Being so close to the beach, how could I not leave my worries behind and allow myself to enjoy a tropical holiday in Pattaya, Thailand?
Words: Danny Lau
As I stepped out the elevator, I took a deep breath and inhaled an invigorating scent that permeated throughout the property, a mixture of lemongrass and pandanus. The fragrance, as I would later find out, is called the “Holiday Inn scent”. And it felt like my very own aromatherapy session every time I walked through the hallways of Holiday Inn Pattaya, located along Pattaya’s iconic beachside.
The hotel is composed of two towers: the Bay Tower and the newly appointed Executive Tower. I was booked into the latter, in a Deluxe Room with a sweeping view of the seaside. As the name suggests, the Executive Tower caters towards business travelers. However, there was no reason I could not enjoy my stay as a holiday maker.
Dark and moody colours just don’t do it for me because life is too short to be in a constantly sullen mood. Hence, I felt right at home while staying at Holiday Inn; the overall colours were cheerful and full of zest, and perfectly suited my personality. While Holiday Inn Pattaya is not a resort, the light accents of blue with the wooden furnishings in my room certainly gave an impression as if I was staying at a beachside property even though my room was located 14 floors above ground.
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There are several eateries and restaurants on-site, including Terrazzo, Havana Bar, East Coast Kitchen, Café G, Flow Café and Flow Express to satiate your hunger and cravings. Every morning felt like Christmas because I was excited to see what was going to be served at the buffet line in East Coast Kitchen–a wonderful spread of mama-approved goodness, perfect to start the mornings with before exploring the city of Pattaya and the best of its offerings.
After my excursion in the city, I returned to East Coast Kitchen for dinner. The restaurant featured special menus designed by their Culinary Ambassadors, celebrity chefs Vikas Khanna, Theo Randall and Sam Leong. Looking through the menu for a good couple of minutes, I had to turn to my host for suggestions as all three of their creations kept calling out to me. In the end, I chose Mr Randall’s three-course set consisting of pan-fried squid, veal chop and pannacotta.
My appetiser, the pan-fried squid, came with borlotti beans, chilli, anchovy and parsley. I had no reservations eating the squid knowing the freshness of the seafood, especially in Pattaya. The outer layer of the squid absorbed all the fragrance of the herbs and spices during the cooking process. The borlotti beans were tangy and further heightened the freshness of the squid.
Next, came the main course, the veal chop with portobello mushrooms and rocket. The veal chop was very tender as my knife cut through the meat with ease. I let the meat soak in the sauce and juices before taking each bite, and slowly savoured the dish once it reached my mouth. Such is the instance when I can truly experience the expertise of the chef, who harnessed the bounties of nature to create this hearty meal. I ended my dinner with the pannacotta, which was not too sweet, but made more flavourful by the raspberry and vanilla. A sweet ending to a perfect day!
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But the night wasn’t over yet. After dinner, I made my way towards Havana Bar, designed with deep earthy tones, black and white photos hanging on exposed brick walls and an array of vintage ornaments. With such a name, one can expect the bar to channel all of Cuba’s best offerings. And luckily enough I happened to be there as they were holding salsa lessons. I witnessed students and seasoned pros heat up the dance floor with their sultry moves. If the night wasn’t warm enough, the dancers certainly turned up the temperature by a good few degrees.
As the saying goes, all things must come to end and with that, so did my stay at Holiday Inn Pattaya. Walking through the hallways one last time, I inhaled the sweet scent knowing it would be some time before I would have the privilege to do so again. The scent lingered after checking out like sweet ambrosia; I am sure it will pull me back once more as I plan my future holiday to Pattaya.
HOLIDAY INN PATTAYA
Address: 463/68 Pattaya Sai 1 Road, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi, Pattaya, 20150, Thailand.
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