First time in Phuket
 

I got a one week staying Phuket's Marriott: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...ao_Phuket.html
(I snagged a $60 per night the one bedroom mistake rate) in September and was wondering the following those that have been there and can advise:
1. I wanted to rent a scooter but after reading all of the bad reports looks like that will be a bad idea since the traffic is very bad, so I am looking to rent a car. Would any advise that plan? The Marriott has free parking so that may be an option. A preferred rental company?
2. I wanted to venture out of the island and perhaps do a tour ot 2, tripadvisor looks like a lot of them are self promoted so wondering what good tours and/or places are to see on the island.
3. Are taxis really that expensive? I read someplace that they are as much as the NYC cabs. In that case I would even more rent a car.
4. Would it be recommended for me to go to Patong to eat/see things? How about the rest of the island?
5. Seems the JW is next door but looking at the prices($30 pp for brekkie) I was thinking about eating someplace else. Are there are good places within a car ride from the resort.

Thanks a lot for all of your tips folks. : )

I do not follow the logic. Is a car smaller and more maneuverable than a scooter ? bikes/scooters are great for heavy traffic.

AVIS, Hertz et al are all represented in Thailand so if you have any miles/VIP status or whatever just go with whichever brand you favor. I would not go with a small local rental company unless I have strong endorsements from people I trust - otherwise you might face problems (scams) when you return the car.

Yes they are. Because they do not use the meter, they stick together (price fixing) and their main goal in life is to rip off tourists. Quoting you more than a blue collar worker's daily wage (300 baht) for a 15 minute trip that would cost 60-80 Baht in Bangkok in a metered taxi is not unheard of.

Whenever I am in Samui or Phuket, I grab a car from Avis (around 800-1200 Baht a day) and avoid all the BS.


If there's two of you and you plan on dining in the hotel a bit, you may want to grab a Club Marriott Gold card. They usually cost around 7000 Baht for a year, come with a fat booklet full of vouchers, even some free dinner buffet at JW Marriott BKK and gives you 50% off food bills when dining with 2 pax

JW Phuket is on the list of participating venues. Signing up for this is not an instant, online process so you may need to investigate and plan ahead of time.

http://www.myclubmarriott.com/

You can look in this thread and will find a lot of information about hotels, taxis, etc

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thail...-thailand.html

2. Phang Nga would be my #1 recommendation
4. You cannot go to Phuket withough going to Patong. Many people are there just to look, hang out, get drunk...some even with kids in tow. You do not have to take a girl home with you to enjoy Patong. You may have a better time if you do take a girl, or two, home with you though