Hi everyone, I'm planning to take advantage of the Chinese New Year holidays here Singapore, for a quick getaway in Feb 2008. It will be our first time in Phuket. We've been to Krabi several times and Phi Phi once, and we love the beaches. We would like a nice beach (not too crowded and definitely clean), and a pretty hotel with pool (no need for tennis courts or even TV). We also like to be able to walk to, or take a tuk tuk to if that's not too expensive, good food options outside of the hotel and some shopping. Any suggestions, folks? By the way, I'm thinking US$130 or less per night...

Phuket is not a small island, like phi phi. It is crowded, and less exotic island too! You still have less crowded parts, like New Harn beach, but then you are further away from "shopping areas"!

Now, from your description, I would say to avoid at least "Patong", that is very crowded and a city by the sea!

Kata, has a nice beach, and several lodging options in every category. Tuk-tuk, is a problem in Phuket, it is very expensive! Around 400 baht from Kata, to Patong for shopping, one way, only 15-20 minutes ride!

A hotel is difficult to suggest. Just have a look at sawasdeedotcom. Very good description of hotels. Not that much choice, on the beach!

Although it has become rather touristic, Phuket still has some things going for it. You still have nice, not that crowded beaches, with a lot of choice of accommodation, and if you want some modern amineties and shopping, it is all there!

Thanks, tintin. Had a look at the hotel options in Kata but it looks like it's going to cost quite a bit to actually be on the beach, during high season at least Are there other beaches that I should consider? There seem to be cheaper possibilities on Kamala Beach and Cape Panwa/Panwa Beach. What are these beaches like?

These places are more remoted. Kamala is an option, but there is one hotel ON the beach only, and I would not want to stay there.

I have some problems myself, as the place I used to stay is booked. But in Kata, there are some cheaper options, if you don't want to stay ON the beach.

Not a bad deal is Kata Poolside Resort hotel. It has a pool, is rather new, and is reasonable priced. Also a stroll from the beach!

Well it looks like I may have to compromise on some things. Is the hotel on Kamala Beach the Kamala Beach Resort? It sounds like a big generic hotel - is that why you would not recommend it? There's another hotel, Kamala Dreams, that's supposed be practically on the beach. Is that true?

Lastly, should I consider Karon Beach? I hear it's not as crowded as Patong...

Sometimes it is better NOT to be on the beach, especially in peak period. Everyone his own, I am not a big fan of Kamala. Karon, is going over in kata, there are a lot of options on beach road, but most hotels are on the other side, not on the beach. Plenty of accomodation, in each category!

Just thought I'd let you know I decided to break the ol' piggy bank and splurge on something posh. It was apparently impossible to find a hotel that fit my criteria within the budget I had first planned. Too bad I have to travel during high season. Anyway, am going with a jungle view room at Marina Phuket. They quoted me US$216 per room night. At least the setting seems special, cottages up on the hillside overlooking the sea, and the rooms look beautiful. Hopefully, the experience turns out to be worth the money. Hope you had better luck with your search for a replacement hotel.

The Marina is a great choice! Nice room, classy athmosphere. For the beach, you can choose between Karon that is closer, or Kata, further. Direction Karon, you have on the right hand side, on the road not the beach, smaller local restaurants, next to each other. Had good food in the third last, heading Karon.

You have the advantage, to be in the center, with all the restaurants and shops.

For a first timer, motorbikes can be dangerous and tuk-tuk are expensive. So your location is a great advantage.

I booked the boomerang cottages. I drive a bike, so for me this is fine. A bit far to walk to the beach, and a climb back to the place. Could be interesting for those, who don't mind. It is not far from Kata center, but you have to cross busy Patrak road! Very good price quality.

Phuket Resort - Boomerang Village Cottages

Boomerang Village does look nice. I liked the way the cottages are furnished and the way they sited on the hillside. I didn't see any mention of a pool though... Still, it looks like good value for money.

If a place is not near the beach and doesn't have a pool, it could be uncomfortable time in the heat of Thailand unless you plan to spend your time in bars and shopping malls.