Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya

Representing two cliffs connected by rope bridges, this 18-story, family-friendly hotel has elephant statues and stone fountains -- among other outsized and themed decor -- plus a dramatic entryway crafted from massive bamboo poles formed into a walk-through tube. It's a fittingly impressive way to step inside of a resort that seeks to create an all-encompassing world for its guests. A tropical Lost World design defines the common areas, from the spacious lobby to the contemporary restaurants, and the tropical adventure motif is seen in the animal carvings, vibrant jungle landscaping, and rampant use of teak and other hardwoods throughout. A stream with waterfalls flows in front of the modern Spa Cenvaree, and magnificent gardens surrounds the property. The decor throughout could collapse into kitsch at any point, but somewhat mysteriously never does. The resort draws mostly families, but couples frequent it too.

The Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort sits on Wong Amat Beach in North Pattaya. There are a few restaurants and shops in the area, but this is by no means the heart of Pattaya. The bulk of the shopping, restaurants, bars, and attractions are south of the hotel -- drives can take anywhere from five to 20 minutes depending on the destination. Tiffany’s Show (a popular drag cabaret), Central Center shopping complex, and Art in Paradise (a family-friendly 3D museum) are about a five-minute drive away, while the architecturally striking Sanctuary of Truth temple and Crescent Moon Beach are a 10-minute drive. Walking Street, a lively and somewhat seedy entertainment district, is a 15-minute drive from the hotel. The closest airport is Utapao Pattaya Airport, a 50-minute drive south of the hotel. Bangkok is also home to two major airports, and is a two-hour drive from the hotel.

The Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort's 555 bright, earth-toned rooms follow the jungle-influenced Lost World theme as well -- some feature wooden wall details and birds, while others showcase stone carvings and bamboo bed frames. That being said, these rooms resist becoming tacky, a feat achieved by contemporary details like stacked stone walls, free-form day bed lounge chairs, attractively patterned carpets over off-white tile or hardwood floors. Still, the design won't be for everyone. All have air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, free bottled water, and minibars. Every room also has a furnished balcony with beautiful ocean views. Family Rooms include kids' rooms with bunk beds. Some rooms have spacious living rooms with wet bars, full kitchens, and private pools. The higher the room category, the splashier and more luxurious the decor becomes. The Royal Suite is jaw-dropping. The two-floor space has a floating hardwood staircase, woven basket light fixtures, low-slung wicker seating in the massive living room, and vibrantly colored abstract canvases hung throughout. Chic contemporary sculptures add even more visual intrigue, while trunk-inspired benches sit at the foot of the master bed, with a gorgeous hardwood canopy hanging over it. This is to say nothing of the walls of windows and sea views.Stone and bamboo pillars continue the Lost World theme in the modern bathrooms, as do the wooden stick frames around the mirrors. Bathrooms have soaking tubs, while frosted glass doors open to separate walk-in rainfall showers (some bathrooms have only shower/tub combos). Several bathrooms have jetted tubs, and all come with toiletries. The open-concept bathrooms, with shower windows and curtains separating them from the main area, might compromise privacy for some. 

The big Lost World Water Park, with its lazy river, waterslides, and rope bridges connecting the different sections, is a feature not seen in almost any other Pattaya hotel. Monsoon Island splash pad offers water guns and fountains, and whirlpools are spread throughout the park. Trees and rock accents surround each of the five outdoor pools -- from the adults-only and kids' pools to the infinity, lap, and free-form pools. The hotel’s private sandy beach offers water sports, including kayaking and sailing.A Vichy rain shower, plunge pools, sauna, and steam room are part of the Spa Cenvaree, which also includes a fitness center with a range of cardio and weight machines, free weights, and a hot tub. The eight on-site restaurants and bars offer a wide range of cuisines, from Italian and Middle Eastern to Caribbean and barbecue; some serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while others are open for small-plate snacks, cocktails, and might have a DJ. An international breakfast buffet is included with most rooms, and there is a swim-up bar and 24-hour room service. Free kids' clubs for teens and children have computers, activities, and arcade games, and on-site kid-friendly activities include rock climbing, volleyball, and tennis. Wi-Fi and a scheduled shuttle to Central Festival Pattaya are free, and there is a business center with PC and Apple computers. A Club Lounge with five daily meals and cocktails is also available, but only certain room categories give guests access.