We were lounging on a beach recliner, our bare feet digging in at the cream-colored sand of Pattaya Beach, sipping on coconut juice straight from its husk. Our main reason for going to this resort town was mainly due to the fact that it was the nearest beach to the megalopolis that is Bangkok. And well, alright I’ll be honest, it was also because I saw it on one of the Starbucks Icon mugs that I have been collecting.

FROM BANGKOK TO PATTAYA VIA TRAIN, BUS AND SONGTHAEW

Coming from the beautiful country of Nepal and spending a single night at Bangkok’s posh Chatrium Hotel Riverside, we met with two more travel mates at the Suvarnabhumi Airport—which I could not pronounce correctly if my life depended on it. From there, we quickly hopped on a bus that sent us straight to Pattaya City.

► BOOK TRANSPORTATION FROM BANGKOK TO PATTAYA

BAYVIEW PATTAYA’S LOBBY, NICE AND CLEAN LOOK

QUAINT OPEN-AIRED LOUNGE AREA

The ride was uneventful; we mainly dozed off as our bus swiftly zipped through the highways leading to Pattaya City. A quick songthaew ride later and we were checking in at our hotel for the night, the Bayview Pattaya.

From its façade, it looked quite dated (the hotel was formerly the Siam Bayview Hotel). But once we went in and had a glimpse of its relatively new chic and swanky lobby, we started to get really impressed.

► BOOK DISCOUNTED PATTAYA TOURS

BAYVIEW PATTAYA’S SAFARI-THEMED ROOM

After introducing ourselves to the concierge, we were told that the hotel was already fully booked. But not to worry, she continued, instead of the usual rooms, we’re gonna be upgraded to a suite. Whoa. Now that’s a sweet and welcome surprise!

SMALL ROOM BALCONY LOOKING OUT TO THE SEA

Our suite turned out to be one of their safari-themed rooms which were really, really long albeit a bit tight—width-wise. It actually occupied a slice of the floor, end to end. We’ve got windows looking out to the sea on one side and another looking out over the skyline of the city. I am totally not complaining.

► CHECK DISCOUNTED ROOM RATES & AVAILABILITY

THE COZY LIVING ROOM AREA

DINING ROOM AREA, NO WORKING KITCHEN THOUGH

I was imagining something kitschy when they told us we’re gonna be bunked on a themed room, having seen a few themed rooms doting billboards across Manila (ehem, on billboards, I emphasize), but I was totally wrong. The décors were totally tasteful and it was actually quite interesting instead of the typical and business-like hotel boxes we’ve gotten used to.

THE MASTER’S BEDROOM

The Bayview Pattaya’s rooms were warm, cozy, and quite playful. There were zebra-striped rugs, animal artworks hanging on walls, cute giraffe statuettes, and a living area display case filled with safari hats, wooden sculptures, and old cameras. I’m really, really liking how full of character our room was.

THE EN SUITE TOILET AND BATH

I’m also digging the funky tile-works on their toilet and bath. Plus it has a casement window filled with opaque color glasses that opens directly to the master’s bedroom. Sexy!

We spent an hour or so, tinkering about the room and resting a bit before going out and checking the sights of the city.

MORNING LAPS, ANYONE?

BAYVIEW PATTAYA’S COMPLIMENTARY BUFFET BREAKFAST

The next day, we went down to their oddly S-shaped garden pool and contemplated on having a couple of laps. We ultimately decided against it since the hotel was just a couple of minutes walk to the Pattaya Beach. We reserved our energy for The Bayview’s complimentary breakfast instead; hello there bacons and sausages, we missed you guys. And after a leisurely meal, it was time to finally hit the beach. Here we go Pattaya!

The Bayview Pattaya ► ROOM RATES
Address: 310/2 Beach Road, Pattaya City,
Chonburi, Thailand
Contact Number: (+66) 2.247.0123 | (+66) 38.423.871 | Facebook
Email: thebayview@sukosolhotels.com
GPS Coordinates Map: 12.933642, 100.881772