. Though, my interactions with the guests were very surface level, so I can't say for sure.

Staff Interactions: The Good, the Awkward, and the Inappropriate

This is where things got… weird. And why this post also serves as a gay hotel warning.

1. The Sauna Incident

While asking a question in the gym/sauna area, one staff member suddenly reached forward and tried to grab my crotch. I blocked it quickly, but it was clearly a sexual advance.
At a gay sauna in Phuket, I expected flirtation—but not from staff, and definitely not without consent.

2. The Hallway Encounter

After returning from a night out at EDC Thailand, I bumped into another staff member. Minutes later, he followed me up to my room uninvited. I was uncomfortable he followed me, and kept asking me if I needed any assistance, such as a room cleaning, as I was trying to enter my room, to which I declined every offer. Then, when I got my room opened, he entered my room anyways. Seemingly under the pretense of taking out my trash—even though I didn’t need it. I admit, maybe I gave off the wrong impression or something... but I thought I was being obvious with my discomfort and with how much I was rushing to get into my room.

As a solo gay traveler in Asia, this made me feel incredibly uncomfortable. Hotel staff should never enter your room uninvited, especially late at night.

3. The Gym Machine Incident

While using the chest press machine, I asked for help trying to remove a jammed pin. Communication was difficult, but things eventually culminated to me nearly losing my hand because of the staff member's lack of communication. Although it wasn't entirely his fault... I don't think he's blameless. For more information about the whole situation, consider watching my Youtube video above.

Who This Gay Guesthouse in Patong Is (and Isn’t) For

Let’s be fair—Aquarius Gay Guesthouse isn’t all bad. The bar had friendly locals. The location is walkable to major gay bars in Patong. And some older gay travelers may feel right at home here.

But for younger LGBTQ travelers, digital nomads, or first-time visitors looking for safety, comfort, and a welcoming vibe? This probably isn’t the right choice.

If your Thailand gay travel guide includes comfort, modern amenities, and respectful staff interactions, there are better gay hotels in Thailand for you.

Final Thoughts: Honest Gay Hotel Review for LGBTQ Travelers

In summary, this Aquarius Gay Hotel honest review reflects my real experience as a solo LGBTQ traveler navigating Phuket.
Would I stay here again? No.
Do I think some people might enjoy it? Yes—if you're part of the older gay crowd and don't mind a dated space with a vintage vibe.

But if you’re coming to Phuket looking for vibrant, safe, and respectful experiences—whether for gay nightlife in Phuket, a festival like EDC Thailand, or just beachside fun—there are more suitable places than this one.

For more gay travel tips, personal reviews, and Thailand LGBTQ travel content, check out my YouTube channel and follow my adventures across Asia. 🌈✈️