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 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.

Ark Bar Beach Resort is a mid-range hotel set along a scenic white-sand beach in the heart of downtown Chaweng's party district. The hotel has been hosting some of the island's wildest parties for over 15 years and holds free bi-weekly pool parties, with international DJs and fire dancers that often attract upwards of 1,000 partygoers. The 328 rooms have clean contemporary interiors and balconies. Facilities include three outdoor swimming pools, a multi-cuisine restaurant, and three bars. Guests should note that the hotel is loud, with rowdy party goers and nonstop music at almost all hours of the day and night. Another hotel worth considering is OZO Chaweng, a trendy property featuring a great range of facilities and a gorgeous white-sand beach.

KC Beach Club and Pool Villas is an upper-middle-range boutique hotel located right on Chaweng Beach and a short walk into town. Rooms are modern and clean, with flat-screen TVs, strong free Wi-Fi connections, minibars, and whirlpool tubs; most also have balconies and some have patios with direct pool access. It's a bit of a party scene with live DJ music morning until night, plus two pools, two on-site restaurants, and beachside massages. Guests looking for a quiet retreat may prefer to stay elsewhere