IIcylingSomerset Pattaya Review
**Location & Transportation**
The hotel is located on Pattaya Second Road, directly opposite Central Festival shopping mall and about 500 meters from the beach. You can easily access the beach by cutting through the mall, which is a big plus as it avoids the hot, busy, and somewhat unsafe side streets filled with motorcycles and vehicles. However, the road in front of the hotel often gets congested after 3 PM. Taxis are usually waiting outside, but I didn't inquire about fares as I dislike bargaining. I used Grab for rides; for example, a trip to Jomtien Floating Market cost around 35 RMB.
The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service from 12 PM to 8 PM, departing every two hours on the dot. The route goes from Second Road, past Terminal 21, then to Beach Road, and back to the hotel. The staff are thoughtful and will ask about your planned return time to help with arrangements. Advance registration is required, and seats are limited, so it's first-come, first-served.
**Room Experience**
I stayed in the cheapest standard room, which matched the official photos. A note of caution: standard rooms do not come with a washing machine or induction hob; not all room types have these facilities. Standard rooms are located on floors 3-11; I was on the 4th floor with no view from the window. Guests prioritizing a view should consider the Deluxe Seaview room types and above. The infinity pool on the rooftop is a major highlight of the hotel. Watching the sunset from here in the evening is spectacular; the panoramic views make the pool water seem to merge with the distant sea and sky. It's a truly beautiful scene that adds a lot of romance and relaxation to the stay – I highly recommend experiencing it.
The soundproofing is excellent; with the windows closed, you can barely hear the roar of motorcycles outside, which is quite rare in a bustling environment like Pattaya. The hot water in the shower comes on quickly and is initially very hot, but it tends to cool down after about five minutes. This might be a downside for those who enjoy long, scalding hot showers. However, given Thailand's hot climate and frequent showering, it's generally acceptable for daily use. The mattress is medium-firm and very comfortable.
**Service**
The staff are friendly, always smiling, and pleasant to interact with. Service was faultless.
**Breakfast**
The breakfast selection isn't extensive but meets basic needs. If you have high expectations for breakfast quality, this hotel might not be the best fit. Compared to other hotels in Pattaya (like Grande Centre, Centre Point Space, The Mirage, Holiday Inn, Amari, etc.), Somerset's breakfast indeed offers the fewest choices. However, considering the nightly rate of around 600 RMB, it still offers excellent value for money.
**Summary**
If you can book this hotel for around 600 RMB, its location, transportation convenience, and room comfort stand out, making it an excellent value-for-money option overall. For travelers who prioritize practicality and price, it's a very worthwhile choice.
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