Royal Cliff Beach Terrace

One of four hotels forming the 64 acre (26 hectare) Royal Cliff Hotels Group, this property is designed for serenity, and cliff-built settings bordering a private, sandy beach with lounger service feel swish. Contemporary interiors have a strong Thai influence, especially in the exquisite, lofty lobby. Its white and orange seating clusters, indoor trees, and fountain-adorned Buddha statue are dwarfed by a mix of glass and metallic walls and oblong chandeliers. A stone relief of mermaids adds an eclectic touch. Outdoors, terraces -- many directly overlooking the ocean -- offer sheltered and open-air seating. While the vibe is romantic, bear in mind secluded intimacy here is a result of the removed location. Fortunately, guests here have access to extensive facilities at all four Royal Cliff properties.

The hotel occupies an expansive stretch of beachfront between Jomtiem and Pattaya beaches, although guests tend to make the most of private sands on-site. Pattaya's main beach road, red-light Walking Street, shopping, and dining are a 10-minute drive away. Free shuttles regularly run downtown, and taxis are always available outside. Amusement and water-centric Pattaya Park and the Bali Hai Pier (for ferries to Koh Lan Island) are a similar distance. The Pattaya Exhibition And Conference Hall (PEACH) is a three-minute walk away. Utapao Pattaya Airport is around an hour's drive from the hotel, while Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport is 90 minutes away.

All with sea-facing terrace loungers, Suite-like rooms have demure elegance that's polished, if a tad dated in lower-category units. Although decor varies a bit by room, most have quality wood furniture (white-painted or natural), Thai accents in bed runners and carved wood, and modern amenities. Unfortunately, some units have dated linens and upholstery, and rattan-accented furniture that could use an update. On the other end, higher-category units have romantic four-poster beds, sleek mosaic-tile accents, and sexy glass-wrapped bathrooms (which may compromise privacy for some). Amenities are excellent across the board, consisting of sitting areas (full living rooms in suites), desks, HDTVs with DVD players, minibars, kettles for tea- and coffee-making, air-conditioning, and bottled water. Lower-category bathrooms have shower/tub combos, while upgrades include rainfall showers and separate deep-soaking or jetted tubs. All have slippers, robes, toiletries, and hairdryers. It's not uncommon to find daily-replaced fruit or cake platters. Also provided are safes and free crib fittings.

Indulgent features here make the most of the oceanfront setting, especially at Breezeo's pavilion restaurant and accompanying bar. Earthy tiled terraces here house chic, contemporary basket chairs, and views are immersive. They're likewise sensational from the infinity pool and its jettied hot tubs, which are surrounded by smart loungers in metallic grays shaded by parasols. Closer to the main building is another pool with a popular swim-up bar and shallow kiddy pool. Although Breezeo and the Sunset Terrace Bar are the only outlets specific to the Royal Cliff Beach Terrace, guests can dine at the 14 other bars and restaurants in the complex, which include the archway-adorned Indian Maharani Restaurant and 24-hour Panorama buffet eatery, as well as Thai and Italian options. Bar happy hours and Breezeo's barbecues are especially popular. Although they're subject to fees, the colorful, game- and toy-equipped kids' club and full-service Thai spa are attractive, and pagoda decor at the latter is gorgeous. Alongside pampering treatments, it has a sauna, steam room, whirlpool, and hair salon. The fitness center has sufficient equipment, plus there are tennis and squash courts. A game room houses pool tables and computer games. Pets aren't permitted. Thai cooking classes, a business center, function space, and free on- or off-site shuttles complete features, alongside the free parking and property-wide Wi-Fi.