We are going to Thailand in early June for 2 weeks. Family of 4 - parents and 2 daughters, 19 and 22 yrs old. We will spend a few days in Bangkok and then want to go to a beach resort. From research and info on this site we have decided to go to Koh Samui or Hua Hin. We are looking at these resorts: Anantara Resort & Spa, Sala Samui Resort & Spa, Renaissance Koh Samui, Thai Ayodhya Villas & Spa, Hilton Hua Hin, and Baan Taling Ngam. Any suggestions? If there is one you recommend please let me know. We are looking in the US$400 room rate range (or less).

I wouldn't stay at the Hilton in Hua Hin. The places I know and would recommend in Hua Hin are the Hyatt, the Sofitel and the Anantara (Lagoon rooms). The Sofitel is on the beach in the middle of town if that matters to you. The Hyatt and Anantara are both out of town.

Thanks Kathie....I looked at the Sofitel website....looks beautiful. Is it on the beach? How is the beach access? We would really like to be on the beach if possible. You have been very helpful to me on many of my posts. Thanks!
Why wouldn't you stay at the Hilton on Hua Hin? Just curious.

The Hyatt is on the main stretch of the best beach around Hua Hin while the Anantara is about 1/2 hour drive South of there. As Kathie have said the Hyatt is a very good choice.

The Sofitel is right on the beach. The Hilton is "institutional" has gotten bad reviews. The beach at the Hyatt, as Hanuman says is very nice.

Kathie....any particular rooms at the Sofitel? You mentioned the lagoon rooms at the Anantara. Just wondering what you or anyone recommends at the Sofitel....or the Hyatt. Thanks! Looking for two ocean front rooms or a two-bedroom suite, ocean front.

I always recommend the Regency Club at the Hyatt - breakfast and evening cocktails and canapes are included. Someone here reported on a lovely suite at the Hyatt, so I'd call the Hyatt 800 number and ask about room options.

I haven't stayed at the Sofitel, only looked at it. I'd opt for the historic wing.

i personally prefer the hyatt at hua hin, after visits to most of the major players there...

save money on airfares and go to HH

If you want a "Tropical Island feel" you will be dissapointed in Hua Hin. I like Hua Hin but the beach does not compare with the beaches on Samui. Also, if I was taking daughters of that age and I wanted them to enjoy themselves and meet with people of their own age, Samui would provide much more for them. A few of the people on this board do not like Samui and they are certainly entitled to their opinion, but the Southern parts of Chaweng Beach or Chaweng Noi Beach is not overrun with people like central Chaweng can be and you can find many parts of Samui that still have an "Authentic Thailand" feel.

Hi kfl1111.
I agree with shanek. in my opinion Koh Samui would be the better place for you.
I had been to Koh Samui several times and I am used of living in Hua Hin for years.
If you are willing to pay 400 bucks for a hotel room, the airfare shouldnt be a problem for you.
Koh Samui has the better beaches and there are more younger people, Hua Hin attracts more elderly people (mostly Scandinavians) and during the holiday season also families with smaller kids.
Have never stayed at the Hyatt, because its faraway from downtown.
The Anantare is also not in downtown, but just 30-40 minutes walk (not drive) and direction Bangkok (not South).
I dont know what everybody has against the Hilton. Ok, its an ugly highriser. And everybody in Hua Hin was upset when it was constructed as a Melia many years ago. But now there are higher buildings around Hua Hin. And the rooms (especially the corner rooms) are very nice and comfortable. The only thing I didnt like was the food there.
The Sofitel is a good choice also, even if I prefer the rooms at Hilton.
Another option could be the Marriott, like the Anantara a 4star. Not in downtown, but next to the biggest shopping mall and still in walking distance from the market etc. Some friends of mine stayed at their beachfront rooms and were very pleased.

Oh sorry yes the Anantara is just North of Hua Hin. I was thinking of the Evason!

Reviving this thread, as I have a similar situation.
What hotel would you all recommend in Samui for a family with 5 "adult" children (very late teens, early 20's)?
We're not concerned with cost as much as finding the right thing on a nice beach.