Stayed at Novotel and found it to be very good. About a 10 minute walk down to the shops and a 150 baht taxi ride home, although during busy periods the taxi drivers wanted 200 baht and strong bartering was required. We found that strong bartering was required all over Patong and it became exhausting, particularly down the Holiday Inn end of town, where the stall holders were quoting up to 6 times the final price. Spent one day at Kata Beach and loved it. Beach chair cost 100 baht for the day and drinks and sandwiches from the local stall very cheap. This beach "village" is much more relaxed than Patong, easy to walk around, with good restaurants and enough shopping to please any girl. Tailor shops are everywhere on Phuket, and I suggest you pick one in your hotel or a short walk away, so that fittings can easily be done. Did the high speed boat trip to Phi Phi islands, etc. Again shopped around for the best price - the prices started at 2300 baht and eventually we paid 1200. Bangkok was noisy and very hot and humid. Not pleasant at all. Best to shop in the airconditioned malls during the day and leave the markets to the evening. Overall enjoyed our holiday, but the bartering was exhausting.

I always think that Bangkok is like a car crash. You don't want to look but you can't stop yourself. It does have it's own charm though.
Kata beach nice and the sand squeeks.

__________________
Kiss
God laughs at people who make plans.

We may be stopping there in Jan,how was everything there,breaky service staff etc
Thanks

Staff were excellent, really hospitable. Breakfast was first class international buffet style, similar to most hotels in Asia, but did not change much from day to day, so by the end of a long stay it gets boring! How spoiled we become. Hotel has many steps and stairs, so be aware of that. Pools were lovely. Novotel is situated on a high headland with great views along Patong Beach. It far enough away from the hurly burly of Patong, but not too far to walk to the centre of town. Good tailor shop in hotel - his prices compared favourably to those down town. Also a fast internet for guest's use. Rooms comfortable and well serviced each day and defiinitely ask for a seaview. Happy to answer any other questions about Novotel.

Hello there,

Does anyone have some suggestions for us - we are going to Phuket in December - (4 adults and a teen)our options are to either stay at the new Mercure in Patong Beach, not far from the beach (2 mins walk), or Peach-Hill hotel in Kata. I would like to be near restaurants/bars/shopping and nightlife, so that my son (18) has access and the freedom to cruise about, whilst still being relatively close to us - its really difficult to tell from far, which is best suited for that mix? Any suggestions or feedback please?

can anyone tell me what the weather is like in Phuket I will be there in 2 weeks time.
also I heard from someone that there was a fire at the Horizon beach hotel is this correct

Hazel

Thanks for that Luckyduck