Have most of our trip to Thailand figured out - we're a family of 4 - mom/dad/18 yr old daughter and 15 yr old son. Have travelled a fair amount internationally. Because of school holidays, we are unfortunately going during Christmas/New Years holiday. We will be in Bangkok for a couple of days (staying at the JW Marriott on points), then to Siem Reap for a few days, and then will be in Phuket for 3 nights, followed by Krabi (Aonang Villa) for 3 nights. I have been working with a friend who is both a travel agent and who travels to Thailand every year with his Thai wife. So here's my dilemma -

I would love to splurge to a certain extent to stay at a fancy resort while we are in Phuket (as we will for the most part stay in good, but not luxury accomodations). At first I was all excited because I thought we could use Starwood points for Le Meridien, but one of the 3 days I need isn't available. I could use Marriott points for the JW on Phuket, but it seems like most Fodorites feel that it is a) so far away from everything else on the island and b) luxurious but kind of misses the point about being in Thailand. Like other Thai newbies, I am starting to get a headache trying to figure out where to stay. My travel agent friend initially suggested the Absolute Pearl in Patong (near the beach, reasonable price and easy to check out the city). I think my problem is that I can't figure out if we will like being in the middle of the action without having to worry about getting transportation or will we by this point in our trip crave some peace and quiet. Using points seemed okay, but I don't want to spend thousands of dollars for an expensive resort if most of the time we will be at the beach or doing other activities.

Any suggestions or comments would be most welcome - I guess I am looking for a good value, near a nice beach, but not too far away from the action in case we want to check it out. Kind of want to have it all?

I'd recommend you not opt for Patong with adolescents. I don't think you want to be in the middle of that kind of action. Many recommend Kata beach as an area with restaurants shops and bars, but not so much "action."

Personally, I don't find Phuket town very interesting, so see no reason to try to stay close to it. It is nice to be able to walk to some restaurants, but many beach areas offer that. Really, I think the JW would be fine for you. You might wish for more restaurants that are walkable, but overall, I think it would meet your needs. You'll be traveling at the busiest and most expensive time of the year, so using points is an exceptionally good value.

If you can find a way to swing the Le Meridien, it would be ideal. Great, almost private beach, reasonably quiet location tucked between Patong and Karon but still close enough to get amongst it. It has heaps of facilities on site like a golf driving range, rock climbing wall etc and they organise activities like scuba diving trials and water polo to keep the energetic occupied. There is not much within easy walking distance apart from a few small shops and massage places but you can get into central Patong for 150 baht.

If that just wont work,then look at the Kata Beach Resort or even better, The Kata Thani. Once again, superb beachfront locations but not too isolated with plenty of dining and a few shopping options within walking range.

What about the Sheraton Laguna? I assume you could use your Starwood points there. The Laguna resort is a bit "isolated" and self-contained for some, but there's no shortage of restaurants and activities.

At least the Laguna area has a collection of local restaraunts on the beach and there is a small township within walking distance. We stayed at the Allamanda many moons ago and liked the complex but got a bit stir crazy after a few days and hired a car to get around. I think it is a better location than the JW Marriott.

See if you can use Starwood points for two nights at the meridien and pay cash for the third night. The Meridien is a vary nice hotel. Close enough to Patong to pop over, but on a private beach. We've stayed there twice and loved it.

I second the Kata Thani on Kata Noi beach. It's a beautiful resort!

I also like the Boathouse on Kata Beach. Kata Beach is larger than Kata Noi beach. You would probably want to go from Kata Noi "up" to Kata Beach to walk around, dine, find activities. But Kata Thani is not as isolated as a number of the other places listed in this thread. With two teens, you don't want to be too far off the beaten path IMO.

Don't consider staying on Patong Beach!!!!!

Carol

BTW, my family will also be in Thailand during the holidays. You will experience Thailand's BEST weather during that time! A great choice, IMO.

Thank you everyone for all of your suggestions! I called Starwood and they put me on a waiting list for Le Meridien. I could kick myself. I think if I had just acted a month sooner I probably could have reserved the time. That last of the 3 days just isn't available for cash or points. Oh well, I will keep my fingers crossed that it might open up. In the meantime, will probably go with Kata Beach Resort. Again, thank you all for helping me to sort through the choices in a more logical way.

Absolute Sea Pearl is south end of Patong across the road from the beach, be a little wary, I think this is also a time-share place, just watch out for any special 'offers''. You can walk along to the busy parts and believe me, Patong is packed with tourists over Christmas period. It is a fair walk but we do not know if the throngs of Patong will in fact appeal to you. Loud pick ups blaring out promoting Thai Boxing 24hr Mc'd etc, Western pubs, touts, do be very sure it's what you are looking for ( obviously for many it is exactly what they want )

If you can manage Le Meridien price that would be great, own cove, you need tuk tuk to/from Patong, expect to pay around B 200 ( about US$6 ) each way

Kata in my humbe opinion would be much nicer, if not Karon, both have ' Centara' places, ther Centara Kata in my opinion better because Kata beach is nice, the actual beach though will be packed several rows deep in beach chairs.
Kata beach Hotel is right on the beach, there are others in walking distance but watch out for those with 'amazing views', means they are steepe up the hill

KataThani of course if you can afford the price.
If you have Marriott points and because there are 4 of you, I would seriosly suggest looking at the Courtyard by Marriott in Kamala, short walk the beach, the big plus from your pooint of view is that they have 2 bedroom apartments 'Courtyard by Marriott' style, at the same time I don't think it can be so easy to use points in the absolute peak of the peak of high season. But would be good accommodation-wise.
Kamala is quieter than Patong but will still be very busy over that period with lots of tourists from Europe, Australia etc.

The differences in beach areas on Phuket is far more pronounced than it used to be even just a few years back. Beaches like Surin that used to be quiet havens, although still quite can be home to late night disco bars and such, on that score even Surin has changed.