Hi - I would greatly appreciate some advice fellow BM's.

I am taking my tirak to Phuket for a week - she has never been before.

We want to enjoy the beaches by day and Bangla Rd at night

I was hoping for somewhere that was 4-5 stars that was romantic and hopefully on the beach in Patong? Maybe Impiana if this is recommended? Alternatively a romantic place at the north or south end where we could just hire a bike to go to Bangla at night. (I have stayed at Baan Yin Dee before and loved it but they are all booked out). Any recommendations for this sort of accommodation please?

Also, during the day - what are some of the most beautiful beaches that are not to far from Patong (I have heard Kata, Karon and Surin - is this right?), and if we hire a bike is it easy enough to ride to them or would some other form of transport be preferable?

Finally, any recommendations for a reputable place to hire a motor scooter at a reasonable rate?

Thanks so much for any advice.

Impiana is a quality hotel, quite small scale and right on the sand. You might also consider the Patong bay Garden Resort, not 4 star standard, but a quality small scale resort right on the sand and very close to Bangla Rd end.

Beaches that I recommend - Kata Beach to the south of Patong and Laem Sing to the north.

Hiring a motor bike is popular but not a great idea for the inexperienced motor bike driver. Driving in Thailand can be a challenge, to say the least. Better/safer to hire a car rather than use Tuk Tuks, not much more expensive as Tuk Tuks charge about 500 baht each way to Kata or Laem Sing.

Did anyone else read the title as Patong hotels and surrounding feces?

sorry - typo - should have read "beaches"

Patong Bay still open, but undergoing renovations.