Wave Hotel

Although opened in 2013, the Wave Hotel channels the spirit of 1940s Miami with aplomb. From the vintage hot pink Cadillac parked outside, to the aquamarine Art Deco facade, you'd be forgiven for thinking you'd stepped into the Old Miami Beach Historic District. It even lights up in glorious neon when night falls. Inside the theme continues with gusto -- a bright and inviting lobby is brimming with numerous pieces of Americana memorabilia, from old movie projectors and cabinet radios to an old-fashioned telephone and even a pair of antique barber chairs. Furnishings are smart and contemporary, but still with a retro edge, and the vibe is hip and playful, attracting mostly couples looking for a boutique hotel with a bit more character than most. 

The hotel has a prime location overlooking the beachfront boulevard that runs the length of Pattaya Beach. It's a very popular tourist neighborhood with numerous restaurants, bars, and nightspots within a short stroll -- so expect plenty of hustle and bustle. Also just a block away is the CentralFestival Pattaya Beach -- a seven-floor shopping mall with over 370 outlets plus a cinema and bowling alley. Walking Street -- the red light and main entertainment district of the city -- is around a 10-minute walk the more family-friendly Pattaya Park, with a roller coaster and waterslides, is 15- to 20-minute drive. Utapao Pattaya Airport is around an hour's drive from the hotel, while Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport is more like two.

The Wave Hotel has just 18 rooms and suites, all of which continue the Miami Art Deco theme of the hotel with dark wood furnishings, Tiffany blue walls, and vintage black and white photographs and art prints. Rooms are relatively spacious and open to small balconies with sea -- and sunset -- views. Amenities are high-end, and include well-stocked minibars, free Wi-Fi, and 42-inch flat-screen TVs with cable and Internet connectivity, as well as free movies and a wide range of music.  Bathrooms are clean and contemporary with separate tubs and walk-in showers; frosted sliding glass doors separate them from the bedroom, maximizing space. Double glazing keeps street and traffic noise to a minimum. Rooms service is available 24/7.

There are only two categories -- Sunset Rooms, and Twilight Suites. The Twilight Suites have two bedrooms and include extra TVs.

Breakfast is included in the rate and comprises an a la carte menu with cooked-to-order items as well as a simple buffet spread. The South Beach-themed Cadillac Cafe & Bar is also open for lunch and dinner, and mixes up American, Mexican, and Thai favorites, which can be enjoyed on an outdoor terrace. An outdoor swimming pool is long enough for laps, has hydro-massage jets at one end, and is lined with loungers shaded by gazebos; while the feel is chic, the  neighboring road means it's not always peaceful. A poolside bar provides cocktails throughout the day and night, though there are no health or spa facilities.