Royal Cliff Grand Hotel

Part of a 65-acre (26-hectare) complex comprising four hotels with shared facilities, the Royal Cliff Grand Hotel offers self-proclaimed "Formal Luxury". That's certainly the case in standout features such as a mood-lit infinity pool and the private beach's buzzer lounger service. However, serenity here means compromising on location, as reaching Pattaya's attractions requires taxis or free shuttles. The hotel's 19 curved-white stories are modern, flanked by greenery indoors and out. Guests enter via an atrium lobby bedecked in earth-toned seating vignettes, multi-tier chandeliers, striking wood carvings, and Thai murals. Some peach armchairs and wood paneling could use an update, but most guests are focused on the gorgeous ocean views found throughout. Expect attractive touches such as the spa's outdoor gazebos and lots of flora, but bear in mind this property houses the complex's conference facilities, so prepare for corporate groups. 

Serenity here is largely thanks to the high-perched setting, where private sands with lounger-delivered drinks and snacks are intimate, but the location between Jomtien and Pattaya beaches is remote. Free shuttles and taxis are guests' best bet for reaching downtown Pattaya's beach road, red-light Walking Street, shopping, and dining, and journeys take about 10 minutes. An amusement and water park are the same distance, as is the Bali Hai Pier, for ferries to Koh Lan Island. The Pattaya Exhibition And Conference Hall (PEACH) is a three-minute walk away. U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport is an hour's drive, while Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport is 90 minutes away.

Contemporary rooms and suites come in six categories, although all have curved, sea-facing balconies with loungers or cushioned sofas. The whites in walls, bedding, and/or bed canopies are accented by breezy silver, yellow, or blue bed runners and upholstery, while teak-wood floors or silks have distinctive Thai influences. Expect gold-detail or emerald-green lamps, carvings in wood desks, and all-wood paneling in Suites. Rooms start at 388 square feet (36 square meters), while Suites with rug-adorned living rooms span 1076 to 1340 square feet (100 to 130 square meters). Glass-panel bathroom divisions in some units enhance the romantic vibe, although electric blinds are in place for the privacy-conscious. Many bathrooms have wall-to-wall swish marble, alongside deep soaking tubs, separate rainfall showers, slippers, robes, toiletries, and hairdryers.Minibars, smart TVs, kettles for tea- and coffee-making, bottled water, safes, scales, and ironing facilities come standard. Upgraded Suites add dining rooms, walk-in closets, and/or vast private terraces. 

Alongside its private sandy beach, the standout feature here is the gorgeous infinity pool. Its multi-level, freeform waters have edgy black granite and fountain structures, swish mood lighting, stunning sea views, and loungers alongside umbrellas. Guests can also use the complex's other pools (one of which has a swim-up bar), plus the total 16 bars and restaurants. On-site dining includes Thai and international buffets at Larn Thong, where breakfasts receive high praise. There are also Italian cuisine at Rossini, a Japanese eatery, Chuma, and a stylish lobby bar. Decor mostly reflects cuisine, and ocean views from floor-to-ceiling windows in some restaurants turn sensational on outdoor terraces. Buffet barbecue nights are especially popular, as are the bar's happy hours.The sixth-floor spa has gleaming hardwood floors, Thai furnishings, and elegant treatment rooms, plus gazebo-sheltered massage areas overlooking flowers and the ocean. Sadly, fees apply for the use of its sauna, steam room, and whirlpool, and it's a similar deal at the kids' club. Expect plenty of color, toys, a game room, and activities here, but note, the venue is closed Mondays. A well-equipped fitness center, tennis courts, and squash courts can be used for free. Pets aren't permitted. A business center and conference space are on-site and often used by corporate groups. Parking and Wi-Fi throughout the hotel are both free.