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I stayed at Al's Huts it's on the beach - it's in your price range - clean and includes your breakfast. It's a short walk up the beach to Al's Resort (more expensive sister resort) where you can use the pool. Both hotels are in the heart of Chaweng Beach's nightlife area.

I was just in Samui this past February. Al's has 2 properties - Al's huts (about $32 a night) they are small bungalows but clean with very friendly staff and close to the night life (no pool - you can use Al's Resort pool). Al's Resort ($90 and up) is a more posh place with larger rooms, not a huge pool but very nice. No problem with the ladies and a nice beach bar area w/service. Depending on how long you are staying (I stayed 4 nights), I thought Al's Huts was a nice bargain - although I prefer Pattaya and Bangkok to psend my money - Samui is a nice break for some fun in the sun.

Just returned (end of January) from a stay at the Flipper. I have stayed there 5 times. Good security, very friendly staff, nice facilities, great price. No "in room" safe - but as others have explained - safety deposit boxes. Never has had "Joiner Fees" and I had 2 ladies a couple nights and absolutely no extra charge. Many of the hotels when you book through discount sites have a disclaimer concerning "Joiner Fees" many don't really apply - for example the President Group Hotels in Bangkok (Royal President, Grand President, etc) have the disclaimer about Joiner fees - but they do not charge extra. Highly recommend Flipper and Areca Lodge.

Stayed one night at Sunview Place based on the reviews I had read. It is off the beaten path a bit. The pool is small, but clean. I didn't like the rooms - the bathroom is one that doesn't have a separate shower -it is open (so the entire floor gets soaked when you shower) Good luck if you have to use it in the middle of the night - watch your step. There is also construction noise at the rear of the hotel. The staff was friendly, but I didn't like the location or the room. After one night - I left for familair territory - Soi 7. I have stayed at Areca Lodge and both the Flippers and prefer both hotels over Sunview Place. Good luck

Anyone interested in sharing a taxi?