Where to Stay in Pattaya: BEST Areas & Hotels (Family-Friendly!)

If you’re interested in one of Thailand's most vibrant tourist destinations known for its beautiful beaches, exciting water sports, and lively nightlife, then Pattaya is worth visiting.

With plenty of bars, clubs, and shows, it's a great destination if you're seeking an electrifying night scene, while still offering plenty of cultural experiences and scenic beauty to explore during the day.

If you're wondering where to stay in Pattaya and which part of Pattaya is best, it’s worth knowing that each area offers something different for every type of traveler. In this article, I'll include the best areas and places to stay for families, nightlife and beaches.

Where to Stay in Pattaya – Most Popular Hotels Overall

If you're looking for a quick answer to the best areas to stay in Pattaya, below are our most popular hotel picks.

1. Best 5-Star Hotel in Pattaya: Hilton Pattaya
2. Best Hotel Near Pattaya Walking Street: Avani Pattaya Resort
3. Best Beachfront Hotel in Pattaya: Dusit Thani Pattaya
4. Best Hotel in Pattaya for Families: Veranda Resort Pattaya
5. Best Value-For-Money Hotel in Pattaya: Pattaya Discovery Beach Hotel
6. Best Hotel in Most Central Location in Pattaya: LK The Empress

Main Areas to Stay in Pattaya City

1. Where to Stay in Pattaya for the First Time: Pattaya Beach/North Pattaya

Pattaya Beach and North Pattaya offer a mix of tourist-friendly facilities and bustling nightlife.

This area is home to numerous bars, restaurants, and shopping centres, as well as popular attractions such as the world's largest wooden castle called the Sanctuary of Truth and the Pattaya Floating Market.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Pattaya for the first time, it’s worth checking out some of the below hotels.

This area is best for:

• First-time visitors
• Sightseeing attractions
• A central location

The Best Hotels to Stay in Pattaya for First-Time Visitors

Best Luxury Hotel in Pattaya: Dusit Thani Pattaya

Located along Pattaya Bay lies one of Pattaya’s best hotels, the Dusit Thani Pattaya. This beautiful hotel offers sweeping views of the coast, featuring tennis courts, a fitness centre and a spa. The property also has 2 swimming pools and 3 different restaurants onsite.

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Best 5-Star Hotel in Pattaya: Hilton Pattaya

If you’re looking for a 5-star hotel in Pattaya, look no further than the Hilton. This luxury accommodation offers 180-degree views of Pattaya Beach and provides everything you need for a relaxing stay including slippers, a bathtub, and a private balcony with each room. Don't miss dining at the Horizon, the hotel's rooftop restaurant serving delicious food and drinks.

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Best Mid-Range Hotel in Pattaya: Pattaya Discovery Beach Hotel

The Pattaya Discovery Beach Hotel is located along the beach, only a 7-minute walk away from Central Festival Shopping Mall. This hotel is a great option for families as it provides a playground for children’s entertainment, while also offering a business centre for those working and traveling. All rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, a minibar, and a tea/coffee maker.

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2. Where to Stay in Pattaya for Nightlife: Walking Street

Walking Street is where to stay in Pattaya for nightlife if you’re looking for the ultimate entertainment hub!

A popular destination for both local Thais and foreign tourists, this area offers a vast array of bars, restaurants, clubs, and accommodations. The Walking Street has a reputation for being home to the red-light district and offering an unforgettable nightlife experience.

This area is best for:

• Nightlife
• Live music venues
• Adult entertainment

The Best Pattaya Hotels Near Pattaya Walking Street for Nightlife

Best High-End Hotel Near Pattaya Walking Street: Avani Pattaya Resort

If you’re looking for where to stay in Pattaya near Walking Street, I’d highly recommend checking out the Avani Pattaya Resort. This resort provides guests with spacious, modern rooms with the option of sea, pool, or garden views. This Pattaya luxury resort has a beautiful large pool, sauna, and gym.

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Best 4-Star Hotel in Pattaya: Holiday Inn Express Pattaya Central

Another one of Pattaya’s hotels near Walking Street, less than 1km from Pattaya Beach, is the Holiday Inn Express. This hotel is located in a convenient location and has an amazing city view, as well as a swimming pool, garden, and fitness centre.

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Best Value-For-Money Hotel in Pattaya: The Base Pattaya

The Base Pattaya in Pattaya Central is great value for money! This hotel provides guests with a rooftop infinity pool on the 31st floor, overlooking the city with distant ocean views. This is a good option for a longer stay, as each room comes with a kitchen equipped with a microwave, fridge, and full kitchenware to make yourself at home.

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Best Hotel in Central Location in Pattaya: LK The Empress

One of Pattaya’s best hotels, LK The Empress, is an elegantly designed hotel with natural lighting and gold-trimmed furnishings within walking distance of Pattaya’s nightlife. The Circle Restaurant onsite serves authentic Thai dishes and even offers room service for those looking for in-room dining.

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3. Where to Stay in Pattaya for Families & Tranquility: Jomtien Beach & Dongtan Beach

If you’re looking for where to stay in Pattaya with family, I’d recommend looking at Jomtien Beach and Dongtan Beach.

This area in South Pattaya is one of the best places to stay in Pattaya, offering a much more relaxed atmosphere, ideal for people with children or those seeking a quieter holiday experience. The area is known for its long stretch of sandy beaches and water sports activities.

This area is best for:

• Families
• Luxurious accommodation options
• A quieter location away from the city centre & nightlife

The Best Family-Friendly & Luxury Pattaya Hotels

Best 5-Star Resort in Pattaya: Veranda Resort Pattaya

If you’re looking for privacy away from the bustling city centre, this beautiful resort is the perfect place to relax. Located within walking distance of the beach, the Veranda Resort offers comfy beds, spacious balconies, and well-maintained property. There is also a rooftop restaurant which is one of the best places in the area to enjoy a sunset.

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Best Family-Friendly Hotel in Pattaya: Aiyaree Place Hotel

Located a short 5 minutes drive to Outlet Mall Pattaya, and 400m to Jomtien Beach, is Aiyaree Place Hotel. This Pattaya accommodation features a spa and wellness centre, where you can relax and enjoy a traditional Thai massage.

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Best Budget Accommodation in Pattaya: Jomtien Hostel

Jomtien Hostel is the perfect place to stay if you’re wondering where to stay in Pattaya alone, and are looking for a budget accommodation option. Here, you have the option to book a shared room, where each bed comes with a privacy curtain, or you can book a private room with a double bed.

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4. Where to Stay In Pattaya for Local Culture: Na Kluea

Na Kluea is a more residential area located in North Pattaya and offers a more local and authentic experience. Despite its laid-back atmosphere, the area still offers a wide range of amenities for tourists, including supermarkets, street food vendors, local shops, and massage parlors.

It also has some of the best beaches in Pattaya with white sand and crystal-clear water. Whether you're looking for relaxation or an authentic Thai experience, Na Kluea is worth considering.

This area is best for:

• An authentic Thai experience
• Street food and shopping
• Beach goers

The Best Hotels to Stay In Pattaya for Local Thai Culture

Best Hotel for Couples in Pattaya: Mandarin Eastville Pattaya

If you’re looking for a comfortable room, tasty food, and helpful staff, Mandarin Eastville provides all that and more! Located in Pattaya North, this hotel has a sauna, fitness centre, and swimming pool. Rooms are modern with air-conditioning and a private terrace overlooking the city.

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Best Mid-Range Hotel in Pattaya North: M Pattaya Hotel

The M Pattaya Hotel is one of Pattaya’s best hotels. This accommodation option offers spacious rooms, private parking, and a delicious buffet breakfast. Located 1 km away from Wong Amat Beach the hotel features a fitness centre, swimming pool, and restaurant onsite.

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Best 3-Star Hotel in Pattaya: Villa Wanida

Located in the Na Klua area of Pattaya, you’ll find the tropical Villa Wanida Garden Resort. The resort features Thai-styled interiors with cable TV and free Wi-Fi. Relax on the property enjoying a game of life-sized chess or book a traditional full-body Thai massage.

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5. Where to Stay In Pattaya for Beaches & Water Activities: Ko Larn Island

Ko Larn is a small island located off the coast of Pattaya, popular for its crystal-clear waters and beautiful beaches. This is definitely the best place to stay in Pattaya for couples and honeymooners as it’s more secluded and perfect for a romantic getaway.

It’s also a great place to stay near Pattaya for snorkeling, diving, or sunbathing!

This area is best for:

• Couples & honeymooners
• Beach lovers
• An island getaway
• Water activities

The Best Hotels To Stay In Ko Larn

Best Beach Front Resort: Xanadu Beach Resort

Transport yourself to paradise in Ko Larn by staying at the Xanadu Reach resort! This colorful resort is located beachfront and provides the perfect setting for a relaxed beach getaway. Rooms come with complimentary toiletries, a hairdryer, and a wardrobe.

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Best Affordable Hotel Near Pattaya: Koh Larn Riviera

The staff at the Koh Larn Riviera do everything they can to ensure all guests have a seamless stay, including a free shuttle service to and from the property. The hotel provides spacious, comfortable, clean rooms, and serves a continental breakfast daily.

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Best Bungalow Homestay: Poopreaw Koh Larn

If you’re looking for accommodation in Pattaya that offers cozy bungalows close to the pier, then consider staying at the Poopreaw homestay. Located just 1km from Thong Lang and Tawaen Beach, the property serves daily breakfast and provides guests with free wifi to use. This is a great choice if you're looking for homely, budget accommodation!

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Where to Stay in Pattaya – Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Worth Visiting Pattaya?

Despite its reputation for largely being a party scene, Pattaya has so much more to offer beyond that and is widely considered one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand. From family-friendly attractions to a buzzing nightlife, there is something for everyone in Pattaya!

Which Area Is Best to Stay In Pattaya?

North Pattaya is quieter and has a wider selection of high-end restaurants and shopping options, while South Pattaya is livelier, with a more bustling atmosphere and a wider range of nightlife options. Ultimately, the best area to stay in Pattaya will depend on your preferences and who you're traveling with or if you're going solo, as each area offers something completely different.

How Many Days to Stay in Pattaya?

The amount of time you should spend in Pattaya depends on your Thailand travel itinerary and how much you want to see and do while you're there. Generally, I would recommend spending about two to three days to get a taste of what the city has to offer, but you could easily spend a week or more if you're looking for a more relaxed beach holiday.

Is Pattaya family-friendly?

While Pattaya is known for its nightlife, it does offer family-friendly attractions such as Jomtien Beach, Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden, and Cartoon Network Amazone Waterpark. By staying in quieter areas and avoiding nightlife zones, families can enjoy activities such as visiting the Pattaya Floating Market and Underwater World Pattaya.

Is Pattaya Safe to Visit?

Overall, Pattaya is generally considered safe for tourists, but there are always some potential risks to be aware of. If you’re travelling around Pattaya you should take precautions to keep your valuables safe and avoid wandering alone in dark or quiet areas at night. It’s always best to walk in numbers, and even as a solo traveler, you'll find plenty of opportunities to socialize and meet others here.

Should You Choose to Stay in Bangkok, Phuket or Pattaya, which City Is Best?

Each of the cities, Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket are super different and they cannot be compared!

Bangkok, the bustling capital of Thailand, is known for its rich cultural heritage, delicious street food, amazing rooftop bars and bustling nightlife around Khao San Road. It is the perfect destination if you love the hustle and bustle of a big city and for those interested in experiencing Thai culture and history.

On the other hand, Pattaya is a resort city located on the east coast of Thailand and has more of a beach scene to offer. The city is known for its vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars, clubs, and go-go bars catering to tourists. However, Pattaya has a reputation for being more geared towards adult entertainment, which may not be suitable for families or those looking for a more low-key holiday.

And then there’s Phuket, Thailand's largest island, which is a tropical paradise that offers stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a relaxed atmosphere. Phuket is the perfect destination for those who want to spend their days with a combination of lounging on the beach, exploring the Thai food scene, and experiencing the local nightlife.

Where to Stay in Pattaya – Final Words

When it comes to where to stay in Pattaya, there are many different areas offering a range of accommodations, from affordable hostels for backpackers to luxurious beach resorts and five-star hotels. Pattaya has a thriving tourism industry and continues to be a prime destination for many types of travelers. Whether you're interested in the vibrant nightlife scene, the stunning beaches, or just want a quiet getaway, there's a neighborhood and accommodation in Pattaya that suits your needs.