Royal Cliff Beach Hotel

The Royal Cliff Beach Hotel has a grand, symmetrical facade with a wall of curved glass over the portico -- though the boxy balconies look a little dated. Stepping inside, the hotel's airy, high-ceilinged lobby dwarfs a scattering of chic furnishings, a handful of green bushy trees, and a central water feature with a pipe-playing statue. Check-in takes places at a long, jade-colored marble reception desk, while numerous pieces of traditional Thai crafts, carved latticework, and colorful flowers steer it away from feeling too corporate. The hotel is one of a group of four high-end properties of the same chain that occupy a private 64-acre estate, each offering a different take on "luxury" -- the Royal Cliff Beach Hotel representing the "casual" option. An impressive seven elevators service the hotel's nine floors, and a total renovation in 2011 still feels fresh. Most of the grounds comprise tiled sun terraces and pool areas, boasting some stunning evening sunsets -- though there are also steps down to a small sandy beach. Clientele are mostly vacationers -- around an even split between couples and families with kids. 

As its name suggests, the hotel has a clifftop setting on a piece of headland in the southwest of the popular tourist town of Pattaya. The area surrounding the hotel is largely residential, with a few restaurants and local shops dotted around, but it's certainly away from the hustle and bustle of Pattaya's main drag. Few of Pattaya's main attractions are within walking distance of the hotel, though the Pattaya Exhibition and Convention Hall (PEACH) is three minutes away on foot. Pattaya Park, a family-friendly destination with a roller coaster and waterslides, is about a 10-minute drive, as is the town's busy center including popular Walking Street -- the red light and entertainment area of the city. Utapao Pattaya Airport is around an hour's drive from the hotel, while Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport is an hour-and-a-half.

The hotel has 474 rooms (consisting of Mini Suites and one- and two-bedroom Suites). Decor mixes simple, contemporary elements with traditional Thai styling. Many are airy, with tile floors, white walls, and white wood furniture and accents (such as the carved room dividers between the bedrooms and sitting areas in the Mini Suites). Varnished natural wood floors feature in the higher-level suites, together with local ornaments and statuettes. Overall, though, the look falls a bit short for a hotel that bills itself as a five-star option.All rooms have seating areas, as well as furnished balconies -- many with superb sea (and sunset) views. Mountain View rooms often offer views of high-rises rather than mountains, however. Most amenities are covered, such as free Wi-Fi, well-stocked minibars, tea/coffee facilities, and HDTVs with satellite channels and Internet connectivity. Bathrooms are clean, modern, and well-maintained, with rainfall shower/tubs and his-and-hers robes, however some have complained of them as cramped and having poor layout. 

The hotel's standout feature is its ocean-view swimming pool, with an infinity edge that runs an impressive length and several whirlpool tub sections. A second pool also has fine sea views and adds a long swim-up bar; there's also a circular splash pool for kids and a private sandy beach accessible via quite a lot of steps. The newest of the hotel's restaurants, Breezeo, is set on this beach and offers cocktails, tapas, and beachside barbecues. Most meals, however, are served at the Panorama Restaurant, which is open 24/7 and offers international and Thai buffet-style dining for breakfast, lunch, and dinner -- breakfast is not included in the standard rate. Other dining options include the Royal Grill Room, which has a wine cellar, and Maharani, an Indian restaurant. A bar is open until after midnight with live music from the resident band.  Guests also have access to the hotel group's FITZ Club -- a large health and leisure facility a few minutes walk from the hotel that features everything from floodlit tennis courts and lessons, to indoor pools, saunas, and steam rooms. There are also game rooms for kids with plenty of toys and organized activities. A business center is equipped with iMacs and Wi-Fi is free throughout.