Stay put.

Small quiet office for sure.

I'm right next to a woman who laughs very loudly. Drives me nuts.

I had an office next to a woman who was loud and obnoxious on purpose because she was favored by the CEO who looked like Karl rove's step brother. She went out to lunch with him would come back and call people in the office to tell them about it. She made lots of personal calls to her sorority sisters to set up "martini brunches" she was always out sick on Mondays so it would be nice and quiet when she was out and she was out half the week but the rest of the time is was quite unpleasant. I was having a meeting with a colleague who shut my door once and she complained to my boss that he had "to do something about me or she would go to the CEO" my boss was scared shitless of her and he eventually fired me. I fought back and they are all gone now including the CEO.

If you don't take the bigger office, I think you should let your boss (or someone ranking a little higher than you) know the reason why, so they might put you next in line for the next bigger office that opens up.

I was actually just reading advice about this the other day (maybe in the See Jane Lead book). You got a promotion and that translates into a bigger office. You should take the bigger office (and put in a request to move to a different bigger office the next time one opens up). Perception means a lot - you not taking the bigger office, for whatever the reason, is a setback and will impact how people perceive you (either consciously or uncousciously).

Worked for 7 years next to the loudest most gossipy women ever. The days she was in the office I could feel my blood pressure and stress rising. The days she was on travel, sick or vacation were so peaceful and quiet. Even with my door closed I could hear every word she said (she was THAT loud). Moved offices and it was such a huge improvement for my work flow and stress level that I don't care what size office you have a quiet office is a much better choice.

I would take the bigger office and get earplugs. People treat you differently when they see you have an "office that matters".

small office absolutely. unless for some reason you need a lot of extra space for what you do.

Small, quiet office. Only an idiot or newbie would associate the size of your office with your importance.