Thailand - Banyan Tree Phuket or TwinPalms?

I have a choice of these two hotels for an upcoming trip. A deluxe villa at the Banyan Tree (their basic category) is available for about US$100 per night more than the alternative of a duplex penthouse at Twin Palms..

Any advice on which would be the better deal? The Banyan Tree would be booked through the Amex Plat FHR scheme, so there would be a possibility of an upgrade to a deluxe pool villa..

I'm looking for:

- reasonable access to a good beach, though not bothered about direct access or having to walk..

- somewhere close to non-hotel restaurants and, to a lesser extent, bars - the prospect of being captive in a hotel complex doesn't appeal. Having restaurants within walking distance is important..

- a room, suite or villa with the necessary wow factor for a special occasion (20th anniversary)..

I'm not terribly bothered by the quality of hotel service, beyond whatever is offered in on-site restaurants and the like. Spa facilities aren't important..

There may well be other alternatives, but worth noting that the Banyan Tree is at the upper end of what I'd like to pay for a 6 night trip, so luxury alternatives (Trisara, Sri Panwa etc) aren't an option..

Any advice gratefully received.

I have a choice of these two hotels for an upcoming trip. A deluxe villa at the Banyan Tree (their basic category) is available for about US$100 per night more than the alternative of a duplex penthouse at Twin Palms..

Any advice on which would be the better deal? The Banyan Tree would be booked through the Amex Plat FHR scheme, so there would be a possibility of an upgrade to a deluxe pool villa..

I'm looking for:

- reasonable access to a good beach, though not bothered about direct access or having to walk..

- somewhere close to non-hotel restaurants and, to a lesser extent, bars - the prospect of being captive in a hotel complex doesn't appeal. Having restaurants within walking distance is important..

- a room, suite or villa with the necessary wow factor for a special occasion (20th anniversary)..

I'm not terribly bothered by the quality of hotel service, beyond whatever is offered in on-site restaurants and the like. Spa facilities aren't important..

There may well be other alternatives, but worth noting that the Banyan Tree is at the upper end of what I'd like to pay for a 6 night trip, so luxury alternatives (Trisara, Sri Panwa etc) aren't an option..

Any advice gratefully received.

I just booked a Penthouse at the Twin Palms in Sept for under B10,000 after comparing the property with Banyan Tree. I'm a big fan of Banyan Tree in BKK as they have great rooms, location, Moon Bar, wonderful staff, and very nice prices during the low season. However, I did not see the same value in the Phuket property, it seemed somewhat inflated compared to other Phuket properties so went ahead with booking Twin Palms. You might also consider comparing Sala to the north and the Boathouse to the south as a reference.

Cheers,

-Cyborg