Holiday Inn Express Central Pattaya Hotel Review & Tips
Last Updated on October 15, 2025 by admin
The Holiday Inn Express Central Pattaya delivers solid value for travelers looking to maximize hotel points in the heart of Pattaya’s entertainment district. Opened in August 2019, this 241-room property accepts IHG One Rewards points and Chase Ultimate Rewards points, offering a modern base steps from the city’s nightlife scene. I’ve stayed in this hotel a lot and strongly recommend it. It’s clean, quiet (rear-facing rooms), and affordable for a mid-tier stay.
Location
This hotel is on Soi Buakhao, Pattaya’s busiest entertainment street. Tree Town night market and LK Metro entertainment area sit within a five-minute walk. Pattaya Beach is about a 15 to 20 minute walk away as is Walking Street. The Soi 6 nightlife street is to the north, near the Runway Market. It would be a long haul to walk there, so take a Grab or Bolt car or motorbike.
The baht bus route runs directly past the hotel, providing 10 baht rides up and down Soi Buakho. Bonus Points: this particular baht bus route drops you off at the pickup point for the baht bus to Jomtien, so it could be super convenient if you’d like to explore Jomtien Beach. Just hop on a baht bus going left if you have your back to the entrance. This is Thailand, so it’s immediately across the street.
Also convenient, there’s a TT Currency Exchange booth across the street from the hotel. We recommend TT as a reliable place to change money and its rates are as good as anyone’s. For more information on being baht-savvy, read our guide to navigating Thai currency.
There’s a 7 Eleven a short walk down Soi Bukhao; turn right on Soi Buakhao as you exit the hotel. Be sure to read our guide to saving money in Pattaya using 7 Eleven hacks.
Pricing
Cash rates typically range from 1,200 to 2,000 baht (33 to 55 USD) per night. Being an international chain hotel, expect to pay more than other properties in the area with comparable amenities. The value proposition improves significantly when booking with points rather than cash.
Booking with Points
IHG One Rewards points transfer 1:1 from Chase Ultimate Rewards. Or you can check the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal. Standard rooms typically require 7,000 to 15,000 points per night during regular periods, significantly fewer than the 20,000 to 30,000 points needed for the Holiday Inn Beach Road. But check IHG’s booking site for your dates to be sure since things can change based on demand, point devaluations, etc.
Rooms: Compact But Modern
Standard rooms measure 24 square meters (258 square feet), smaller than typical Western hotels but functional. Each includes either two single beds or one queen bed, work desk, flat-screen TV, mini refrigerator, coffee/tea facilities, complimentary bottled water, in-room safe, and free WiFi.
The cylindrical glass shower enclosure generates mixed reactions. Some find it unusual but functional, while others note the compact bathroom makes movement awkward. All rooms include air conditioning, multiple charging points, and city or courtyard views.
Rooftop Pool and Gym
The rooftop pool offers Pattaya city views. Pool hours run 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily which some guests find restrictive. A 24-hour fitness center sits adjacent to the pool with basic cardio equipment and weights.
Free Breakfast Buffet
The complimentary breakfast buffet consistently earns praise. Served 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM in The Great Room restaurant, the spread includes Thai and international options, local specialties, warm dishes, fresh pastries, fruits, cereals, and salads. The live egg station prepares made-to-order omelets. Breakfast accommodates various dietary preferences including continental, American, vegan, and Asian selections. A grab-and-go option serves those with early schedules.
Noise Concerns: Request Courtyard Rooms
The Holiday Inn Express has bars and massage parlors immediately across the street from the hotel entrance. Street-facing rooms pick up noise from motorbikes, bar music, and nightlife activity continuing as late as 2 am.
Request rooms far from elevators and specify “no connecting room” when booking to minimize disturbances from neighboring guests. I’m a light sleeper and find the courtyard-facing rooms very quiet.
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM with check-out at 12:00 PM. IHG One Rewards members (free to join) receive late check-out until 2:00 PM when available, providing valuable flexibility for late afternoon or evening flights from Bangkok given the two-hour journey to Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Perfect for Solo Travelers and Couples
The location caters to solo travelers and couples exploring Pattaya’s entertainment scene. Tree Town night market features food stalls serving Thai specialties, international cuisine, and late-night snacks. Bars range from sports pubs showing live matches to music venues with local and international bands.
LK Metro offers concentrated nightlife in an L-shaped street with spacious go-go bars and lower drink prices than Walking Street. The area attracts mostly European visitors seeking entertainment without overwhelming crowds.
Not Suitable for Families
This hotel is inappropriate for families with children. The location places guests directly in an entertainment district with bars and massage parlors operating across the street. The 24-square-meter rooms provide limited space, and while children 12 and under stay free using existing bedding, no extra beds or cribs are available.
Families should consider properties in Jomtien Beach or North Pattaya with more family-friendly atmospheres, proper beach access, and accommodations designed for parents with children.
Transportation and Services
Free on-site parking operates first-come, first-served due to limited capacity. Motorbike taxis and Grab cars are readily available from the entrance. For Bangkok travel, review the various transportation options between Bangkok and Pattaya.
Guest reviews consistently praise staff friendliness and helpfulness. The 24-hour front desk assists with tour bookings and restaurant recommendations. Services include business center, dry cleaning, laundry, and tour desk.
Hotel Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Room Size | 24 sqm (258 sq ft) |
| Cash Price | 1,200 to 2,000 baht (33 to 55 USD) per night |
| Points Range | 7,000 to 15,000 IHG points per night |
| Breakfast | 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM (free) |
| Pool Hours | 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM |
| Check-In | 3:00 PM |
| Check-Out | 12:00 PM (2:00 PM for IHG members) |
| Beach Distance | 1.5 km (19-min walk) |
| Airport | 2 hours to BKK |
| Opened | August 2019 |
Who Should Book This Hotel
Best for solo travelers exploring nightlife, couples seeking budget-friendly points accommodation, travelers prioritizing location over luxury, those wanting walking access to entertainment districts, and point maximizers seeking good redemption value.
Consider alternatives if you’re a family with children, a light sleeper unable to tolerate street noise, seeking resort atmosphere with beach access, or looking for spacious rooms over 300 square feet.
Bottom Line
The Holiday Inn Express Central Pattaya works well for travelers booking with IHG or Chase Ultimate Rewards points who want central entertainment district access. The generous breakfast buffet, rooftop pool with city views, and modern rooms provide good fundamentals for a budget-friendly stay at rates considerably lower than beachfront properties.
The Soi Buakhao location excels for nightlife seekers but creates noise challenges for light sleepers. Request courtyard rooms away from the street. The compact size and cylindrical shower area might seem unusual, but clean contemporary rooms include essential amenities for comfortable nights.
For more options, check out our guide to the 15 best hotels in Central Pattaya as reported by solo travelers to Pattaya with an interest in Pattaya’s nightlife.
Interactive Central Pattaya Hotel Map
For other good hotel choices in Central Pattaya, browse our interactive map:
