Hi there...
You are in luck...I work on Phi Phi, for Hippo Divers, after reading your post, I think that you would be better staying on this island ton sai bay..my reasons for this are simply, that for a white sandy beach, a relaxed area, yet close enough to have some form of evening entertainment, you would be better off staying on this side at long beach...The prices are considerably different aswell..By staying at phi phi village resort, you are looking at paying 3, 300 baht to dive local sites, ie the Bida Islands and Phi Phi lei..By staying this side you will pay 2, 200 and it only takes 30- 40 mins maximum of travel time to dive sites.
Meaning..your day will start at 08:45, and you will be back in Phi Phi at 14:00.
2, 200 is the maximum you will pay here on the island, as there is a price agreement on the island. This price includes All equipment, 2 dives, Lunch, and a Guide. We take you all to Maya Bay (where they filmed the beach)at lunch time. If you all have your own equipment, you are looking at 1,500 for the 2 dives inc everything else that I have just quoted.
I hope this is some help to you, if you really want to stay on the village resort I will say that you will end up paying a lot more money, than you need to be paying, and here on phi phi you have the white beaches, the crystal clear waters, great snorkelling sites, and the luxourious hotels, bungalows..
The cheapest you will pay on the phi phi village iland for a superior bungalow (single) is 5, 700..alternatively you can have a suite on this side in the Phi Phi Hotel between 2, 000 and 3, 000...
I hope this information helps you, please feel free to contact me, or pm me, and if you want any help with booking Dives, or Hotels then let me know. Natalie