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All you need to know about Dusit Thani Pattaya

Encompassing a diverse range of over 1,500 listed hotels across various categories, Pattaya remains a prime destination, particularly alluring to weekend travellers from the vibrant city of Bangkok, just a two-hour drive away. Amidst the multitude of beaches and hotel options in this bustling town, our focus was on the Dusit Thani Pattaya for a weekend retreat. We delved into the reasons that make this property a preferred choice among Indian travel experts.

Dusit Thani Pattaya

Location of the hotel:

Dusit Thani Pattya stands out as one of the rare hotels situated right on Beach Road in Pattaya, granting guests direct access to the sandy shores. Positioned at a strategic junction, directly facing the trendy Terminal 21 Shopping Mall and adjacent to the starting point of the Beach Road, the hotel boasts an ideal location for effortless access to a plethora of preferred holiday activities.

Nestled in the peaceful northern part of Pattaya, it offers a sophisticated haven for those desiring proximity to the city’s vibrant ambiance while avoiding its less savoury elements. The beachside location of the hotel allows for a leisurely eight-minute stroll to the bustling array of restaurants along Beach Road, providing an enticing selection of delectable dining options and a lively atmosphere. Conveniently, the well-known tuk-tuks of Thailand are readily available right outside the hotel, offering guests an easy means to reach Beach Road for as low as 10 Baht each.

Venturing southward along the coastline unveils an array of local attractions, such as the Teddy Bear Museum and the Alcazar Cabaret, each just a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Inland explorations lead to Tiffany’s Show, a mere 10-minute walk away, and further along lies Art in Paradise, an interactive art museum that holds particular appeal for families.

While Pattaya town itself exudes a somewhat dubious atmosphere with its abundance of go-go bars and massage parlours, such elements remain distant from the enclave of the Dusit Thani. The famed nightlife district of Walking Street, synonymous with Pattaya’s revelry, necessitates an approximately 20-minute cab ride, offering a welcome separation from the hotel’s serene environs.

Dusit Thani Pattaya Amenities, Facilities:

Dusit Thani Pattaya LobbyThe vibrant greenery adorning the walls and gracefully spreading throughout the sunlit expanse of the expansive lobby at Dusit Thani Pattaya provides a glimpse into the hotel’s aesthetic essence. It aptly sets the tone for the overall ambiance, which exudes a sense of tranquility and seclusion, harmoniously blending with the hotel’s picturesque surroundings.

On the lobby level, Dusit Gourmet beckons with its enticing array of gourmet sweets and beverages, providing a delightful solution for afternoon cravings.

Families are in for a treat, a rare find in many Pattaya hotels, as Dusit Thani Pattaya offers a range of services tailored for young ones. A highlight of kid-friendly features includes a complimentary children’s club (Kid’s Corner), playground, and a dedicated kiddie pool. However, during the off-season, the kids’ area may lose some of its lively charm, appearing somewhat gloomy. Additionally, due to its distance from the main areas of the hotel, children might not be as drawn to this part of the property during that time.

Complementing these offerings are two generously sized outdoor pools (Lagoon Pool and Chaba Pool), one of which boasts delightful pillar fountains periodically sprinkling water into the pool. The pool deck provides ample space, adorned with canopies covering scattered day beds for guests to unwind.

While the hotel’s beach area is relatively compact in comparison to the property’s size, it’s important to note that some sections are rocky and not suitable for swimming. However, the designated swimming area is shallow and tranquil, offering a peaceful setting. Rows of lounge chairs are neatly arranged on the sandy shore and adjacent grassy tiers, providing comfortable relaxation spots.

For those seeking a rejuvenating experience, the elegant spa (Devarana Spa) at the hotel presents an extensive menu of spa services encompassing beauty treatments, massages, body wraps, and sauna sessions. Although slightly on the higher end in terms of pricing, this is a common trend in the region. The hotel’s fitness centre is another notable highlight, resembling a spacious and well-equipped gym. The bright and inviting space is furnished with modern cardio and weight equipment, along with additional amenities like yoga mats, medicine balls, and flat-screen TVs. Additionally, outdoor tennis courts further extend fitness options for guests.

For those interested in shopping, the on-site shops provide a convenient starting point for picking up trinkets, followed by exploration of the nearby expansive shopping malls. Additionally, the hotel houses several meeting rooms and conference facilities, accompanied by a fully functional business centre. Complimentary Wi-Fi is provided and proves to be efficient, and self-parking comes at no extra cost for guests.

Rooms & Restaurants:

The hotel’s 457 rooms encompass a wide spectrum of types and available amenities, contributing to a varied stylistic experience. For instance, the Seaview Deluxe Rooms, which we booked, had a subdued colour scheme with bland white and beige tones, accompanied by traditional dark wood furniture that shows signs of wear. The overall effect in these rooms is further impacted by elements like goldenrod carpeting, bare walls, and flashy accents, resulting in a less than invigorating ambiance. Furthermore, it’s worth noting that the carpeting has experienced wear and tear, detracting from the overall aesthetic and indicating the need for maintenance or refurbishment.

On the other hand, higher-category rooms showcase more sophistication, featuring handsome marble surfaces and additional stylistic touches like silk floral accent panels or sharp hardwood floors.

Across all room types, contemporary amenities are standard, including minibars, air conditioning, safes, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels and DVD players. Balconies are a consistent feature, with a majority offering pleasing views of the pools or the sea. Upgraded room categories (Dusit Club) offer extra perks such as private check-in, complimentary laundry services, and daily replenishments of fresh fruit and water and even access to an exclusive lounge (The Peak) for those late afternoon tea refreshments.

Bathrooms, while bright and compact, characterised by simple beige tiling and mirrors adorned with gold trim. However, they are functional, equipped with shower/tub combinations, scales, and ample counter space. The provision of bathrobes (loved those comfy bathrobes) and slippers adds a touch of comfort.

While the breakfast buffet at the hotel comes at an additional cost, the variety and quality of food receive consistent praise. For breakfast onwards, Peak Restaurant specialises in Chinese cuisine, while Cascades Restaurant offers a broader international selection for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Just FYI, they also have a special selection of Indian vegeterian breakfast which changes every morning. Italian fare is also available at Bay Restaurant. In the beverage realm, the lobby lounge crafts well-crafted cocktails, albeit at a relatively higher price point. An exclusive perk for guests in higher-tier rooms is access to the Club Lounge, where an assortment of snacks and drinks are available throughout the day.

TDT Verdict: 

In summary, the Dusit Thani Pattaya, a tranquil four-pearl retreat, is an excellent option for beach enthusiasts seeking a relaxing getaway, conveniently situated within reasonable proximity to shopping and dining options while maintaining a sense of seclusion from Pattaya’s bustling core. The hotel’s peaceful setting, a mere 10-minute walk from shopping and dining hubs, effectively shields guests from the livelier aspects of the town. Although the 457 rooms exhibit signs of ageing, the well-manicured tropical surroundings impart a pleasant ambiance. The hotel offers enticing amenities, including expansive outdoor pools, family-friendly features, a modern gym, and a selection of three on-site dining venues.

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