Pinnacle Grand Jomtien Resort

Removed from the crowds of Pattaya, Pinnacle Grand Jomtien Resort & Spa is a laid-back beachside hideaway attracting a mix of families and couples. A high-vaulted-ceiling lobby with brass sculptures, exposed brick, and ample wicker couches makes for a grand first impression, but simpler restaurants and some dated, traditionally styled rooms are disappointing in comparison. The 345 rooms are spread among multi-story buildings and freestanding villas, with options to suit romantic getaways and groups. As the resort sees many large tour groups, some areas, such as the breakfast restaurant, can be noisy affairs. However, the resort’s expansive grounds, which include four swimming pools and plenty of loungers, mean peace and quiet is never too far away.  

Set within a lovely tropical garden thick with vegetation on the tranquil Na Jomtien Beach, the resort is fairly isolated, but still within walking distance of some restaurants, shops, and bars. Pattaya Floating Market is also a 10-minute drive. Otherwise, it takes around 20 minutes by car to the center of Pattaya, or 30 minutes to reach Pattaya Walking Street. The resort does offer a regular shuttle service to town at an additional charge. Meanwhile, U-Tapao International Airport is a 40-minute drive away, while Suvarnabhumi Airport is just over 90 minutes away by car.

Pinnacle Grand Jomtien Resort & Spa offers a range of room types, from entry-level Standard Rooms in a seven-story building to stand-alone Villas with direct pool access. While the amenities are pretty much the same across the board, decor varies according to room type. It's a mixed bag, with some outfitted in traditional, sometimes dated furnishings such as warm wood furniture and drab accents, to nearly all-white rooms contrasted by colorful modern art. Some wear and tear is evident. Nevertheless, all rooms come with tiled floors, tables and chairs, and furnished balconies or terraces overlooking the garden, pool, or beach, as well as air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and free Wi-Fi. Most also come with in-room safes and some have couches. 

Bathrooms have walk-in showers or shower/tub combos, hairdryers, bathrobes, and toiletries. Guests should note that Garden Villas are located in an adjacent compound across the road from the main resort. Connecting rooms can be arranged for families and groups of friends. 

The resort is set along a private stretch of white-sand beach with loungers shaded by thatched roofs and palm trees. On top of this, visitors wanting a dip can head to one of the resort’s three swimming pools, in addition to the elongated pool that's shared by Pool Villas. A separate pool area is available for children. Other than a small freeform pool, all swimming pools come surrounded by loungers and umbrellas, or cabanas and daybeds. One pool also features attractive elephant fountains. There are also plenty of loungers sprinkled throughout the grounds. 

Two restaurants -- one outfitted predominately in white hues with green, blue, yellow, and red chairs, and the other decked out in light wood tones -- serve Thai and international fare with an emphasis on seafood dishes. All rates include buffet breakfasts, though they receive mixed reviews. An adjacent salon and spa offers a range of body and beauty treatments, including traditional Thai massage. There is also a tiny, ill-equipped gym with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the garden. Other features include an internet corner, small library, playground, tennis court, and volleyball net.