We have a voucher for a week at Baumanburi Resort in Patong but would like to go a few days early, normally stay at Horizon Beach Resort in Patong but thought it would be nice to try somewhere else different for a few days.
Does anyone have any suggestions? Kata and Karon both look nice, which would be the best beach and hotel/resort on the beach? Thanks in advance Karen

Personally I don't care for Karon and far prefer Kata, which has a lot to offer. The Boathouse is a very nice boutique resort right on the beach at Kata Noi, Google it if you're interested.

__________________
You're only young once, but you can stay immature forever.

Kata wins hands down. The Boathouse is fabulous but if you find it a bit pricey, the Kata Thani on Kata Noi is great and the Kata Beach Resort is also quite reasonable. The Tropical Garden Resort is across the road from the beach on a hillside and the views are spectacular and it is extremely good value. From the reception area it is only about a 2 minute walk to the beach though it can be a bit of a climb back to your room.

__________________
I love Thailand this much

also throw my vote in for kata. much safer swimming beach also. you're a little high end for me, so no hotel recommendation, though enjoyed a nice stay at sereene resort, but not on beach, mere 5 min away.

__________________
LA
http://www.geocities.com/laphanphon/hp.html

having just stayed again in karon I would opt for kata if I went this way again.

__________________
Kiss
God laughs at people who make plans.

Kata Thani is a lovely resort.

It's beachfront, has lovely huge lawns with pools and from the rooms in the old wing you can look straight across the greenery to the sea.
The bathrooms had louvres that you can open and look right across the room and balcony to the sea. Rooms nice with bed,daybed and good bathroom. not sure of the name of the old wing though - but all the rooms face the sea.

There's an outdoor restaurant between the lawns and the sea and a cocktail bar right there too.
There are indoor restaurants too.
Beach is nice - not many people at that end.

The only thing wrong with this resort is that it is expensive (we thought December-January prices were just too high, unless you can find a special deal).

Kata Beach Resort is very nice and directly on the beach. The hotel has a sea wall so there are a few steps down to the beach where you can hire sun beds and brollys. The pool area and breakfast was lovely.
The deluxe rooms are in a better position... some standard rooms overlook the road and are noisy.
Lots of restaurants just outside within easy walking distance. We got a good deal with an on-line booking agency.
When we stayed there it's was predominately German and Russian guests. It griped me that 4 Russian ladies hogged 4 sun beds in the shade and 4 in the sun... everyday!! they alternated between the beds depending how they felt
Cheers Geri

Karon = bleak mini variation of Patong in many ways, with a throw of large soulless hotels on the periphery thrown in.

Kata has a lot of charm and the smaller Kata a really lovely beach.

__________________
There are two categories of travellers, those that experience a country and those that take their home with them wherever they go.

Be warned, as with any forum, picking a fight with the admin guy is not recommended!

Yes I prefer Kata as well. . stayed at a place called 3rd street cafe and guest house. Came recommended by Lonely planet and is run by 2 nice and helpful sisters. Also like the quieter and more peaceful Kata area and beach.

My room at the 3rd street



the sand, sky and sea at Kata



Enjoy

Great Pics Socrates but how did you post them? I tried to upload some the other day and failed miserably.

Cheers Geri