Group of 8+ friends, need resort in Phuket for December 2009

Help! We%26#39;re a group of friends meeting from across the world for a reunion mid December to Jan 2nd 2010.

What area on Phuket would you recommend?

What resort would you recommend?

We%26#39;re 25-35 and looking for a place near some night life, but also where we can take day trips from, very importantly it must be right on the beach! Price is a consideration so where can we get great value for money?

Thanks!

Group of 8+ friends, need resort in Phuket for December 2009

For 8 people, looking for nightlife and beach Patong is a good choice.

Not much in terms of ';right on the beach'; but certainely across the road from it.

Impiana Phuket Cababna is right on the beach, near Bangla Rd (a popular night spot) and plenty of retaurants. It is pricy though.

I recently stayed at Patong Merlin with a group of 6, and it caters well for larger groups. It is across the road from the beach, great pools, near travel vendors (never purchase day trips from the hotel.....so much cheaper elsewhere) markets out the back with fun bars, a supermarket next door and 5 mins walk to Bangla Rd.

Group of 8+ friends, need resort in Phuket for December 2009

Check out ';sunset beach resort'; kalim about 1km outside patong, the best 3 star hotel I%26#39;ve stayed at anywhere.Motorbike taxis always outside.