A family reviews their budget Aldi Holidays trip to Phuket, Thailand, highlighting pros and cons
Consensus Summary
A family of three, including a toddler, booked an Aldi Holidays package to Phuket for $3965 after negotiating the price down from an initially higher cost. The package included return flights, eight nights at a Novotel hotel, daily buffet meals, drinks, a Thai massage per guest, and a full-day island tour. The family initially struggled with the economy flight seating near the toilet but adapted, arriving at the hotel late at night. The hotel exceeded expectations with a clean, comfortable room, a well-stocked buffet featuring international dishes, and a kids’ club with toys and activities. The Coral Island tour, though initially marred by administrative issues, ultimately provided a memorable experience with pristine beaches and swimming. Despite minor challenges like wet-season weather and a last-minute tour booking fix, the family praised the value for money and the convenience of the all-inclusive package, calling it a perfect fit for traveling with a young child. The writer emphasized the rest and simplicity of the holiday compared to their previous more adventurous trips.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- The family booked a return trip to Phuket, Thailand, for three people through Aldi Holidays
- The total cost after negotiation was $3965 for eight nights including flights, hotel, and activities
- The package included return flights for three, eight nights at a Novotel hotel, free daily buffet breakfast, and a choice of lunch or dinner daily
- The hotel provided a cot for the toddler with a tiny pillow and doona
- The family experienced a full-day Coral Island and Racha Island tour as part of the package
- The flight involved an eight-hour journey to Phuket with economy seating
- The family arrived at the hotel by 10:15 PM after a one-hour transfer from the airport
- The trip included a free transfer to and from the airport
- The family stayed at a Novotel hotel in Phuket
- The trip took place in mid-September, during Thailand’s wet season
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- The writer mentions Aldi-branded Tim Tams are less caramelly, bread less crisp, and soft goat cheese not as good as Meredith’s
- The writer notes the buffet included breakfasts commonly eaten in Russia, highlighting a Polish preference for vegetable and egg salad with cold meats
- The writer describes the indoor playground as having a first hour free and a small fee for each additional hour with trained staff
- The writer explicitly states the hotel was a Novotel (not just 'a hotel')
- The writer mentions the family directly messaged the Aldi chief marketing officer on LinkedIn to resolve the tour booking issue
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- No contradictions found between the two articles as they are nearly identical in content
Source Articles
I booked a bargain trip through Aldi Holidays. Here’s how it went
Sometimes the products Aldi sells are just a little bit off the mark, but eight nights in Thailand – including return flights for three – for less than $4000 was too cheap to resist....
I booked a bargain trip through Aldi Holidays. Here’s how it went
Sometimes the products Aldi sells are just a little bit off the mark, but eight nights in Thailand – including return flights for three – for less than $4000 was too cheap to resist....