It seems that staying in Kamala, kata or Karon is going to be too pricey, and the boy doesn't want to stray too far from the nightlife (in case he needs a quick fix of girly bars ) so it looks like we will be staying at either the north or south end of beach road..quieter than central patong, but still close enough to the action.
We'll proabaly take a trip out Ko Lanta for a few days as well.

Thanks again for all your help!