It is not difficult to find accommodation in Pattaya despite of what some travel agents overseas may want you to believe. Pattaya's hotel bookings are down 20-30% this year, compared to the previous year. Take advantage of that.
There is absolutely no shortage of Hotels from 5 Star to low budget in Pattaya and it is not difficult to find accommodation even without prior reservation. However, during high season it may become a little more difficult, but you will always find a hotel with vacant rooms.
Pattaya Hotels
Negotiate A Better Rate
You do not have to book in advance. The political unrest in Bangkok and the occupation of the 2 international airports in 2008 have put a large dent into the tourist business. Hotel bookings are down 20-30%! This means it will give you the opportunity to save money because you may be able to negotiate a better rate.
In order to negotiate a deal you will have to be in Pattaya.
My suggestion is to book a hotel in advance for the first couple of days, that way you do not have to go hunting for accommodation immediately after your long international flight. Room rates do change depending on the season, but there is always an abundance of hotels with room rates starting at around 500 Baht for the "Sawasdee Sunshine Hotel", and the high end is 8,000 Baht for the "Sigma Resort Jomtien Pattaya".
The quoted prices are high season rates and will be lower during off season. High season in Pattaya is from the end of November to Aril.
Use The Internet Hotel Search Engines
The internet makes it very easy these days to book a hotel online within minutes, if you decide to book online. The largest online search engines search over 30 booking sites and return almost 200 hotels listings with pictures, details, rating, location, popularity, and of course prices in just seconds.
This will give you a very good idea about how much you can expect to pay when you are in Pattaya. At times you may even be able to find a hotel online which offers a special deal or runs a promotional offer. These do exist, even in Pattaya. Knowing very well that many Pattaya visitors only stay for 3-7 days, it may be best to book online or with a travel agency in your home town.
For the single male visitor it may be fine and maybe of an advantage to book a hotel in Pattaya City. I have seen families book a hotel in south Pattaya and not being overly happy about the location. Families are best advised to read about Pattaya first before making a decision on where to stay in Pattaya. Jomtien and Naklua, the neighboring beach towns may be a better option because they are family friendlier.
Let's not forget, Pattaya is and has been foremost a single male destination for the past 4 decades. The Nightlife that Pattaya offers and the literally hundreds of adult entertainment venues speak for themselves.
Pattaya Accommodation - From Low Budget Hotels to 5 Star Hotels