Sue
If you want to be nearer the action you might like to enquire if Merlin Beach's sister property 'Patong Merlin' is part of your voucher scheme. Patong Merlin is not as new but it's a great favourite with the Aussie's (if you can put up with them ) Lots of people I know love it.
We had a deluxe room at Merlin Beach and they are very nice and no complaints... however, we were given the option to upgrade to a direct pool access room for our second week and took it. Direct pool access rooms are slightly smaller than the deluxe and you are facing other rooms and no air... the deluxe are better.
Have you been to Kata Beach? We stayed at Kata Beach Hotel last October and found it ok... lots of Europeans, Russians, Germans, and a smattering of Aussie's and Kiwi's. We got a great deal with asiarooms and no problems.
Our favourite hotel is the Busakorn Wing of the Holiday Inn in Patong... it's like an oasis in the middle of madness, unless you stepped outside you would know a thing.
What are Tesco vouchers?
Cheers Geri