about 4 nights in Duang Jai - the hotel has balconies facing the pool. It is on a road just up from the hill between the two beaches. Both beaches are beautiful, Ao Nang has cliffs at the far end. Lots of food options in the hotel area, but they don't open until after tour buses leave at 8:30 am.
This hotel is easy walking distance from nearly everything. Though a bit of a hike to some of the better spots, which are mostly at the very far ends of each beach. The far end of Ao Nang has cliffs and a path to monkeys. The far end of the other beach has lovely teak trees and a good restaurant. The latter is way too far to walk to, but is where the tour boats come/go from. If I had to do it over, I would probably stay closer to one of these spots.
The pool is spectacular. the rooms are pretty nice.
Our bed was a little disappointing, with two mattresses pushed together and hard, but in fairness we did not ask them to fix it, just lived with it. Bathroom was cleaner than some, but still grubby by north american standards (by Thai standards, clean).
You get free water, coffee, tea.
If you want to stay in the middle area (main drag) this hotel is a good option and I would recommend it as exceptionally nice and good value. I found the pool, which is shady much of the time especially nice after a day in the hot sun.