Holiday Inn Express Pattaya Central — an IHG Chain with a 9th-Floor Rooftop Pool in the Heart of Town
If you want a chain hotel where you know exactly what you're getting at an affordable price in the heart of Central Pattaya — Holiday Inn Express Pattaya Central, part of IHG and opened in 2019, is the pick many people land on · A modern high-rise with 241 rooms, it has a 9th-floor rooftop pool with Pattaya city views, a 24-hour gym and buffet breakfast included in the rate · It's a 5–10 minute walk to CentralFestival and Pattaya Beach · From approx ฿1,500/night on a weekday · Score 8.4 from 823 Trip.com reviews.
Holiday Inn Express Pattaya Central is an IHG chain hotel that opened in 2019 — and its main appeal is being a known quantity · As an Express brand it focuses on getting the basics right: clean rooms, comfortable beds, free Wi-Fi and breakfast in the rate, without the extra frills that push the price up · It's a modern high-rise in the heart of Central Pattaya, in the Nongprue area, with 241 rooms · Many guests choose it precisely because the chain standard means consistent quality, with nothing left to chance.
Standard rooms are around 24 sqm, done in bright, clean modern tones — with comfy beds, a pillow menu, a work desk, a flatscreen TV and a shower bathroom · Many reviews praise the bed and pillows as more comfortable than the price suggests, and room cleanliness rates well · The consistent honest note across reviews is that the bathroom and shower space are fairly compact, and the soundproofing between rooms is thin in places, so you can hear neighbours — normal for a central chain hotel where rooms aren't large.
"Headed up to the 9th-floor pool in the evening and the whole of Pattaya was right there — cool breeze, sunset, great value for the room price, and the bed really was comfortable."
The standout here is the rooftop pool on the 9th floor, looking out over the Pattaya skyline, open roughly 8:00 AM–8:00 PM · Many reviews call sunset by the pool the best moment of the stay — cool air, lovely city views · There's a 24-hour gym alongside it · What to understand is that it's a pool sized for soaking and photos rather than a big resort pool for serious swimming — which fits the concept of a central chain hotel where location and price are the stars, not resort-style facilities.
Breakfast is a buffet included in the rate — and it draws a surprising amount of praise for a hotel at this level, with plenty of variety across Thai and international dishes, good flavours and a spacious dining area · The limits some reviews mention are that vegetarian options are still few, and you may wait for a table when it's busy · Front-desk service is mostly fine, though some reviews report inconsistent staff attitude — an area the brand can still polish, but not something most guests hit.
Location is the big reason people pick this place · It sits in the heart of Central Pattaya in the Nongprue area — about a 5–10 minute walk to CentralFestival and on to Pattaya Beach · The surroundings are packed with restaurants, convenience stores and massage shops within walking distance · There's free parking, which is rare here · The trade-off is that the area is congested and busy, especially in the evening, and some stretches of pavement mean dodging the main road · Drivers will appreciate the free parking, while walkers are within reach of everything.
Honestly, Holiday Inn Express Pattaya Central suits people who want a consistent chain standard, a central location and good value more than those chasing a beachfront resort or a full relaxation vibe · Rates start around ฿1,500/night on a low-season weekday, rising to ฿2,200–2,800+ at weekends and in high season (breakfast included) · With 8.4 from 823 Trip.com reviews and 4.4/5 on TripAdvisor (ranked #64 of 619 hotels in Pattaya), this is a fitting midrange pick for families, couples or travellers who want a clean, well-located room with no surprises on quality.
Summary from Booking & Agoda
- ✓ Central Pattaya location, walk to CentralFestival and the beach
- ✓ 9th-floor rooftop pool with lovely city views, especially at dusk
- ✓ Comfy beds, pillow menu, clean rooms
- ✓ Varied buffet breakfast included in the rate, free parking
- ! Compact bathroom and shower space
- ! Thin soundproofing between rooms in places — you hear neighbours
- ! Congested, busy neighbourhood in the evening
- ✓ IHG chain standard, consistent quality with no guesswork
- ✓ Newer rooms, clean, modern décor
- ✓ Tasty breakfast with a spacious dining area
- ✓ Good value, great location, everything within walking distance
- ! Rooms aren't large — better for a few nights than a long stay
- ! Vegetarian breakfast options still limited
- ! Front-desk service occasionally inconsistent
- 💡If you want a beachfront resort with a big pool and a full relaxation vibe — this is a central chain hotel with a modest rooftop pool, not a resort → look at Hilton Pattaya or Centara Grand Mirage instead
- 💡If you're planning a long multi-night stay with lots of in-room time — the 24 sqm standard rooms and small bathrooms feel snug → choose a larger room type or consider a serviced apartment like Somerset Pattaya
- 💡If you're a light sleeper sensitive to noise — soundproofing is thin in places and the area is busy → ask for a higher, inner-facing room and pack earplugs just in case