We're visiting Phuket and are looking to stay at the Chedi or the Dusit Laguna and wanted to get some advice from people who have stayed. They both look like wonderful resorts.<BR><BR>For the Chedi, I've heard that the beachfront rooms are the best, but it's unfortunately out of our budget. I'm wondering how hilly the hillside rooms are- is it 10 flights of stairs to get to the beach or is the walk pretty short? Also, does the Chedi have organized activities like exercise classes, snorkel tours or sailing lessons, etc and are activities &amp; equipment rental included in the room rate?<BR><BR>The Dusit also looks very nice and seems like they have activities like sailing lessons, cooking classes, etc. Does anybody know if that is included in the room rate? I tried to email the hotel but they just sent a link for their website. Does the hotel offer any shuttle into Patong or Phuket town? I heard that it can get expensive to hire a taxi from the resort.<BR><BR>Any advice you can give on these properties would be greatly appreciated. thanks!

Some people will praise the Dusit, some will praise the Chedi. If I had to make a simple choice I would go for the Chedi.<BR>It is much closer to Patong, it has a more tropical atmosphere. The Dusit is a 5-star resort which is fine, but it does not have that certain 'tropical island flavour' of the Chedi.<BR><BR>If you want to know about the particular facilities try this site and check their links for both, lots of photos and other info for both.<BR><BR>Never hore taxis directly from hotels, usually hanging around outside the grounds are local 'taxis' usually cheaper.<BR><BR>Both hotels are away from the busy areas of Patong/Kata/Karon. The Kata Thani always gets good reviews, maybe it's an alternative.<BR><BR>Both the Chedi and Dusit are in the 'expensive' category. You might like to check what your budget could get you. On the Phuket link press the arrow above the rates and they sort from cheapest to most expensive. Take a look at those around your budget. I have very often found that I can get a suite or top class room at a good 3/4 star place much cheaper than a base room at a 5-star. Book the best room in a 3-star and you are one of the 'most important guests' !! Worth thinking about. Also the add-ons for drinks and food far less at a good 3-star.<BR><BR>Some local restaurants near both Chedi and Dusit but certainly not the range you would get at the other resorts.<BR><BR>Sailing lessons are best done at Phuket Marina on the other side of the island.<BR><BR>Link:<BR><BR>http://www.phuket-hotels.s5.com<BR><BR>Good luck, planning really is half the fun!

Whoops....I said 'never hore a taxi',.... I meant of course 'never HIRE a taxi'!

Whoops....I said 'never hore a taxi',.... I meant of course 'never HIRE a taxi'!

We stayed at the Chedi a few years ago and really enjoyed it. The resort is essentially built into the hillside, so it is impossible to avoid the stairs. The reception area/main building is at the top of the hill, the beach and pool at the bottom. We stayed in a beach side room, so I'm not 100% sure of the placement of all the hillside rooms. Some, may require you to go down from the main lobby, then up to your room. (They have plenty of porters so don't worry about carrying your bags.)<BR><BR>We stayed there at the recommendation and friends, then sent 2 other couples there, as well. As far as I know, everyone I know whose stayed at the Chedi really enjoyed it. I found everyone on the staff to be extremely friendly, the beach area was significantly larger than the much higher priced Aman resort, which is just next door, and both restaurants to be very good.<BR><BR>Not sure how much there is in terms of organized activities, as everyone on the week we were there seemed pretty content to hang on the beach. But, the Chedi is affiliated with the Aman resort next door. I believe that you have signing privaleges and access to their boats, as well.