HI all - I will be making my first trip to Krabi at the end of November. I had my eye on the Railay Beach area but not sure that I want to splurge on the Rayavardee. Some reviews that I've read say that the beaches are ridiculously crowded during the day and to just stay at a less expensive option.... Is there a more budget-friendly option that is still nice and a higher-end property?

I was also interested in the Amari Vogue hotel. Is this beach comparable to what I will find in Railay? I like that it seems to be a more boutique hotel.

We plan on doing a few day excursions to Phi Phi and Hong island - any specific suggestions in terms of tours? Anything to avoid or any alternate suggestions?

I will be with my husband and we are just looking for a nice, relaxing time - we'd like to eat good food, get a few nice spa treatments and just enjoy the scenery.

Interested to hear everyone's thoughts on the above. Thank you!

WE stayed twiuce at the Sheraton Krabi and loved it both times. The rooms are pleasant, but the pool, lawn and beach set-up is near perfect. Lots of space to make a choice for lounging with everthing in sight. I often opted for the dhade are between the beach and the lawn. When I got warm, either the ocxean or the pool beckoned.

WE had dinner at the Amari Vogue. The food was very good, but the layout of the hotel seemed more cramped. Will be interested ti read your choice, I suspect eith one would be very nice.

the sofitel is in the same are as what gpanda says and is nice... myself i would choose amari vogue which is fantastic and also has a marvelous chef... sheraton, while large is very excellent and has huge grounds and very nice rooms... can use cash and points too if you have any

I chose the Amari Vogue for 4 days in early January because Ravaydee seemed too big, expensive, no direct beach views and lots of kids. We prefer small boutique properties. I hope we made a good choice. Eager to hear your final decision.

you guys hit upon a few of our main concerns/dilemmas - the beach situation in Rayavadee, and the fact that, though the Sheraton might large and is an American chain, we would be able to get at least a few nights for free.

I'm really interested to hear about beach opinions - do you think that the beaches down near Railay are that much nicer than say Tub Kaek beach...

My sister is living in Thailand right now and spent time in Koh Samui this weekend - and claimed it was paradise. We weren't originally considering that island but is it comparable in your mind to Krabi?

very similar to krabi but flights there cost more...

i have found the nicest beaches to be at the western chain hotels...

make sure to look at www.spg.com for cash and miles options for specific dates, its a steal in thailand

thanks rhkkmk - we kind of thought the same thing but were unsure if it was just the photographs themselves. I was so impressed with candid photo shots from the Sheraton over on TripAdvisor too. I think we will definitely spend part of our time there. You can't beat free nights!

true... we hired a boat from the sheraton out to one of the islands for a day---it was one of the best things we have ever done... look for my tahi trip report from nov, 2009 for the address of the excellent boatman...

he picks you up and returns you to the sheraton beach...