Akara Hotel Pattaya

I was very happy with the room and breakfast, both better than I expected. My two-star service rating is about the front desk and the day manager. The hotel was fully booked over a long public-holiday weekend. Free parking was one of the reasons I chose it, but the parking arrangements made me really uncomfortable. I missed the entrance, had to make a U-turn, and found the drop-off route around the small roundabout cramped, with very little room. A guard then said every guest's car had to be handed to the valet or bellboy. I wasn't okay with that and would have preferred to park myself if they'd tell me where. They suggested leaving the car temporarily at the side while I checked in and asked reception. The receptionist went to find someone who could answer my parking question, then came back to say there wasn't enough space at the hotel. I could see room for only three or four cars out front, and she said they'd rented a lot elsewhere. When I asked where it was, no one gave me the location. Instead, they insisted on the AUTO PARK SYSTEM, where some random person would drive my car to who knows where. The day manager was there, helping with check-in, and understood both Thai and English, but didn't explain the policy or address what would happen if my car were damaged. He only spoke to his staff, who relayed messages to me. The two reception women and manager all sent me back downstairs to ask the valet staff. By then I was upset and felt the staff who were supposed to help guests had no service mindset. Downstairs, I explained what I'd been told to the same guards and valet staff. They were unhappy about the situation, but stayed professional and helped find a space inside the hotel grounds. They were accommodating about my concerns. The people handling bags and cars showed me more care than the front desk and manager, who should have been helping guests.

The location was convenient and the breakfast excellent. Our room was clean, comfortable and well cared for, and the staff were helpful and friendly throughout. Honey and Ja-o at reception (GRO) were especially polite and professional. We had a wonderful stay, and I appreciate their service.

I was surprised to find that the powderroom doors in the honeymoon suite are transparent. It'd be helpful if that detail were mentioned ahead of time. That's the only small flaw I found. Service was seamless, the location was excellent, and the infinity pool and pool bar were stunning. I really enjoyed my stay and look forward to returning.

From arrival onward, the staff welcomed us warmly and were consistently friendly. The front desk team in particular were great and helpful. AKARA Hotel Pattaya was clean and very nice, with a convenient location not far from Terminal 21 shopping center. We had a wonderful stay and would highly recommend it.