Areca Lodge

This hotel is widely regarded as a tranquil oasis in the bustling heart of Pattaya, offering guests a unique blend of central accessibility and peaceful retreat. Its signature feature is its ability to provide quiet accommodations despite being steps away from vibrant nightlife, making it an ideal choice for sightseers and solo travelers who appreciate convenience without sacrificing serenity. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's prime location, the exceptional friendliness of its staff, the remarkable cleanliness throughout the property, and the inviting swimming pools. The breakfast also receives frequent praise for its quality and variety. For couples and long-term visitors, the hotel offers a comfortable and well-maintained base for exploring the city. To ensure a quieter stay, guests are advised to request a room in the Evergreen wing, and it's helpful to be aware that ongoing renovations might occasionally impact certain areas, though efforts are made to minimize disruption.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel boasts two good-sized swimming pools that are consistently described as clean and inviting, providing a refreshing escape for guests. These pools are a major draw, offering ample sunbeds for relaxation, though some guests have noted issues with non-residents occasionally using the facilities and the practice of reserving sunbeds. While one pool area may experience temporary closures due to ongoing maintenance, the other remains available. For those looking to stay active, a gym is on-site, which, despite some feedback about outdated equipment and a lack of towels, air conditioning, or music, is generally considered adequate for a workout. The Wi-Fi connectivity, however, receives mixed reviews; while some find it fast and secure, many guests report frequent signal loss, requiring constant re-logging, which can be frustrating for those needing reliable internet access. Each room also includes a safe and a large fridge for convenience.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently praise the hotel's high standards of cleanliness, with rooms described as spotless and well-maintained, featuring clean bedding and fresh towels daily. The room condition generally receives positive feedback, with many rooms having been recently refurbished, offering a modern and spacious feel. However, some older sections may appear a bit tired or have a slight odor. Bed comfort is a mixed topic; while many find the beds comfortable, some guests have noted them to be on the harder side, though mattress toppers are available upon request. In-room amenities include a free safe, a large fridge with daily complimentary water, and coffee/tea facilities. Noise levels are remarkably low given the central location, with many guests reporting quiet rooms, especially in the Evergreen wing, allowing for a peaceful stay despite the surrounding nightlife. The bathroom setup, often featuring a shower over a bathtub, is a point of mixed opinion, with some finding it inconvenient for accessibility.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast at the hotel is a highlight for many guests, consistently described as good quality with a reasonable to huge variety of options. The buffet breakfast offers a wide selection of dishes, including European and Asian choices, cereals, and made-to-order omelets, ensuring a hearty start to the day. While the food quality is generally praised, some guests have noted that certain hot items can be cold or that the protein content in Thai dishes could be more generous. The breakfast area can become quite crowded during peak times, leading to a "feeding time at the zoo" atmosphere and concerns about guests handling food without tongs. Beyond breakfast, the hotel features a pleasant pool bar offering shakes and tasty food at fair prices, as well as a lively bar at the front of the hotel, perfect for enjoying drinks and people-watching. In-room dining is also available and receives positive mentions for its quality.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a significant advantage, placing guests within easy walking distance of numerous popular areas and attractions. It is conveniently close to Pattaya Second Road, Beach Road, Central Festival, and the vibrant nightlife of LK Metro and Soi Buakaew. Guests appreciate being able to explore the city's entertainment zones and dining options with ease, while still enjoying a quiet retreat within the hotel premises. The presence of nearby convenience stores like 7/11 and readily available motorbike taxis further enhances convenience. For guests arriving by car, covered car parking is available on-site. However, internal accessibility can be challenging for some, particularly those with mobility issues, due to the hotel's expansive layout across multiple sections and ongoing construction work, which may necessitate longer walks or navigating steps and ramps to reach certain areas or lifts.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for their exceptional friendliness and helpfulness, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience. Many guests highlight the attentive service provided by the entire team, from reception to housekeeping and pool staff. The check-in process is generally described as quick and efficient, with staff eager to accommodate requests. Housekeeping is particularly noted for its efficiency and thoroughness in maintaining clean rooms daily. While the majority of interactions are positive, a few guests have reported isolated instances of less welcoming reception staff or issues with housekeeping entering rooms without prior notification. However, the overall sentiment is that the staff are dedicated to providing excellent service, with many guests appreciating their willingness to assist and their polite demeanor, making for a welcoming and comfortable stay.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of the ongoing renovation work within the hotel premises, which, while aimed at improving facilities, can occasionally lead to some noise or temporary disruptions, particularly during daytime hours. The hotel strives to minimize inconvenience, but certain areas, like the restaurant or specific wings, might be affected. Another recurring point of feedback concerns the sunbed etiquette around the pools, with some guests noting issues with sunbeds being reserved for extended periods or non-residents utilizing the facilities. The hotel has notices regarding towel removal, though enforcement varies. Upon arrival, a cash deposit is typically required, which some guests find inconvenient, especially during the checkout process. Despite these points, the hotel is continuously investing in updates to maintain its quality and appeal.