Can't decide - Le Meridien or La Flora

Hi,

I know this topic has already been here but... :)

My husband and I are planning a last minute trip to Khao Lank for 2 weeks in mid October.

This is our vacation in two years and we want to relax and recharge.

I am very indecisive when it comes to the hotel �C Le Meridien or La Flora?

Here is what we imagine we would do:

- Lie on the beach or pool with nice views, drinks, cocktails, do some snorkeling

- Get a massage, be pampered

- Use a spa couple of times

- Go out to eat to town several times

- Maybe take couple of trips

I am afraid we were spoiled by Maldives where we stayed in a beautiful water villa with all inclusive and I am now afraid to make a decision. Would you be able to help?

How much are drinks and food at those hotels?

How much are tennis courts? Anyone used?

How much is the spa? I read quite expensive.

Is everything more expensive in Le Meridien because it is 5* (drinks, food, activities) or is it the same in all Khao Lak hotels?

Thank you!

J+T

Can't decide - Le Meridien or La Flora

Hi J %26amp; T,

I will try and answer you point by point. First of all I have stayed at Le Meridien twice, last time April 2007, but only visited La Flora, though I know the area well, particularly the beach and surrounding restaurants, as that is now where we stay.

* Lie on the beach or pool with nice views, drinks, cocktails, do some snorkeling

- Le Meridien is situated on Pakweeb Beach, the best beach in Khao Lak. The main pool has a huge !jacuzzi'; area at the end near the beach and there are plenty of loungers both around the pool and on the fringes of the beach. La Flora is situated on the best/widest part of Bang Niang Beach which is about 10 minutes by car/taxi from Le Meridien. Pool area not as nice in my view as Le Meridien bot more than acceptable. Loungers there and by the beach. There is no snorkeling nearby either as there are no house reefs like the Maldives and the water, because of tides and currents, is not clear, more opaque, albeit still beautifully turquoise. Khao Lak is one of the main starting points for two of the best diving/snorkeling sites in the World (well up there with the Maldives), the Similan and Surin Islands BUT unfortunately the National Park Authority does not open them until November. You may get a dive boat going if the weather and ocean conditions permit. Best to try when you are there. Plenty of tour operators and dive shops.

* Get a massage, be pampered * Use a spa couple of times - Le Spa at Le Meridien is the best in Khao Lak but IS expensive but for only a couple of times??? They often have !specials'; on out of season with good discounts. The local massage places by Le Meridien will not be open in October but there are some near to La Flora both on the beach and on the road or in the plazas at Bang Niang which are both good and cheap (250-300 baht for an hour%26#39;s Thai massage was the going rate last March.

* Go out to eat to town several times - From Le Meridien you can catch the resort shuttle in the evening into Bang La On about 10-15 minutes away where most of the restaurants, bars and shops are situated. See this recent thread for some ideas tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g297914-i10908-k22��

From La Flora there are plenty of restaurants both on or overlooking the beach and in Bang Niang itself within walking distance. La Flora%26#39;s own reputation is in a great position by the beach and has received very good reports.

* Maybe take couple of trips - plenty of trips and things to do. Some great tips here tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g297914-i10908-k22�� Have a look at Khao Lak Land Discovery, one of Khao Lak%26#39;s best tour operators at http://www.khaolaklanddiscovery.com/

* How much are drinks and food at those hotels? - don%26#39;t know about La Flora but meals and drinks at Le Meridien are expensive by local standards but not for a 5* resort/hotel in Europe and probably cheaper than the Maldives (cheaper than the 4* we stayed in the Maldives a few years ago!)

* How much are tennis courts? Anyone used? - Tennis at Le Meridien is free.

* How much is the spa? I read quite expensive.- I seem to recall that my wife paid about 1800 baht for a Swedish massage at Le Spa, and that was a special!

* Is everything more expensive in Le Meridien because it is 5* (drinks, food, activities) or is it the same in all Khao Lak hotels? - The prices in Le Meridien are neither too expensive nor typical of other hotels. Lowe rated hotels are cheaper. I wouldn%26#39;t expect La Flora to be as expensive as Le Meridien for instance.

Hope this helps rather than confuses further. :))

Can't decide - Le Meridien or La Flora

Hello,

You have chosen two very popular resorts. LM is larger with fantastic swimming pools and facilities it also has an adult only lap pool which is great and is on one of the best beaches in Khao Lak. The breakfast buffet is one of the best i have had in Thailand with so many choices. It also has 6 restaurants reasonably priced allthough you can eat cheaper outside the hotel.Khao Lak 15 mins away is easy to get to by hotel shuttle or taxi.

La Flora i have not stayed at so can not pass much comment only that it is popular and you would have more dining options in this area They both have a very good spa.

For snorkeling you would easily get a trip to Phi Phi or Racha Island which would leave from Phuket bookable in Khao Lak should include transfers.I would leave any trips like this to book in resort as it will be dependent on the weather.

Julie

Thank you so much for posting your posts.

I really appreciate it.

I hope to make a decision soon - we should be leaving in 3 weeks :)

Thanks again.