Another City, Another Hard Rock visited
Written: Mar 20 '06
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Good Location, Great security, Plenty to do
Cons: Access to the cafe from the hotel is a pain at times. Rooms are small
The Bottom Line: Overall the Hard Rock in Pattaya is fantastic and the rooms are decent but for the price I would expect the rooms to be slightly better or bigger.
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| LuzonTS's Full Review: Hard Rock Hotel |
"Hansum man take me to hard lock wit you please" yells the good time girl walking along Pattaya's Beach Road as I turn into the cafe's entrance area. This was my first look at the chain while in Thailand which led to me eventually staying at the hotel.
It was a late evening arrival into BKK and the clock was ticking. I clear the immigration and customs hurdles in record time and am into the company car bound for Pattaya. We were pulling up to the Hard Rock when the driver woke me.
Courtesy of the benevolent tyrant known as my boss I was personally checked in a private area off to the side of the main lobby entrance with free beers and was issued a key card within 3 minutes of arrival.
Just inside the lobby I noted the gift shop with an assortment of overpriced (by Thai standards) nic-nacs, clothes and more all bearing the distinctive Hard Rock Logo.
Once in the main lobby area I noted there was an internet cafe area with at least four computers available for use but you need to have an account card. The lobby itself also contained retro style art work and other items typical of the Hard Rock style.
Next were the elevators. There were enough running that I don't ever recall having to wait more than a few seconds. I also noted that if I wanted to go up to my level I had to insert my key card.
The bell hop was waiting patiently for me with my bags and once in the room I was again met by the distinctive decor of Hard Rock.
I was in a rush to meet up with a few friends and so it was a quick toss of the luggage onto the two small beds and into the bathroom. The bathroom was small and all white tile with a deep well style bathtub that reminded me a little of the Japanese style tubs used for soaking. The water pressure was good and the temp control was acceptable.
The room was also small but did have the requisite TV with multiple channels and pay per view and of course the mini bar. There was a small walk in style closet with bathrobes with the HRC logo on them. I did have a small balcony in which I could overlook the pool area.
I was headed back downstairs and met a thai entertainment personality while riding the elevator. Just a quick pleasant chat and we parted ways.
I wanted access to beach road and so I had to circumnavigate the pool area to get to it. I did of course note that the pool had several sections. One being the standard pool look while the other had a beach/lagoon feel too it. Catering to the sun worshippers were a few pool side bars that also offered food.
Once out to Beach Road you can see the Hard Rock Restaurant and another gift store which is attached to it.
From the hotel it is only 10 baht (about 25 cents) to get to the main nightlife area known as "Walking Street" by way of what the locals call Baht Buses.
A few hours of nightlife later and I am really feeling the crush of alcohol and fatigue. We got a Baht bus back to the Hotel and just as I lay down I realize I am in the MICHAEL JACKSON room?!!! The boss and his sick jokes. He knows I abhor MJ and so while he’s upstairs in his DV suite (I am sure giggling his %$# off at this one) I am staring slack jawed at this giant mural of MJ staring back at me over the bed I planned to sleep in. How could I have missed this when I was changing clothes earlier?
At 8am the phone alarm goes off, I start the coffee pot and stare into the steady drip of brown liquid and dread the thought of endless meetings to come later today…
The hotel does have a decent gym facility, a Starz cafe, travel agency, day care for the kids, and hair salon. It seems this hotel has enough activities and entertainment you could spend a few days doing it all without actually leaving the Hard Rock compound.
Overall the Hard Rock hotel in Pattaya is fantastic and the rooms are decent but for the price one pays I would expect the rooms to be better or at least slightly bigger.
Links:
http://www.hardrockhotels.net/pattaya/
http://www.hotels2thailand.com/pattaya-hotels/Hard-Rock-Hotel.asp
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
LuzonTS
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Location: asia
Reviews written: 103
Trusted by: 46 members
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