PATTAYA’S HOTEL SCENE HOTS UP

Pattaya’s hotel scene is changing as new hotels open to give the resort around 2,000 additional rooms this year, compared with the current inventory of 13,196 rooms in all categories. Occupancy is likely to decrease by 10% this year. Three-star hotels will perform best.

Good news for travellers. The choice grows by the day as resorts open on beachfront sites to the south and north of the resort.

Here are the details of three hotels that appeal to different markets and offer a wide selection of room categories. Also located on different beaches they represent the variety that Pattaya delivers on the hotel scene.

Pattaya Sea Sand Sea Resort and Spa

Location: On the beach, 163 km from Bangkok and 15 south of Pattaya. A 90-minute transfer from Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Specs: A 60-room boutique-style resort set in a tropical Bali replica garden, complemented by 27 oversized stand-alone private pool villas suite and garden suite with Jacuzzi, restaurant, spa and health club.

Signature: Beach lifestyle – beachside restaurant, private pools for each villa, beach-side free-form swimming pool with Jacuzzi and a pool bar.

Appeal: Families with young children. Close to Nongnuch Tropical Garden and show.

Rates: Low season offer Bt2,500

Contact: www.SeaSandSunpty.com

Zign Pattaya

Location: Beachside on Wongprachan bay, Naklua, North Pattaya, 145 km from Bangkok, approximately 5 km north of mainbay Pattaya.

Specs: There are 959 rooms including 107 villas and 852 rooms in three building each with their own distinctive architectural style

Signature: Zphora Spa offers holistic treatments along with a variety of spa packages including Thai traditional massage. Uses Zphora branded products throughout the spa.

Appeal: Hip hop style. Young couples who are looking for a up-market beach location in Pattaya but still close to the resort’s shopping, dining and entertainment options.

Rates: Low season Bt2,800 deal avaliable

Contact: www.thezignhotel.com

Nusa Playa Hotel and Spa

Location: Faces the Jomtien beach road, which separates hotel from beach. About 10 km south of mainbay Pattaya, 150 km from Bangkok.

Specs: This 37-storey high tower has 580 rooms and suites. Breathtaking views of the bay and sunsets over the islands from the balconies, swimming pool pub, spa a single restaurant and meeting room.

Signature: Room balconies and superb view of the bay and island.

Appeal: Quiet spot for families and tourist who are not particularly keen to visit Pattaya’s nightlife scene in the next bay.

Rates: Leads in with a Bt2,000

a night rate on internet sites.

Contact: www.nusaplaya.com

Rabbit Resort Pattaya

Location: Just south of the Pattaya headland on Dongtan beach, North Jomtien. Direct access from the resort to the beach.

Specs: Owned by Mr and Mrs Rabbit (Paisan and Deborah Bundityanond) hence the name. Resort features 49 wooden chalets and villas, all with balconies overlooking garden. Rooms have walk in wardrobe and tea and coffee maker. Most villas are within 10 metres of two free-form swimming pools. A single grill/restaurant is the venue – breakfast through to dinner.

Signature: Thai Beach Houses individually furnished with antiques, extensive wood, original artwork, and handmade fabrics. Owners meet with all guests.

Appeal: Couples and honeymooners.

Rates: Start at Bt5,500

Contacts: www.rabbitresort.com

Palm Grove Resort

Location: 15 km south of Pattaya, set back from Ban Amphure Beach, Jomtien bay, property stands adjacent to Soi Najomtien 40 and 42, 300 metres from the beach road.

Specs: Two-storey Spanish style building on each side of a garden pool with 25 units varying in size from 51 sqm for a one bedroom unit to 101 for two-bedroom units. 15 pool villas have a floor space of 280 sqm. One restaurant and bar, two swimming pools

Signature: Full kitchen facilities for self catering in all units.

Appeal: Families on a budget.

Rates: Starts at Bt5,400 for basic unit.

Contacts: www.palmgroveresort.com

Ravindra Beach Resort and Spa

Location: Approximately 15 km south of Pattaya on Jomtien Beach. Has a 100-metre long beach front and direct access from resort to beach.

Specs: Features 277 rooms and suites in low-rise colonial style building. Five separate pool vilas. A beach-side restaurant is the venue for seafood dishes. Coffee shop open around the clock and fine-dining restaurant with Mediterranean menu. Karaoke club and lobby lounge bar. Lagoon pools with poolside bar.

Signature: Beach side wedding ceremonies with a traditional Thai ceremony and honeymoon package.

Appeal: Couples and long-stay guests who can give Pattaya night life a miss.

Rates: Start at Bt3,825

Contacts: www.ravindraresort.com

Dor-Shada Resort by the Sea

Location: Takes full advantage of its on-beach location at the quiet, northern end of Najomthien. Shops and entertainment in main-bay Pattaya are just a 15 minute drive away.

Specs: Stylish modern Thai architecture, the resort has 172 rooms and 16 pool villas. Features all the basic facilities – restaurant, bar, lobby lounge and one main swimming pool with four private pools for the villas. Family orientated facilities include a mini golf course, a kids club, fitness and business centres while the spa sports a comprehensive treatment menu.

Signature: Quiet beach location and free wireless internet throughout the resort.

Appeal: Business traveller taking a break with the family.

Rates: Start at Bt3,500

Contact: www.dor-shadaresort.com