Hotels in Pattaya

Because of its international reputation, it's not surprising that visiting Pattaya wasn't at the top of the list for many tourists in Thailand until a few years ago. That's changed, and in recent years you can see a steady stream of travelers of all ages flocking there. Pattaya offers a wide range of activities and scenery, and can serve as a very convenient base for exploring parts of Thailand that not many visitors reach. You can avoid the more questionable areas of the city and still have plenty of areas left to enjoy and get the most out of this vibrant beach city. It's worth remembering that Pattaya is a coastal city, located on the eastern side of the Gulf of Thailand. That's why most of the tourist areas are located along the coast, from north to south.

When is the best time to visit Pattaya?

The peak number of tourists arriving in Pattaya is around January-February, and during this season, accommodation and attraction costs are at their highest. This is when the weather is most pleasant, which is why most parties and festivals take place then. In addition, Pattaya's southern location makes it especially sensitive to weather changes, so the monsoon season makes things difficult for travelers and is accordingly marked by a drop in bookings and, correspondingly, a drop in hotel prices.

Where should you stay in Pattaya?

Because there are specific areas of the city where staying could ruin your vacation, it's a good idea to pay close attention to where the hotel you're booking is located. A hotel's popularity among other travelers doesn't necessarily mean it's right for you too. Roughly speaking, the city can be divided into a southern area, where you'll find hotels, guesthouses and rental apartments at a lower budget, and a northern area, where you'll find a larger number of luxury hotels and the surroundings are better suited to a family vacation.

The southern areas of the city, which include South Pattaya (the southern part of the beach) and the Soi Buakhao district, have the highest concentration of nightclubs, pubs and entertainment venues. That's why this cluster of streets is mostly home to young travelers, and is characterized by low-cost guesthouses and relatively low-level infrastructure. In addition, the area's constant noise and hustle keep families and more laid-back travelers away.

If you head north, you'll reach the central area of Pattaya Beach, which is also a major hub for nightlife and parties. The beach is known for the large number of visitors it draws, and the heavy crowds keep away tourists looking for peace and quiet. It's characterized by somewhat higher-standard hotels than the southern part, and its proximity to the city center also widens the range of accommodation options. The city center itself isn't an attractive area from a tourism standpoint, but you can definitely find some hotel bargains there.

Finally, the northernmost part of the beach is also the quietest, and it's home to the largest number of luxury hotels. North Pattaya is a good fit if you're looking to stay in a quieter part of the city. The high-quality facilities of the hotels in this area let you enjoy a quality vacation while still having easy access to the city's many attractions. That said, keep in mind that hotel prices here will also be higher than in other parts of the city.

For those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Pattaya Beach, it's worth considering a hotel in the area of Jomtine beach. This beach, about a quarter-hour's ride by public transportation from Pattaya Beach, is a quiet, beautiful beach that's cleaner than its central counterpart. Here you'll find mid-range hotels, and it's a great area for families or anyone who wants to enjoy the Gulf of Thailand without dealing with the chaos of the city.