The Royal Cliff Hotel in Pattaya
We decided to get away from the smog, traffic and the polluted air of Bangkok and decided to have a long weekend away at a large integrated resort within easy reach of the capital city. I wanted somewhere that we could spend most of our time at without needing to leave the complex, so it had to be a large luxury 5 star complex with a varied choice of food and beverage options. A good quality spa for massages, steam, sauna and plenty to keep us occupied.
A complex that had private beach access but also a good swimming pool (they have 7)! A health and fitness centre, not for me, but for my partner, but I wanted somewhere that I could walk every day to get my exercise without having to take the same route. The Royal Cliff is set in more than 100 rai.
The drive down from Bangkok to Phra Tamnuk Hill, Pattaya was pretty uneventful – just under 90 minutes but the moment I turned off the Phra Tamnuk Road into the entrance of the Royal Cliff Hotels Group, I could feel the stress levels subside, took a deep breath and soaked in the sights.
The manicured lawns, mature trees and beautiful colourful flower beds abound. The smartly dressed security guard saluted us and welcomed us to the and gave us a parking card.
I drove down the slope towards the foyer of the hotel and we passed the PEACH convention and exhibition hall. I didn’t realise at the time but PEACH stands for Pattaya Exhibition and Convention Hall. Apparently, it is 13,500sqm and can accommodate well over 1,000 guests in comfort for all manner of events – exhibitions, conventions, company meetings, weddings.
In front of the hotel there is a huge circular water feature and as I pulled up, I was met by both a security guard, saluting again and the valet who had presumably seen us coming. They both welcomed us with a cheery greeting and together they unpacked our luggage from the car and carried it to the foyer. I gave the car keys to the valet and entered the large modern reception area.
It looked impeccably clean and as we walked towards the desk 2/3 uniformed staff said good morning to us.
We checked in our room which was ready despite us being early for the 12 midday check in. I liked that, it showed promise. The immaculately dressed young lady said that she would show us to our room.
There are 4 separate hotels on site it would seem, to suit all tastes. The Royal Wing Suites and Spa seems to be for the VVIP’s. I haven’t seen the rooms there personally but all the pictures that I saw and read indicate that this is where the celebrities and superstars stay. It looks wonderful, maybe one day…
Then there is the Royal Cliff Grand Hotel which I guess is the relative newcomer to the proposition which has 372 rooms, all with their own south facing secluded balcony with two day beds. It is a stylish elegant building with an expensive feel with its marble and teak floored lobby. It has its own swimming pool and a wide range of facilities. A luxurious spa, the Nah Pha Thai cooking school, 12 meeting rooms and high-speed internet in all rooms and suites, the Grand Hotel is ideal for sophisticated business and or leisure travellers.
We stayed in the main hotel the Royal Cliff Beach Hotel on the second floor in an Ocean Deluxe room 36sqm and a 6sqm plus balcony which was had sunrise and sea views, with table and chairs looked out over the vast terrace with two swimming pools. It was a lovely room, with light wood floors, delightfully appointed, very modern had a king size bed, lovely marble bathroom with a rain shower and a bathtub. It was light and airy and very well equipped with all the necessary amenities and many, many more.
The hotel has 11 different food and beverage options so there really is no need to set foot outside of the hotel complex and we didn’t – well once and I regretted that!
Each morning we had breakfast in the Panorama all day dining restaurant. A buffet breakfast to behold. I have never seen so much food which was constantly being refreshed and added to by the chefs and waiting staff. Being Western I had juice to start, cereals with milk and fresh fruit. Poached eggs with sautéed spinach, some lightly cooked bacon, grilled tomatoes and fresh French croissants. Plus 2/3 café latte each morning. I usually ate too much and had to skip lunch! Fit to burst… my eyes were larger than my stomach!
We had Indian one evening in the Maharani – which was delicious. Chinese another evening in the Huang Chao – lived up to expectations. The Royal Grill Room with a fine bottle of Argentinian Malbec another evening. The Caprice for a touch of French nouvelle cuisine the following day. The Larn Thong traditional Thai another evening and we still did not visit all the specialty restaurants.
My partner took tennis lessons, spent a fortune at the beauty salon, spa, and visited the health and fitness suite on a regular basis (so she told me). I swam in three of the swimming pools and managed to walk around the grounds almost every day, I was very proud of myself!
We had two spa visits where I steamed, sweated profusely in the sauna, and relaxed in the Jacuzzi whilst my partner had body wraps, a facial and a body scrub. We came out glowing with pride…
We walked to and along the beach one day and sat watching the activities with a cafe latte on the shoreline. There was plenty to watch with people swimming, shrieking, playing on the sandy beach, on jet skis and further out the fishing boats and pleasure craft. But I preferred the sanctuary of the hotel complex, which was quieter, secluded and more private.
We had a lovely break, only left the complex once and I wanted to get back after 20 minutes, so I can recommend it highly!
Royal Cliff Hotels Group
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