Hi Jax,

We stayed at the Katathani last time were were in Phuket and really enjoyed it. The rooms with ocean view need a face lift but they are very comfortable and large enough. The beach is beautiful and there are lots of pools. The staff were the friendliest we have met. If you go into little Kata try Elizabeth's restaurant. It's on a small cliff overlooking the beach, beautiful view, good service and nice food, or of course for a treat you could try Mom Tri's, which is great but I thought there was better value elsewhere. We are planning on staying at the Katathani again and also hoping to stay a week at the Twin Palms on Surin Beach. Check out Surin, it is so relaxing and getting full f&b service on the beach is such a luxury. We ate at Pla restaurant and also at The Beach Club which belongs to Twin Palms. Both of them were great and Pla was so cheap. Pla also has a bathroom for guests to have a hot shower after coming up from the beach, really clean and they even supplied body wash. I have only ever driven through Karon, it seemed a bit spaced out and it never really appealed to me. Surin beach has stacks of good restaurants to walk to from what I hear and I'm planning on trying a lot of them in October !! I agree with Mark, it is well worth the trip to Friendship Beach, it's a nice break from the hustle of Patong and the service was the best we have ever had. Strange how I've only mentioned restaurants, anyone would think I was a glutton !! I don't just go for the food, I also like copious amounts of alcohol to wash it all down.

Anyway whatever you decide I hope that you have a wonderful trip.

Regards
Michelle