Need advice on good hotels off the beach in Phuket. Would like to only spend around $100 US Dollar, since we will need several rooms (going with large family). I looked at some hotels but kind of hard to determine. Would like suggestions from people with experience there. THANKS!

Phuket has so many hotels. What you need to decide first is which beach you want. This depends on what you plan to do and also if any kids in tow. You say a large family, am I guessing right that it includes kids? If so you want to keep them occupied so you do not want to be too remote from things that keep them busy. Also if you family includes any 'seniors' you need to considor location if they plan to walk.<BR>Tell me some of the hotels you have looked at.<BR><BR>Kata and Karon beaches are quieter than Patong but still plenty to do. If you shift away from the chain groups then I hope we can figure out some ideal suggestions. You have not said what time of year, May to October is the cheapest time.<BR>I lived there for 3 years and visit from BKK on a regular basis so I hope I can help.<BR>So we need to know<BR>1&gt; What time of year<BR>2&gt; Kids/adults/seniors<BR>3&gt; Very busy area/average/quiet<BR><BR>Enjoy the planning , it's half the fun!<BR><BR>

Phuket has so many hotels. What you need to decide first is which beach you want. This depends on what you plan to do and also if any kids in tow. You say a large family, am I guessing right that it includes kids? If so you want to keep them occupied so you do not want to be too remote from things that keep them busy. Also if you family includes any 'seniors' you need to considor location if they plan to walk.<BR>Tell me some of the hotels you have looked at.<BR><BR>Kata and Karon beaches are quieter than Patong but still plenty to do. If you shift away from the chain groups then I hope we can figure out some ideal suggestions. You have not said what time of year, May to October is the cheapest time.<BR>I lived there for 3 years and visit from BKK on a regular basis so I hope I can help.<BR>So we need to know<BR>1&gt; What time of year<BR>2&gt; Kids/adults/seniors<BR>3&gt; Very busy area/average/quiet<BR><BR>Enjoy the planning , it's half the fun!<BR><BR>

We will have two kids (5 and 7 years old) with several adults (late 20's and up) and plan to go in August. Not chaotic busy but lively. This is what I'd like: during the day, beach, massage, relax, shop. During the evening, dinner (so kids can come) and later part, some of us adults go to bars/nightclubs. That would be ideal.<BR><BR>Any help would be appreciated! Thanks JamesA.

Ok Emma that helps a lot. As the 20's want some entertainment you have overall 2 choices:<BR>a&gt; Karon or Kata beach, restaurants and some bars, but not very much entertainment. Patong Beach is about 15 minutes by tuk-tuk from Karon beach, that is a good choice, however, as the sea can be rough for swimming in August you want a place with decent pools.<BR><BR>Holiday Inn Patong ( great kids club with proper staff, lots for them to do, opposite the beach, busy area ) August family suite about $95, normal twin about $65, being Holiday Inn kids are free unless they use a bed, my guess is the family suite could handle kids + Mom &amp; Pop.<BR>Here the link:<BR>http://www.r24.org/huahin.20m.com/phuket/holidayinn/<BR><BR>If you want to keep the costs lower the Coconut Village is good value but not of the Holiday Inn standard, about $35 for a twin,<BR><BR>http://www.r24.org/huahin.20m.com/phuket/coconutvillage/details/<BR><BR>The Duanjitt is nearby Coconut Village, quieter end of Patong, few minutes to the beach, big gardens, they have cabin/cottages in the grounds too. There are lots of choice but hope those 2 give you something that suits with kids and 20 something's too.<BR>You can follow the links from those pages for other hotels. Hopefully some others who have stayed at hotels with kids can throw in some ideas too.<BR><BR>Some will say Patong is too busy, but the Holiday Inn/Coconut/Duanjitt all have decent grounds. Easy area for tours and you can walk to the nightlife areas. Patong is the center for entertainment, but karon and Kata worth considoring if you don't mind the journey at night.<BR><BR>I would suggest Karon Villa if you fancy Karon beach, good value, and you will get decent rooms for around $50 which is good value.<BR><BR>

GREAT INFO! Thanks JamesA. From what you're telling me the Holiday Inn sounds fabulous. And Patong sounds like a place that we'd like to stay. I like everything walking distance whenever possible. Thanks again for all your input. You're a big help since I've never gone to Phuket before.

One more question JamesA.<BR>What do you think of the Novotel Phuket Resort? Have you seen it, been there, or know how far it is from everything? I checked out the web site you gave me and the Novotel &quot;looked&quot; nice.

Patong is croweded, terrible traffic, honkey-tonk. But they have everything there...every fast food chain from US, Boots, tourists from all around the world. Most of the resorts will have great facilities for kids. Stay on at a hotel on the beach. It should not cost you more. You will be able to get good deals from Expedia or the hotel chain websites. Be certain you get breakfast included.

Forget the Novotel. Various reasons. Steep hill, you have to walk along to the sandy beach, pools not that good. You need a tuk-tuk to/from town, you could walk. Looks nice but I know the location and went there when it opened. Holiday Inn far far bettwe on all accounts.<BR>If you go to Phuket Fantasea ( Huge show, elephants on stage etc ) take the deal that is show only, don't take the dinner+show as not worth the extra.<BR>Take the kids one evening to Dino Park at Kata, built Flintsones style, crazy mini-golf with dinosaur statues etc and burgers.

Thanks for all the advice. I'm glad I asked about the Novotel. It did look nice in the pictures. But like I said, I needed some real advice from people who's been there. I'll definitly consider the Holiday Inn. Thanks you so much and CAN'T wait to get there!