The 85-suite Royal Wing Suites & Spa is the flagship and most luxurious property of a group of four hotels that occupy a 64-acre area in south Pattaya. Rooms are spacious and stylish, all with sea-view balconies, marble bathrooms, whirlpool tubs, and high-end amenities. Dining, health, and leisure facilities are also all first-class, and guests can also access  amenities across the complex. The enclave can feel a little isolated and far from bustling Pattaya's sights and sounds, which is a 10-minute drive away, but travelers will be hard-pressed to find a better luxury option anywhere in the region. 

The three-pearl Le Viman Resort is a boutique-style property with 17 tastefully decorated rooms, located in Pattaya's Phra Tamnak Hill. Not much is within walking distance of the residential setting -- it's a 10-minute tuk-tuk ride to Walking Street's nightlife or the beach -- but most guests come here to unplug from city chaos. Modern, apartment-style rooms have kitchenettes and balconies or terraces. There are two pools and hot tubs, and a fitness facility to boot, but no food service. Free Wi-Fi is available. Guests looking to stay closer to the beach at a similar price point can investigate The Seasons Pattaya, but it's less charming and intimate.

The four-pearl Rabbit Resort offers landscaped gardens and boutique-style accommodation across a mostly pedestrian road from Dongtan Beach. Guests can choose from traditional rooms in the 100 year-old main house or individual cottages. All 49 rooms are colorful and have been designed with authentic Thai accents, including Thai artwork and hand-carved furniture. Many bathrooms sport rainfall showers. There are both an adults-only and child-friendly pools available and a free breakfast is served in the hotel's beachside restaurant daily. Free Wi-Fi and on-site parking are available, and the hotel provides a tranquil resort-like escape in what can often feel like a hectic, wild town.

Hill settings afford tranquility and sensational Gulf of Thailand views at the luxurious, 372-room Royal Cliff Grand Hotel. The property is removed from downtown Pattaya, but free shuttles run there in about 10 minutes. The property is resort-like and sprawling, consisting of a private beach, stylish infinity pool, swish spa, and plenty for kids and conference travelers. Plus, guests have access to three other Royal Cliff properties in the complex. Spacious, air-conditioned rooms and suites have fine furnishings, modern amenities, sleek bathrooms, and gorgeous, sea-view balconies. Expect sea-view bars and restaurants, with standouts including a 24-hour international and Thai eateries. For a classy downtown alternative, consider the AVANI Pattaya Resort & Spa. 

The AVANI brand’s Pattaya location is a large, three-and-a-half-pearl property located in a mall along Pattaya’s main road, within walking distance of the beach and nightlife. Somewhat outdated decor has transformed this property into one of the more humble among the brand-name hotels in the area, but there are still a nice number of perks -- like a full-service spa, three restaurants, and a massive outdoor pool and bar. The hotel's general focus seems to be on tranquility and peace -- which, despite the almost 300 rooms here -- manages to be achieved via the wild, lush gardens that surround the hotel. It might be worth comparing with the Hilton Pattaya just down the road, where they don’t skimp on the extras and their room design is refreshingly modern. 

The upscale, 567-room Holiday Inn Pattaya, in the heart of Pattaya city, sits across the street from the beach. Modern, airy rooms have balconies with beautiful water views, and most bathrooms have rainfall showers. The hotel has four beautiful outdoor pools -- some infinity-style -- and five on-site restaurants and bars, a free kids' club, a fitness center and sauna, and a spa. Several of the common areas, however, get crowded with guests, and pick up outdoor traffic noise. Be aware that Wi-Fi is free only for IHG members and guests in Executive Club Rooms. 

The luxury, 555-room Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort sits on the beach in north Pattaya, about a five-minute drive to the city center. Modern, Lost World-themed rooms have luxe features like walk-in rainfall showers and separate soaking tubs, plus balconies with gulf views. The Lost World Waterpark and five outdoor pools are a big draw for families, as is the private beach. The eight on-site restaurants and bars offer a large variety of cuisines and drinks. The cramped breakfast area could use additional staff, though, and there isn't much within walking distance. Guests seeking a more romantic atmosphere should consider the beachfront Cape Dara Resort.

The upper-middle-range Bayview Hotel has 260 rooms and suites that are split between the older Garden Wing and the newer Tower Wing. Its location set back from the road in the bustling center of Pattaya keeps the hotel quiet, though there is also plenty to see and do within a short walk. While older rooms are generally pleasant, some are showing signs of age; others however are fresh and contemporary, plus have sea views. The hotel's two pools are peaceful, but child-friendly facilities are mostly absent. All in all, rates are competitive, though families will be better off at the Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya, which has a kids' club and waterslides at the pool.

The tranquil, four-pearl Dusit Thani Pattaya is a fine choice for those looking to relax on the beach, within a reasonable distance from shopping and dining, but at a remove from Pattaya's hustle. The hotel’s relatively secluded location, a 10-minute walk from shopping and dining, keeps some of the seedier elements of town thankfully at bay. While lush, manicured tropical grounds in and around the hotel make a nice impression, the 457 rooms are a bit dated. Two huge outdoor pools, kid-friendly features, a modern gym, and three on-site restaurants round out the hotel's offerings. Those who want a bit more excitement -- the city's popular nighttime Walking Street is a 20-minute cab ride away -- should investigate the similarly priced and more central Hard Rock Hotel. 

The upscale Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya remains one Pattaya's most popular international brand hotels. Rooms are modern and keep the garish rock-themed decor to a blessed minimum, with features like flat-screen TVs, minibars, and air-conditioning. Guitars are available for nightly jam sessions and there's a swim-up bar and weekend foam parties at the massive pool. A full-service spa, endless kid-friendly activities, and a beach just across the road all make this a fine pick, but the hotel's surroundings in downtown Pattaya can feel a little lurid at night. Those who aren't timid, though, will find lots of restaurants and bars nearby, meaning the sub-par food at the hotel can be sidestepped. Those wanting something a little less hectic might prefer similarly-priced Rabbit Resort nearby, which has a more intimate vibe.

Pullman Pattaya Hotel G is an upscale resort on the Wong Amat Beach in northern Pattaya, about a 20-minute drive to the city center. Its secluded location makes for a relaxing and peaceful holiday, though being away from all of the action may be a con for some. The 353 rooms are fresh and modern with flat-screen TVs, minibars, and free Wi-Fi. The Royal Suites add a sauna and hot tub. All rates include a free buffet breakfast and all-day dining is available at the Beach Club Restaurant, along with drinks and light snacks at three bars. Additional features include two outdoor swimming pools, Aisawan Spa, fitness center, event facilities, and a kids' club. Travelers looking for somewhere more central can consider Holiday Inn Pattaya, with similar rates.

The eco-friendly, upper-middle-range Thai Garden Resort, with 227 rooms, is in a safe neighborhood in north Pattaya, just a 10-minute walk from Pattaya Beach. Contemporary Thai-Burmese style rooms have large walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads, and most have furnished terraces. But, guests of low-level garden rooms sometimes find unwanted lizards, mosquitoes, and bees. The lovely outdoor pool and kids' pool are popular with families and couples, and the on-site restaurant’s breakfast buffet offers a wide selection with excellent reviews. No spa, fitness center, or elevators are available, however. Guest should also consider the Fairtex Sports Club Hotel, with lower rates, a spa, and extensive sports facilities.

The 297-room Amari Ocean Pattaya is a luxury hotel across from the beach in the quieter north end of town. It rates high with guests, who enjoy the proximity to beach and attractions, luxurious accommodations with outstanding views, and high-end cuisine. The hotel has two gorgeous pools nestled in tropical settings, plus a lovely spa and kids' club with supervised activities. Attractive, modern rooms have flat-screen TVs, minibars, and bathtubs; some have furnished balconies. The hotel's stylish restaurants and bars receive rave reviews, including the swim-up bar and striking Mantra restaurant. Note that amenities are shared with the upper-middle-range sister property, Amari Garden. It's worth comparing rates with the five-pearl Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort, which offers a plethora of amenities including a private beach.

The 280-room Siam Bayshore is an upper-middle-range resort set among lush tropical gardens at the southern end of Pattaya's popular Walking Street. While the hotel's small beach is just a short walk away, most guests stick to one of its two swimming pools (one featuring a splash pool and waterslide). Some rooms have modern neutral-tone furnishings, while others feature charming Thai decor; some offer sea views. Dining options are varied and most rates include an extensive buffet breakfast, plus there are a fitness room, massages available at the small spa, tennis courts, and meeting spaces. All in all, nature lovers will enjoy the jungle vibe, though families may prefer the Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya, which is packed with kid-friendly features.

The eco-friendly, upscale 134-room Woodlands Hotel & Resort is in a hip neighborhood in north Pattaya, just a 10-minute walk from Central Center Pattaya. Nature-themed rooms are elegant with furnished balconies and walk-in tile showers; however, mosquitoes are an issue come summer. The two outdoor pools are favorites of families and couples, and the five on-site restaurants and bars offer a large selection of different types of cuisines. No elevators are available. Guests desiring additional amenities should consider the waterfront Dusit Thani Pattaya, with its full-service spa and direct beach access, though rates will be higher.