Pattaya is not just excess: this is (arguably) one of the world's best Hilton

Pattaya is a very underrated destination because of its over-deserved name as the Sin City of Thailand.

The truth, however, is. this area of Thailand also has much to offer those seeking the sea and beyond. I have been to this place several times, sometimes alone, as in this case, sometimes with wife and daughter. We left our hearts in a hotel as unique as the Siam@Siam, too bad there was no TFC when we were there otherwise. Would have been the second 10 in our reviews.

There are not many facilities where you can stay with points (or accumulate points) in Pattaya, But I have a feeling that things are about to change. The chain with the largest presence is Accor, last summer Marriott opened its first hotel in the city, the Courtyard and Hilton will soon double up with a Garden Inn, and Radisson and Wyndham are also coming, while Hyatt has a spectacular resort the Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach, far from the city.

Reservation

As always, when I go out and about I jump from a hotel bed. to the other And this hotel was on my list. Because of the location, the rooftop pool, and the fact that it is the most impressive property in the heart of Pattaya City's promenade, 5 minutes from the "infamous" walking street and the city's nightlife Soi, but also above a beautiful shopping mall and in front of the beautiful Thailand Beach.

I booked using the points, to be exact I burned 50k points for one night for a basic room. Having the Diamond level I took the upgrade to an executive room for granted, and in fact I ended up in the highest room category, below the suite. namely a King Executive Premium Ocean Front.

I don't remember the point difference required for this room, but, in euros, when you book it, it never costs less than 150€ more than the basic room.

Check-in

As mentioned, it is impossible to miss this hotel: you can see it from every point on the promenade; it is the largest and tallest structure in the area.

The first part of the tower is occupied by an immense shopping mall. The facility runs from the 15th to the 34th floor. As usual on the ground floor is just the reception with doormen taking care of luggage while guests are invited to go directly to the 16th floor.

I arrived around 1 p.m. and as soon as I showed my passport and recognized Diamond status, I was invited to follow the attendant to continue check-in directly to the executive lounge on the 33rd floor.

Here I was seated and while sipping a glass of guava juice I went through the paperwork. This lounge check-in is something that happens to me only in Asia, for example in the brand new Hilton Singapore.

The structure

The hotel looks new, but that is definitely not the case. It is perfectly maintained and cared for in every detail. The ceiling on the lobby floor is decorated with curtains that give a beautiful visual effect, the room is clear bright, and the decor is everywhere with attention to detail.

The staff is the ultimate expression of Thai hospitality, always smiling and always ready to meet needs even before the guest thinks he or she has them.

The room

My room was number 2503, the first thing I thought coming out of the elevator is "belin always across the hall I end up". When I opened the door to the room, however, the perplexities vanished.

When the attendant told me about the upgrade and the room being "among the most beautiful and sought-after in our hotel," I thought it was a classic marketing ploy, but no.

These rooms are only two per floor and are located at the front of the tower, all the others are oriented in a fishbone pattern toward the sea, but these are the only ones that have a direct view to the sea and beyond.

It is almost 70sqm, in the center is a king-size bed with an incredible mattress and the ever-present topper, behind the headboard is an area perfect for smartworking and evening hair and makeup. There is a walk-in closet the size of a studio apartment and a bathroom the size of a single room in a New York hotel.

Oh I forgot: there is also an equally immense shower with a glass window open to the sea. You can go from the bed to the tub and from the tub into the shower without going the same way twice. WOW. In the bathroom, no plastic and only refillable dispensers, but for the forgetful also kits such as toothbrushes, wipes and other personal hygiene items.

The room does not have a terrace, but has a 20sqm veranda with a beautiful sofa and a bathtub on the opposite floor, all with a fantastic view of the city's coastline.

The swimming pool

The infinity pool is really scenic: not at the level of the one at the Sheraton Waikiki, but it is close. It is long enough to take some strokes and not too deep to be suitable for children. It's a small lagoon with areas to just sit, do a whirlpool or push yourself to the outer corner.

The stunning view of Pattaya's coastline gives you the feeling of being inside the sea. Needless to say, it is one of the (rightly) most Instagrammed places in the hotel.

There are many sunbeds and cabanas by the pool. The nice thing is that there is no charge for them: just arrive and take the first one free. There are also more secluded loungers if you want to lie quietly, and with a button on the little table you can call the pool bar attendants.

You can order food and drinks at the bar, and Hilton Elite members get 25% discount on the menu, not only at the pool but at all hotel restaurants and bars.

The Drift

On the opposite side of the pool is the hotel's second bar. This is the perfect place to go at sunset.

Very scenic with huge sofas that seem to float on the water floor. If you prefer to be more sheltered, however, you can choose porch seats, but all of them have a crazy view of the hillside and the sea of Pattaya. Here it is possible to have lunch or afternoon tea, a truly unique location.

Horizon

This is the other gem of the hotel. A truly spectacular rooftop bar. The perfect place to enjoy the sunset or to have a drink in an elegant setting away from the hustle and bustle of the walking street.

Very scenic is the circular structure above the table area, all with an amphitheater setup that makes the setting perfect as an afterdinner.

Here you can drink or dine, and there are numerous events that are organized with live DJs and performances.

Executive Lounge

Probably the most scenic lounge I've ever seen from Hilton. On the 33rd floor with an immense window that illuminates the spaces with natural light and, if desired, even a small terrace where you can drink and eat, free at almost any hour.

From breakfast to afternoon snacks to evening drinks. Being Diamond Hilton opens the doors of this lounge and is one of the benefits that motivate me to be loyal to this chain by trying to maintain the level every year.

Breakfast

Breakfast will be served buffet style at The Edge. The hotel's main restaurant is on floor 14. It is possible to eat from 6:00 am until 10:30 am, 11:00 am on weekends and holidays.

Here, as in everything else in the facility, everything is maniacally cared for. Nothing is out of place, nothing looks "used."

It is possible to eat inside, in a warm environment with light wood finishes, or on the terrace with a beautiful view of the Pattaya sea. It is not the best breakfast room, but this is definitely in my personal top5.

I sat outside, it wasn't too hot: the sound of the sea makes me feel at home, and the birds jumping from table to table don't bother me at all.

The buffet is incredible. Sure. we are in Thailand and the breakfasts are always spectacular and the beauty of being hilton honors and being able to eat for free with the whole family, just because I am an Amex Platinum holder is one of the many benefits that Repays the annual card fee..

The good thing is. service is buffet style, but if you want to be lazy you can simply order the waiters what you want and they will take care of hunting down what you want to eat. My advice, however, is to help yourself, because you have no idea of everything you have on hand.

There is everything and many of the dishes are cooked express in front of guests, from classic eggs to ethnic cuisines. You can eat Indian, Chinese, Japanese, European, and of course you can eat Thai. All hot drinks are freshly prepared by a real bartender, not a machine. You can order a centrifuge or choose smooties from the ready-made ones. I got up weighing 1 kg more than when I woke up.

From sweet to savory, from sushi to French toast, it is hard not to get up full and In case you want to overdo it, there is also ice cream.

In conclusion

Amazing how in Pattaya, in a place where you would think of anything but the hotel, I have found two of the best facilities in the world where I have ever stayed. This Hilton and the Siam@Siam where I hope to return soon.

I try hard to think of some flaws in this hotel but I can't find any, probably because he doesn't have any and if to all this add the welcome and smile of Thailand it is impossible not to want to return and return to this hotel. In the ranking of hotel reviews on TFC this is the second on the list, half a point behind the only 10: The Conrad Koh Samui.

The verdict

I sleep about 1 in 3 nights a year in hotels, my family comes from this area, and I grew up in a small hotel. This allows me to have a perspective as a customer, but also as an insider. This hotel amazed me, I was expecting the same old, rusty Hilton hotel and it was not. There was not a scratch on the door, a stain in the hallway, a chipped table. Everything like it was brand new, but instead it was a hotel over 20 years old. Great staff, spatial view, killer room, heavenly pool and stellar rooftop.

9.5

Pro

• All

Against

• Nothing