April Suites

I've been coming back to april suites off and on for ten years, and it's one of the best hotels I've had the pleasure of staying at. It's close to everything but tucked along a quiet soi. The rooftop pool is excellent, the sauna is good, and the fitness room is small but functional. The place is immaculately clean, but the staff are what really stand out. From the front desk to the bell hops and cleaning staff, everyone's polite, responsive, helpful, and never intrusive. This is my go to hotel in pattaya.

The beds were extremely uncomfortable, and the AC was very loud. April suites barely feels like a three-star hotel to me. I stayed at March Hotel, owned by the same company, and the difference was night and day. March or May Hotel are both rated three stars but feel easily like four, so I'd book one of those instead.

The hotel was very clean, with a nice size pool and a quiet soi. It was about five minutes' walk to the beach and two minutes to the 711 Bhat bus route. The room had a sofa, fridge, kettle and cups, two bottles of water, good tea and coffee, and excellent air con. The mattress was firm, but fairly comfortable. Shower room fittings were loose. Check-in didn't feel friendly. The staff seemed grumpy, and the bell boy just dropped our bags and left. Things got better as the stay went on, though. I tipped the cleaner, but she put it on her table and walked away. Checkout was quick, but again not a friendly experience, with the same lady from check-in. The 2000 bht key card deposit was my biggest annoyance. You do get it back, but it's far too much, especially if someone doesn't have the cash on them at check-in. They wouldn't hand over the room until it was paid. I'd still recommend the hotel.

The bed seriously affected my sleep. The mattress was so firm it barely gave under any weight, and sleeping on the floor might have been softer. A friend at another hotel in the same chain had a comfortable bed, so I don't understand why there's such a difference. I'd happily return once the mattresses are changed to softer ones, but for now that's why I'm giving four stars. The rooms are spacious, and the dated furniture didn't bother me. Staff were very friendly and helpful. The location is great, close to the party area without being loud, with easy access to the baht bus route and a new 7-Eleven right across the street.