Pattaya Park Beach Resort

It's hard to be inspired by much when looking around at the Pattaya Park Beach Resort, though for guests that don't mind a by-gone sense of style for rock-bottom rates, this resort may be a fine choice. Families are the bulk of visitors here, which makes sense given the hotel's location inside of Pattaya Park, an amusement park with a water park as well -- there are views of the park from many vantages throughout the hotel (and yes, the noise from the park is audible inside the hotel, too). Inside, there's lots of granite and oak, along with pleather office furniture from the '80s. Theme park mascot statues are stationed throughout the lobby, ostensibly brightening the place up, but the overall look is austere, drab, and outdated. There are some token resort features: two pools, including one on the rooftop, a revolving restaurant, and multiple bars -- but none are stylish or memorable. The beach sits behind the hotel -- it's not the cleanest stretch of sand we've seen and there are no beach chairs.

The hotel is located inside of Pattaya Park, an amusement complex that includes thrill rides, kid-friendly rides, and a water park. There is also a beach on the grounds, so guests looking for either of those attractions are in luck. There are a shops and restaurants outside of the park and the hotel. The rest of Pattaya's sights are a bit far away. It's a 12-minute tuk-tuk ride to the notorious nightlife on Walking Street. The city's main malls and shopping centers are farther north: Central Festival is a 15- to 20-minute drive from the hotel and Central Center Pattaya can take up to 25 minutes to reach. The city also has two famous drag cabarets, Alcazar and Tiffany's Show, both of which are a 25-minute taxi ride from the hotel. Underwater World Pattaya is an 11-minute drive from the hotel, while Art in Paradise will take 25 minutes to reach -- both are great family options in the area. For souvenir shopping, fresh produce, and street food, the Pattaya Floating Market is a 17-minute drive from the hotel.  Utapao-Rayong-Pattaya Airport is 50 minutes away from the hotel by car.

Spread across two towers, there is a wide array of room configurations for guests to consider here, from traditional rooms to family suites. Make no mistake, though, these rooms are outdated, no-frills, and run down. There are balconies in guest rooms, some with views across the amusement park, and others with nice sea and beach views, but the perks end there. Rooms feature dated, waiting room-style furniture and old tube TVs. They are decorated with an abundance of floral prints, from the padded headboards to the upholstery on chairs, and wood furniture comes in warm mid-tone colors. Bathrooms are also run down, with shower/ tub combos and granite vanities. There may be unpleasant smell in bathrooms, as well as stained grout. All rooms include free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, toiletries, a mini-fridge, and safes. Some rooms will pick up noise and music from the amusement park.

The hotel has two pools -- including one on the roof -- and both are nice enough and have wide terraces, but lack much in the way of seating. There is a beach, but no chairs -- there was trash on it when we visited, not to mention some Jet Skis parked on the sand, but no beach chairs or services beyond the beachside bar. The hotel has several places to drink, in the lobby, near the pool, and the beach, as well as a buffet restaurant that serves a basic breakfast that's included in room rates. There's also a revolving restaurant on the hotel's upper floors. Room service is available 24/7. The hotel has a game room with arcade attractions for kids as well as a small fitness center with outdated equipment. There are large conference facilities on site, but again, they aren't the most attractive or modern. The hotel also has an observation deck with excellent views of the city and sea, but there is a fee to access it. Free Wi-Fi runs throughout and parking is available on site. Babysitting services are available.