It may be a surprise to some but Pattaya in Thailand has some of the most beautiful and luxurious hotels in the country. Pattaya is very much a secret Thailand location enjoyed in the main by the Chinese, Russians, Koreans and Japanese.

The rest of the world is there too but living in the down market hotels or staying in their own apartments and houses. These are the people who took a day trip from Bangkok and said 'Wow!' and kept coming back or settled there. Pattaya is very much an aquired taste but is a taste that lingers like a fine wine. Pattaya can be all things to all men, and women, if you give it a chance. Pattaya grows on you.

The luxury living is not for me. I am content with my lumpy bumpy bed in my room in the backstreets. Besides I cannot afford the luxury hotels. I have seen them though. I have even sat in their lobbies and foyers for a cold drink or a coffee. I know something of the opulence of the rooms too. These have been described in detail by bar girl friends who have frequented the luxury with their clients.

How many hotels are there in Pattaya? There must be hundreds and something to suit every pocket. From a simple fan room at 180 Thai Baht and up.

The remarkable thing about Pattaya luxury hotels is that they are affordable to the moderately wealthy from the Western world. If you are in a position to and can afford it then enjoy the best.

Here is a selection:

The newest and largest hotel in Pattaya is the five star Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort. The deluxe rooms start at under 4,000 Baht and progress up to suites which are in the area of 17,600. This is a beautiful place and even if you chose not to stay there you would probably want to visit to experience the 'Lost World' theme. 

The Amari Orchid Resort and Tower is another five star Pattaya offering. Rooms here start at a little under 6,000 Baht per night. The Amari Orchid Resort is also well known for its pampering rejuvenation packages.

The Royal Cliff Beach Resort is really four hotels in one. They are four star and up and all share a secure and beautifully maintained 64 acre site right on the beach. They offer a range of special packages. There is probably a price to suit every pocket above 4,000 Baht.

The Siam Pura Resort is yet another example of how luxury living can be re-defined to something even more special.

There are, as I say, hundreds of hotels in Pattaya. If the luxury living does not quite fit your pocket take a look at the Backpackers Guide to Pattaya in Thailand or Long Stay in Pattaya. There is definitely something for everyone in this magical part of the Kingdom of Thailand.