Set away from the beachside bustle, the upper-middle-range Chanalai Hillside Resort has a solid lineup of features drawing both couples and families with young kids. Its two pools, a larger main pool with a kiddy section and the calmer rooftop one, give plenty of room to take a dip, and the on-site restaurant and bar serve up all meals with alfresco options. Its 211 rooms are warmly decorated in contemporary, streamlined furnishings, and all offer balconies (though only some have bathtubs). On the downside, the Chanalai doesn’t have any wellness facilities, and those looking to be immersed in Phuket’s party scene will be disappointed, though the beach can be reached in a nine-minute walk. Families should also consider the Chanalai Flora Resort, which is particularly geared to vacationing parents and kids.

CC's Hideaway is an upscale boutique hotel with a hip and colorful vibe set on a peaceful hilltop overlooking the Phuket resorts of Kata and Karon. Being positioned far from the beach can feel isolating, but that gives the hotel a particularly secluded and tranquil ambiance -- perfect for its rooftop yoga or meditation classes. Some rooms benefit from superb sea and sunset views while -- unusual for the area -- its pool is open into the evening. All in all, the location won't appeal to everyone, but CC's is nonetheless an intimate retreat away from the crowds with relatively affordable rates.

This three-pearl, 21-room resort on the outskirts of Kata Town is surrounded by lush tropical gardens and makes a good choice for couples or families looking for a quiet and peaceful retreat. The resort is located on a steep hillside, which isn't ideal for certain guests, but does mean that some rooms have beautiful countryside views. Built in the style of mountain chalets, the rooms are traditionally decorated and all have a private balcony. An attractive landscaped pool area adds to the feeling of relaxation. Freebies like Wi-Fi, on-site parking, the breakfast buffet, and a round-trip shuttle bus to Kata Beach are welcome extras. Those who prefer a livelier setting and don't mind simpler rooms should try the Baan Karon Resort, which has a similar price point.

The 76-room Melody Phuket is a three-pearl property that has a boutique-hotel vibe, with fun musical influences found throughout. Clean and contemporary rooms are accented with printed music notes on the walls, and include sofa beds and free WI-Fi. All have furnished private balconies, with some leading directly into a private area of the hotel's pool. The pool also includes a bar, shaded children's area, and plenty sun-loungers. A fresh and airy on-site restaurant is decorated with quirky artwork and serves Thai and international meals throughout the day. Unfortunately, it's a bit far to walk to the beach. There’s a busy road nearby and other buildings surrounding the hotel, so travelers looking for quiet ocean views might try Boomerang Village Resort instead.

BEST WESTERN Phuket Ocean Resort is a mid-range, 240-room holiday complex set on a hillside overlooking the north end of Phuket's Karon town. Although set on a busy road, the hotel's terraced tropical gardens are relatively serene and perfect for experiencing sunsets. While the site’s three swimming pools are impressive, some facilities feel dreary and dated, and climbing the property's numerous stairs can become a chore. Ultimately, there's not a lot to get excited about, though the hotel is perfectly adequate with reasonable rates.

The name is telling at the mid-range Simplitel Hotel -- this property keeps things simple. Though it offers few features, the 60-room hotel is a good option for travelers seeking a clean, modern setting and a convenient location. The hotel is about a five-minute walk from the beach and about a 10-minute drive or taxi ride from Patong center. Guest rooms are airy and bright, with flat-screen TVs and private balconies overlooking the mountains or city. There is an on-site restaurant serving free breakfast, as well as Thai and European fare for lunch and dinner. As with the rest of the property, the fitness center is clean and bright, with a nice selection of machines. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, along with free parking in the hotel's underground garage.

The mid-range Kata Sea Breeze may be a standard beach resort, but to kids and grateful parents it could very well become their favorite place in Thailand. Its four pools allow for splashing around in various environments, Family Rooms have curtained off bunkbeds for kids, and an (unsupervised) kids’ club is lighter and brighter than most of the competition. The 330 rooms aren’t memorable or stylish, but they’re cheery and pleasant. Aqua Pura Rooms in particular have broad ladders leading down to the pool, a easier entry for younger guests. An on-site restaurant, three bars, and a spa (rare for this pearl level) give more appealing extras. Families also appreciate the on-site activities, such as the movie nights where films are projected onto a big screen. The location is a five-minute walk from Kata Beach. For a family-oriented option in Patong, travelers could consider the Deevana Plaza Phuket Patong.

Decorated in retro Thai decor, the 275-room Kata Beach Resort and Spa provides an affordable beachfront vacation for families and couples. Spacious, minimal rooms feature flat-screen TVs, balconies facing the sea, and some have access to private pools. Worn furnishings, though, detract from the beautiful seaside location. This resort offers water sports rentals, three restaurants, poolside and beachside bars, two pools, spa treatments, and supervised kids’ activities. More modern rooms are on offer at the Katathani Phuket Beach Resort, but prices may be higher, so compare rates.