The Seasons Pattaya

The Seasons Pattaya occupies a tall, white building with a modern corrugated facade, and the ambience inside is calm and peaceful. In the open and airy lobby, a lotus pond with flowers stands out among the contemporary neutral-toned seating and wood beams. The open concept continues in the restaurant, with its green mood lighting, while floor-to-ceiling windows and a large wood bar brighten up the plain lounge. Floral scents emanate throughout the spa, with vibrant-colored walls accenting teakwood throughout. The hotel draws mostly couples and families, but business travelers stay here too. Plenty of group tours from China and India also pass through.

The Seasons Pattaya sits on a quiet, bland block in central Pattaya, with restaurants, shops, and entertainment about a minute's walk in any direction. The Hard Rock Cafe is a five-minute walk away, while Pattaya Beach, Alcazar Cabaret, and Central Festival shopping center are all a 10- to 15-minute walk from the hotel. Central Center Pattaya and Art in Paradise -- a popular family attraction -- are within a 15-minute walk as well. The bustling nightlife area, Walking Street, isn't within walking distance, though -- drives there take about 10 minutes. Utapao Pattaya Airport is about 50 minutes away by road, though other major airports are also available in Bangkok, about two hours away by road.

The 258 pleasant, uncluttered rooms at The Seasons Pattaya follow the principles of feng shui. Large windows provide plenty of natural light. Neutral tones and pops of deep red run throughout the simple and straightforward spaces -- mid-tone wood furniture sits on hardwood floors, while ornate burgundy-and-gold bed runners line white-linened beds. All rooms are air-conditioned and include minibars and free bottled water. Most have flat-screen TVs and safes. Some rooms have lovely gulf views and large living rooms with kitchenettes and coffeemakers. Some of the furnishings, however, show scratches and stains, and some rooms lack safes and have tube-style TVs. Bathrooms have stone countertops, and walk-in showers have gray subway tile -- some have shower/tub combos. Hotel-brand toiletries are provided.

The outdoor rooftop pool is one of the more distinctive that we've seen in Pattaya, with large brown-tile shallow areas and turtle statues, as well as a deeper, angular swimming area. The space is surrounded by a large sundeck with lounge chairs, though the wooden deck and walkways could use a new coat of stain. Cocktails, beer, and the Seasons Restaurant menu are served at the adjacent Pool Bar. A la carte international and Indian cuisine is available for lunch and dinner at the Seasons Restaurant, as well as a buffet breakfast (not included) with a large selection. The Lobby Lounge serves wine, snacks, beer, and cocktails. Hotel guests get discounts for services at the Tammachart Spa. The hotel has a business center with computer stations but no fitness center.  Wi-Fi is free in the lobby for all guests, and free throughout the hotel for guests who reserve rooms through the hotel’s website.