Phuket Patong hotels recommendation?

First timer to Phuket. Intend to stay at Patong, most popular among tourists. Can you recommend a good hotel?
1. Location - spot on, where all happenings take place.
2. Beach front hotel
3. Must be kids friendly.
4. My budget 4,000 nett (Thai currency) max
Another question - Is Patong nightlife suitable for kids? I'm bringing mine, aged 8 & 11.

jen - thanks for your e-mail.

I recommend the Holiday Inn Phuket, which is across the street from the beach and is very kid friendly with many activities. Check out www.tripadvisor.com and search patong hotels. It will rank them in order of best reviews to the worst along with many pics. Have a wonderful trip, Phuket is awesome.

Patong is Patong so you wont be far away from the 'happenings'
None of the hotels in Patong are actually beach front, you have to cross a road to get to the beach. I spent most of my nights up Bangla Road, which I would suggest is not really suitable for kids. You get the odd bit of exhibitionism from the girls. Having said that, you wont get hassled simply because you will have children with you. Why dont you try Kata beach which is nicer in my opinion and you always have the option to go into Patong to see if it is suitable.
Use below site to look at hotels and get reservation quotes.

I have stayed at BanThai hotel and Safari Beach hotel. Ban Thai is probably better option with kids.

i have been to Patong two times and have stayed at a few hotels in the area.
Horizon beach resort is right on the main road of patong across from the beach, its great for kids and has ok rooms,also not too expensive. it is right in the heart of all the shopping.
I would also highly recommend Deevanna resort and spa. This resort is beautiful. it is about five minute tuk tuk ride to the beach and also very close to everything, great pool and very friendly staff. please google to find out more.
in regards to your two children and whether patong is suitable, i would say yes, during the day there is lots to do for kids. But at night in the main areas like Bangla road it can get a little crazy.
maybe u should consider some of the quieter areas nearby like Phi Phi island or Krabi, they are much more kid friendly and also very beautiful

patong merlin was great! right on the beach oppersite q top markets
will go back again

I'd recommend Novotel Patong. It is not beach front exactly, but is situated on a beautiful hill overlooking the water on the north end of town. All of Patong is easy to reach on foot.
The nightlife for kids, is, um, a bit much. I think if you stay off of Bangla Road late, you should be okay. Also, there are a few restaurants and bars along the beach that would be fun in the evening. Also, I'm pretty sure Novotel has a kid sitting service.
Shopping in all the funky junk stalls should be fun for the kids, and make sure to take the James Bond Island tour our a tour of the island with monkeys and elephants. The package ones available everywhere are nice.

Across the beach raod from the beach - Thara patong, Horizon, Patong Beach Hotel, Merlin, Holiday Inn ( good with kids ) - If there are 4 of you look at the family suites at Andaman Beach Suites, it's a walk down to the beach but could be good value for money for 4 of you. You can also look at Swiss palm beach, this is a much smaller place than the others but they have duplex apartments with 2 bedrooms, dining area, kitchenette etc, small Swiss family run place, short walk to the beach, but gives you than extra space so vital with a family

Oh too many accommosation can't select

Let check, some may meet your requirement

Good luck and have a good trip