We are travelling to Phuket 15 Dec through 21 Dec and currently have reservations at the Allamanda Laguna resort for a family suite. We have an opportunity to get a good rate at the Patong Resort Hotel with 2 rooms with a common balcony. We have 2 daughters ages 9 & 11. We will use the beach and pool and would also like to do elephant trek and Phi Phi Island excursions, among other things. I have looked at the Laguna websites extensively, and they seem quite adequate. We will need to pull the trigger on this one soon. Any insights into either of these places, especially Patong, because this is the first I've heard of it? I know Patong has a busy nightlife, etc, and that doesn't interest us. Also, are there any good tailors in Phuket?
BTW we have reservations at the Centre Point Silom for 3 days after Phuket. Thanks.

You simply cannot compare the 2 at all. Allamanda is in thre Laguna area on the more nor west side of the island, here you find expensive luxury resorts, a few shops and local restaurants have sprung up to cater for those who don't want to pay Laguna area style prices.

Patong is totally different, it is a busy and crowded beach town, lots of entertainment, restaurants and nightlife, the Patong resort Hotel is along Rat-U-Thit Road ( 2nd Road ) in a very busy area short walk to shoping and nightlife. I know this hotel well and comparing it with the Allamanda isn't possible as this Patong place is in the 2 star mid package vacation crowd range whereas the Allamanda is a different ball game altogether. I lived in Phuket ( Patong ) for some years and still go down regular as I still live in Thailand, I am sure others would agree that Laguna compared to patong are just 'so' different.

So the 2 areas are utterly different.

Accommodation is tight in Phuket at that time of year, I really think with 2 children of those ages you might have been better off in the Kata and Karon area.

These areas are much quieter than Patong but have the benefit of having more restaurants and shopping than the Laguna area, I am not downing Laguna but if you want a nice area that is quiet but not too quiet I think perhaps somewhere like the Kata beach resort, Karon Beach Resort, Kata Thani or Le Meridien resort would have been much better.
If you want to see a lot of information and photos of those places and the various beaches

www.phuket-luxury-hotels.com
( 150 plus places all price ranges )
I should look at Karon Beach Resort, Kata Beach Resort, Kata Thani, Le Meridien Resort, you have no obligation, they will check what is available, let you know, then you can think and decide.

trips to Phi Phi etc can be arranged from anywhere. Tailors outnumber the bars in Patong ( well, they don't really, but you get the idea, I would do tailoring in Bangkok and wait for other Fodorites to give tips and experiences on that ).

I always say that for Phuket you need to decide what beach first, then decide where to stay.

This link gives an idea of local tours:

http://www.phuketjettour.com/tour/phuket.htm

If you can get back to us quickly with a more of an idea of type of hotel/resort we can add other ideas, but with the kids I think you should look at those places I just suggested and also you can compare with Allamanda

Yoyu can also try ( though it goes into same rate and photos section)

www.patong-beach-hotels.com

http://www.patong-beach-hotels.com/k...ch_hotels.html

http://www.patong-beach-hotels.com/k...ch_hotels.html

I had looked at the Kata Thani Resort early on, but was drawn by the kid club options at Laguna. I only found this forum the past few days and am finding out so much more information than I thought possible. I will reconsider my choice and let you know. Thanks so much!

Also, Phuket is not the place to have tailoring done. If you have enough time in Bangkok, do it there.

Thanks, Kathie, I have the name of a good tailor in Bangkok from a friend. I'll wait til we get there. I have 3 full days there, and want only a few things made.

Sorry the reply took so long...my husband and I are planning this trip while he's away on business. We decided to stay at the Laguna complex, because we've got a 2 room suite there. But, we'll certainly check out the rest of the island and possibly go towards Kata next time. I just made plans to go to Hong Kong the middle of this month, so I'll probably use the tailor there that I've used in the past.
Thank you guys for your help!!