Beachside hangouts and buzzy social hubs vie for your attention in this coastal city in Thailand. Read on to discover our guide to Pattaya’s best budget hotels — bookable with Culture Trip.
The tide might have shifted since Pattaya’s pre-’60s existence as a small fishing village. But today, this pulls-no-punches city on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, just south of Bangkok, still holds a place for those who want the tried-and-tested trappings of mass tourism. Hotels in Thailand’s favourite beach city can be pricey, but among the blockbuster resorts, along Pattaya’s quieter coastal stretches, you’ll also find budget bases with pools, bars and tropical gardens that belie their wallet-pleasing price tag. Here’s our pick of the best cheap hotels Pattaya has to offer.
At the base of Pratumnak Hill, Bonkai Resort is a budget hotel in Pattaya, located within walking distance of Big Buddha Temple – the site of a colossal gilded statue, flanked by dragons. This family-run, frill-free resort offers simple studios and one-bedroom suites decorated with paintings by local artists, along with a restaurant and a pool for recovering after a long night of hitting the city’s lively nightclub scene.
Acqua Hotel proves that budget accommodation in Pattaya doesn’t have to be bland and dated. The bachelor-pad-style rooms are stylish, with dark-wood accents, leather couches and urban loft-inspired interiors. On the top floors, you’ll find a sauna and a basic gym, but the rooftop saltwater pool with its sunbeds and bar is the real selling point. The hotel is steps away from the Pattaya Night Bazaar, a lively all-day market (despite its name) with hundreds of stalls selling everything from spices to souvenirs, and a short walk to the main drag of Pattaya Beach.
To get in touch with nature without breaking the bank, check into the Thai Garden Resort. While it may be in the heart of Pattaya, its lush tropical gardens give it an altogether more sylvan feel. Rooms range from diminutive to down-right deluxe, with two-bedroom apartments at the larger end, all beautifully decorated in classic Thai style, with an emphasis on wood craftsmanship. Aside from the gardens, the biggest draw here is the multilevel lagoon-like pool, studded with six whirlpools, aqua beds, foot massagers and jacuzzis, proving cost-conscious doesn’t have to mean compromise.
For a tropical resort stay, minus the hefty price tag, Hotel Amber Pattaya has you covered. This stylish, design-minded property offers more facilities than most, with a gym, sauna, spa, restaurant and even an on-site minimart for late-night snacks. The ivy-covered walls surrounding the pool add a shield of privacy and luxury, while inside, it’s all about minimal, pared-back rooms and maximised social spaces, making this budget boutique hotel hard to beat.
The Adelphi’s ace card is its unbeatable location – within walking distance of the town’s beaches, seafood restaurants and nightlife, but without all the noise and bustle of the city centre. The Central Festival Pattaya Beach shopping centre is a 10-minute walk away – if you can drag yourself away from the hotel’s rooftop swimming pool and adjoining cocktail bar. There are 78 contemporary rooms, some with kitchenettes. For unrivalled views of Pattaya’s neon-lit cityscape, aim for the deluxe rooms with balconies.
The Sea Breeze Jomtien Resort lies in one of Pattaya’s most colourful areas, surrounded by street-food vendors, open-air fruit stalls and the city’s floating market. You’ll find the gorgeous, secluded Jomtien Beach a short walk away. The rooms are simple, decorated in murals or patterned wallpaper, but we predict you’ll spend most of your time by the hotel’s two pools.
Unwind in style at the Aster Hotel and Residence. Despite being one of the most affordable hotels in the area, the studio-like interiors easily compare to any high-end resort. The rooms are elegant and modern, each with a kitchenette, washing machine, balcony and Scandinavian-style furniture. On the second floor, you’ll find a lap-size swimming pool, fitness centre and sauna. The hotel is within walking distance of many attractions; however, there’s also a free shuttle service to the major shopping centres.
A-One boasts million-dollar views at a fraction of the cost, offering a glimpse of the Gulf of Thailand from many of its 52 rooms and suites, each decorated with sumptuous warm tones of beige, gold and brown. You can also check out the resort’s palm-lined pool, seafood-serving restaurant and bar. Need wheelchair access? No problem. This hotel was built from scratch with ramps in place of steps and lifts ready to zip you upstairs that, like all good design, you won’t even notice.
Wallet-friendly COSI Pattaya Wong Amat Beach delights in its social spaces. It houses a buzzy hub for grabbing a drink, catching a game or watching a film; Café 247 for delicately spiced Thai food; and a pool with underwater speakers that’ll have you practising your synchronised-swimming routines. Rooms are cool and collected crash pads for recharging before heading out for sunset strolls on the lesser-visited Wong Amat Beach with your new-found travel buddies.
