Centara Grand Phratamnak Pattaya

An elegant, square building with green-glass balconies make up the unabashedly luxurious Centara Grand Phratamnak Pattaya. Classical music emanates throughout the large, sophisticated lobby, with luxe Casa Fendi furnishings and a jaw-dropping amount of marble in rich cream and brown shades. Almost every surface seems to glint and shimmer, from polished chrome accents in the pillar, to the grand piano, to the LED-lit jellyfish lights hanging from the high ceilings. There are several massive aquariums throughout, including jellyfish tanks and a predator tank with reef sharks, and some restaurants pick up on this oceanic tones as well, with lovely Gulf of Thailand views and more fish tanks. An outdoor terrace offers a koi pond and vibrant seating, while the rooftop pool is a stylish way to cool off, with rows of shaded lounge chairs and a hot tub, all with stunning gulf views. Clientele includes plenty of domestic and international tourists, predominantly couples and families.

The Centara Grand Phratamnak Pattaya is on Phratamnak Hill in a quiet residential area of south Pattaya, across the street from Dongtan Beach. Many of Pattaya's main attractions are not within walking distance of the hotel, with the exception of Pattaya Park, a family-friendly destination with a roller coaster and waterslides that's a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Popular Walking Street -- the red light and entertainment area of the city -- and Pattaya Exhibition and Convention Hall (PEACH) are a 10-minute drive, as are Pattaya Pier and Jomtien Beach. Central Center Pattaya and Central Festival Pattaya Beach Mall are within a 15-minute drive, while stunning temple The Sanctuary of Truth is 30-minutes away by car. Utapao Pattaya Airport at a 50-minute drive from the hotel, and Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport is a two-hour drive (the hotel can arrange transfers).

Airy, bright rooms have a refined elegance, with lacquered wood furnishings, furnished balconies, and a rich brown motif throughout. The glam decor from the lobby carries over into the rooms; expect to see tan marble floors and walls plus silvery throws and plenty of polished metal fixtures in many rooms. Forty or 50-inch flat-screen TVs are built into the walls, and Sealy mattresses are made with white duvets and siena-colored bed runners and throw pillows. All rooms are air-conditioned, and include minibars and Nespresso machines, but the coffee pods cost extra. Some rooms offer exceptional bay views. Suites add microwaves, and have living rooms. Family Suites have kids' rooms with bunk beds. Large, contemporary bathrooms, which come with toiletries, are clad in still more marble as well as glass mosaic tiles. They include walk-in rainfall showers, some of which can be seen through glass walls from the main room, and Suites add jetted tubs. Twice-daily housekeeping and turndown services are available.

The rooftop includes a long, rectangular pool with a hexagon-tile design, and a large, blue-tile hot tub. Both offer beautiful water views, and a poolside bar serves small plates, cocktails, and beer. The Spa Cenvaree offers massages and scrubs, and has a fitness center with free weights, and a range of cardio and weight machines. The Beach Club, with its lounge chairs, is across the street on Dongtan Beach and has plenty of lounge chairs. Breeze Restaurant, another spot for snacks, is adjacent to the Beach Club.

Cuisine at the four restaurants and bars on site ranges from Italian to Thai to international, with some restaurants offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Most rooms include the international breakfast buffet in their rates, and there is 24-hour room service. Meals can also be served in the Club Lounge for guests who have access. Wi-Fi is free, as is the local shuttle to the center of Pattaya and the Central Festival Shopping Center.