Hi. We are a couple with 3 children ages 14, 10 and 8. We are choosing between The Chedi or Sawasdee Village in Phuket for our trip this May. The Chedi was initially my first choice but I was put off by the mixed comments from various forums. Unarguably, it is in a good beach location but comments like "rooms are old and tired" and "far (at least 15 minute walk) from other dining options and dining in The Chedi itself is costly" "steps galore" are making me change my mind.

Has anyone stayed at Sawasdee Village? Their webpage shows beautiful rooms. Are they as beautiful (and clean)as they look in the photos? I know they're not in a beach location but it seems to me from what I've read that it is a 5 minute walk to the beach and they are near other dining and shopping establishments. Seeing its a resort enclosed within walls, Does it feel cramped inside the resort? I like the feeling of gardens and open spaces. And would you recommed the garden view or the pool view rooms?

How does Kata beach compare to Pansea beach where The Chedi is?

My considerations for choosing a resort are:

1. rooms with character that are beautiful, comfortable, clean and well equipped.

2. well managed, well maintained with good service.

3. convenient to other dining or shopping options.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Hi there,

I stayed at Amanpuri which is next door to the Chedi and shares the same beach. The beach is lovely, secluded and hotel guests only have access to it. I didn't see the inside of the rooms at the Chedi but from the outside, they did look a bit shabby. It isn't too close to other dining options (I'd say you need to take a taxi) however we ate at Amanpuri (which definitely was costly!)

Those seem a limited choice and very much at 2 different ends of the scale, as you have 3 kids keeping them occupied is important, had you though about places such as le meridien ( it has a good kids club, large pools, is located in it;s own cove on the beach so a private beach in so much, it is easy reach to Patong and the beaches of Karon and Kata south and being located directly onto it's own beach is a huge plus, in my own humble opinion a much better choice for a family than either of the others ). There are also other options ( many ) such as the Kata beach resort or Karon beach resort which are good 3 star+ range and directly on the beach ( no beach roads to cross ). Kata Thani is again another good option.
There is a great deal of choice on Phuket in all price ranges, but with that age range for the children I would take a serious look at Le Meridien, the Kata Thani if you want quality, good places for the children and nice beach, both places having plenty to satisfy everyone. try www.beachsiam.com/phuket.html and skip through the different beaches.

Here are some photos and details of Le Meridien

http://www.r24.org/beachsiam.com/phu...idien/details/

Another important point is that if the children head to the beach you know that they can't wander far, and there are always staff on the beach, the swimming pools are 'huge' with an excellent range of restaurants. You are only 5 minutes from Patong for shopping and busy area but the 'on it's own' location make Meridien really nice.

JamesA mentioned the Kata Thani Resort on Kata Noi beach. I stayed there in late September 05 and thought that it was a very lovely place. They have a nice sandy beach (and lots of beach frontage) as well as several big pools. There are childrens activities (or at least we saw signs around the property that advertised things going on for kids). We were there at a quiet time, but I would definitely consider this resort for another visit.

I happen to like being a little farther away from Patong. There is plenty to do in Kata Beach, along with a couple of the best (IMO) restaurants on Phuket; Mom Tri's Boathouse Grill and Mom Tri's Kitchen.

Carol

Oh no! More choices! Just kidding guys Thanks so much! Will Look into the Katathani and Le Meridien. I had not looked at these 2 closely. Actually, Sawasdee caught our attention because of its character. The pictures seemed so beautiful in the internet. Still, would appreciate comments from anyone who has stayed there. My third choice was Mom Tri's Boathouse.

Also, would anyone know the beach condition at Kata Noi or Kata Beach in May? I had read it's one of the safest beaches in Phuket.

Thank you again JamesA, luckykat and carol!

I've also stayed at the Boathouse. It's another great choice. If you like smaller hotels, Boathouse is the place. But the beach area in front of the Boathouse is also smaller. Rooms are smaller than at Kata Thani.

For a REAL TREAT (but lots of $$$$$) my absolute fave is Mom Tri's Villa Royale. I've stayed there twice. Talk about peace and quiet... ahhhhhh!!!

Red flags were up when we were at Kata Thani this past September, which meant that the currents were strong. We also had red flags up when we stayed at the Boathouse, which was in June or July of 01. The two times I stayed at Villa Royale were both at New Years Eve time frame, and then the beach conditions are ideal!! Not sure what the conditions would be in May. JamesA will probably know.
Carol

May is 'trechinicaly' rainy seaon, you can get lucky or unlucky, but that is one reason I think the Le Meridien is a good idea because the pools are just 'so large' so if the sea is rough you have the pools, and with the resort being the only place in the cove you don't have to watch the kids all the time, being a meridien the staff are well trained and the kids club is not just a 'gesture' ( as many are ) but a proper club with dedicated trained staff, if it rains they have the kids club and you are very close to Patong without being 'in' Patong. I don't have to tell you that in order that you both have a relaxed vacation you need to make sure the kids are happy!!

Thank you to all for all the valuable tips!

Wondering if anyone has stayed at the Kata Thani? I was all ready to book it and then read some negative reviews on another website(I know, I cheated...). Also, is it walking distance to other restaurants? Same question for Le Meridien. Am suffering from over researching, please help!!