I think we've decided on Phuket over Ko Samui for our trip. We will be there in early November (5th-10th). I'd like a suggestion for a hotel ON the beach that is less than $200 per night.

A bit about us - we like quiet beaches over busy towns, but would like to be able to take advantage of activities such as the John Grey Sea Tour and snorkeling. We are not nightclub people at all. I'd like our hotel to be interesting and romantic with a nice beach so we can relax...I usually prefer small hotels to large resorts. Any ideas??

Do a bit of browsing at www.sawasdee.com It's a local Thai booking company. I find them easy to deal with, responsive, and to have very good prices. (Most prices include tax and service which adds to 17%, and most include breakfast.)

When you have some ideas about what you would like, ask questions here. I expect JamesA will weigh in with suggestions. Tell us what you want - a lively area, a quiet area?

I tried to find rates for the Kata Thani resort on Kata Noi beach, but they are not available for Nov yet. I'm thinking it might be right around, or maybe slightly over, you $200 limit. This is a really lovely resort, and a great place to relax. Do a search and check it out.

Try the Meridien Beach Resort at Relax Bay. It is completely private yet close to Patong and Karon Beach. I think Sawadee has it for less than $200.

Take a look at the Evason Resort and Spa, or The Sabana Resort. Both could fit the bill for you.

I thought I did a reply, seems to have gone or maybe it's too late at night to think!

Anyway, I was going to mention Katathani but I think it's probably going to be over 200.
Andaman White Beach or Thavorn Village at Nakalay might suit ( Nakalay is north of Phuket on the way to Kamala ), Thavorn is on hillside down to quiet beach area, but it's near to busy areas if you want.
If you could manage a short wander to the beach and reserved loungers, and the idea of a small stylish boutique place as opposed to say a more tropical style, the Manathai at Surin might be interesting, about 160 for deluxe, 220 Junior suite, the pool is not large.

http://www.r24.org/phuket-luxury-hot...athai/details/

Trying to get the small hotel as opposed to large resort, right on the beach, under 200, not as easy as many might expect. Best beach locations were bought up 10-20 years back, many new places are actualy no where near the beach, or, what was a quiet beach is now very busy. Kamala used to be quiet but now is packed along the beach area.
The rates do go up 01 November it becomes a whole different ballgame as opposed to last week of October, literally overnight rate can more than double.

If you could change dates into say late October you would be surprised the difference!
Katathani around 103, a Junior Suite for 135, in fact even top Grand Suite under 200 !
Andaman White Beach Pool front with jacuzzi around 210, but, stay 3 nights and they give you another night free, so you'd on 5 night stay you'd only pay 4 nights so that would work about 170 a night.

If absolute beachfront is top priority, I know you have said it 'is', it makes a big difference. "Across the road from the beach" does open up far more choice.