The swimming pool, Cape Dara hotel, northern Pattaya, Thailand

This swimming pool "looks" not bad and especially with such a good view. However, the water wasn't too clean and the water filtering has some problem. Some big negligences were noted. First the tiles on the pool entrance are very slippery. Saw someone got injured quite seriously. Even though the pool attendant noticed it, no assistance was given. Another fault was that there wasn't any nearby restroom or changing room. Guests need to go a long way to the lobby hall for the need.

Breakfast at Cape Dara hotel, northern Pattaya, Thailand

Though the services and the hotel facilities were pretty disappointing, the breakfast was not bad. At least the bread and pastry and the chef made some pretty nice omelette, and very fresh fruit too.

The 5 star way you are treated - on a shuttle ride from Cape Dara hotel Pattaya to downtown

Don't let your parents see you are taken in such a "convertible" truck.

Cape Dara hotel, northern Pattaya, Thailand

The hotel was opened in June this year but for 3 months already it wasn't completed. The low rise pool suite and 3 bedroom compound were still in construction, even the gym and the 2nd swimming pool (check the last few photos). When in the only swimming pool, often there was some constant noise and unpleasant smell (from the cement and construction material). Suggested to the Manager about some PR backup services, like complimentary shuttle service to Central Festival, and services offered in the swimming pool, such as cool drinks and towels and complimentary snack...etc. (not even the staff asking the guests for services). An interesting reply from the Manager and such a robotic reply (probably from many previous complaints) that they didn't expect the completion schedule fell behind..... I then decided to save my energy.

Dara Suite, Cape Dara hotel, Northern Pattaya, Thailand

For the past 5-6 times visit at Pattaya, not a single one could have impressed me much in terms of the beach, the atmosphere and the hotel general quality. To me, Pattaya is a very different place from the other parts of Thailand. Cape Dara hotel is a new hip hotel situated next to Woodlands resort on north Pattaya. Booked a 80 square meter suite. As I walked in, it's just a super big empty room. See photo 1. Don't know why the furniture is so small and put so squeezed on a corner in the living room. The answer is that all the room types use the same furniture. So when this kind of furniture was put in the suite which is double the size of the deluxe room, it looks so weird. The only best part of this hotel is the super panoramic view of this hotel from Centara Grand Mirage on the right and Hilton on the left.

Starbucks, Central Festival Pattaya, Thailand

The deco. of this Starbucks is pretty impressive - spacious, higher ceiling and the cozy color and material used. Besides, it's not that busy and if you want a quiet place for a coffee with friends and that you wanna stay away from the busy area of downtown Pattaya, it's a good place for a drink.

Pattaya Grilled chicken, Pattaya

Have been to Pattaya about 4 times but haven't tried this famous grilled chicken restaurant. It turned out I should have visited here years ago. This time the food is pretty disappointing and especially the grilled chicken is dry chewy like a cartoon paper, though the seasoning of the chicken is not bad. All the other food are at average.