January represents the very peak of high season proper, so forget those low season prices we talked about in previous threads. That said, if you look hard enough, it is still possible to book a decent hotel at a fair price (however, the most popular hotels are unlikely to have any vacancies for January eg Areca Lodge).

In Thailand, tourist numbers traditionally begin to crank up in December all the way through Songkran in early April. Nonetheless, I’ve tried to pick out a number of hotels which I personally rate, but which I also think offer decent value.

The prices quoted below are nightly and include all taxes. They are based on a seven night stay third week in December. To get the best price I use my usual method (going via TripAdvisor and then choosing the Agoda option for booking - this normally gives between a 2% and 10% reduction compared with going directly to Agoda).

I’m lucky that I get to travel to Pattaya every six weeks, and to be honest, there is no bad time to be in the city. That said, the month of January is the best weatherwise that’s for sure. Also, it’s the best time in terms of numbers of ladies …(and customers).

All of the hotels listed are in my view at least ‘quite good’ and some are ‘superb’ (though please note that a 4 star hotel in Thailand might only be equal to a 3 star in western nations). I’ve kept this list (with one exception) to those under ฿3000 (many are much cheaper)…the list includes 2/3/4star hotels and I’ve picked the ones that I think offer the best value for money in this particular month (prices per night based on a one week stay):

Outlined below are my top picks for the month of January, I’ve stayed stayed in almost all of the hotels listed (and those I haven’t, I’ve checked out the rooms and had friends stay there). 

⭐️ Pick of the Month ⭐️ : The Whisper (under ฿1500, 36 m² room, modern, well furnished guest friendly, pool, gym, central location).

https://youtu.be/ueiRkGlL6J0?si=PCnqVIQ2-ZMcKzIb

 

Central Pattaya

Amethyst 5 ⭐️ (Standard King) 3,150

Classiest hotel in the centre of the action, nice rooms and rooftop pool

Acqua  4 ⭐️ (Superior Double) - ฿2,050

Classy place, stunning pool, small rooms, rear facing can be noisy

Adelphi 3 ⭐️ (Deluxe) - ฿1,851

Solid hotel, good customer service, in good location

Travelodge ฿1,243

Decent budget hotel on soi 15

Centara Nova Spa 4 ⭐️ ฿1,244

Excellent hotel, fabulous pool, nice rooms, stunning entrance, but slightly off the beaten track

Shilat 3 ⭐️ ฿2000Queen room (next door to Areca)

This hotel changes its name frequently, but the rooms are decent and the location is fantastic.

White House 3 ⭐️ ฿1,817 (including breakfast)

 Traditional design, immaculately clean, large rooms, just off second road, nice pool

LK President 4 ⭐️ ฿1,828

Decent value for a hotel of this quality, over the other side of third road though

Nalanta 2 ⭐️ ฿1,659

Excellent little budget hotel, handy for Buhakow, no swimming pool

Whisper 3 ⭐️ ฿1426 

Large modern rooms in a fairly central location - well worth a stay

DeBua 3/4 ⭐️ ฿1487

Excellent central location, nice rooms, outstanding value (choose a low floor as there’s only one lift)

247 3 ⭐️ ฿1331 

Very good hotel, outstanding value, good location (ask for a room on the front, i.e. Soi Honey side - rear rooms next to Treetown are noisy)

Pratumnak 

Lewit 4 ⭐️ (Superior) - 1,782

Raddison property, nice pool, lovely rooms, breakfasts are much improved 

Rizin 3 ⭐️ ฿1238

Great location next to Pratumnak bars, top reviews 

Jomtien 

LawinTa 3 ⭐️ (Deluxe) - 1,261

Decent budget/mid range hotel next to Rhompo beer bars

Edited October 25, 2025Oct 25 by LOTTELLEE WINNA

Staying at the Whisper next month for the first time. It looks promising.

2 hours ago, Machinations said:

Staying at the Whisper next month for the first time. It looks promising.

Good choice mate. Is it the best hotel in town? No. Obviously it’s not going to be as good as a five star hotel like the nearby Amethyst, however it is one of the very best in its class in terms of value for money. Outstanding 3/4 ⭐️ hotel which has the unusual combination of being very modern yet has spacious rooms. Under ฿1500 for something of this size and quality, and a central location too. Yes the Whisper is a winner 🏆