Amazing Thailand
Most of the hotels I’ve stayed at in Southeast Asia offer a welcome drink on arrival.
Dusit D2 Baraquda in Pattaya was the first one that gave me a drinks menu so that I could order a drink to my own – rather than the F&B manager’s – liking.
Another first: the lobby was actually a cocktail lounge (see bottom photo). I was invited to sit down in a comfortable chair and enjoy my beverage rather than consuming it while standing at the front desk.
And speaking of the front desk, it doubles as a bar. Or perhaps I should say, the bar doubles as a front desk! I stayed at the hotel two nights.
Euro Modern Design
Having won several awards for its sleek, Euro-modern design, the Dusit D2 Baraquda has an off-white and blue and orange colour scheme, which extends throughout the property – from the blue mosaic swimming pool with bright orange balls floating on the surface to the blue plastic panels adorning the balconies overlooking the pool. Even the mannequins in the gift shop sport blue and orange outfits (see top photo)!
A boutique hotel, Dusit D2 Baraquda has 72 rooms and suites. Each has its own balcony overlooking the pool. Include are four two-level D’suites and eight studio suites with spa-like bathrooms with Jacuzzi-style bathtubs. Facilities include a fitness centre, a spa, meeting rooms, and several F&B outlets (more on these in a future post).
Located on Pattaya 2 Road in the heart of the city’s entertainment, shopping, and tourism district, it is one block from the beach. The Avenue, with a Villa supermarket, is situated right next door. That is significant if you like wine because Villa supermarkets are exempt from Thailand liquor laws, which forbid the sale of alcoholic beverages at most venues during certain times of the day.
There is a bookshop with English language books and periodicals and several boutiques selling apparel, sportswear, and other items.
After dark, a thriving night market gets underway in front of the mall. The upscale Central Festival shopping mall is located a few blocks further down Pattaya 2 Road.
The Neighborhood
The zone is full of bars and pubs, cabarets, night clubs, massage parlours – you name it, and you are likely to find it. There are eateries serving all kinds of food, from domestic to international, from casual dining to haute cuisine. There are also cafes and coffee houses.
Many of the open air bars and clubs in the neighborhood have bands playing Thai and international music into the wee hours. The zone has an undeniable buzz.
Important Update!
I spent another night at the hotel several years later. The property had been acquired by the French-based AccorHotels group and rebranded at the Baraquda Pattaya MGallery by Sofitel.
Click on the following links for an updated review of the hotel …