Based on guest reviews the best hotels near this popular city centre destination are Siam Bayshore, Galaxy suites, Jasmine Hotel, Nova Platinum, The Beverly Hotel, Mike Hotel and Grand Hotel Pattaya.

For those looking for hotels near Central Festival Pattaya, consider the Bayview Hotel, Acqua Hotel, Brighton Grand Hotel Pattaya, Golden Tulip Essential Pattaya Hotel, Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya and Thai Garden Resort, all within a short distance of the Pattaya beach.

For couples travelling together, the following couples-friendly or adults-only hotels are recommended:
ZEN Rooms LK Metro, The Haven Hotel & Restaurant, Nomad Resort – Adult Only, The Penthouse Hotel, Royal Wing Suites & Spa, Mytt Beach Hotel, Royal Cliff Grand Hote, Siam@Siam Design Hotel, Wave Hotel, Rabbit Resort, The Agate Pattaya Boutique Resort and Acqua Hotel.

The best Pattaya hotel accommodation for families as ranked by guest reviews are:
The Bayview, Dusit Thani, Hard Rock Hotel, Holiday Inn, InterContinental, Siam Bayshore, Centara Grand Mirage, and Birds & Bees Resort, with some offering free cancellation.

Hotels in Pattaya with some of the best Gulf of Thailand views include:
The Monttra Pattaya, Sea Me Spring Too, Veranda Resort Pattaya – MGallery, Grande Centre Point Pattaya, The Monttra, Dusit Thani, Cape Dara Resort, Pattaya Modus Beachfront Resort, Pullman Pattaya Hotel G, and InterContinental.

Consider some of these luxurious places to stay in Pattaya:
Na Jomtien: Mason, Renaissance Pattaya Resort & Spa, Mövenpick Siam Hotel, U Pattaya Hotel
Naklua: Cape Dara Resort
Central Pattaya: Avani Pattaya Resort & Spa
Phra Tamnak Hill: InterContinental (private beach access)

According to traveller ratings some of the best hotels with spas in Pattaya are:
Renaissance Pattaya Resort & Spa, InterContinental, Mytt Beach Hotel, Royal Wing Suites & Spa, Royal Cliff Grand Hotel, Royal Cliff Beach Hotel, The Agate Pattaya Boutique Resort, Centra by Centara Maris Resort Jomtien, Siam Bayshore and the Bayview Hotel.

Pattaya Blue Sky, Le Prive Pattaya (awarded #1 Best Value of 29 Budget Hotels in Pattaya), Baywalk Residence Pattaya #2 Best value), The Seasons Pattaya (#3 Best Value), The Beverly Hotel Pattaya (#4 Best Value), The Venue Residence Cabaret Spa (#5 Best Value) are just a few of the many budget accommodation options in Pattaya nearer the city centre. These have per night options, free cancellation policies, and other discounts to give guests a good deal and value for money holiday.

Most hotels in Pattaya offer free cancellation policies, among the hotel deals available to their guests. The Golden Tulip Pattaya Beach Resort, Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort, U Jomtien Pattaya, and the Dusit Thani Pattaya are just among them.

Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort, U Jomtien Pattaya, Dusit Thani Pattaya, Pullman Pattaya Hotel G, Hilton Pattaya, Pattaya Discovery Beach Hotel, Cosi Pattaya Wong Amat, Cape Dara Resort, and almost all Pattaya hotels have a swimming pool and even a rooftop pool.

Like the above-named hotels and more, hotels in Pattaya generally have free parking among the amenities for their guests.

The Travel Lodge Pattaya Hotel, SN Plus Hotel, Bella Villa, SN Connx, Mantra Pura Resort and Spa, The Cottage, Golden Tulip Pattaya Beach Resort, JP Villa, Diana Garden Resort, Mike Garden Resort Hotel, The Siamese Hotel, Grand Palazzo Hotel, are just among the accommodation option of the best hotels, in Pattaya as per guest reviews, near the U-Tapao-Rayong Pattaya International Airport. These may not be as near to the city centre as the others but time-conscious guests would opt for a deal in these places, regardless of discounts in the prices per night or not.

The best months to visit Pattaya according to guest reviews and travel sites are from November to February. In that period the weather is pleasantly mild, neither too hot nor too cold. This time is also peak season, and the hotels in Pattaya will be offering a good deal with free cancellation, discounts and prices per night.

Here are some of the resorts and best hotels in Pattaya with accommodation options for adults only, as rated “very good” to “excellent” by guest reviews: The Zen Rooms LK Metro, Nieuw Vlaanderen, Grand Hotel Pattaya, Baywalk Residence, Xanadu Beach Resort Koh Lan, PS Apartment (D Xpress), Max Hotel, D Hotel Pattaya, View Talay Beach Pattaya Condominium.

The U Jomtien Pattaya Hotel, Golden Tulip Pattaya Beach Resort, Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya, Pullman Pattaya Hotel G, the Dusit Thani Pattaya, the Hilton Pattaya, Amari Pattaya, Avani Pattaya Resort, Wave Hotel, are just a few of the best of where to stay in Pattaya near the beach.

Here are some tips to have a fun stay in Pattaya which you can read in guest reviews or any travel advisory:
– Avoid the so-called seedy areas of Pattaya. There are more than a thousand bars that cater mostly to adult tourists. You will be vulnerable to petty thefts or scams. If you really want to try out the night scene, go in a group.
– Avoid offending the locals. Take off your footwear before you enter any structure with the statue of Buddha. Do not put your feet up on a table or use them to point at others. Avoid touching the head of a person, or Buddha or passing anything over the head. When offered merchandise to buy, just give a simple “No, thank you.”
– Avoid the beaches that have been polluted by open sewers, releasing mud and slime into the sea.

Pattaya is not dangerous, per se. Like any large international destination, there are dangers you might encounter and not have been used to. Here’s what to look out for when travelling to Pattaya:
When going out at night, be on guard against club raids. These are not a regular occurrence in Pattaya and raids are usually conducted to search for drugs, which are illegal not only in Pattaya but in Thailand. Those who loosen up outside the home country, don’t consider using or bringing drugs or even being with people who use drugs. You wouldn’t want to spend your precious vacation days in a Thai prison.
Massage Parlours. In the red light districts, a “Thai massage” often implies more than that. Make sure the service and the price are fixed. Otherwise, the price would be increased after it has started and even a fake police raid could happen. You would end up paying a lot more before you can leave. Just remember that these scenarios are more probable in Pattaya than in other destinations in Thailand.
Taxis without metres. If you have to take a taxi, see that the driver’s photo matches his face before you, that they know where you want to go and that the metre is running. Use the same precautions when taking the local transport, the tuk-tuk, as well.
You can have a marvellous vacation in Pattaya, just as long as you are aware of your surroundings and keep your wits about.

Pattaya was a fishing town that first became popular as a destination for US servicemen during the time of the Vietnam War. It is currently aiming to become a family-friendly seaside resort destination, perhaps to ease down its earlier reputation as a popular hub for sex tourism. Pattaya’s infamy and the resulting nightlife have influenced how the city had developed in more ways than one. Prostitution, though technically illegal in Thai law, is tolerated in some areas, Pattaya being one of those. Establishments like gogo bars, massage parlours, saunas and hourly hotels serve both foreign tourists and local customers. Thus, the efforts to reformat the image of Pattaya to a family-friendly destination.

A comparison between Phuket or Pattaya can be quite difficult.
Phuket is described to be best among Thailand’s holiday destinations as suited for families, couples with kids. Pattaya has more accommodation options, hotels and resorts with events and activities for adrenaline junkies, those who seek adventure for fun.
It will all boil down to the personal choice of what guests will consider the better value for money among the destinations in Thailand. Browsing through travel sites, reading guest reviews on both places could help decide which offerings resonate with your taste.

Pattaya is generally safe. Just check the travel advisory from your home country or embassy and do the standard travel safety protocols mentioned in any travel advisory to have a fun and safe holiday trip.
Inland Travel. As in all holiday destinations, be sure to follow standard travel protocols. When taking a taxi use only those with a metre. For the local tuk-tuk, set a fixed price and do not negotiate. Either way, make sure they know where you would want to go.
Healthcare and protection. Pattaya has a good number of pharmacies within the city centre and other parts of the city, which are well-stocked with medical supplies, medicines, herbal supplements as well. Some of the clinics in the city centre have multi-lingual staff and doctors, charging reasonable prices, too. There are 3 hospitals in Pattaya too. Important to note – do not drink tap water anywhere in Pattaya, there are no water treatment plants so the best advice is to take only boiled or bottled water.

Again, from guest reviews, Pattaya is relatively cheaper than Phuket.
Local transportation would be cheaper in Pattaya than in Phuket. Pattaya could be reached in 2 hours by bus for only $5 or less.
Phuket has a lot of 4 and 5-star hotels and these are in the best locations, nearer the beaches and the ocean. Nearer the city centre could be found the cheaper accommodation options. Hotels in Pattaya are numerous, as well, but there are fewer 4 and 5-star hotels in Pattaya; there are more budget hotels and resort even in good locations like near the beach or by the beach road. The advantage to this is that hotel prices are more reasonable; it is also more likely to get a good deal on per night stays, discounts, free cancellation or flexible cancellation policies and even amenities like a swimming pool and free wifi.
Both cities have exciting nightlife offers but an average chill-out night in Pattaya would cost less. Pattaya, thus, would give a better value for money holiday.

Pattaya is a big city, along with Bangkok and Chiang Mai, with international schools. There are more English-speaking locals you can find in Pattaya hotels and in the city centre. In the smaller towns, only in tourist areas and city centre could be found locals who speak at least some basic English, or at least understand simple and basic English questions.

Pattaya is not just safe to visit with your children and family. It has diverse hotel and tour deals with family or kid-friendly activities. Island-hopping to nearby islands, cavorting in the warm clear waters and in the water parks.
Previously known to be a party and adult entertainment destination, Pattaya is now changing its image and gearing up for family visitors, in its accommodations and activities and events.

Quite a lot! Here is a list of activities and events and places to visit and explore in Pattaya for at least three days.
Day 1. It’s Thailand, so the first logical point you look for is the beach. The most popular one being Pattaya beach. It has calm waters just right for swimming in assigned spots. There are many sundecks for a lounge on the beach in the day, and at night, bars by the beachfront.
At the edge of a beach sits The Sanctuary of Truth, an imposing structure of architectural wonder, made wholly of wood, like a heritage monument soaring toward the skies, granting an awesome view in an air of serenity.
The Pattaya View Point is just the ideal location to get a panoramic view of Pattaya Bay, relishing the cool sea breeze while making photo ops of the city.
The famous ladyboys of Thailand, Alcazar Cabaret. The legendary Alcazar Cabaret show of ladyboys bedecked in brilliant colourful costumes have entertained audiences for years now. Celebrity spoofs amid music and dance in impressive lighting and sound system complete this amazing cultural extravaganza.
Walking Street. The epitome of Pattaya nightlife, this street is closed to traffic at night. A kilometre-long strip of nightclubs, strip clubs, bars, Thai martial arts (Muay Thai) rings, cafes. A simple stroll along the street is an experience in itself.
Day 2
Coral Island, the centre of Pattaya’s watersports, is just a short ride by speedboat. There’s snorkelling, jetski or parasailing, even banana boat rides, these and more are right in Coral Island for you to enjoy.
Art in Paradise. An illusion art museum with walls painted with life-size 3D images.
Golden Buddha at Wat Phra Yai. A temple of a massive golden Buddha statue sits on a hilltop reached by stairs circled with golden dragons. The giant Buddha is surrounded by smaller versions in varying poses.
End the day with sunset watching from the Horizon Rooftop Bar, sipping cocktails. A contrast to the frenzy of the previous night, here would be a calm evening and enjoy the stunning sunet over Pattaya Bay.
Day 3
Pattaya Floating Market. Perfect spot for an authentic experience of the local culture, with hundreds of wooden houses floating in the water.
The Nong Nooch Botanical Garden. A widespread landscaped park with gardens of European themes, strolling around is like seeing different parts of the world. With daily cultural shows (dances, drum performances, Muay Thai competitions) and elephant shows.
Skydiving, Bungee Jumping and Human Slingshot – these events are easily for the taking of the daring and adventurous for land-based activities.
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling bring you to Pattaya’s underwater world. Swim in the ocean depths among the vibrant corals and many-hued fishes.
Cap the day with a drink at Beach Road. This area is dotted with chill-out bars where drinks are lower priced. With relatively mellower music, your last night would be quiet and relaxed.

Pattaya nightlife has been known all over the world, associated with words like Walking Street, with its overlapping neon sights for discos, bars, massage parlours and various types of nighttime entertainment. They say this strip in South Pattaya is an assault on one’s sense, much more than anywhere else on Thailand’s eastern seaboard.
But, Pattaya nightlife is not simply Walking Street. Other parts of Pattaya have various attractions, unique in their own way. There are streets where you can find the cheapest drinks, gay bars and clubs, cabaret shows, ladyboy bars and a lot more. Pattaya nightlife caters to whatever and however you would want your night.

Pattaya’s reputation in previous decades was for nightlife with gogo clubs, gay bars and ladyboys but guest reviews acknowledge that there are more than a few interesting places to visit in Pattaya. The cost of a Pattaya visit cheaper than Bangkok or Phuket has been cited several times, as well. In recent years, Pattaya now has many modern malls and good restaurants, not to forget good hospitals, pharmacies with staff having basic English communication skills.