Okay the which hotel saga is now turning into a door slamming, exercise!!!

we're fine on cambodia and bangkok, though cant decide between krabi and khao lak (1st ten days in april!)

we had looked at le meridien khao lak, some of the reviews on trip advisor seem to hammer home the big chain resort problems weve experienced before, i.e. no bars / restaraunts nrby and the hotel charging for a bus to get to them, no taxis allowed on the grounds and if they are hotel ones (500bht!!!) etc, sounds a bit sucky!

Then we looked at the Sheraton krabi, looks nice, few bars etc nrby but a bit more expensive and the photo on the net of the sounloungers crammed together is enough to put anyone off, though the beach and view looks nice!!

Finally we found La Flora again in khao lak but nearer civilisation, rooms look lovely and its a smaller hotel but again the reviews are a bit dodgy!!!

Any ideas please guys, we do like our comforts but have both got a bit sick of the beach hotel chain rip off things such as cabs, overpriced food, poor service and expansive hotels with not amtos! (we done shangri-la's, hiltons, sheratons etc etc) is it time to go back to our roots to the smaller ones?

am off to work an early shift at the clinic in a minute, believe me an acute psychiatric ward is preferable to the brochure hurling at our place!!!!


cj
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" good morning starshine.......the earth says hello "

Central Krabi Resort in its own bay but a walk away from Ao Nang and a boat ride from Railey. It is still a large resort but it is new and has great reviews plus easy non transport option ie walking to eating and drinking options as well as stunning scenery.

We stayed at Le Meridien Khao lak last year for 13 nights and loved it. I don't think we would return as we felt we has seen enough of the area however in saying that I often find myself daydreaming about being back there. it is a great resort but yes food and drinking options are limited. We hired a scooter for our entire stay so ate out every night at places nearby and sometimes in town. We also walked with a torch to the similian it is only about 10 minutes along the beach to a set of stairs. There food was fine not flash but tasty and not too expensive. Apart from its location this resort is perfect for a great getaway relaxed trip.

Here is my website with pics from our trip last year incl le meridien.
Picasa Web Albums - Marie - Thailand 2006

My favourite was the Santhiya on Koh Phangan. i would return to this place every year if I could. Nice new resort in remote location but walking distance to plenty of restaurants along beach. No shopping or hagglers to be seen.

Another couple of options in the Krabi area is Koh Lanta - Pimalai or layana(sp?). Great place to scooter around or drive around as literally no traffic. Nice island just a bit of a drama getting there ie airport/taxi/car ferries x 2/taxi.

I have probably only served to confuse you further but that is my two cents worth. It is both a thrilling and annoying in the planning stage of a holiday. Good luck we are in fiji this year but will be back to Thailand for a fourth visit next year.

Just sit and have a think about where you really want to be and surely it will all jump out at you.Or maybe not???.holidays are sooooo much fun but the planning can be a headache .Simplify--Roof over the head ,comfy bed,shopping,resturants and entertainment nearby.Like unless you go really budget--which i know you won't you will wnd up with nice comfy accomo.
Sure it's all trappings a holiday is what YOU make it

Quotes coming back tommorow, should be 3 nights in Victoria Angkor, back to bkk then onto Khao Lak at La Flora for 12 nights then onto bangkok again for 5 nights at the end! Hopefully shangri-la, very hopefully peninsula if ians back pay from the NHS comes through!

We're coming off the EVA flight then onto bangkok airways to angkor at the start anyone done this route? am worried about bags, check in, time for shower (is there any at the new airport?) , hairdo (am bald!) and a few beers i.e the essentials oh and baggage arriving!!!!

Neither of us have been to Khao Lak so if all goes well tommorow will be dead excited!!!

Am having glass of redwine in anticipation!!!!!

Nervous about angkor flights etc thats only because its new, will be dead happy to be back in bangkok though! Love it to pieces!!!

Cj
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" good morning starshine.......the earth says hello "