ROYAL CLIFF BEACH RESORT, ROYAL CLIFF GRAND

To say visiting the Royal Cliff Beach Resort was a great experience is an understatement. Located only a few kilometres from downtown Pattaya, its sprawling grounds atop a giant cliff (hence the name) house four hotels. During my brief stay at the Royal Cliff Grand, the newest hotel of the four, I was primarily confined to the immediate area, which had a surprisingly intimate feel.

While the staff was very courteous and friendly, I was not escorted to my room, which wasn't warranted because I was only carrying a rucksack. All the electrical appliances in the room are controlled through a consol located on the end table next to the bed _ a discovery I made on my own after searching around the room for a light switch and batteries for the TV remote control that I thought was broken!

Electricity aside, the rooms are very cosy, each with its very own "cliff view" overlooking the vast ocean below. The balcony was wide enough for two long deck chairs for sunbathing or just basking in the shade. I made my way to one of the pools, which offered a nice refreshing dip to cool off in the midday sun. From the pool area there is a walkway down the cliff to the beach area.

If you like to relax in a nice place secluded from the hustle of downtown Pattaya, check out this place. Rack rates at the Royal Cliff Grand range from 7,100 baht ++ to 39,00 baht ++ .
Bangkok Post August 2005 www.bangkokpost.com