Arguably, nothing better reflects Pattaya’s transformation from an R&R camptown in the 70s into a sophisticated beach destination than the slew of stunning hotels for all kinds of tourists that have been mushrooming in the city in the last few years. Here are some of of our editor’s picks
Royal Cliff Hotels Pattaya
Siam@Siam Design Hotel Pattaya (Address: 390 Moo9, Pattaya Sai 2, Nongprue, Banglamung; Tel: 038 930 600; email: rsvn@siamatsiam.com) belongs to that new breed of hotels that are, as its name implies, design-focused. Through design – bold, daring, colorful, evocative, exciting, and full of twists and turns – this hotel flirts with the imagination of its guests and ushers them into a new world of hospitality service. The concept draws much from the rich motoring heritage of the founding Phornprapha family, thus cars and their component parts feature prominently. But so too does the ocean and its magical depths, in kinship with its Pattaya seaside location.
Hilton Pattaya
Our favorite place here is the Horizon Bar, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Pattaya Bay while enjoying a glass of sparkling. But beyond the panoramic views, the Hilton Pattaya (Address: 333/101 Moo 9, Nong Prue, Banglamung; Tel: 038 825 3000) experience includes immersing yourself in high- quality and award-winning design, not to mention its impeccable service. The stunning 302-room hotel that rises 34 levels above Central Festival Pattaya is set in a unique position that forms the core of its design concept and philosophy.
Hard Rock Pattaya
Set amid beautifully manicured gardens at the northern end of Pattaya Bay, Amari Pattaya (Address: 240 Pattaya Beach Road Pattaya, Bang Lamung; Tel: 038 418 418) is ideal for both business and leisure travelers. Amari Pattaya comprises the soaring 20-storey Ocean Tower with 297 rooms and the low-rise, resort-style Garden Wing offering 226 rooms. With stunning views over Pattaya Bay the Ocean Tower offers guests seven choices of contemporary styled rooms while the Garden Wing provides modern tropical living among the tranquility of manicured gardens.
Amari Nova Suite
Cape Dara Resort rises 26 storeys above a quiet residential section of North Pattaya in a place where those seeking privacy and exclusivity amid marine splendor have converged for generations. Cape Dara (Address: 256 Dara Beach, Soi 20, Pattaya-Naklua Road; Tel: 038 933 888) redefines the contemporary Thai resort hotel. The main tower’s striking curvilinear exterior makes a bold first impression, the effect continuing inside where design features include expansive glass walls for five-star views, inventive use of metal and stone, and eye-catching ceiling installations. All the while, familiar Thai design components see new expression in abstracted forms enhanced by nuances of rich hues, in addition to interior details such as teakwood accents of smooth, unconventional finish. The approach allows for subtle allusions to Thai architectural and design elements amid a resolutely chic, sophisticated ambience.
Centara Grand Phratamnak Pattaya
The luxury Centara Grand Phratamnak Pattaya, located at the southern end of Pattaya just a few steps from a beautiful beach, features an ultra stylish design with a dramatic marine-themed lobby, Italian furnishings, and a pool and Jacuzzi on the rooftop. The hotel (Address: 352/430 Moo 12, Nongprue; Tel: 038 306 337) features 165 exquisitely appointed guestrooms. Family rooms and suites are available. Centara Grand Phratamnak is perfectly located for enjoying the attractions of Pattaya, which include a large number of golf courses within easy traveling distance of the hotel.
Dusit Thani Pattaya
The Thai brand of luxury and hospitality is in the essence of Dusit Thani Pattaya (Address: Beach Rd, Bang Lamung District; Tel: 038 425 611). One of the city’s grand old dame of hotels, this five-star property is conveniently located near the shopping and dining venues of Pattaya City, although what truly sets it apart is its enviable location on the northern end of the majestically curving Gulf of Thailand giving it direct access to two beachfronts. Whether for business or leisure, every guest is welcomed with the signature grace and flair of Dusit.
Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort
Two gigantic cliffs connected by rope bridges, a cavern that reveals a jungle with a river and waterfalls, and a pathway leading down to the golden sands of Wong Amat Beach in North Pattaya. You are in the Lost World, a place of indulgence and great fun. Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya (Address: Moo 5, Pattaya, Bang Lamung District; Tel: 038 301 234) is an exciting themed five-star resort that is a destination in its own right, an entire world of pleasure, a place where everyday cares are laid aside and where everyone will find something to amaze and delight.
Within 64-acres of lush tropical gardens overlooking the turquoise ocean of the Gulf of Thailand, the legendary Royal Cliff (Address: 353 Phra Tamnuk Road, Pattaya; Tel: 038 250 421) consists of four 5-star hotels, each with its own ambiance and character and catering to different lifestyles: Royal Cliff Beach Hotel, Royal Cliff Beach Terrace, Royal Cliff Grand Hotel, and Royal Wing Suites and Spa. Guests staying at The Royal Cliff enjoy an impressive range of facilities. This multi-award winning hotel group is a popular destination for royalties, celebrities and famous sports stars.
Sheraton Pattaya
With a private beach on the Gulf of Siam, this upscale resort (Address: Pattaya Sai 2, Pattaya; Tel: 038 259 888) is preferred by those who want the embrace of resort atmosphere all throughout during their stay in Pattaya. But the resort is actually just 2.8km from Pattaya proper, and 9.4km from The Sanctuary of Truth temple. Rooms with Asian-style decor come with all the luxurious mod cons expected in a 5-star resort, and supporting facilities are top-rate in keeping with the Sheraton standard.
Siam@Siam Design Hotel Pattaya

Also located at Pattaya Beach Road overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, the Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya (Address: 429 Moo 9, Pattaya Beach Road, Bang Lamung District) offers an experience that is as stylishly rock ‘n’ roll as it is unique. The new aesthetic, is as always, infused with youthful energy, its love of music, passion for life, and delivered with a belief in the credo “Love All, Serve All.”
OZO PattayaThe list of new amenities, restaurants, bars and services all add-up to elevate the hotel into the list of “must-see” destinations in Pattaya today, as it was 10 years ago when it first opened.
For exploring the various adventure-filled activities or hitting the latest hip attractions in Pattaya, OZO Pattaya (Tel:02-255-3767 Ext 4259) is a great holiday home. As the name implies, OZO combines a kind of playful spirit with a youthful verve that is favored by younger travelers, especially couples, who will live love relaxing at Splash, the rooftop swimming pool which allows lovers to watch the beautiful Pattaya sunset together. By the way, until the end of June the hotel is offering the “Pattaya Lover Package,” starting from THB 1,900 ++ per night. For more details or to make a reservation, visit www.ozohotels.com/pattaya/hotelpackage
Amari Pattaya
Amari Nova Suites unique serviced apartment suite concept combines impeccably furnished accommodation and outstanding services. Ideally located in the city center, Amari Nova Suites (Address: 254 M.9, Soi Petchtrakool; Tel. 038 489 488) provides a range of suites characterized by relaxed elegance. The hotel is home to a stylishly innovative lounging and dining experience with the (Minus 5) -5 Supper club, as well as the coolest bar in this bustling city, -5 Ice Bar, where chilled drinks and funky tunes are served.
Cape Dara


