It’s been quite some time since I was this impressed by a Hilton. The Hilton Pattaya might be the sparkling gem in South East Asia. It ranks in my top 3 most gorgeous Hilton that I stayed in. I am glad to be able to check it out during my trip to Pattaya back in August. The Hilton Pattaya have an excellent location in the city and sits right in the centre of Pattaya Beach right, next to the Central Festival Mall. The mall has everything that you might need from H&M, Starbucks and even a Haidilao restaurant right on your doorstep. This beachside city is only about 1.5 hours away from Bangkok. A great spot to stop by during your Bangkok trip or weekend getaways. I have been looking forward to this stay after checking out pictures of the hotel and it sure didn’t disappoint.
Booking Process & Pre Arrival
I book directly with Hilton using my Citi Prestige card. I got the base-level Deluxe Ocean View room. My nightly rate was around 232 SGD including taxes. This was brought down by utilising my Citi Prestige 4th-night free benefit to 185 SGD. While I have heard many good things about this hotel regarding elite recognition. I did not receive any upgrade ahead of the stay. I was hoping to score one of the suites with an outdoor tub. Hilton Pattaya features 304 guest rooms and suites spread across 8 categories. You can find the breakdown below.
| Rooms | Executive Lounge Access | Bathtub | Room Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Ocean View | No | Yes | 46 Sqm |
| Deluxe Plus Ocean View | No | Yes | 46 Sqm |
| Executive Ocean View | Yes | Yes | 46 Sqm |
| Executive Ocean Front | Yes | Yes | 50 Sqm |
| Executive Premium Ocean Front | Yes | Yes (Outdoor) | 65 Sqm |
| Family Ocean Suite | Yes | Yes | 78 Sqm |
| Premium Ocean Suite | Yes | Yes (Outdoor) | 78 Sqm |
| Prestige Ocean Suite | Yes | Yes (Outdoor) | 125 Sqm |
| Two Bedroom Ocean Residence | Yes | Yes | 138 Sqm |
Checking In
I arrive at the hotel at around 10.30am about an hour’s drive from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. It is so nice to be visiting a new city and the vibes are totally different from Bangkok. Upon arrival, the bellboy came over to help me with my bags. The hotel is part of the Central Festival development with the hotel directly connected to the mall next door. The ground floor is just a reception and waiting area. The actual lobby is on the 16th floor. The hotel is so pretty and chic. I love the gorgeous white facade and warm lighting of the hotel. This got to be one of the most gorgeous Hilton I have stayed at.
I was then ushered all the way to the lobby. The hotel might be a decade old but they recently did a major renovation during COVID which reflects the current modern, chic look of this place. I love the view once you exited the elevators with an abundance of natural light and the Pattaya waterfront right in front of you. This reminds me a little of Conrad Manila with a similar concept. The hotel is even more lovely when the lights are turned on in the evening.
I was immediately helped to at the reception with a priority line for elite members and thank for being a Diamond member. While the staff seem junior and did not have a good command of English, she was very welcoming. A welcome drink consisting of some Thai herb flower tea was offered. She also preemptively informed me that they are fully booked and running on high occupancy. They could not offer me any upgrade for the first night but had already locked in the Premium Ocean Suite, the best available upgrade for the next three nights. That’s a very good touch and initiative from them. The suite would have cost around 450 SGD a night.
Premium Ocean Suite
I spent the last three nights of my stay here in their Premium Ocean Suite located on the 20th floor. I was assigned suite 2005 to be exact. The Premium Ocean suite is just a level below the presidential suite. The suite comes with a short entryway. I love the decor here with the curves and the warm lighting. The tones go so well with the beachside vibes and the ocean view as you enter the living room. Although being classified as a full suite, it does not come with a half bath which might be a slight inconvenience.
The suite measures a spacious 78 Sqm and despite the huge balcony taking up some footprint, you still have plenty of space to mingle around. The high-quality Smart TV is mounted on the wall and comes with plenty of cable TV channels. You are also able to cast content on it from your smartphone. I do wish that they could install a bigger TV in the living room as it felt a little small for a suite of this size. Right below the TV is a little panel that stretches along, this also acts as the working desk. The space is generous with outlets readily available. The armchair provided offers a decent amount of back support for a short period of work. After all, you should not be on your computer in a seaside resort place. Wi-Fi is easy to connect to and the speed is fast.
Check out the gorgeous sitting area which comes lavishly set up with a L-shaped sofa set and an armchair surrounding a circular coffee table. This will be perfect for parties and gatherings. It can easily sit 5-6 people comfortably.
The minibar area is located in a cabinet near the entrance towards the bedroom. It is well stocked with all sorts of drinks and snacks. Complimentary bottles of drinking water are provided too. You can find a mini fridge below that is fully stocked. There is also a proper coffee machine and capsules provided.
The highlight of the entire suite here got to be the spacious balcony that boosts one of the most amazing jaw-dropping views of the Pattaya Coastline. If the weather is good, you can even get a glimpse of the Sanctuary of Truth. The balcony stretched along both the living room and the bedroom. The balcony on the living room side also features a little chair. It would be nice if they have a daybed instead.
The bedroom is separated from the living room by a sliding door. The bedroom is as gorgeous as the living room and perhaps even better. With the highlight being the marvellous sea view, the bed is set in the centre and facing it. You can find another television in the bedroom which is mounted on the wall on the side. Although it is located at an angle, it can be pivoted to face the bed. I did wish that it can face the balcony area in the bedroom as well.
The plush king-size bed is comfy and you have the amazing ocean view greeting you when you wake up every day. The bed is comfy but on the softer side. On both sides of the bed, you can find nightstands where outlets can be conveniently found as well as controls for the lighting. On one side, there is also an alarm clock with a built-in wireless charger.
The bathroom is located behind the bed and comes with double sinks. Amenities provided are from Crabtree and Evelyn as usual in Hilton properties. Right by the bathroom, you can also find the wardrobe which is on the smaller side. It comes with everything that you might need for the stay from an ironing kit to plenty of hangers. There is also a luggage rack in the wardrobe that can only fit a carry-on suitcase. Thankfully additional portable racks can be requested from the staff.
It comes with a standing shower and the toilet located in separate rooms. There is both a handheld shower head as well as a rainforest one. Water pressure and temperature control are excellent.
The bedroom balcony is even more impressive and it is so spacious. This is the reason why I came to Pattaya for. The view of the coastline, blue ocean and the skies. Perfect! This Premium Ocean Suite also comes with an outdoor bathtub! Look at the gorgeous huge circular tub. How amazing would it be to have a soak while catching the sunset over a bottle of champagne? This has to be the most memorable soak I ever had on my travels.
Executive Lounge
The executive lounge is back in full operation. But due to last-minute maintenance required. They have the make-up lounge at Drift. Thankfully the make-up offering was more than decent and might be even better than the executive lounge. They have carved out a portion of Drift to be the temporary executive lounge. Drift is the hotel bar that is located just off the lobby on the 16th floor. It boasts an amazing view of the coastline. This is also the best spot for catching the sunset.
I love how pretty the place is with plenty of natural light. Besides the segregated area, executive lounge guests can also sit in other parts of Drift including those outdoor cabanas which are perfect for a lazing night over wine. The lounge offers afternoon tea and evening cocktails. All-day refreshments are available at other times. Eligible guests can enjoy breakfast at Edge instead.
Throughout the day, you can help yourself to some refreshments such as soft drinks, juices, coffee, and tea. This is a good place to have some coffee and get work done outside your room. I appreciate having a comfortable place to get coffee whenever I need to. You can also find some fruits and nuts.
I check out the afternoon tea during my stay which was served from 2pm to 5pm. It consists of some sandwiches and cakes. The selection does rotate from day to day. They had some crab stick sandwiches, chocolate tarts and scones. I did feel that the offerings are a little bare. I was expecting a little more. This is not worth trekking back to the hotel if you are out.
Evening cocktails start from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. I was down for it and it gets crowded as per the usual when alcohol is part of the offering. The good seats get taken up fast. Do make your way down early if you would like one of those with a sunset view or near the window. I stayed throughout the session almost every day with the sunset keeping me accompanied. It is such a lovely sight. The views were jaw-dropping.
You can find some soup, a couple of hot food, cold cuts and cheese. The offerings do change slightly every day too. Here are some pictures of the canapes.
There is an extensive drinks selection, all of which are self-service. You can find Heineken Beer, Singha Beer, Red Aus Bandicoot (cabernet sauvignon), White Aus Bandicoot (chardonnay), Prosecco Sparkling Wine, Martini, Campari, Vodka Absolut, Rum Havana Club, Whisky Ballentine’s, Whisky John Jameson and Tequila. The white wine is pretty delicious.
Pool
The pool and the gym are both located by the lobby on the 16th floor. The pool is of a good size and great for relaxing by the side as well as doing laps. The infinity pool comes with an amazing view of the Pattaya Coastline with a feel of the swimming pool merging into the sea vibes.
This is a great spot for taking pictures too. There are plenty of sunbeds and cabanas by the side of the pool, all on a first come first serve basis.
You can order food and drinks from the poolside bar. Check out the menu here. Hilton elite members enjoy a 25% discount off the menu.
We got a pizza and some cocktails by the pool which was excellent.
Fitness Centre
The gym is on the smaller side but still well equipped and sufficient for your stay. It comes with all sorts of gym equipment that you might need for your stay. There are weights, treadmills and bikes. The gym has a good view of the surrounding area and looks welcoming. I love how bright the place is.
Spa
I had a spa treatment during my stay here. They are perfect for getting the kinks out of those sore shoulders of mine. Do make a reservation ahead. They also run some deals and promos from time to time. The eForea spa is located on the 17th floor and is open from 10am to 9pm. It is a gorgeous and relaxing environment.
They are running some promos which is a good deal and in fact, might just cheaper than some of the other spa places outside like Let’s Relax. It is always better to get a treatment where you are staying that makes it so convenient. We got the 2 hours massage which cost 4000 THB for 2 pax. You can choose from Traditional Thai, Aromatherapy, Hot Stone and Aromatic Herbal Compress. We were welcomed in and the therapist when thru the consultation form with us. A Butterfly Pea Flower with Lemon Juice welcome drink was served. We were also offered slippers to change into.
We were then led to the massage room. The tip is to reserve the couple’s room with an ocean view here. The treatment room comes with its own shower and changing facilities. We started the treatment with a foot bath and some scrub. In the meantime, the therapist when thru the places to focus and all. Then we started the treatment which was two hours in paradise. It is so amazing that I immediately made another booking right after.
Everything is perfect! I was just surprised that they didn’t have the option of allowing you to choose your preferred choice of essential oil. We were let to a resting room after the treatment and offered some cakes as well as ginger tea!
Breakfast at Edge
Breakfast will be served buffet style at Edge Restaurant. The hotel’s main restaurant is on level 14. Breakfast starts at 6am and lasts till 10.30am, 11am on weekends and holidays. I appreciate the extension of timing on the weekends. Look how pretty this place is! The wood finishes and the amazing sea view of Pattaya. Having breakfast and starting the day with this setting is something to do once in a lifetime.
Edge is huge and there are plenty of seatings both indoors and outdoors. You can choose to sit by the terrace or inside. I love how bright the place is with plenty of natural light. The outdoor seats have the best views but do note that sometimes birds might come around and pick up your food.
I was immediately welcomed in and they inquired about my preference for an indoor or outdoor seat. I was also thanked for being a Diamond Member with a stand reflecting that on the table. Soon after, they also brought over a welcome dish specifically for Diamond members. This is a nice touch and they were delicious. I love how they change day to day too. On the first day, we had some traditional Thai sticky rice.
On the second day, it was Khanom Pang SangKaya Bai Toey. Thai pandan custard with steamed bread. It was delicious!
On one of the other days, we had some Thai Skewers with Sticky rice. I love this concept. Why can’t more properties adopt this concept?
Drinks orders were also taken by the staff and all hot drinks are freshly made. I appreciate that the coffee was from an actual barista espresso machine rather than those instant ones. By the buffet line, you also have a huge selection of fresh fruit juices and smoothies.
The food selection was quite good as with the norm in this part of the world. There are a huge array of food items on the buffet line and I will let the pictures do the rest of the speaking.
I love how they have some daily specials for egg dishes that change day to day. I love the noodle soup too.
You know that you are in for a treat when you see that ice cream is available for breakfast.
Conclusion
This is not your typical Hilton hotel. I love this place and how beautiful it is. Under the Hilton brand, it might just be one of the best and definitely in the top 3 that I have visited. The only other Hilton that I am that impressed with would be Hilton Porto Gaia. Prices might seem to be on the high side for Thailand but they are still definitely very affordable when compared to other parts of the world. They are great in elite treatment and upgrades. The lounge offerings are decent and from here you have the best view of the Pattaya coastline. My eyes were glued to the jaw-dropping sunset view every evening. I appreciate that the hotel is directly connected to the mall. This would be an awesome property for 2 to 3 nights. Do try out their spa when staying here. I enjoyed my stay here but Pattaya is rather boring in my opinion. If only I could shift this entire hotel to another place. I will share the Deluxe Ocean View Room which I stayed on my first night.
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