Pattaya is a seaside resort about two hours’ southeast of Bangkok. A popular weekend getaway for Bangkokians, Pattaya has all manner of accommodation ranging from inexpensive guest houses to budget hotels, 5-star hotels, and exclusive all-villa resorts.
Amazing Thailand
The closest major beach resort to Bangkok, Pattaya was a sleepy fishing village until it was discovered by American GIs on rest and recreation during the Vietnam War in the 1960s.
The rest, as the saying goes, is history. Hotels were built lining the sandy beaches overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, and restaurants, bars, and nightclubs followed.
Pattaya has never been the same.
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Pattaya 101
Pattaya is a popular seaside resort on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand.
About 100 kilometres (62 miles) southeast of Bangkok, Pattaya is relatively accessible to the Thai capital.
The drive from downtown Bangkok is about two hours. Pattaya is roughly a 90 minute drive from Suvarnabhumi International Airport.
Pattaya is located in the province of Chonburi. Pattaya City is a self-governing municipal area, which covers the whole Tambon Nong Prue, Na Klua, and parts of Huai Yai and Nong Pla Lai.
The city is in the industrial Eastern Seaboard zone, along with Si Racha, Laem Chabang, and Chonburi.
Pattaya is the center of metropolitan area with a total population roughly 1,000,000 people.
Nearby Rayong and Jomtien are not as touristy as Pattaya and offers a quieter atmosphere.
Pattaya Accommodation Options
Pattaya has a wide variety of accommodation options ranging from inexpensive hostels and guest houses to budget hotels, four and five star hotels, and some all-villa resort hotels that will blow your mind.
TripAdvisor.com lists countless hotels and resorts in Pattaya. I’ve narrowed it down to just 14 properties, which I am listing according to location – Pattaya City, Jomtien, and Rayong – and arranged in in each section by alphabetical order.
The cheapest hotel on my list has rooms renting for well under US$50 a night. It will set you back more than US$500 to spend the night at the most expensive resort on the list.
You can choose between hotel rooms, suites, and villas – many with their own plunge pool.
All of the hotels and resorts on this list are full-service properties with at least three stars.
Breakfast is served at all of the hotels, and sometimes it is included in the room rate.
All but one of the hotels have at least one all-day dining restaurant. Most of the hotels have multiple food and beverage outlets.
All of the hotels have swimming pools, 24 hour front desks, and accept internationally recognized credit cards. All of the rooms at these hotels have either balconies or patios.
Most of the hotels have fitness rooms. Many of them also have full-service spas.
All but two of the hotels are located directly on the beach. One of the hotels is within walking distance of a beach.
I have not included any hostels or guest houses on this list.
Pricing is for comparative purposes only and can vary substantially by season. Many of these hotels do, in fact, offer substantial discounts during off-seasons.
• $ – under US$50
• $$ – US$50 to US$99
• $$$ – US$100 to US$124
• $$$$ – US$125 to US$149
• $$$$$ – US$150 to US$199
• $$$$$$ – US$200 and up
Pattaya City Hotels
If you want to be where the action is, you want to be in Pattaya City. This is where most of the hotels and resorts are located, and they all are within a short walk of restaurants and cafes, mini-marts and boutiques, shopping malls and street markets, bars, pubs, and nightclubs.
None of the hotels in Central Pattaya are located directly on the beach, but most of them are located within a short walk of the beach.
For hotels with direct beach access, book rooms at hotels in nearby Jomtien or Rayong, which tend to be quieter, newer, and more laid back.
Amari Ocean Pattaya
Located opposite Pattaya Beach, the Amari Ocean Pattaya is a five-star hotel with 297 rooms and suites, three food and beverage outlets, a fitness centre, a spa, and a free-form swimming pool. The fine-dining Mantra Restaurant and Bar is one of the most stylish eateries in town.
$$$
Best for urban sophistication in a resort setting.
Amari Ocean Pattaya – 240 Pattaya Beach Road, Pattaya, Chonburi, Thailand
Nova Park Hotel
Located in Central Pattaya, Nova Park Hotel has 94 service apartments ranging from studios to two-bedroom suites. There are two food and beverage outlets, an outdoor swimming pool, a jacuzzi, a fitness centre, and a library.
$
Best for extended stays.
Nova Park Hotel – 80/164 Moo 9, Soi Sukrudee (Soi AR) Pattaya City, Chonburi, Thailand.
Avani Pattaya Resort and Spa
Located opposite the beach, the Avani Pattaya Resort and spa has 299 rooms and suites, and all of them have balconies with ocean or garden views. There are six food and beverage outlets, an outdoor swimming pool, a spa, a fitness centre, and two roof-top tennis courts.
$$$$
Best for avid tennis players.
Avani Pattaya Resort and Spa – 218/2-4 Moo 10, Beach Road, Pattaya, Thailand
Amari Nova Suites
Located in Central Pattaya, Amari Nova Suites has 105 rooms ranging from studios to three bedroom units. All rooms have balconies. The hotel has a bistro, a fitness centre, and a roof-top swimming pool.
$
Best for long-term stays.
Amari Nova Suites Pattaya – 254 M 9 Soi Petchtrakool, Pattaya, Chonburi, Thailand
Amari Residences Pattaya
Located on Big Buddha Hill, Amari Residences Pattaya has sweeping views of Pattaya Bay. The hotel has 173 rooms and suites ranging from studios to ttwo-bedroom units. There is a swimming pool with a water slide, three food and beverage outlets, and a fitness centre.
$
Best for long-term stays.
Amari Residences Pattaya – 382/14 Moo 2, Pratumnak Hills, Nongprue, Banglamung, Pattaya, Chonburi, Thailand
Baraquda Pattaya – MGallery by Sofitel
Located in the heart of Central Pattaya, Baraquda Pattaya is a hip boutique hotel with 72 compact rooms, a lovely swimming pool, and five food and beverage outlets, including a roof-top lounge perfect for watching the sun set into the sea. The breakfast buffet is especially recommended – don’t miss the eggs Benedict.
$$
Best for hipsters that want to party till they drop and then return to a hip hotel with a cool vibe.
Baraquda Pattaya MGallery by Sofitel – 485 1 Moo 10 Pattaya 2nd Road, Nongpruem Banglamung 485 1 Moo 10 Pattaya 2nd Road, Nongprue, Banglamung Pattaya, Thailand
Dusit Thani Pattaya
Set amid tropical gardens overlooking Pattaya Bay, the Dusit Thani Pattaya is a five star resort with 457 rooms and suites, all of which have private balconies. There are seven food and beverage outlets, two outdoor swimming pools, direct beach access, a full service spa, four tennis courts – the list goes on.
$$$
Best for active travelers wanting direct access to the beach in a central location.
Dusit Thani Pattaya – 240/2 Pattaya Beach Road, Pattaya, Chonburi, Thailand
InterContinental Pattaya Resort
Cascading down a headland overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, the InterContinntal Pattaya Resort has 156 rooms and suites, three food and beverage outlets, and a full-service spa.
$$$$$
Best for well-healed travelers wanting butlers at their beck and call.
InterContinental Pattaya Resort – 437 Phra Tamnak Road, Pattaya, Chonburi, Thailand
- Hotel News: Announcing a Hotel in Pattaya That Offers Personal Butlers>>
- More Hotel Information Here>>
Jomtien Beach Hotels
Located three kilometres south of Pattaya, Jomtien (sometimes spelled Chom Tian) is a bit quieter than Pattaya.
Jomtien, however, has been growing in popularity in recent years, attracting Bangkokians wanting a second home and retired expats.
Many high-rise hotels and condominiums have been built along Jomtien’s beaches. Many upscale restaurants, bars, and boutiques have also opened along the city’s streets.
Movenpick Siam Hotel Na Jomtien Pattaya
Located near the Ocean Marina Yacht Club, the Movenpick Siam Hotel Na Jomtien Pattaya has 260 rooms and suites, four food and beverage outlets, a full service spa, a large swimming pool, and direct access to the beach.
$$
Best for travelers wanting luxurious five-star accommodation outside central Pattaya.
Movenpick Siam Hotel Na Jomtien Pattaya – 55 Moo 2, Na Jomtien, Sattahip, Chonburi, Pattaya, Thailand
Renaissance Pattaya Resort and Spa
Renaissance Pattaya Resort and Spa has 257 rooms, suites, and villas, five food and beverage outlets, a full service spa, two swimming pools and a kids’ pool, and a fitness centre.
$$
Best for travelers wanting five-star luxury is a quiet part of town.
Renaissance Pattaya Resort and Spa – 9/9 Moo 3, Na Jomtien, Sattahip, Pattaya, Thailand
X2 Vibe Pattaya Seaphere
Surrounded by natural beauty, X2 Vibe Pattaya Seashere Residence is a newly opened property with 65 rooms, each of which has a private balcony, kitchenette, and dining room. There is an infinity swimming pool on the eighth floor and a cafe.
$
Best for budget-minded travelers wanting a hotel room with a kitchenette.
X2 Vibe Pattaya Seaphere Residence – 111 Moo 3 Soi Na Jomtian 32, Na Jomtien, Sattahip, Chonburi, Thailand. Tel: +66 38 237 815.
Rayong Hotels
Quieter still is Rayong, which is located 61 kilometres (38 miles) southeast of Pattaya City and 190 kilomtres (118 miles) southeast of Bangkok.
Novotel Rayong Rim Pae Resort Hotel
Situated on Rim Pae Beach, the Novotel Rayong Rim Pae Resort Hotel has an informal cafe, two swimming pools, and a kids’ pool.
$
Best for budget-minded families and business travelers.
Novotel Rayong Rim Pae Resort Hotel -4/5 Moo 3 Pae Kkaeng Kram Road, Chark Pong Klaeng, Rayong, Thailand
Rayong Marriott Resort and Spa
Located on the beach in Rayong, the Rayong Marriott Resort and Spa has 205 rooms and suites, three restaurants, two bars, and a spa with eight treatment rooms. There is an island view pool with underwater music and a 140-metre lagoon pool with two water slides and an aquarium.
$$$
Best for families because of its aquarium, water slides, and underwater music.
Rayong Marriott Resort and Spa -99/5 Moo 2, Pae-Klaengt-Kram Road, Chakpong, Klaeng Rayong, Thailand
Best Time to Book Pattaya Hotel Rooms
Like most of Thailand, Pattaya has a tropical climate, which means there are essentially just two seasons: wet and dry. The temperature doesn’t vary much from month to month.
November to February is considered the best time to visit Pattaya. The weather is slightly cooler, and most days are clear and sunny. There is only occasional rainfall.
The average high from November to February is 31 degrees Celsius, or 88 degrees Fahrenheit.
This is the peak tourist season so hotel rooms should be booked early, and discounts are hard to come by.
The temperature rises to an average high of 32.4 degrees Celsius, or 90 degrees Fahrenheit, during the months of March, April, and May, and April is the hottest month of the year.
The humidity also rises during this period, sometimes hitting 40-plus degrees Celsius.
April is when Songkran, or the Water Festival, takes place. and in Pattaya, it is celebrated for an entire week.
June to October is the rainy season, with an average high of 30.6 degrees Celsius, or 87 degrees Fahrenheit.
This is the off-season, and hotels frequently offer discounts to fill rooms.
Chinese New Year Advisory
And don’t forget Chinese New Year, which can fall any time between 21 January and 28 February.
While an excellent time to visit Pattaya in terms of weather, if you plan to visit during this period, make sure to book your hotel room as early as possible – and don’t expect any steep discounts.
Many Pattaya hotels and resorts will be fully booked during this very popular travel period.
How to Get to Your Pattaya Hotel from Bangkok
Pattaya is roughly a two hours’ drive from downtown Bangkok. Unless you want to drive, you can travel to Pattaya by shuttle, bus, or taxi.
If two or more of you are traveling together, I would recommend going by taxi – providing you can get the fare negotiated in advance.
How to Get to Your Pattaya Hotel from Overseas
If you are going directly to Pattaya from overseas, the good news is that it’s relatively close to Thailand’s busiest airport.
And another airport, which is even closer, is starting to attract international service, as well.
Pattaya is just 90 minutes from Suvarnabhumi International Airport and 45 to 50 minutes from U-Tapao / Rayon / Pattaya International Airport.
A third option is Don Mueang International Airport, which is considerably more distant. The drive takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Suvarnabhumi Airport is served mostly by international airlines as well as domestic airlines flying to foreign travel destinations.
U-Tapao was traditionally used for travel to domestic travel destinations, but it is starting to attract major airlines flying to international destinations.
Qatar Airways launched service to the airport in December 2017, and other airlines are sure to follow suit shortly.
This will make Pattaya an even more attractive travel destination for overseas beach-goers.
Don Mueang is used mostly for domestic flights and by budget carriers.
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Where to Stay in Pattaya, Thailand, contains affiliate links. It is the latest in a series of guides to hotels and resorts in popular Thai travel destinations.