Pattaya Modus Beachfront Resort

The four-pearl Modus Pattaya Resort is situated in a quiet part of town, giving it an atmosphere suitable for both couples and families. The hotel has a chic industrial design throughout, though it's most evident in the lobby -- think exposed wood beams, metal rods and walls, and blueprint-inspired wallpaper. Brown leather sofas, tufted purple armchairs, and framed wall decor add some coziness. This theme carries over into Modus Bistro, which has gothic-style chandeliers, hanging chains, and studded chairs, but everything is well-thought and impressive. In addition to the private beach, the resort has an array of bars, pools, and amenities, which makes it easy for guests to simply stay on-site for a majority of their stay. 

The resort is set in a relatively quiet residential section, away from the bustling nightlife of Pattaya. The hotel is about a 15-minute walk from the well-known Sanctuary of Truth, a temple built with Teak wood and not a single nail. While other attractions are farther away, the resort offers a shuttle that goes to the main road and from there, tuk-tuks can take guests to their destination. A car rental agency is close by, as well, and on-site parking is free. U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport is an hour away by car, while Suvarnabhumi International is 90 minutes and Don Muang International is two hours.  For families traveling with children, Pattaya offers several theme parks. Mini-Siam amusement park is 15 minutes away by car; Underwater World is 25 minutes; Pattaya Park is 30 minutes; and Greta Farm is 40 minutes away. Some guests may prefer to visit other beaches. Jomtien, for example, is considered cleaner than Wong Amat Beach (where the resort is located) and is a 30-minute drive. The Bali Hai pier, about 25 minutes away by road, has ferries going out to Coral Island, a 45-minute boat ride away. 

The resort has 252 air-conditioned rooms with a masculine vibe thanks to the continued industrial theme of the hotel. There are lots of cement, metal accents, and neutral shades of brown, black, and gray, plus fun touches such as miniature columns acting as bases for metal lamps. Amenities are top-notch and include minibars, tea- and coffee-making facilities, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and iPod docks. Inside the wardrobes, guests will also find safes, bathrobes, slippers, and flashlights. Sleek bathrooms have attractive mosaic tiling, double basin sinks, magnifying mirrors, scales, and toiletries. Lower-category rooms have walk-in showers, while upgraded rooms have showers and separate bathtubs.     The Deluxe Family Residences sleep two adults and two children, with bunk beds for the kids and their own bathroom. There are kitchenettes with the basics needed for preparing small meals, plus dining tables and spacious living rooms. Some rooms have furnished balconies with sea views, while others have direct access to the pool.

Certainly the crowning feature of the resort is its wide private beachfront lined with loungers under umbrellas. There, guests can rent free water sports such as kayaks and catamarans. Overlooking the ocean are four somewhat small pools, all in close proximity to one another; one is an infinity pool with submerged loungers, while another is a children’s pool. One of the pools houses a swim-up bar, Ripples, which serves light snacks and beverages. Spa Cenvaree is an elegant full-service spa offering multiple treatment options for pampering. The modern Fitness Center is in a solarium, and equipped with cardio and strength-training machines, and free weights. Kids are well-catered to with a game room that has foosball and computer stations, a colorful play area with a small ball pit for little ones, and babysitting services for a fee. Two fully equipped meeting rooms are on-site and Wi-Fi is free throughout. Food across the board receives positive reviews. The Modus Bistro serves Italian food but adds international fare from Europe and Asia, too. The Twilight Restaurant and Lounge is an elegant spot that serves tapas, wine, and cocktails with pleasant ocean views. The Breeze Beach Club is casual, offering comfort food and seafood on its menu. A Lobby Lounge serves alcoholic beverages, plus coffee and pastries.