Amari Orchid Hotel Review

Posted by Greg

May 17, 2008

Pattaya Coast Magazine, April 2008

With Pattaya’s slow but steady rise out of the realm of red light districts and after-hour shenanigans, new developments are going up faster than a Lego city built by a child high on Red Bull. As more and more companies rush to buy up a finite amount of land, the best spots are being snapped up and the top views taken over by taller and taller towers.

But like an old friend (or at least a neighbor who’s lived in his house longer than you have), the Amari Orchid remains where it has for years, at the north end of Pattaya Bay. And now more than ever, it dominates the area with the November 2007 opening of its Ocean Tower wing, a 5-star, 297-room tower of power that caters to those who appreciate style as much as they appreciate quality.

The atmosphere is set as soon as you hit the short driveway on Pattaya Beach Road - slick and modern, with lights used nearly as an ambient effect rather than direct illumination. The lobby is an adventure in basic hotel lobby basics, although the check-in procedure is swift and the service good. According to their website, all Amari staff must go through a special training course, which I can believe. A few quick keystrokes, a friendly smile and I’m on my way.

Despite being far removed from an executive, my room was on the 18^th ‘Executive’ floor, and was lush, super clean and totally kitted out. What got my attention right away (after the giant LCD screen on the wall that had my name displayed on it) was the fact that there was no bathroom. Well, there was a bathroom, but it was designed more like an open kitchen than a claustrophobic tile closet - nary a wall to be seen. On either end of the long, two-sink counter is a frosted glass door - one hides a toilet, the other a shower (with a sweet rainfall shower head - nice), while a jacuzzi bathtub practically called out my name. Two fluffy robes hang within easy reach. A quick drink on the balcony is highly recommended, which gave me a great view of the garden below and over the blue bay beyond.

I was able to get some work done on the curving glass business desk in the corner, and connected to the wireless internet right away, which provided fast, hassle-free connection for my whole stay. However, an internet connection is not included with the room, unfortunately, which was a bit mystifying. Both Pattaya and Jomtien beaches are littered with places that offer free wi-fi; about the only place charging for internet these days is $tarbucks, although they’ve finally come around and made it free - at least in the US.

My only other gripe with the room was that the television, for some reason, was set off to the left of the bed rather than centered at its foot. Still… I may as well complain that my gold necklace is too heavy.

As for the hotel grounds, those didn’t escape the hotel remodeling either. The original and slightly musty Amari Garden Wing is still there, although it’s undergone extensive renovation to keep it in line with its bigger brother, but gone is the expansive garden and lawn space that used to stretch down nearly to the beach. However, it’s not all bad - in its place is a finely sculpted garden with palm tree-lined walkways and two brand new swimming pools - a lap pool and a freeform pool, complete with a swim-up bar and waterfall.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner at Essence, the 24-hour, in-house restaurant on the third floor, offers some good food in a nice setting, although it does get a bit crowded during breakfasts - you may have to sit outside.

A perfect place for an after-dinner drink is Ice, the small but elegant bar just off of the lobby. High roofs, cushy chairs and dusty lighting welcome you, as does the smooth (or rather, smooooooooooth) voice of Ruby Hayes, a veteran jazz and blues singer whose voice oozes from the speakers like aural honey- truly a performance not to be missed.

If you really want to spoil yourself, get up to the top floor and sign up for the Horizon Club, where you’ll experience some truly awesome service. Private check-in and check-out, high-tech amenities in all the rooms (even a pillow menu!) and the luxurious Club Lounge on the 19^th floor will make you feel like Donald Trump although, hopefully, without the ridiculous hair.

And while you’re on a roll, why not head to the tower’s Sivara Spa, which offers everything from your basic Thai massage to full-body milk and mud baths, facial and hair treatments and all kinds of gooey, rejuvenating fun. On a personal note - if you’re not built like a Thai, you might want to ensure you’re wearing clean underwear; the fishnet-style gang geng nai they provide as you get ready for your treatment leave little to the imagination if you don’t have a 32-inch waist.

The new Amari Ocean Tower is definitely a solid entry in Pattaya’s emerging up-market hotel scene, and it certainly doesn’t slouch. Well designed and well maintained; cozy but hi-tech, you can be sure that a stay here will not disappoint.

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