Mera Mare Pattaya

The hotel could do with some upkeep, but it wasn't the worst place in the world. The lobby looked much nicer than my dated room, which felt more like a three-star than a five-star. The floors felt dirty underfoot, and there was a cigarette butt on the balcony. The pool was shallow and not very inviting. On check-in day, a stage was going up across the road for the NYE countdown. During the sound check, the noise made our bodies vibrate, so with a child we checked out the next day instead of staying four nights. The hotel told us to contact our agent, booking .com, and they refunded the remaining nights. Staff weren't especially friendly or helpful, though they didn't complain either. A warning would've been nice. They said they didn't know about the event, despite a sign advertising it on the counter.

Right next to the beach, the location is good. I stayed during the fireworks festival, when the room cost 16,000 THB a night, but the service didn't match the price. The lobby staff and Line Official team were slow, unhelpful, and short on basic professionalism. Parking was a mess: once I parked, other cars blocked me in and I couldn't move my car. Loud music from the neighboring hotel at night also disturbed my sleep. The security guard was the only person who showed genuine service and helped manage the parking. I expected much better for that cost.

The location is Mera Mare's biggest strength. It's near the north end of beach road, where the 10 baht truck taxis run south, with mopeds out front, a wide sidewalk, and underground parking. The hotel has a film-noir look, lots of stone in the lobby and rooms, a shower and tub, and darker stone details. The style is classical, the beds are comfortable, and the balcony design gives good privacy. We got a pair of complementary drinks on arrival at the lovely glassed-in restaurant out front. The minibar is great, and the a/c works VERY well, which suits me when I need the room like Antarctica to sleep. Some five-star details fall short: there should be clothes drawers under the counters, more bathroom counter space, an iron and ironing board in each room, and I've seen Pattaya five-stars with dinette or cooking areas. To me this is closer to four stars with a five-star location. Arbour is nicer for similar money, but Mera Mare's location is 10 times better. Some one-star reviews seem delusional. One reviewer arrived at 10am demanding a free upgrade and a room five hours early because other plans had fallen through, even though check-in is at 3pm.

The rooms were clean, the staff helpful, and the location right on the beach road is ideal. It's a good star hotel and I'd absolutely recommend it in Pattya. Book with breakfast, the spread is excellent.