Hotel Swiss Garden ( ■
map | reviews ) is a nice place in Patong with giant rooms - Stayed here for 6 nights. Florescent light in the room though – the florescent light in the bathroom took a little while to turn on. The water in the shower was very hot which was awesome! The room is gigantic! Most of the guests here seem to be single (older) men with Thai ladies.... felt safe for a single female traveller nevertheless.
Pretty quiet considering its superb location – within minutes to the huge Junceylon shopping mall (they got English/Thai movies with English subtitles) and Bangla Street (where all the bars/clubs are)… also very close to a convenience store and the ATM. However, you CAN hear the faint noise of people screaming, cars and motorbikes at night / early am sometimes. I am a pretty light sleeper but it didn't really bother me too much.
A quick walk to the touristy Patong beach or 40 baht by motorcycle taxi if you are too lazy to walk. There are lots of restaurants and shops around it that are open at all hours. The Mexican restaurant across the street is pretty good! They hotel has European (Swiss?) dishes at the lobby which I tried once – not my favorite thing but if you’re into that kind of stuff….
One thing to note is that the sign is pretty small and kind of hidden so if you need to get here (by taxi or to be picked up for tours), tell the driver to go to Orchid Residence which is right across the street (that’s the reception where you will leave your room key anyways) – otherwise it will be confusing to locate. You can also give the driver the hotel phone number or the street name Soi San Sabaai so the driver can get you here. Once you know where it is, it is very easy to find.
The shared internet computer was good, but it is in the lobby (meaning outside with no aircon so it can be a little hot at times). Oh and I enjoyed the DVD player in the Superior room.
If you want near the quieter Karon Beach, Casa Brazil is also a nice place to stay.