We're just starting to investigate Phuket resort options for end September 2010 for 7 days. We are a 5 person family looking to have two rooms (is there a simple method to search for two room/interconnected options?), with preferences for some good activities for kids (12, 9, 7), resort pool and close access to nice beach (preferably with hobby cats, if can use these in Sep/Oct).

For adults we're keen on tennis or squash courts.

Location not close to main streets (happy to be in small town, in general prefer more secluded so long as town access not to difficult) and interested to be able to get out into the country, to see elephants/other animals, and day trip to Phang Nga Bay.

OK for cost to be above average, but not expecting top end.

Does this set of criteria lead to a few obvious accommodation suggestions, or is more information required?

Cheers,

Martin

The Merlin Beach Resort would be worth looking at. Secluded and good for kids. Click on the Phuket link in the top bar and pull up the hotel section for a list of hotels, with lots of information.

Too rough for Hobby Cat hire in Sept/Oct months. They start in November month.

If you are after somewhere closer to the action then as Alex has suggested the Merlin resort is a lovely resort and would be worth a look. My suggestion for the whole family for a resort with all the things that you are after would be the Laguna Beach resort which is located 20/25 minutes north of Patong the main tourist area in Phuket.
The resort has all the facilities that you have requested and is an excellent location for some peace and quiet. They have larger room for families and also interconnecting rooms. There are water slides in the pool for the kids as well as an excellent kids club and plenty of other things that will keep them occupied.
For yourself there is squash, tennis and golf if you are interested and they also have hobby cats. As Alex mentioned that time of year is generally not good of shore for hobby cats so you would have to look further into that once there. There is a large lagoon at the resort and they do have kayaks paddle bikes and other water recreational activities that you can choose from.

Laguna Beach resort


Activities

Cheers,

Darrin.

would highly recommend the Patong Merlin. Get 2 adjoining rooms, the second room is quite cheap and it can give some peace and quiet. The resort is very family orientated with 3 pools and great staff. close to the shopping and night life but not in the middle of it. 7/11 next door good for general food / toiletries etc.they usually do a stay 10 pay 5 deal. we will be back in July for 10 nights as part of a bigger asian trip. can't wait

Swiss Palm Beach Hotel has lovely big 2 bedroom apartments for 2000baht a night in September. Location is great at the northern end of Patong Beach, very family friendly, close to everything. I have lots of photos of a couple of the apartments on my link below.
http://www.cathyandgarystravelpages.com/swiss_palm_beach_hotel.htm
Cathy

Hi steveinnecastle
i just noticed on your post that you will be at the patong
merlin in july. We arrive on the 31st of july for three weeks
staying at the patong merlin. Will you be their at that time.

Regards
Rusty64 from Perth

sorry will miss you as we are there for the NSW school holidays as the missus works for education dept.. we are actually starting in Vietnam for 8 days from 26/6 then 2 in bangkok before Phuket.. you will love it.. Relos are coming with us from Kalaroo..

Hi Martin

Have you had a look at Le Meridien Phuket?

http://www.phuket.com/meridien/index.htm

Private beach, close enough to Patong if you want to head out. Tennis, squash, spa, huge pools... the list goes on. Can highly recommend. They have some good deals on connecting rooms and half of the hotel has just finished bathroom refurb (lead in rooms).

Enjoy your time away.

Hi rusty, are you travelling with virgin on the 31st july?? we are flying from hobart to perth on the 30th and to phuket on 31st, could be on the same flight !!

Hi Brooksy, We are travelling with thai airways. Departs 0910 hrs