any suggestion for hotel in phuket n krabi,been looking on line but hard to tell how old some of the places are..need something in the top end but not expensive like the amanpuri

I really enjoyed my stay at The Chedi, which is on the same beach as the Amanpuri but is much less expensive (these are the only 2 hotels on this small, private, well-maintained beach.) I booked through planetholiday.com but you can find lots of info on the Chedi online. The bungalow rooms and entire hotel were very nice and seemed newer to me--however, the shower wasn't anything special and seemed older. Also, no tubs in the rooms if that's critical for you. I will definately stay there again.

After much research we chose to stay at The Chedi. I think your final decision should be based on what you are looking for - we wanted an upscale place, a beautiful beach, somewhat secluded - somewhere that would not be like Miami beach, Honolulu etc...
Mom Tri's Boathouse was another option but I think it is less upscale and was sold out. If we had a bigger budget we would have considered Pimalai or Rayavadee - both of these are in Krabi. Helpful websites (although not the cheapest) were - http://www.thailand-luxury-hotels.co...cfm?menuid=133 and www.differentworld.com
Good luck!

I can recommend the Kata Thani, you should avoid Patong Beach at all cost, terrible place.

I would choose Krabi over Phuket every time. Krabi Thai Village looks good.

I would just say that Mom Tri's Boathouse has an upscale clientele which keeps returning, which is why it is often difficult to get in! It is a very well respected hotel... "for people who don't like hotels.." as their advertising reads. It IS a wonderful place to stay. I've been there three times, once to stay at the Boathouse and twice to stay in their private Villa Royale property.

Try the Tubkaak Resort near Ao Nang, Krabi. Great new place! Maybe the Pimalai on Koh Lanta if you want a quiet place.
For Phuket you can try Kamala beach, Kamala Bay Terrace etc. Or go for Kata and Karon Beaches. I would check the up to date reviews also.
Just outside Patong is the meridien ( relax Bay ) which is a good reliable choice.

If you want to check reviews:

http://www.r24.org/huahin.20m.com/phuket/hotels/

http://www.r24.org/huahin.20m.com/krabi/hotels

If you want up to date news and information about Phuket

http://www.phuketgazette.net

( you always seem to get a 'not found' on first click, just click Refresh and it comes up )