Avani Pattaya Resort

Despite its size and location on a busy commercial street in the heart of Pattaya, the hotel has a surprisingly peaceful vibe. Guests enter along a paved walkway lined on both sides by wild tropical landscaping and step into the building through grand white pillar. Once inside, a massive elephant tusk looms over the entrance doorway, suggesting a bit of the exotic, though at the end of the day this hotel feels just slightly less than modern when it comes to style. Interiors are done in combinations of rattan furniture, simple wood-slat flooring, lots of brick, generic Thai artwork, and plenty of natural light. There are a number of places to kick-back inside the resort, though of course many guests stay here to enjoy Pattaya -- whose "charms" can be a bit notorious. Through the lobby is the outdoor Garden Cafe, where the mostly American and European businesspeople who stay here often relax with a drink in the shady courtyard. Others might be playing pool at the casual Dicey Reilly’s, another of the hotel’s bar and lounges. The numerous restaurants, plus the resort's location within a shopping mall and near the beach means the hotel also attracts families.   

The hotel is on a busy street in downtown Pattaya. The city is notorious for sex tourism -- a seemingly endless stream of bars, go-go clubs, and massage parlors line both sides of the city’s main streets. In recent years the city has tried to shift the focus to a more family-friendly one -- which meant the addition of massive shopping complexes in the downtown area. The hotel itself is housed within a five-floor shopping mall, alongside the Royal Palm Plaza, another shopping galleria. Walking Street -- the main hub for nightlife -- is just an eight minute walk from the hotel, and the beach is essentially around the corner, a five- to 10-minute walk depending on the destination. Dining options -- from cheap to fancy -- are in every direction, including popular Casa Pascal, which is just a minute away on foot, and Mantra Restaurant and Bar, about a 15-minute drive from the resort. Farther-flung local attractions include Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Gardens (about a 45-minute drive), and the first and only floating market in Pattaya, just under a 30-minute ride away. The hotel is roughly a two-hour drive from Bangkok, which is home to two international airports, though U-Tapao International Airport is an hour away. 

While the 298 rooms here are pleasant and clean, the decor is simple and business-like, and even a bit dated. Expect mostly plain white walls, hardwood flooring, and cherry wood furniture, some of which has slightly sagging cushions in older fabrics. There's little in the way of wall art, though crisp white bedding and details like black metal table lamps do add a bit of class. Despite the simplicity of their design, there are plenty of outlets and up-to-date amenities -- like minibars, free limited Wi-Fi, coffeemakers, and flat-screen TVs with cable channels. Black-out drapes, near-silent air-conditioning, and free cribs are all sleep-helping extras. There are some signs of age in rooms, though and walls could use a fresh coat of paint in some rooms and some furniture is a bit less than fresh. Outside, the red-tiled balconies make it easy to admire the lush scenery that surrounds the hotel, including the gardens or pool. Some can even see the Gulf of Thailand. Those staying in upgraded suites are granted Club Lounge access that includes free breakfast, daily cocktails, and hors d'oeuvres. The rooms are above a busy street so a bit of noise is to be expected in street-facing rooms, particularly on the lower floors, though in general they’re surprisingly well-insulated. 

The hotel’s full-service Royal Garden Spa offers a range of services in their five treatment rooms, including various styles of massage, body scrubs, and aromatherapy. The spa is also equipped with a steam room that's handy after a workout at the large 24-hour fitness center that includes modern cardio and weight machines. It's a nice step up from some of the dismal hotel gyms in the area, with tons of windows and natural light.The three eateries here range from happy hour beers and burgers at the Irish pub, Dicey Reilly’s, to Japanese cuisine at Benihana plus the Garden Cafe, which serves a wide range of international dishes. A large breakfast buffet with a number of Asian and Western options is offered daily, though it's not included in room rates. Otherwise all the hotel bars offer happy hours and light fare -- like poolside Manao Bar, which serves tropical cocktails alongside the many daybeds that surround the massive pool. At the pool, the decorative touches are reminiscent of a typical Thai aesthetic -- like thatched huts with curving roofs and scroll-like masonry details.There are a number of family-friendly features here, even if Pattaya isn't exactly the most child-friendly town. There's children’s club and babysitters, as well as a waterslide at the pool and a shallow end. Business-friendly perks include various meeting rooms, a business center, and free Wi-Fi (though it has a usage limit). Parking is also free.