The Eastern Seaboard is on the rise. The provinces of Chonburi, Chachoengsao and Rayong have been earmarked as hubs for innovation and development, the focal point of the Thai government’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) initiative. The initiative has already prompted plans to upgrade and expand infrastructure across the region, especially to enhance tourism.
A lot of those plans are centred on Pattaya, the biggest tourist draw in the EEC. From the man-made “Pattaya on Pier” project to a new and improved shoreline, changes are already underway.
With a redesign positioning Pattaya as something of a small-scale Miami Beach, discerning travellers have discovered more and more reasons to return to the city. That includes the increasing quality of the accommodation.
Of the all hotels catering to the growing demand for four- and five-star accommodation, the Hilton Pattaya has the most offer those looking to stay in the heart of the city. Connected to Southeast Asia’s largest beachfront, lifestyle, shopping and entertainment centre – CentralFestival at Pattaya Beach – the Hilton Pattaya has attracted couples, families and business travellers for nearly a decade. The hotel keeps getting better, too. So much so that the World Travel Awards named it Thailand’s Leading Lifestyle Hotel 2017 and the best Luxury Ocean View Resort (Global) 2018.
A lot of the Hilton Pattaya’s appeal stems from its extraordinary design.
Across the hotel, design inspiration is drawn the coastal city’s star attraction: the Gulf of Thailand. Even the smallest details reflect different aspects of the sea. Furnishings feature soft, smooth curves and cooling colours, resembling coral and pebbles. The fittings in the public spaces, from the carpet to crystal chandeliers, evoke sand, sunlight and gentle beach breezes.
At upscale dining venue Flare, guests go under the sea, surrounded by flowing velvet curtains and coral-inspired wood framing. Rooftop bar and restaurant Horizon provides the opposite effect, as if looking up at the sky from the surface of the water. From the infinity pool, the line is blurred: tropical plants frame the pool, where guests in the water look out onto the bay. The eforea Spa – consistently ranked among the best in Pattaya – provides views of the water, too, although the seaside theme here revolves around its beautiful, mangrove-like seclusion.
Altogether, the interior design complements the experience of being by the sea. It might even elevate that experience, in fact. Every possible vantage point affords views of the beach and bay – guestrooms, the lobby, poolside restaurant Drift, even the fitness centre – really enhancing the sense of tranquillity that travellers tend to associate with, and want from, beachside holidays.
Beyond its distinct, intuitive design, which was recognised for excellence by the Hospitality Architecture and Design Awards in 2011 and 2012, the Hilton Pattaya provides a number of exceptional amenities will appeal to astute travellers. For example, Executive Lounge privileges.
Set on the 33rd floor, the Executive Lounge offers a greater degree of privacy than the main lobby. Privileges include easy check-in, daily breakfast, afternoon tea and evening happy hours in a stylish – and most importantly quiet – lounge that is equipped with Wi-Fi.
Hilton Honors Gold and Diamond members benefit from exclusive access to the Executive Lounge, as well as room upgrades, but guests staying in Executive rooms and suites have access to the Lounge, too.
Executive guestrooms are smart choices for couples, families and business travellers for a number of reasons. Couples might take delight in the sea-facing beds and rainfall showers, business travellers will appreciate the free Wi-Fi, and families with children will no doubt be thankful for the separate living area with HDTV that come with the suites. Plus, the sea views from Executive rooms and suites are utterly unobstructed.
Those in search of more space should consider the 78-sq-m King Deluxe Ocean Suite. The suite is packed with amenities: Executive Lounge access, a separate living area, free Wi-Fi, Crabtree & Evelyn bath products and beautiful views, day or night, through floor-to-ceiling windows that lead out onto a unique “live-in live-out” area on an extended private balcony. A lounger occupies one corner of this spacious balcony; on the other, an outdoor bathtub. (The suite is located on a floor much higher than any other building in the vicinity, so your privacy is guaranteed.)
The roomiest of all is the 138-sq-m, two-bedroom apartment, which is ideal for groups and families, specifically those staying long-term. Set on the 19th floor, the apartment features all the above-mentioned amenities, as well as one master bedroom with a king-sized bed, a second bedroom with a double bed, and a full kitchen with a refrigerator, oven and microwave.
Considering the kind of sanctuary-like comfort the Hilton Pattaya achieves, it is easy to see why the hotel has become a leading destination for outside guests as well.
The afternoon tea served at Drift, a spacious indoor-outdoor restaurant set beside the pool and the lobby, is almost an institution these days. As the sun begins its slow descent into the sea, Drift fills with people soaking up the setting over some truly excellent house-made pastries and tea. Many aim for seats in the cocoon-shaped loungers set above a shallow pool.
Others head for Horizon, where sundowners have become just as popular at the end of the day. The 34th-floor setting is a little more atmospheric – above rather than with the water.
With the EEC coming into the picture, and Pattaya becoming more and more of a high-end destination, the Hilton Pattaya remains a smart choice for travellers with taste.
Hilton Honors members enjoy special discounts on rooms, on top of many other benefits. For more information on membership and amenities, please visit www.pattaya.hilton.com.
HILTON PATTAYA 333/101 Moo 9, Nong Prue, Bang Lamung, Chonburi 20260.Tel. +66 (0)38 253 000; Email: BKKHP.Pattaya.Reservations@hilton.com
