Sunbeam Hotel Pattaya

This large-scale property has a modern veneer that -- for the most part -- looks fresh. It puts a fine foot forward, and the lobby is spacious and cool, with polished marble floors, elegant seating areas, and a large floral display that's suspended from the ceiling in the center of the room. The outdoor pool is a go-to for many guests, with palm trees, sun loungers, and a poolside bar. The atmosphere is relaxed, with a broad range of clientele passing through, from Asian families and tour groups to young, single partygoers; though the hotel is probably better suited to the latter, owing to its close proximity to the lively red-light district. 

The Sunbeam Hotel is located in the heart of Pattaya, a three-minute walk from the beach and a 10-minute walk from the bars and nightclubs on Walking Street, the area's famous red-light district. The hotel sits on a narrow alleyway-style street, shared with a few other hotels and massage places, plus a couple of restaurants. On top of being an ideal location for partying, it's great for shopping. The Central Festival Shopping Mall is only a five-minute walk from the hotel, and there's a night market nearby selling clothes and souvenirs. Other attractions within reasonable walking distance are Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum, the Royal Garden Plaza, Hard Rock Cafe, and the Alcazar Cabaret. Bali Hai Pier is a 20-minute drive from the hotel, while Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok is around a 90-minute drive. However, budget extra time to reach Bangkok, especially on weekends, as traffic can be a nightmare

The hotel has a total of 268 rooms and suites, most of which are decorated in a modern style that includes hardwood floors, white walls, warm-tone details, and simple dark wooden furniture. There are a few individually designed Suites with extra living space, plus a unique Pirate-themed room aimed at large groups and parties. Decor can be a bit gaudy in some rooms -- like the S Room that we visited. All rooms come with furnished balconies, though most have dull views of the road below. Standard in-room amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, electric kettles, safes, phones, and free Wi-Fi. Most bathrooms are clean and decent-sized, though some show minor wear and tear and need updating. All include shower/tub combos. showers, or both, plus hairdryers, toiletries, robes, and slippers. There's usually a lot of external noise from the bars and nightclubs in the surrounding area, so light sleepers might need to bring ear plugs.

Features are fairly numerous at this mid-range property. The Siamese Bistro is located on the ground floor next to the lobby, offering guests a modern and spacious dining area with a relaxed atmosphere. This all-day buffet-style restaurant serves Asian and international fare, plus an la carte menu with traditional Thai and English dishes. A generous breakfast buffet is served daily for a fee, consisting of cereals, breads, fresh fruits, Asian dishes, and a popular omelette and pancake station. There's also a cozy lounge called Bake & Take, serving homemade pastries, cakes, tea, and coffee in a relaxed setting. Room service is available around the clock.

The small outdoor pool is a great spot to relax during the day, surrounded by wooden sun loungers, parasols, and tropical palm trees. There's a separate pool for children, and the main pool has a swim-up bar serving ice-cold beers and fresh cocktails. Other facilities include a decent-sized fitness center with free weights, cardio machines, and resistance equipment, as well as a business center, extensive events spaces, three modern meeting rooms, and a computer station in the lobby. Guest services include a 24-hour front desk, concierge, airport transfers for a fee, and in-room massage services. Self-parking and Wi-Fi are both free.