InterContinental Pattaya Resort

Guest arriving at the InterContinental Pattaya Resort are first met by a monument to the King of Thailand -- a stone altar topped with an ornate, gilt-framed portrait of the revered royal. This sets the tone for this upscale, conservative, and very much Thai-style hotel which comprises a series of traditional two- to four-story buildings arranged around six acres of grounds. Guests check in at the hotel's lobby is a breezy, open-sided pavilion typical of the region before being whisked of to their room in golf carts. The atmosphere is relaxed and peaceful, with rock pools and floral scents from the lush, tropical gardens adding to the exotic vibe. 

Opened in 2005 (as the Sheraton Pattaya Resort, and joining the InterContinental group in April 2016) the property has been well-maintained and feels like what one would expect from a global, luxury hotel chain. However, phases of refurbishment will be taking place into 2018. Clientele include many couples, especially honeymooners, and a fair share of families. The nearby Royal Wing Suites & Spa is arguably a bit more luxurious and has fewer rooms, but prices are usually significantly lower here, making this a solid luxury value. If sea views are a priority, it's worth noting that all rooms at the Royal Wing have them, but only select rooms here. 

The hotel is located on Phratamnak Hill overlooking the Gulf of Thailand on a piece of headland in the southwest of the popular tourist town of Pattaya. While it's certainly away from the hustle and bustle of Pattaya's main drag, a free shuttle service ferries guests to the resort center in around 10 minutes. Few of Pattaya's main attractions are within walking distance of the hotel, though the Pattaya Exhibition and Convention Hall (PEACH) is just next door and the Mueang Pattaya Park (with the famous Pattaya City sign) is opposite. Pattaya Park, a family-friendly destination with a roller coaster and waterslides is about a 10-minute drive. Utapao Pattaya Airport is around an hour's drive from the hotel, while Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport is more like two.

The Thai styling continues in the hotel's 156 rooms, suites, and villas, which all feature warm teak and tile floors, traditional dark wood furnishings, and a few local handicrafts. Sliding glass door open to spacious balconies with garden or sea views, or large wooden decks with direct access to a pool. Amenities include coffee/tea facilities, digital music players, and flat-screen TVs (ranging from 32 to 55 inches), though in-room Wi-Fi is not free of charge.

Bathrooms all have separate walk-in showers and tubs, while some upgraded rooms also feature terrazzo tubs big enough for two. One- and two-bedroom villas also have separate living and dining areas, private plunge pools, and sundecks, plus a personal butler service on call until late.

A generous and varied breakfast buffet (not included) is served in the hotel's Elements Restaurant, which is also open all day and extends to a large terrace area with garden and sea views -- though mosquitos can be an annoyance in the evening. The oceanfront Infiniti Restaurant specializes in grilled seafood, while the lush Latitude Lounge offers cocktails and light meals.

Three pools can be found in the grounds, one with separate splash pool popular with families, another featuring various whirlpool sections, and a third long enough for laps. A sandy man-made beach is available exclusively for guests' use with loungers, relaxing music, and waiter service -- though the real beach below is mostly rocks. A small spa offers a range of Asian body and massage treatments, plus a sauna. Besides the splash pool, there's little in the way of child-friendly facilities.