Located on the quieter southern end of Chaweng Beach, Poppies Samui is a classic, upper-middle-range property with 24 quaint cottages spread amid lush landscaping. Aside from a lovely stretch of sandy beach with lounge chairs, umbrellas, and drink service, the property has a small outdoor pool. The hotel’s restaurant earns good reviews for its tasty cuisine, and there’s a spa. It’s one of the nicer choices in the area, and plenty of repeat guests appreciate thoughtful touches like fresh fruit in the rooms and cakes in the evening. Travelers seeking a larger and livelier resort with more amenities might want to check out the Nora Buri Resort & Spa, an upscale resort with three restaurants, three bars, and two infinity pools. 

This boutique, upper-middle-range beachfront hotel on the island of Koh Samui offers guests modern amenities in a location with ocean and city access. The property literally abuts Chaweng Beach but is also just steps from the shops and restaurants in the town center. The grounds are small but tropical and beautifully kept with a largely ornamental but functional swimming pool as a centerpiece. There are also unique attributes like a library for guest use and an on-site spa that offers Thai-based treatments. Guest rooms are spotless, brightly colored, and airy with modern amenities like minibars, flat-screen TVs, and high-speed Wi-Fi.

The Muang Samui Spa Resort is a mid-size, upscale property set in raucous Chaweng Beach, the party center of Koh Samui. The resort is set in a green garden between the main road and the beach, so it's easy to escape the noise and crowds. Spacious, but slightly worn, rooms come with teak wood floors, flat-screen TVs, and large terraces to enjoy the lush surroundings. There's a large pool with a kids' area, plus the busy beachfront with sun loungers. Samui Seafood Grill restaurant is one of Chaweng's most famous and popular fresh seafood joints. It features a giant wooden boat in its interior where live music and Thai dancing is performed. Staying here isn't cheap, but beach hotels in Chaweng tend to be overpriced as a rule. 

There are 43 rooms at this mid-range property set on the quieter, south side of Chaweng Beach. It’s a great location for those wanting to be in a beachfront spot but away from the noise of the town center, though the selection of bars and restaurants down here is far thinner. Rooms are simple, with traditional Thai decor that's a bit old school, plus minibars, free Wi-Fi, and balconies. Some have private outdoor hot tubs as well. Facilities include a pretty spa with beachside treatments, an outdoor pool, a well-liked beachfront restaurant, and a pool bar. Those looking for a more contemporary and trendy decor should try the OZO Chaweng Samui, which is closer to the center of town, though rates will be higher.

The 79-room Baan Samui is a mid-range, colorful resort that sits in the middle of Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui's most popular party and beach town. The resort is a 15-minute drive from the airport and is convenient for shopping, dining, and the roaring nightlife that Chaweng is noted for. All rooms feature flat-screen TVs, minibars, and a charge for Wi-Fi, but no water views. There is a big pool by the beach, which is set with sun loungers and umbrellas. Though breakfast buffet is included in the rate, prices are high for a resort without a fitness center or spa. 

Casa De Mar is a 61-room, four-pearl resort on a peaceful stretch of coast in North Chaweng. The resort is pleasantly quiet and provides a nice respite from the fast pace in town, which is about 10 minutes away by scooter. Rooms are subtly stylish, with air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and modern bathrooms that feature rainfall showers. The restaurant and bar has seating directly by the water, and serves a mixed menu of regional and international dishes. There’s also a free breakfast buffet and an outdoor pool overlooking the ocean. While there's no beach on-site, a short set of stairs leads to the sand nearby. Travelers seeking a more active hotel can check out the Pavilion Samui Boutique Resort at buzzy Lamai Beach, which adds a spa.

The Anantara Lawana Resort and Spa is a five-pearl luxury resort on Chaweng Beach with 122 rooms and villas. All lodging options here are spacious and elegant, and many have their own private pools, some with views of the beach. Amenities are equally impressive, and include an infinity pool, a modern fitness center, a lovely spa, and a variety of water sports, including deep-sea fishing and scuba diving. Dining options aren't bad either, and guests looking for a romantic experience can dine at the on-site tree-house-style restaurant or opt for a private meal on the beach or in their villas. For those willing to spend a pretty penny for a romantic stay, the Anatara certainly fits the bill. However, travelers looking for a slightly less expensive luxury option may want to consider the Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui.

The upscale, 74-room New Star Beach Resort is on a gorgeous stretch of beach -- just to the south popular Chaweng Beach's main section -- with tables, chairs, and small area for soccer playing. Rates are a big high for what you get; large rooms have attractive Asian style, but could use some updating, as some bathroom tiles have mold, and towels tend to be old. Breakfast is included and there are three restaurants, as well as lobby dining and dining right on the beach. Extensive tropical grounds give the hotel a lush feel, and it's quieter than most hotels in the area. However, there are many stairs (not ideal for guests with limited mobility) and the villas are only separated by a thin door, making it quite possible you'll hear guests next door. There are some issues with staff's knowledge of English. It may also be worth considering the Nora Buri Resort. 

There are 208 rooms at this three-and-a-half pearl property set right on Chaweng Beach. Most of Chaweng's bars, restaurants, nightlife, and tourist haunts are within an easy walk, though it's removed enough to stay mostly quiet at night. The hotel has a choice of casual restaurants, as well as a large swimming pool and modern fitness center (not a common feature in Chaweng). Funky rooms have bright accents plus balconies, multimedia hubs, and and air-conditioning, though they aren’t that big. Those looking for a more traditional taste of Thailand, rather than OZO's hip decor, may prefer the Chaweng Garden Beach Resort which is a little farther up the road.

The Centara Grand Beach Resort is a luxury beachfront resort offering 203 rooms and suites with ocean views and/or private plunge pools. The wide range of facilities on offer include multiple restaurants, a gorgeous centerpiece lagoon pool interspersed with tiny islands holding huge palm trees, a large outdoor whirlpool tub, a luxury spa, fitness facilities, tennis courts, and a good selection of activities for children, including a kids' pool and a kids' club. For adults, activities range from free morning yoga classes to Muay Thai (Thai boxing) lessons to cooking classes, and there are a good selection of water sports. Travelers looking for the ultimate in luxury may also want to consider a stay at the pricier Anantara Lawana Resort and Spa located a few minutes up the beach. 

Amari Koh Samui is a 139-room, four-pearl resort that's situated on a peaceful stretch of Chaweng Beach. It’s a 10-minute walk to the city center, and the style is bright, tropical, and contemporary throughout the property. The air-conditioned rooms are spread throughout three wings, and all are just as serene as they are polished. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. There are two outdoor pools, a fantastic lounge with sea views, and a spa that overlooks the beach. The fitness room and kids' club are additional perks. Foodies are spoiled for choice: options range from fine-dining Italian to casual coffee and pastries, plus an open-concept Asian kitchen. Traveler seeking a more intimate options might prefer the equally sharp Pavilion Samui Boutique Resort, though it's much farther from town.

With its superb design and striking red-colored swimming pool, The Library is arguably the hippest luxury beachfront resort in Koh Samui. The 26 spacious and lavish rooms have a cool minimalist look, and come with free Wi-Fi, big flat-screen TVs, Blu-ray players, and iMacs. The hotel has a bookish theme and offers a 1300-volume library on site. A glass-walled fitness center has views of the sea, and there's also an innovative Thai-international fusion restaurant and beach bar serving over 100 craft cocktails. The Library is more intimate and has more room amenities than the nearby Chaweng Regent Beach Resort, but it's also more expensive.

Spread over a Koh Samui hillside that leads down to a private beach, Nora Buri Resort & Spa is a four-pearl resort outside Chaweng that caters to couples, families, groups, and business travelers alike. Its 144 spacious rooms have modern, Thai-infused decor with private balconies; the ocean-facing pool villas in particular are truly luxurious. Two infinity pools, a beach, three restaurants (one with nightly entertainment), and two bars keep low-key guests occupied, and the spa, fitness center, and water sports are requisite for this tier of hotel. Past guests have complained about the resort's somewhat isolated location and the price of meals at the on-site restaurants. There is, however, a free shuttle into town several times a day.