There are two main reasons we visit Pattaya these days, work, or rugby. This one was rugby (yeees). We hit the streets of Pattaya early to find somewhere half decent to stop; somewhere that wasn't too divey, nor expensive (tricky as it was a Saturday, when prices are higher). Having checked out a couple of semi-grimy, overpriced resorts, we had a stroke of luck and stumbled across a real gem, the Aiyara Palace on Nagula Road.
I admit when I got out of the car to fetch a price list I thought, probably 3000 odd baht, out of our budget... so I was a little shocked when the girl behind the jump said 1800 B (around 30 quid a night).
You find this sometimes in Pattaya. Some hotels / resorts will stick to the book price, come rain or shine. Others will do a deal on the door, and sometimes a very good one (depending on how full they are) so if you have the time, it's often well worth driving around a bit, checking the nicer looking resorts, to see if they want your business (this applies more in low season, and not on a weekend). The great thing about the Aiyara is that this seems to be the book price in low season, and on a Saturday...
This place is in North Pattaya, so a bit away from the crazy stuff (but only a short walk / bus ride if that's your poison). It's clean, well put together. The pool and jacuzzi on the top floor are smashing, with great views of the town, all finished in a clean, traditional Thai modern style.
I confess, I'm starting to like Pattaya more and more with each visit. It has everything, so much to do and see, and you can have a pleasant family break here.... When you find a good place like the Aiyara, at such good value, it really gets you off to a flying start..
(one view from the pool) The food is a bit special as well, very tasty Thai and European / American cuisine, plus, included in the 1800 B you also get good parking under the hotel, free breakfast and free internet access in your room (so take your laptop).
If you are digging around in Pattaya, looking for a nice place to stop during the low season, head for the Aiyara Palace for a great deal.
Thank you, I will be visiting some friends there next weekend and will have a look at this place.
Posted by: jo | January 31, 2010 at 05:23 PM
:) Thanks Jo - Well worth it let me know what you think pls...
Posted by: Ben Shingleton | January 31, 2010 at 11:23 PM
Reads like a nice gaff - but more importantly, did yer team win??
Posted by: Stephen Cleary | February 01, 2010 at 03:26 AM
Ben, I've been looking for new places to stay in Pattaya and I have never heard of this hotel. Looks beautiful and a little out of the way of the craziness is always a good thing.
Posted by: Talen | February 01, 2010 at 11:33 AM
Steve - LOL, no, we were tonked. Will post later.
Talen - Glad to help out, its well worth a look honest, let me know if you make it.
Posted by: Ben Shingleton | February 01, 2010 at 11:51 AM
Ben I'm pleased to read you're starting to enjoy the delights of Pattaya and the bonus is it's the biggest supplier of Nam Jim in the whole of Thailand.
The hotel looks knockout even if it is a little bit north of the action. Naglua used to have a big market on a Sunday morning, not sure if it still does but it might be worth a walk there on your next trip. Cheap clothes and nic nacs, but a couple of places nearby you can park your butt and have a drink while the missus shops.
I never did check out the Nam Jim in Naglua, it was rare I got out of soi 7 & 8.
Posted by: Martyn | February 02, 2010 at 08:10 AM
Ah Martyn, I only get my nam jim in sri prachan alas, but i've no doubt there are specialists in Nagula LOL. I think the market is still there but I was too beaten up to do anything but lounge in the pool and eat cold, sweet things. Maybe one day we will share a beer in the fair streets of pattaya... Look forward to it. Ben
Posted by: Ben Shingleton | February 02, 2010 at 08:19 AM
I've often found walk in rates are much lower than those found online, which is the opposite of most countries.
Posted by: Pattaya Girls | March 21, 2010 at 11:46 PM