Hi, I stayed at the Patong Beach hotel about 7 years ago and the "joiner Fee" then was only 500Baht. They are defintely getting VERY greedy. there are plenty of other, much cheaper places to stay in Patong.
Check out:
www.phuketdir.com you will find lists of guesthouses and hotels on there. Most of which I am sure will not charge a "joiner fee"
Steve
