Does anybody have firsthand experience with any of these hotels?

Honey House

Sunset Mansion

Tatum Mansion

I've been looking for a hotel in Phuket for in about 2 weeks from now, and these seem OK but it would be much better to hear from someone else. I think I'm leaning towards Tatum Mansion right now. Any other suggestions (same location, apx 1000 would be welcome as well.

Also, will I get a better rate booking online or walk-in? Should I just wait and book something from the airport? Is it busy enough there in the beginning of February that I should definitely book in advance or do I not need to worry?

Thanks for the help as the the old Travel Forum posts seem to be M.I.A.

Depend when your going, in low season you can haggle, in high season its cheaper to book on-line in advance, if your going for cheap hotels in the low season,my advice is book for two nights on-line in advance, then you know you have a place to stay on arrival, use the next day to wonder around inspect a few hotels, find one you like for the right price and switch for the remainder of your stay

Some people have had bad experience with Tatum Mansion, i.e. being chucked out in high season if someone offers a better price.

DO NOT book at airport, and if you take the minibus to Patong, they will take you to a total con booking joint where they will tell you your preferred hotel is booked out or (LOL) destroyed in the Tsunami. Try PS2 in Rat-tu-thid Song Roi Pee for a bungalow and a great pool, or if you want to be five minutes from the beach and nightlife try GEO guesthouse in Soi Sansebai. I have no financial interest in either.

Good luck.