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. 

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.

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.

The upper-middle-range Dara Samui Beach Resort is located on Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui's most popular beach and party town. The resort is a 10- to 15-minute drive from the airport and surrounded by hundreds of restaurants, bars, and shopping spots. The resort is mid-sized, with rooms set along a narrow corridor leading from the beach road to the sand. Rooms have northern Thai Lanna decor, wood floors, and some four-poster beds. All rooms have 32-inch flat-screen TVs, bathtubs, and free Wi-Fi. There's a shallow pool here, more decorative than useful for swimming, and a sandy beach area. Despite the name, there isn't a spa here, but there are two nice restaurants and a pool bar. Prices are high for amenities offered, travelers might want to shop around for a better deal. 

Chaweng Regent Beach Resort is a quiet, modern Thai resort in central Chaweng, a short walk from shopping, dining, nightclubs, and cabarets. While it's not as swank as nearby The Library, the resort does have an upscale feel and a wealth of facilities, including a white-sand beach, two swimming pools with poolside bar, a full-service spa, and two restaurants. The 139 spacious rooms and villas come with free Wi-Fi, minibars, flat-screen TVs, and DVD players, and many have balconies or terraces with sea views, though some look a bit dated. Free yoga classes and a fitness center are nice perks, but room prices are fairly high, partly owing to the resort's choice location.

Baan Haad Ngam Boutique Resort & Spa is an upscale property at the far northern end of Chaweng Beach. The sea comes all up to the resort's sea wall, but guests can jump right into the water or swim in the lovely infinity pool with gorgeous water views. The resort's romantic Italian restaurant also takes advantage of the seaside location. Each of the 58 rooms is contemporary, with jetted bathtubs and balconies overlooking lush gardens. Sharp villas have private plunge pools and terraces with hot tubs. It's a 10-minute drive into the center of Chaweng, though restaurants and shops are also within walking distance of the resort. For an upscale property nearby with a sandy beach, it's worth checking out Chaweng Regent Beach Resort, though rates may be higher. 

The 57-room Briza Beach Resort on Koh Samui sits right on beautiful Chaweng Beach and is a reasonable walk along the sand to Chaweng's nightlife. All rooms are enormous villas, and include two-floor duplexes, though the style in some is dated. Most villas come with private plunge pools, and others have direct access to a shared pool. Free breakfast is served at the cute beachfront restaurant. Common areas and reception can be a hike from rooms, and the grounds are not well-lit at night. The four-pearl Pavilion Samui Boutique Resort offers a large pool, beach access, and better restaurants, along with slightly more modern rooms -- it will be far more expensive.

The Chaba Cabana Beach Resort is a mid-range property located north of Chaweng Beach on Samui's east coast. The resort sits away from the crowded and party beach scene of Chaweng, but is still close to restaurants and shops. Rooms here are divided between a Deluxe Wing and Villa Wing, that are fairly similar with wood floors, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi and breakfast. The resort has two pools, one of which occupies a prime position right next to the beach. The pool is part of the Cabana Beach Club, which also features a beach bar and pool bar, and there is an adjacent restaurant here as well. This is a good spot for those who want access to the airport and party scene, but still value a quiet stretch of beach. 

The Chaba Samui Resort is a fairly large, mid-range resort located in the center of Chaweng Beach, Samui's main beach and party town. The resort is built on both sides of the main beach road, with the Ocean Wing side including the better guest rooms, along with the bigger swimming pool, sandy beach, and restaurant. The Lake Wing side has older rooms, a small fitness center, and a small outdoor pool. All rooms come with free Wi-Fi and breakfast. The main pool and beach area are popular and crowded; this resort gets a lot of repeat business due to its long tenure in the heart of Chaweng. There are plenty of places to eat, drink, and shop all around, but the price tag for what you're getting on an older property is high given the competition.

Nestled on a hillside abutting serene Chaweng Noi Beach, the Sheraton Samui Resort is a four-pearl, 141-room property brimming with tropical character. Despite its size, it feels intimate thanks to its peaceful surroundings, and it’s only a short drive to the busier tourist spots. Rooms are airy, if a bit thematic, with soft pastel tones and hardwood accents; all are air-conditioned, and have free Wi-Fi and furnished terraces (some with ocean views). Dining options include a full-service beachfront restaurant, an Asian-inspired breakfast buffet, and a sleek cocktail bar. Two pools provide views of either the gardens or the sea, and there's a popular spa on-site as well. Those looking for a true luxury splash should consider the Anantara Lawana, which is far more chic, though has higher rates to match.