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. 

This 18-room boutique hotel has a fun and funky Miami Art Decor theme. It has an incredibly central location in the middle of Beach Road, right across from the sand. Stylish rooms and suites feature high-end amenities as well as small balconies with sea and sunset views. Overall, this a great upscale option, though it's also more expensive than most -- the nearby Hard Rock Hotel is cheaper and has a bigger pool. But with 320 rooms, it doesn't offer the intimate experience that the Wave Hotel does.

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 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 72-room Hotel Baraquda Pattaya - MGallery by Sofitel is a luxury boutique with a nautical theme. While not along the water, the hotel is a quick four-minute walk to the beach and near ample restaurants and bars. The hotel has a striking, funky contemporary design throughout. Stylish rooms are air-conditioned, and equipped with minibars, flat-screen TVs, and bathrobes, while upgraded rooms add espresso machines and whirlpool tubs. Quality on-site features include an outdoor pool, lovely spa, well-equipped fitness center, and tiny play area for kids. A restaurant and cafe receive good reviews, and the rooftop lounge is particularly recommended. Travelers who would prefer to be along the beach and a bit removed from the action may prefer the similarly priced Royal Cliff Beach Hotel.

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 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 luxury, 264-room Cape Dara Resort, sits on a private rocky beach in an exclusive residential area of north Pattaya, about a 15-minute walk -- or a five-minute drive -- to the town center. Its two outdoor infinity pools with swim-up bars overlook the Gulf of Thailand, and its sleek modern rooms, which include suites and villas, have balconies, separate soaking tubs and walk-in showers, and sea views. The six restaurants and bars range from Ming Xing for fine-dining Cantonese fare to beach spots serving tandoori and pizza. Travelers might also want to check out the four-and-a-half pearl Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya, which has lower rates and is closer to town.

The 89-room upscale Royal Cliff Beach Terrace is located on the Gulf of Thailand in a secluded spot away from bustling Pattaya. International couples and families come here for the gorgeous, waterfront setting, stunning private beach, infinity pool views, and resort feel, although not being within walking distance of downtown Pattaya is a drawback. Spacious romantic and family-friendly rooms have elegant furnishings, living areas, HDTVs, and swish bathrooms. Multiple eateries include Thai, Indian, and Cantonese cuisines, and bars are spread among the gorgeous grounds. An elegant spa, wine cellar, and and beachfront loungers are pro, but expect fees for the kids' club and all spa facilities. Travelers seeking a more central alternative should consider the AVANI Pattaya Resort & Spa. 

The upscale Modus Pattaya Resort is a gorgeous resort with its own private beach in a relatively quiet residential area of North Pattaya. The property has an industrial-chic design throughout, yet retains a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The 252 rooms are comfortable and stylish, outfitted with iPod docks, air-conditioning, and bathrobes, but not all have balconies. There are a lovely array of pools, with loungers in the middle of one and a swim-up bar in another, plus free water sports, a full-service spa, and kids' club are all available. Multiple restaurants and bars receive positive reviews, plus room service is available 24 hours. The location isn't ideal for those looking to be nearer to the action, so travelers may prefer the more central Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya, though rates are higher. 

The upscale, 77-room Nova Gold Hotel Pattaya is a good value for central Pattaya, and is just a 10-minute walk to Pattaya Beach. Contemporary, basic rooms have balconies plus walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads, and most have separate tubs and desktop computers. The small, shaded outdoor pool and hot tub are open all day, and an affiliated off-site restaurant, serving all meals, is less than a five-minute walk away. Freebies include Wi-Fi, an area shuttle, and garage parking. Guests desiring more amenities should consider the Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya, with its on-site restaurants, full-service spa, and extensive fitness center.

The upscale A-One The Royal Cruise Hotel is a nautical-themed hotel along the beach in Pattaya. From the exterior, it looks like a cruise ship docked next to a lighthouse, which guests may find charming or over-the-top. The theme continues into the 466 rooms too, where the contemporary spaces have blue and white linens, life-preserver mirrors, and maritime artwork. They also come equipped with minibars, kettles, flat-screen TVs, and robes. On-site features are solid, including two outdoor pools, a spa, and well-equipped gym. The two restaurants serve Thai and international cuisine and receive mostly positive reviews, plus there are piano and karaoke lounges. Guests may want to compare rates with the Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya, another beachfront theme property with more kid-friendly features. 

The luxury, 165-room Centara Grand Phratamnak Pattaya is on Phratamnak Hill in south Pattaya, across the street from Dongtan Beach. Elegant marble-clad rooms have balconies and walk-in rainfall showers -- some have jetted tubs and lovely Gulf of Thailand views. Common areas feature luxurious touches like stylish Casa Fendi furniture and stunning aquariums, with wonderful views from the rooftop pool and hot tub. Stand-out features include a Beach Club and chic spa, and four restaurants and bars. The hotel pulls plenty of guests seeking a high-end escape from all categories, including families and couples, as well as many domestic tourists.