437, Phra Tamnak Road, Pattaya, Thailand | (618) 248-8274
Thai-style luxury hotel set in lush tropical gardens
Three outdoor swimming pools, plus kids' pool
Rooms have Thai decor and outdoor areas
Three eateries including one sea-view and one oceanfront
Man-made beach with loungers and waiter service
Villas feature private plunge pools and private butlers
Some bathrooms have terrazzo tubs for two
Small spa with massage treatments and sauna
Fee for in-room Wi-Fi
Can feel a little out of the way
Evening mosquitos can be annoying
The 156-room InterContinental Pattaya Resort is a luxury chain hotel set amongst lovely tropical gardens in the Phratamnak Hill area of Pattaya. While there's little for tourists in the immediate area, the hotel provides regular free shuttles to the bustling resort center 10 minutes away; there's also a man-made beach on-site. Rooms, suites, and villas all have Thai decor and outdoor areas -- a few with sea views and others with direct pool access. Pool facilities are excellent and dining is good (though evening mosquitos can prove pesky). Prices are higher than at some nearby competitors, such as the Royal Cliff Grand Hotel and its two sister properties, but for good reason, as the level of luxury is higher here.
Scene
Luxury chain hotel with traditional Thai styling and lush tropical gardens
Guest arriving at the InterContinental Pattaya Resort are first met by a monument to the King of Thailand -- a stone altar topped with an ornate, gilt-framed portrait of the revered royal. This sets the tone for this upscale, conservative, and very much Thai-style hotel which comprises a series of traditional two- to four-story buildings arranged around six acres of grounds. Guests check in at the hotel's lobby is a breezy, open-sided pavilion typical of the region before being whisked of to their room in golf carts. The atmosphere is relaxed and peaceful, with rock pools and floral scents from the lush, tropical gardens adding to the exotic vibe. Opened in 2005 (as the Sheraton Pattaya Resort, and joining the InterContinental group in April 2016) the property has been well-maintained and feels like what one would expect from a global, luxury hotel chain. However, phases of refurbishment will be taking place into 2018. Clientele include many couples, especially honeymooners, and a fair share of families. The nearby Royal Wing Suites & Spa is arguably a bit more luxurious and has fewer rooms, but prices are usually significantly lower here, making this a solid luxury value. If sea views are a priority, it's worth noting that all rooms at the Royal Wing have them, but only select rooms here.
Location
Set on Phratamnak Hill a 10-minute drive from Pattaya's bustling center
The hotel is
located on Phratamnak Hill overlooking the Gulf of Thailand on a piece of
headland in the southwest of the popular tourist town of Pattaya. While it's
certainly away from the hustle and bustle of Pattaya's main drag, a free
shuttle service ferries guests to the resort center in around 10 minutes. Few
of Pattaya's main attractions are within walking distance of the hotel, though
the Pattaya Exhibition and Convention Hall (PEACH) is just next door and the Mueang
Pattaya Park (with the famous Pattaya City sign) is opposite. Pattaya Park, a
family-friendly destination with a roller coaster and waterslides is about a
10-minute drive. Utapao Pattaya Airport is around an hour's drive from the
hotel, while Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport is more like two.
Rooms
Thai-style rooms open to spacious balconies or terraces -- a few with sea views.
The Thai styling continues in the hotel's 156 rooms, suites, and villas, which all feature warm teak and tile floors, traditional dark wood furnishings, and a few local handicrafts. Sliding glass door open to spacious balconies with garden or sea views, or large wooden decks with direct access to a pool. Amenities include coffee/tea facilities, digital music players, and flat-screen TVs (ranging from 32 to 55 inches), though in-room Wi-Fi is not free of charge.Bathrooms all have separate walk-in showers and tubs, while some upgraded rooms also feature terrazzo tubs big enough for two. One- and two-bedroom villas also have separate living and dining areas, private plunge pools, and sundecks, plus a personal butler service on call until late.
Features
Three swimming pool and a sandy man-made beach with waiter service
A generous and varied breakfast buffet (not included) is served in the hotel's Elements Restaurant, which is also open all day and extends to a large terrace area with garden and sea views -- though mosquitos can be an annoyance in the evening. The oceanfront Infiniti Restaurant specializes in grilled seafood, while the lush Latitude Lounge offers cocktails and light meals.Three pools can be found in the grounds, one with separate splash pool popular with families, another featuring various whirlpool sections, and a third long enough for laps. A sandy man-made beach is available exclusively for guests' use with loungers, relaxing music, and waiter service -- though the real beach below is mostly rocks. A small spa offers a range of Asian body and massage treatments, plus a sauna. Besides the splash pool, there's little in the way of child-friendly facilities.