17 Best Hotels in The Gulf Coast Beaches, Thailand

One of the best spa resorts in the region—and possibly the world—Chiva-Som has tasteful and comfortable rooms accented with natural woods. Some rooms have private terraces overlooking the ocean. Holistic healing and a wholesome diet are the focus of a stay, but the beachfront setting will do you a world of good, too. The courteous staff will help you recharge through educational talks in the library, shiatsu massages performed in a soothing pool, and individually tailored diets.

Step into the modern lobby here, and you'll immediately be transported to a haven removed from Pattaya's hectic streets. Classy deluxe rooms are comfortable and spacious, with impeccable furnishings and clear views of the free-form pool. The gleaming Ocean Tower vaults the resort to the top of Pattaya's hotel lineup, though. It includes a spa and an executive lounge, and all of its rooms have ocean-view balconies. 

Even if you don't stay at this local landmark, its old-world charm makes it worth a visit. Built in 1923 for visitors to King Rama VII's summer palace, the hotel has wide verandas that open onto splendid gardens leading down to the beach. The lounges on either side of the reception area are open to let in sea breezes. In low season, rates are almost half of what they are the rest of the year. On-site activities include badminton and putting at two greens.

Located on a green, forested headland overlooking Koh Lan, this is one of Pattaya's most enticing properties. It offers a paradisiacal village of newly renovated rooms, private cabanas, and shade-providing palm trees. Other highlights include a private sandy beach and inviting lagoon pools. Views of the water frame the resort, but what really sets it apart is its relatively intimate size and peerless degree of personal service.

A cheaper alternative to Pattaya's five-star palaces, this centrally-located hotel has amenities like flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, safes, and hot showers—a great value for money.

This serene hotel is on the beach but with easy access to the rest of Hua Hin. The accommodations range from clean and simple standard rooms to expansive sea-view duplexes. The feel of the place is distinctly modern—minimalist but comfortable. There are two pools, one with a poolside bar, and the restaurant is decent. Facilities at this family-friendly property include a game room and a playroom.

Despite a somewhat odd African theme, The Gem's Mining is one of Pattaya's classiest new luxury properties. Fabulous landscaping means that each of its 98 rooms and villas feel wonderfully secluded, even though the hotel is next to the main Bangkok-Pattaya motorway. The pick of the accommodations are the Ruby three-bedroom pool villas, which have a private pool and access to a larger lagoon pool.

In the liveliest part of town, the Hilton is perfect for fun-and-sun enthusiasts who want to be close to the action. Towering over Hua Hin, the 17-story hotel has rooms that are spacious, functional, and outfitted with the modern amenities one expects from this chain. A lagoonlike pool dominates the garden. The beach in front of the resort is next to the public accessway, making it popular with vendors and tourists from other hotels. The Hua-Hin Brewing Company, a popular bar, restaurant, and people-watching venue, is part of the Hilton complex.

In the middle of the beach yet convenient to much of Pattaya—especially the shopping mall it looms over—the Hilton serves up no-fuss luxury. The hotel also makes an effort to deliver a vacation feel, with relaxed sea themes and chic furnishings. All the amenities, including the rooftop pool, fitness facilities, and a lavish spa, encourage guests to pamper themselves. Even standard rooms have great views and offer excellent value for the money, and some of the suites have Jacuzzis on their balconies.

Families with kids will love this Holiday Inn, which is located just north of Takiab Beach on the way to Hua Hin, especially since it's attached to the Vana Nava water park, which—with its array of fun slides—counts among the best in Thailand. The hotel is also a winner with features such as an elevated infinity pool and rooftop sky bar complementing its comfortable rooms and suites.  Two-day access to Vana Nava water park is included in the room rate.

On one of the main streets leading to the public entrance to Hua Hin Beach, Jed Pee Nong has bungalows clustered around a swimming pool and standard rooms in a high-rise building. Rooms have huge beds and not much else, but the price is hard to beat. The terrace restaurant facing the street stays open late.

The rooms at this resort are tucked inside two-story structures that were designed to resemble seashells but actually look more like mushrooms. The spacious, round rooms have white walls and pale wooden floors and are filled with natural light. A small pool and soft grass run the beach. The open-air restaurant serves tasty Thai food.

Lodging options are few in Chumphon, but this centrally located hotel has comfortable rooms and provides a reasonable level of service. Only a short walk from the night market, the Morakot Twin has rates among the lowest in town.

This three-story hotel in a quiet alley near the night market is an excellent deal, with spacious rooms that feature amenities like hot showers, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and silent air-conditioning. Some rooms have balconies. The atmosphere is chatty in the tastefully decorated lobby featuring Buddha statues, paintings of flowers, chandeliers, and natural stone.

Unassuming yet comfortable, this is one of the best options on Thung Wua Laen Beach. Beds are generously proportioned and comfortable, and the best rooms come with balconies overlooking the azure ocean. The hotel's excellent seafood restaurant—Krua Talay—is another plus.  Credit cards are accepted here, but at 3% surcharge.

This modern high-rise offers everything you need for a Surat Thani stopover as you prepare for your onward journey. Rooms overlook the Tapi River. The hotel's restaurant, with a predominantly Thai and Chinese menu, is among the city's best, and the dim sum is excellent. The local tourist office is a few blocks away.

The island's biggest hotel is comfortable enough and has a central location. It's often full on weekends but nearly empty during the week. The pool is great for an afternoon dip after touring the island.