There is another new Holiday Inn at Mai Khao beach that looks good (not stayed, but it's possible there is a review on the Holiday Inn forum).

Agree that Surin is a good choice for a resort when you have children. There is a good range of hotels in that bay of different price ranges and levels of poshness. Is poshness a word?!

Depends if you want to stay in a hotel-resort (there are so many lovely ones & your choice will depend on your budget) and not go out which is often the most relaxing with children, or if you prefer to be in somewhere more vibrant and go out at night to eat out etc...