First time visit to Samui

[vision2014]

Hi, My Filipina wife and I are going to visit Samui for a wek in early December. I have been looking at hotels and think Poppies looks good. I like that you stay in a cottage and the location looks close to restaurants and places to hang out in the evening.. We have lived in central Pattaya for 2 years so it will be great to have access to a nice beach area for a change !. However, hotel advertisements are often misleading and I am hoping someone may be able to tell me about theri experience staying at Poppies. Thanks

[Tropicalevo]

Poppies is a very nice hotel with excellent food. It is quite old fashioned now. It is up in the 'higher end' price range and you will be well looked after (unless it has changed in the last few years.)

The only thing that I am not sure about is the beach in December. Is that when there are very high tides? Someone on Samui should know.

[khunPer]

Poppies are at the Southern and quieter part of Chaweng Beach. Close to some restaurants, yes, but about a kilometer and more walk from the area with cafés, entertainment, some bars and nightlife. The beach is nice and the sea depending of the monsoon – November-December is monsoon and rain season here – meaning it can be extremely calm and pleasant, or fairly violent with storm and rain.

[Jiu-Jitsu]

Another option, if you want to really have the beachfront experience(I accept nothing less) and you don't care about a pool, see if the premier Beachfront Bungalow is available at Kings Garden Resort. Use the money that you save, to eat at Poppies.

You can see it more closely here: http://www.kings-garden-resort.com/gallery/

[vision2014]

Thank you both for your advice.

[Mole]

When I checked out King's Garden in May for a friend, I wasn't too impressed with their cleaning of the rooms. Rooms were also a bit dated.

For example on top of closet was thick of dust as if they haven't cleaned there ever.

Edit: I had a look at the pics on their site, and those pics looks way way much better than it really is. Their bungalows are very cramp and small.

I can highly recommend Chaweng Cove though. Room very clean and modern and spacious, swimming pool. Excellent breakfast buffet. It's just beside Poppies. Prices also reasonable with bungalows you can get for 2600-3000. Probably higher prices in December.

[khunPer]

If you look for alternatives, then Chaweng Garden Resort is another possiblity - had my friends staying there earlier this year and they were very pleased and price was fair (extremely fair for central Chaweng) - that is right in the area with the many restaurants, cafés, shopping malls, amousement, bars, etc. etc. and same beach as all beachfront resorts
http://www.chawenggarden.com/

Wish you good luck...