Hi I will be going to Koh Samui with my wife in June (around the 16th) for about 6 days.

We're looking for a good upscale hotel/resort that's near the main shopping/pub areas - which I hear is Chewang beach - (walking distance hopefully!) Ideally, we'd like a place with all the trappings: a room with a great view, pool, great beach, what have you!

We don't mind splurging a bit on accommodation but we do want a great place.

Any suggestions from personal experience? Do let me know, it would be a great help.

Also, what's the weather like here in late June?

Thanks!

Right on the beach at the south end of Chaweng is Poppies. Poppies has been famous for many many years, it's not cheap, in the USD 160-170 region but if you are looking for a top place with good solid reputation Poppies may be the one to go for. Chaweng Regent beach resort also rough same price range. Roughly USD 15 gets you a Junior Seaview Suite at the Muang Boutique resort, again right on the beach, these have separate living area and if you like more boutique style places this could suit. At North end of Chaeng the Amari resort also well established, USD 90-120 region. There is certainly lots of choice and you can get a lot cheaper than that if you wish, try www.beachsiam.com, over 100 Samui places, you can see all the total rates on the pages before you need to enquire. If you are flying from Bangkok remember Bangkok Airways only operator on the route ( www.bangkokair.com )

Thanks a ton for the info James!

Poppies keeps coming up when I mention Koh Samui to friends in the know. So yes it's highly recommended. Will also check out the Chaweng Regent.

You've mentioned a place called Muang Boutique resort. Is that what it's called? Will look it up on the net as well!

Once again thanks for the info!

Sorry the Junior Suite at Muang beach USD 150 not 15, another of my infamous typos!!
I think it wise on first visit to a place to go with what is well know and well establihed, Poppies fits that, I have not stayed at Muang but my brother-in-law did a lot of the furniture and said it was real nice ( and they were paying good money for it too!! ) so that is more boutique style.
Like many when I first visited Thailand i used to pay say for USD 100 type place, subsequent visits I started to pay less, now after many years living here I budget max USD 50 and usually USD 30-40 and I don't sleep in junk places putting it abruptly. Phuket just 2 weeks back paid aound USD 40 ( plus offered upgrade ) for perfectly nice room and nice place. No doubt you will return on many visits so whilst in Samui wander around some of the cheaper places and see what they are like so in the future you can return and have an enjoyable but much cheaper accommodation! Chaweng is very lively. If you are just doing Samui from Bangkok bangkok Airways fares are not cheap, around USD 180 return, but if you plan say to visit Chiang mai look and see if their discovery pass is operational.

I stayed at Chewang Regent. It is a very lovely resort, but the beach disappointed me, as it is greatly affected by the tides. I've already decided that the "next time" I want to stay at Poppies. We ate a lovely dinner there and I liked the looks of the place. I'd say, try Poppies (but walk down to the Regent for a look...)
Carol

I totally agree with Carol. I stayed at the Chaweng Regent last year and found it lovely but the problem was really the beach. I wasn't able to have a bath there, the tide was always sooo low and I am not much into swimming pools. I also wished I had stayed at the Poppies ( only because of the beach). Agree also with the dinner I had in Poppies, it was fabulous!Poppies was a bit more expensive than the Chaweng Regent though, but I think if you are a beach lover , it's worth the extra money!

Thanks a ton for the info Carol and Tere!

Yes poppies seems a clear favourite with everyone concerned! I just hope I can get a booking there as it's usually booked up!! And of course it's heavy on the pocket.

Has anyone been to a place called Amari Palm reef? What's the verdict if you have?

Any other suggestions for acco are most welcome! Thanks!

mark