[Top] [Family Friendly] [Peaceful/Romantic] [Pattaya Beach]
Tiger and Bird typically do not recommend places to stay while visiting various regions of Thailand, since there are often many good options available to choose from. A friend of ours, however, informed us that Pattaya has too many hotels and asked us for a few recommendations- and hence this post came to be!
Let’s suppose for a minute that you’re not one of those tourists who always likes to stick to one brand of hotel while traipsing off on overseas adventures. We have friends who will always swear by Hilton and travel from one Hilton hotel to another the world around. These folks would probably want to stay at the Hilton Pattaya Hotel. But what about the rest of us, those like Tiger and Bird who enjoy new experiences while on vacation? Then, the city of Pattaya becomes a confusing mess of hotel and hostel offerings from the greater region, some of which may or may not be close to Pattaya beach.
Tiger and Bird have selected nine five-star resorts, located around Pattaya beach, to be featured and recommended to you here. These resorts are sorted into the categories of “Family Friendly”, “Peaceful / Romantic”, and “Pattaya Beach”, one of which hopefully corresponds to the type of vacation that you plan to enjoy while visiting Pattaya.
[Top] [Family Friendly] [Peaceful/Romantic] [Pattaya Beach]
Centara Grand Mirage. Pattaya Beach North.
Five Star. Rate 5,000 baht ($165 US) per night. Large resort with a miniature waterpark. Ocean view. Sandy beach with ocean swimming possible. Pattaya beach 10min taxi. Good for families. Highly recommend!
The Centara Grand Mirage is just north of Pattaya on Wong Ammat Beach. The Mirage is designed around a general jungle-like theme. Unique amenities include a huge miniature waterpark available only to hotel guests. Food at restaurants is pricey but decent. All rooms are ocean-facing, relatively small, but clean. Buffet breakfast has many international and some Asian options; nothing sensational, but adequate. The spa is wonderfully set into the jungle theme on the ocean-facing side of the hotel, with elevated prices competitive with similar five-star resorts.
This hotel is perennially a favorite destination for families with young children. The water park has a lazy river that moves throughout the small park with occasional grottoes and fake cliffs lining the water. Multiple water slides and a fun, separate kids area round off the waterpark. Another main pool continues the jungle theme and includes a small "cliff" for guests adventurous enough to jump into the waters. There is also large area for water sports (we saw water volleyball while there) or just swimming around while having fun nearby the pool bar. Finally, an adults-only infinity pool is positioned against the backdrop of the ocean, providing a great opportunity for taking those Instagram-worthy sunset photos.
Lying between the Grand Mirage and the ocean is Wong Ammat beach, a sandy beach shared between several resorts and condominiums. The ocean water here appears cleaner than Pattaya beach, but even so, Tiger and Bird do not necessarily recommend swimming in the surf! What about taking a beachside stroll before a sunset? Now THAT we can recommend.
Royal Cliff Hotels Complex. Pattaya Beach South, Phra Tamnak Mountain
Five star. Rate 5,000 baht ($165 US) per night. Huge resort. Ocean view. Private oceanfront sitting area above seawall on rocky shoreline; connected to sandy, semi-public beach. Multiple hotels, pools, sitting areas and restaurants. Adequate breakfast. Pattaya beach 10min taxi. Good for families or couples. Peaceful, romantic.
Tiger and Bird consider this location as best-in-class for Pattaya because of the spectacular views (check out the sunset!), multiple swimming pools, full semi-private white sand beach, and ocean-facing lounging areas for sun and shade-bathers built into the hillside. The resort is also very safe and family friendly (a kidzone area is also available; extra fee for use). Overall, the atmosphere is very peaceful and relaxing. If you feel the need for some crazy, take a quick taxi ride over to Pattaya beach before soon realizing just how nice your hotel really is! After all, with the atmosphere and facilities available, there is no need to even leave this resort during your stay.
The Royal Cliff Hotels Group includes:
Peaceful / Romantic
[Top] [Family Friendly] [Peaceful/Romantic] [Pattaya Beach]
InterContinental. Pattaya Beach South, Phra Tamnak Mountain
Five star. Rate 5,000 baht ($165 US) per night. Huge resort. Ocean view. Private oceanfront sitting area above seawall on rocky shoreline. Multiple pools and sandy oceanfront sitting area. Excellent breakfast. Pattaya beach 10min taxi. Good for families and couples. Peaceful, romantic.
The InterContinental is located on a beautifully-maintained property with western-facing rooms that provide a spectacular views of the ocean. Facilities include three pools, a complimentary kid zone, and an excellent bar and restaurant in the hillside just above the ocean. Note that the beach itself is lacking, because there isn’t one. But for ocean views and dipping in the pool, the InterCon is spectacular. Prices are elevated, but hey, that comes with the name and level of expected service! For those looking for a relaxing weekend in the tropics, this all-inclusive locale may be just for you.
Monttra Pattaya. Pattaya Beach South, Phra Tamnak Mountain
Five star. Rate 5,000 baht ($165 US) per night. Very small resort. Ocean View. No beach, but oceanfront property naturally elevated above the ocean with small rocky drop. Infinity pool facing the ocean. Excellent breakfast, freshly made when ordered. Located adjacent to small, private marina. Pattaya beach 12min taxi. Good for couples. Peaceful, romantic.
The Monttra is a boutique hotel that provides a cozy jungle getaway from nearby Pattaya. Leafy walkways and tropical trees and plants provide shade and coolness throughout the day. Relatively small infinity pool. Excellent views of the ocean from oceanfront rooms (these rooms are very limited, book ahead to ensure availability!). Clean, modern decor. Accessibility is more difficult than other hotels, but for a peaceful or romantic getaway, this may be perfect.
Dusit Thani Pattaya. Pattaya Beach North
Five star. Rate 5,000 baht ($165 US) per night. Ocean View. Private, sandy beach. Several ocean-facing pools. Good breakfast. Great location, situated at the northern end of Pattaya beach. Many of Pattaya’s restaurants, shopping, and other (wholesome) entertainment options are easily within walking distance of the hotel. Good for couples. Peaceful.
The Dusit Thani Pattaya is an elegant five-star resorts located adjacent to Pattaya beach. The hotel’s décor is beautiful, although some areas may appear dated, with some renovation of hotel guest rooms recently completed. Facilities are excellent, including the tennis courts near the ocean. As far as location goes, nothing can beat being in the middle of everything! Access to beach road (the main road that runs along Pattaya beach) is accessible right outside of the hotel. Want to shop at the new Terminal 21 mall? It’s located just down the road. Oh, and you might want to grab a massage at Health Land while you’re out. For best results, book ahead and ask for a room with a sea view!
Having operated for more than thirty years, the Dusit Thani is the oldest five-star resort at Pattaya beach.
Cape Dara Resort. Pattaya Beach North
Five star. Rate 5,000 baht ($165 US) per night. Ocean view. Private, rocky beach. Several pool areas, including an infinity pool overlooking the ocean. Good breakfast with great view of Pattaya bay. Semi-private beach. Pattaya beach 5-min by taxi or free hotel shuttle. Thai style resort. Good for couples. Romantic.
The Cape Dara Resort is located very near the beginning of beach road, the road that runs adjacent to Pattaya beach. The hotel’s location is very quiet and tranquil, providing a nice respite from the busy clamor of the nearby city. However, timing can be important here, since the hotel is a common destination for Asian tour groups visiting Pattaya during the peak season (November – February). Some renovations appear to have completed, with the hotel décor appearing well-maintained if a bit dated. The resort itself is not nearly as large as some of the other hotels listed here. However, if you’re looking for a convenient place to stay on the ocean by Pattaya, you may find this an interesting option.
Pattaya Beach
[Top] [Family Friendly] [Peaceful/Romantic] [Pattaya Beach]
Hilton Pattaya. Pattaya Beach Central
Five star. Rate 5,000 baht ($165 US) per night. Ocean view. Overlooks entire Pattaya beach. Main elevated pool area overlooks ocean. Excellent breakfast. Rooftop restaurant. Situated above Central Pattaya shopping mall. Good for couples. Great location, romantic.
As far as a blend of location and quality, the Hilton Pattaya has never disappointed Tiger and Bird! The hotel tower is located above the Central Pattaya shopping mall, allowing easy access to hundreds of restaurants, an SFX movie theater, and of course the entirety of Pattaya beach from the moment you step outside. Horizon Restaurant and Bar is a must visit for anyone staying here – or visiting Pattaya for that matter. The views from this rooftop restaurant at night are phenomenal. Just remember there is an enforced dress code: smart casual only, no beachwear or activewear. Facilities are excellent, as expected from the Hilton brand, but the hotel itself mostly provides fantastic views of the city from the restaurants, rooms, and the guest-access-only infinity pool located adjacent to the lobby. Worth a visit? You bet!
Avani Pattaya Resort. Pattaya Beach Central
Five Star. Rate 5,000 baht ($165 US) per night. Some rooms have ocean view, but hotel is not on the ocean. Courtyard a relative jungle oasis in the middle of the busy city. Excellent breakfast. Decent facilities and modern rooms. Two-minute walk to Pattaya beach. Good for both families and couples. Great location, peaceful.
Imagine yourself amid the hustle and bustle – and heat – of Pattaya. When you reach your hotel, you walk through the expansive entrance and are magically transported into a quiet, tropical garden. Well, if this is the vacation you’re looking for, you’ve come to the right place! Avani Pattaya is situated in the middle of Pattaya and across the road from Pattaya beach. Dozens of restaurants, shops, and several shopping malls are simply a short walk away. But when you walk into the hotel’s courtyard, the city simply fades away. Facilities are excellent with a wonderful pool and garden area (as mentioned). If you plan to stay at the Avani Pattaya resort during your next visit, ensure you request a room with a sea view to experience the best of both worlds!
Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya. Pattaya Beach Central
Five star. Rate 5,000 baht ($165 US) per night. Some rooms have ocean view. Good breakfast. Excellent pool facilities with separate kids area. Across the road from Pattaya beach. Good for families. Great location.
The Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya is wonderfully positioned in the heart of Pattaya; simply cross Beach Road and you are on Pattaya beach! Facilities are excellent and include a very large pool area watched over by several lifeguards. Décor and maintenance are in keeping with the standards expected of the brand. Property size and room size slightly on the smaller size from other international Hard Rock Hotels Tiger and Bird have visited. The location is where it all comes together! The convenience of stepping outside your hotel and having the entirety of Pattaya beach and the surrounding restaurants and small shops available cannot be understated. In Thai, the word would to describe this place would be “saduak”. If you like the Hard Rock Hotel brand, you may want to look no further and simply book your stay now! As always, be sure to ask for a room with a sea view.
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Coming up next, we'll look at the nearby beach of Jomtien!
Previous post: Taking a day trip from Pattaya to the isle of Koh Larn
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Related Posts
Daytime activities to experience around Pattaya beach
Hua Hin is a sleepy, seaside town with beautiful white sand beaches- and only a two hour drive from Bangkok!
Beaches and national parks to the south of Hua Hin in the region of Pranburi
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| Dusk settles at the Centara Grand Mirage in Pattaya |
Let’s suppose for a minute that you’re not one of those tourists who always likes to stick to one brand of hotel while traipsing off on overseas adventures. We have friends who will always swear by Hilton and travel from one Hilton hotel to another the world around. These folks would probably want to stay at the Hilton Pattaya Hotel. But what about the rest of us, those like Tiger and Bird who enjoy new experiences while on vacation? Then, the city of Pattaya becomes a confusing mess of hotel and hostel offerings from the greater region, some of which may or may not be close to Pattaya beach.
Tiger and Bird have selected nine five-star resorts, located around Pattaya beach, to be featured and recommended to you here. These resorts are sorted into the categories of “Family Friendly”, “Peaceful / Romantic”, and “Pattaya Beach”, one of which hopefully corresponds to the type of vacation that you plan to enjoy while visiting Pattaya.
Pattaya Activities and Koh LarnFamily Friendly
Tiger and Bird reviewed daytime activities around Pattaya beach and have taken a day trip to explore the nearby island of Koh Larn over the last several months. Pattaya can be a confusing place, please be sure to check out details in the above links to help plan your visit!
[Top] [Family Friendly] [Peaceful/Romantic] [Pattaya Beach]
Centara Grand Mirage. Pattaya Beach North.
Five Star. Rate 5,000 baht ($165 US) per night. Large resort with a miniature waterpark. Ocean view. Sandy beach with ocean swimming possible. Pattaya beach 10min taxi. Good for families. Highly recommend!
The Centara Grand Mirage is just north of Pattaya on Wong Ammat Beach. The Mirage is designed around a general jungle-like theme. Unique amenities include a huge miniature waterpark available only to hotel guests. Food at restaurants is pricey but decent. All rooms are ocean-facing, relatively small, but clean. Buffet breakfast has many international and some Asian options; nothing sensational, but adequate. The spa is wonderfully set into the jungle theme on the ocean-facing side of the hotel, with elevated prices competitive with similar five-star resorts.
This hotel is perennially a favorite destination for families with young children. The water park has a lazy river that moves throughout the small park with occasional grottoes and fake cliffs lining the water. Multiple water slides and a fun, separate kids area round off the waterpark. Another main pool continues the jungle theme and includes a small "cliff" for guests adventurous enough to jump into the waters. There is also large area for water sports (we saw water volleyball while there) or just swimming around while having fun nearby the pool bar. Finally, an adults-only infinity pool is positioned against the backdrop of the ocean, providing a great opportunity for taking those Instagram-worthy sunset photos.
Lying between the Grand Mirage and the ocean is Wong Ammat beach, a sandy beach shared between several resorts and condominiums. The ocean water here appears cleaner than Pattaya beach, but even so, Tiger and Bird do not necessarily recommend swimming in the surf! What about taking a beachside stroll before a sunset? Now THAT we can recommend.
Royal Cliff Hotels Complex. Pattaya Beach South, Phra Tamnak Mountain
Five star. Rate 5,000 baht ($165 US) per night. Huge resort. Ocean view. Private oceanfront sitting area above seawall on rocky shoreline; connected to sandy, semi-public beach. Multiple hotels, pools, sitting areas and restaurants. Adequate breakfast. Pattaya beach 10min taxi. Good for families or couples. Peaceful, romantic.
Tiger and Bird consider this location as best-in-class for Pattaya because of the spectacular views (check out the sunset!), multiple swimming pools, full semi-private white sand beach, and ocean-facing lounging areas for sun and shade-bathers built into the hillside. The resort is also very safe and family friendly (a kidzone area is also available; extra fee for use). Overall, the atmosphere is very peaceful and relaxing. If you feel the need for some crazy, take a quick taxi ride over to Pattaya beach before soon realizing just how nice your hotel really is! After all, with the atmosphere and facilities available, there is no need to even leave this resort during your stay.
The Royal Cliff Hotels Group includes:
- The Beach Terrace Hotel. Low-rise built directly into the hill. Spacious rooms. Decent accommodation for families. Note that renovation was ongoing as of September 2018
- The Beach Hotel. Highrise. Best value. Relatively small mini-suite rooms with great ocean views. Ask for high floors. Romantic getaway! Renovations completed several years ago.
- The Grand Hotel. Highrise. Decent rooms, but hotel is definitely dated. Views still spectacular. Ask for high floors.
- Royal Wing Suites. Flagship of Royal Cliff. All rooms are suites. Lowrise building with private pool and wonderful facilities. Great option for families traveling together. Costs are elevated at about 10,000bt ($300 US) per night, but check out the online reviews if you doubt us! The place is worth it.
Peaceful / Romantic
[Top] [Family Friendly] [Peaceful/Romantic] [Pattaya Beach]
InterContinental. Pattaya Beach South, Phra Tamnak Mountain
Five star. Rate 5,000 baht ($165 US) per night. Huge resort. Ocean view. Private oceanfront sitting area above seawall on rocky shoreline. Multiple pools and sandy oceanfront sitting area. Excellent breakfast. Pattaya beach 10min taxi. Good for families and couples. Peaceful, romantic.
The InterContinental is located on a beautifully-maintained property with western-facing rooms that provide a spectacular views of the ocean. Facilities include three pools, a complimentary kid zone, and an excellent bar and restaurant in the hillside just above the ocean. Note that the beach itself is lacking, because there isn’t one. But for ocean views and dipping in the pool, the InterCon is spectacular. Prices are elevated, but hey, that comes with the name and level of expected service! For those looking for a relaxing weekend in the tropics, this all-inclusive locale may be just for you.
Feel familiar? The InterContinental brand replaced what used to be the old Sheraton. The resort’s layout and general appearance remains relatively unchanged although the rooms and facilities have been renovated to match the “InterContinental” appearance.
Monttra Pattaya. Pattaya Beach South, Phra Tamnak Mountain
Five star. Rate 5,000 baht ($165 US) per night. Very small resort. Ocean View. No beach, but oceanfront property naturally elevated above the ocean with small rocky drop. Infinity pool facing the ocean. Excellent breakfast, freshly made when ordered. Located adjacent to small, private marina. Pattaya beach 12min taxi. Good for couples. Peaceful, romantic.
The Monttra is a boutique hotel that provides a cozy jungle getaway from nearby Pattaya. Leafy walkways and tropical trees and plants provide shade and coolness throughout the day. Relatively small infinity pool. Excellent views of the ocean from oceanfront rooms (these rooms are very limited, book ahead to ensure availability!). Clean, modern decor. Accessibility is more difficult than other hotels, but for a peaceful or romantic getaway, this may be perfect.
Dusit Thani Pattaya. Pattaya Beach North
Five star. Rate 5,000 baht ($165 US) per night. Ocean View. Private, sandy beach. Several ocean-facing pools. Good breakfast. Great location, situated at the northern end of Pattaya beach. Many of Pattaya’s restaurants, shopping, and other (wholesome) entertainment options are easily within walking distance of the hotel. Good for couples. Peaceful.
The Dusit Thani Pattaya is an elegant five-star resorts located adjacent to Pattaya beach. The hotel’s décor is beautiful, although some areas may appear dated, with some renovation of hotel guest rooms recently completed. Facilities are excellent, including the tennis courts near the ocean. As far as location goes, nothing can beat being in the middle of everything! Access to beach road (the main road that runs along Pattaya beach) is accessible right outside of the hotel. Want to shop at the new Terminal 21 mall? It’s located just down the road. Oh, and you might want to grab a massage at Health Land while you’re out. For best results, book ahead and ask for a room with a sea view!
Having operated for more than thirty years, the Dusit Thani is the oldest five-star resort at Pattaya beach.
Cape Dara Resort. Pattaya Beach North
Five star. Rate 5,000 baht ($165 US) per night. Ocean view. Private, rocky beach. Several pool areas, including an infinity pool overlooking the ocean. Good breakfast with great view of Pattaya bay. Semi-private beach. Pattaya beach 5-min by taxi or free hotel shuttle. Thai style resort. Good for couples. Romantic.
The Cape Dara Resort is located very near the beginning of beach road, the road that runs adjacent to Pattaya beach. The hotel’s location is very quiet and tranquil, providing a nice respite from the busy clamor of the nearby city. However, timing can be important here, since the hotel is a common destination for Asian tour groups visiting Pattaya during the peak season (November – February). Some renovations appear to have completed, with the hotel décor appearing well-maintained if a bit dated. The resort itself is not nearly as large as some of the other hotels listed here. However, if you’re looking for a convenient place to stay on the ocean by Pattaya, you may find this an interesting option.
Pattaya Beach
[Top] [Family Friendly] [Peaceful/Romantic] [Pattaya Beach]
Hilton Pattaya. Pattaya Beach Central
Five star. Rate 5,000 baht ($165 US) per night. Ocean view. Overlooks entire Pattaya beach. Main elevated pool area overlooks ocean. Excellent breakfast. Rooftop restaurant. Situated above Central Pattaya shopping mall. Good for couples. Great location, romantic.
As far as a blend of location and quality, the Hilton Pattaya has never disappointed Tiger and Bird! The hotel tower is located above the Central Pattaya shopping mall, allowing easy access to hundreds of restaurants, an SFX movie theater, and of course the entirety of Pattaya beach from the moment you step outside. Horizon Restaurant and Bar is a must visit for anyone staying here – or visiting Pattaya for that matter. The views from this rooftop restaurant at night are phenomenal. Just remember there is an enforced dress code: smart casual only, no beachwear or activewear. Facilities are excellent, as expected from the Hilton brand, but the hotel itself mostly provides fantastic views of the city from the restaurants, rooms, and the guest-access-only infinity pool located adjacent to the lobby. Worth a visit? You bet!
Avani Pattaya Resort. Pattaya Beach Central
Five Star. Rate 5,000 baht ($165 US) per night. Some rooms have ocean view, but hotel is not on the ocean. Courtyard a relative jungle oasis in the middle of the busy city. Excellent breakfast. Decent facilities and modern rooms. Two-minute walk to Pattaya beach. Good for both families and couples. Great location, peaceful.
Imagine yourself amid the hustle and bustle – and heat – of Pattaya. When you reach your hotel, you walk through the expansive entrance and are magically transported into a quiet, tropical garden. Well, if this is the vacation you’re looking for, you’ve come to the right place! Avani Pattaya is situated in the middle of Pattaya and across the road from Pattaya beach. Dozens of restaurants, shops, and several shopping malls are simply a short walk away. But when you walk into the hotel’s courtyard, the city simply fades away. Facilities are excellent with a wonderful pool and garden area (as mentioned). If you plan to stay at the Avani Pattaya resort during your next visit, ensure you request a room with a sea view to experience the best of both worlds!
Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya. Pattaya Beach Central
Five star. Rate 5,000 baht ($165 US) per night. Some rooms have ocean view. Good breakfast. Excellent pool facilities with separate kids area. Across the road from Pattaya beach. Good for families. Great location.
The Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya is wonderfully positioned in the heart of Pattaya; simply cross Beach Road and you are on Pattaya beach! Facilities are excellent and include a very large pool area watched over by several lifeguards. Décor and maintenance are in keeping with the standards expected of the brand. Property size and room size slightly on the smaller size from other international Hard Rock Hotels Tiger and Bird have visited. The location is where it all comes together! The convenience of stepping outside your hotel and having the entirety of Pattaya beach and the surrounding restaurants and small shops available cannot be understated. In Thai, the word would to describe this place would be “saduak”. If you like the Hard Rock Hotel brand, you may want to look no further and simply book your stay now! As always, be sure to ask for a room with a sea view.
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Coming up next, we'll look at the nearby beach of Jomtien!
Previous post: Taking a day trip from Pattaya to the isle of Koh Larn
----
Related Posts
Daytime activities to experience around Pattaya beach
Hua Hin is a sleepy, seaside town with beautiful white sand beaches- and only a two hour drive from Bangkok!
Beaches and national parks to the south of Hua Hin in the region of Pranburi
