Comfort on the cliff
The newly rebranded InterContinental Pattaya Resort is perfect for a relaxing weekend
PERCHED ON a headland overlooking the sea, the five-star InterContinental Pattaya Resort is a great choice for couples and families to take a break this summer.
Formerly the Sheraton Pattaya Resort, this low-rise, eco-themed hotel owned by Amburaya Resort Thailand opened in 2005 with Sheraton assuming the management. It rebranded last year, becoming the latest member of InterContinental Hotels Group and aiming to give visitors a premium holiday experience and top-class services.
The 24-rai property in South Pattaya has undergone major renovations and now boasts rooms decorated in elegant Asian contemporary style and upgraded deluxe Club Privileges, the first phase of which has recently been completed.
Privacy is of paramount importance here and the accommodation is set in lush landscaped gardens with easy access to the three large swimming pools. The resort features 156 residences ranging in sizes from 45 to 125 square metres and varying from classic and family garden view, resort classic and family ocean view, pool terrace, deluxe tropical pavilion, deluxe ocean view pavilion, club InterContinental suites, Baan Sai Nam two-bedroom pool villa and Baan Sai Chol one-bedroom pool villa.
The classic rooms are in the main buildings while the club suites are designed as two-storey homes. Each room provides premium amenities created by Harnn, a spacious private balcony furnished with a comfy day bed overlooking a swimming pool, the garden or the sea.
There are facilities for both the leisure and business traveller, with Latitude by the Beach lounge serving as a multi-purpose meeting space for seminars, VIP events and private parties.
Two restaurants – Infiniti and Elements – serve international cuisine enhanced by panoramic views of the Gulf of Thailand.
The Amburaya Spa offers a full range of treatments and modern well-equipped fitness centre and kid’s club Planet Trekkers is set to open soon.
I take advantage of Club Privileges and stay in a comfortable 65sqm Club Pool Terrace Suite where I’m spoiled with personalised service from the word go. There’s private check-in and check-out at the Club InterContinental Lounge, 24-hour Club Butler service, preferential reservation seating at every resort restaurant and unlimited complimentary access to the children’s programme at Planet Trekkers once it opens.
My room is delightfully decorated in peaceful grey with oak furniture and a wooden floor. The 6.8-foot large bed is fashioned from teakwood and equipped with a new super comfortable mattress and top-quality bed linen.
There’s free WiFi and broadband Internet access, a LCD television, a DVD player, a coffee maker and complimentary TWG tea collection. A marble washbasin counter for two stands in the middle of the spacious bathroom, which also has a separate shower, a deep bathtub and a separate toilet. The wardrobe has a safety box, bathrobes, slippers and a laundry set.
The spacious balcony comes with a comfy daybed and the pool is just metres away. Club Suite residents can choose their own way to have a full breakfast buffet at the Elements, sip a coffee and order an a la carte breakfast at the beachfront Club Lounge, or have the morning collation delivered to the room.
The Club Lounge also serves a TWG afternoon tea set and evening cocktails with canape.
The more energetic can board the hotel’s yacht and enjoy a sail to Koh Phai and Koh Larn for snorkelling and sunbathing.
AT A GLANCE
High Point: Rooms are spacious and luxurious with full facilities and there’s a complimentary shuttle to downtown Pattaya
Low Point: The kid’s zone is not yet complete and the private beach is artificial and disappointingly small.
Pay for it: Bt5,390 to Bt51,450
Find it: 437 Phra Tamnak Road, Pattaya, Chon Nburi.
Book it: (038) 259 888
Browse it: www.Intercontinental.com/ Pattayaresort
