Hilton Pattaya

For a brand that seems to take design cues from the thousands of corporate guests staying in their chain outposts every night, the Hilton Pattaya is a refreshing departure. This sophisticated hotel towers above the CentralFestival Pattaya Beach shopping center, ideally located just across the road from the main beach and within a brief walk of various restaurants and bars. The decor has a sense of Zen and tranquility, all executed with an elegant touch: pebble-shaped pillow seats and low wooden tables are sparingly placed around the wide, sunny lobby, while standing lamps appear to cascade over them like bright droplets of water. Minimalist wood paneling plus white and cream tones emphasize the carefully placed lights that sparkle along the flowing, textured ceiling above. It makes for a chic interpretation of natural beauty that's a nice counterpoint to the slightly sleazy and wild goings on outside of the hotel in Pattaya. The hotel’s attention to detail and high standards have made it popular with all kinds of travelers. The business-friendly perks -- like the small 24-hour gym -- draw plenty of business travelers, and Horizon, the rooftop restaurant and bar, is a popular feature for the many tourists who pass through. 

The hotel is perched above downtown Pattaya, on top of the largest oceanfront mall in Asia -- which includes an arcade, bowling alley, and cinema along with a wide variety of shops and kiosks spread over seven floors. In addition to the restaurants within the mall, there are various places to find a bite to eat within a short walk -- like the popular Hard Rock Cafe, which is just a seven-minute walk away from the Hilton. Walking Street is 15 minutes away on foot, and is a popular hub for nightlife, with plenty of bars and clubs lining the pedestrian-only path. Note that this is also where the seedier elements of Pattaya’s sex trade are especially visible. The busy beach here is popular with jet-skiers and parasailers -- it’s just across the road (about a minute’s walk from the hotel). Otherwise Jomtien Beach lies about 25 minutes south by car.

There are various local attractions unique to the area, like Sanctuary of Truth, a huge wooden temple filled with Buddhist and Hindu imagery -- also a 25-minute drive from the hotel. The first and only floating market in Pattaya balances on the waterfront a 20-minute drive from downtown. Nong Nooch (a lovely botanical garden) is about 35 to 40 minutes from the hotel by car. Bangkok, home to Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang International Airports are both roughly two hours from the hotel by car, though Utapao Airport -- which sees far fewer flights -- is an hour away as well.. 

While public interiors in this hotel have an almost futuristic look to them, the rooms are simpler, but still contemporary and sharp. Design embraces minimalist concepts: mostly beige tones plus clear glass and wood furnishings spread across large and bright spaces. The attention to detail is fitting for a hotel of this category: a bedside menu lets you determine the exact fluffiness of the pillows, and bathrooms feature plush bathrobes, deep-soaking tubs, lots of white marble, and a wall of clear glass for extra brightness. Keep in mind, though, that the glass bathroom walls do mean a bit less privacy for those traveling together. Furniture has sleek, almost retro, curvilinear lines, and light blue blackout curtains open to a balcony outside. Most of the 302 rooms offer at least a glimpse of the sea, but proper views are best seen from the upgraded sea-facing suites. Those rooms above the beach or road might be noisier than others, sometimes until late into the night. All rooms include standard Wi-Fi (premium service comes at a fee), and modern amenities like flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, mini-fridges, and electric kettles. Perks for upgrading to the Executive Rooms include private outdoor hot tubs, daily cocktails, and lounge access.  

The hotel's various bars, cafes, and restaurants have one-syllable names plus a hip and modern ambience that's a step above most Hilton restaurant offerings. There's Thai fine dining at Flare plus Drift cafe and Edge restaurant that both offer lovely open-air seating overlooking the beach. Meanwhile, Horizon, on the 34th floor might have the best panoramic views of Pattaya -- and the food is good, too. Its rooftop terrace provides a chic backdrop for sipping the bar’s specialty cocktails. The varied breakfast buffet is sadly not free here, but it’s at least worth the price tag according to most previous guests.  

Cocoon-like daybeds surround the impeccably clean infinity pool, which winds gently along the manicured grass, and appears to almost disappear into the blue sea below it. If that’s not relaxing enough -- the full-service Eforea Spa spans six rooms and offers a range of treatments, from mud baths to hot stone massages and body wraps. It's worth sticking around after treatments for post-spa tea and chocolate cake. The 24-hour fitness center is a bit small, but features up-to-date cardio equipment, yoga, and fitness classes. There's also a steam room, sauna, and three hot tubs. Self-parking or valet is free and secure at the hotel, and standard Wi-Fi is also free. The hotel has meeting space for business events as well.