Bella Express Hotel

The Bella Express is a three-pearl property in central Pattaya with budget-friendly rates. The design is colorful and modern, though a bit disjointed throughout the property. The lobby has a garish mix of orange decorative scaffolding lined with flags of various countries, lucite chairs, a chandelier, bright-red and yellow chairs,  and a yellow ceiling. This look continues into the adjacent restaurant with bright-yellow and lime-green decor, but the spa and pool areas are significantly more understated and attractive. Guests are primarily from India and other Asian countries, and largely groups of male friends. Note that guests are allowed, though they must provide ID cards. 

The Bella Express has a central location set a seven-minute walk from Pattaya Beach. It's close to the restaurants and shops, but guests will likely need a tuk-tuk or taxi to reach Walking Street, which is a 10-minute drive away. There are several attractions within walking distance, and most are within a 40-minute drive, at the most. 

• 10-minute walk to Central Festival Pattaya
• 20-minute walk to Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum
• 10-minute drive to Underwater World 
• 15-minute drive to Pattaya Park
• 15-minute drive to Pattaya Exhibition and Convention Hall
• 20-minute drive to Jomtien Beach 
• 20-minute drive to Sanctuary of Truth 
• 30-minute drive to Pattaya Shooting Park
• 40-minute drive to Nong Nooch Botanical Gardens

The Bella Express has Standard, Deluxe, and Superior Rooms, all of which have colorful, mostly contemporary decor. The Standard and Superior Rooms have a minimal design that includes white tile floors, metal desks, plastic chairs, and walls painted in colorful shades such as lime-green, pink, or periwinkle. Deluxe Rooms have more attractive wood floors and kettles, but the rest of the furnishings are largely the same. The balconies are a decent size, but they're unfurnished and Standard Rooms have walls with cut-out holes, which block a lot of the urban view. All rooms have mini-fridges with two bottles of water, coffee mugs, air conditioners, safes, and TVs that are either flat-screen or old tube-style. Internet can be picked up in the rooms. Bathrooms have some decorative tiling, shower/tub combos, and soap dispensers. Hairdryers are located in the bedrooms under the mirrors.  Some of the furniture is showing wear and tear.

For a three-pearl property catering to budget seekers, the Bella Express has an unexpected amount of quality features. Most notable is the lovely outdoor pool, which is large for a hotel of this size. The square pool has a waterslide and a bridge that leads to a little island with a table and chairs. There’s a section for kids or adults to wade in. Loungers are spread out on the lower and upper decks. The “A Touch of Relaxation” Spa is a traditional spa with lovely Thai decor, offering massages, a sauna, and steam room. The modern fitness center is a small room with a few treadmills, resistance training, and free weights. The Circle Restaurant is open for breakfast and dinner, serving buffet dishes with a lean toward Indian cuisine. Food generally receives positive reviews. Wi-Fi and parking are both free.