Looking for a vibrant beach stay, close to Bangkok? We review The Standard, Pattaya Na Jomtien
A 60s-inspired, beachside retreat.
Pattaya’s reputation may be somewhat colourful these days, but it’s still a popular destination for beach weekenders from Bangkok. And, while there’s an abundance of hotels to check into—and regular visitors certainly have their favourites—a new hotel is shaking up the town’s hospitality scene. We checked into The Standard, Pattaya Na Jomtien, to find a colourful, relaxing break.
While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.
Review of The Standard, Pattaya Na Jomtien
After a two-hour drive from Bangkok, I arrived at The Standard, Pattaya Na Jomtien, walked through the mesmerising entrance portal, flanked by walls of curved pillars, and into the convivial, alfresco lobby to find a place where fun and frivolity are delivered with style to spare. Visually, the immediate impression is 1970s Miami meets Wes Anderson—there’s colour and eye-catching architectural elements everywhere.
Shaped by an architectural design by Bangkok-based ONION with interiors by the in-house team, DIN Studio and Studio Lupine, the hotel is slightly modernist and lightly Brutalist. Whimsical curves and rhythmic vertical lines create a sculptural feel that morphs beautifully as varying daylight casts ever-changing shadows. And everywhere, there’s liberal use of Sunset Orange and Mud Green, the hotel’s official Pantone colours. All of this is supplemented by lush greenery in a carefully landscaped concept masterminded by PLA. Altogether, it’s a feast for the eyes.
The lobby, bookended by a coffee stall on one side and the undulating reception desks on the other—and featuring inviting seating overlooking the sculpture-filled lawn—is just a taster. It’s also surprisingly busy on a Saturday morning, with plenty of Bangkok locals making the trip to explore the much-anticipated new hotel.
Mid-Century Modernism
Once checked in, I’m ushered through a succession of highly architectural corridors to my Deluxe One Bedroom Suite. Stepping onto the balcony, there are views of the hotel courtyard that stretch over to the hotel pool and the ocean on the horizon.
The practical-yet-fun foyer features an open wardrobe and a full-length mirror that’s useful for ‘fit checks. Through sliding doors, the generous living room is dressed in what I’d term modern mid-century furniture, quirky lighting elements, and a surfing decal on the wall—it’s somehow modern and nostalgic all at once. Through another set of sliding doors, the bedroom is deceptively bare. There’s a king-sized bed flanked by sizeable built-in nightstands, and a few design books artfully scattered on the one shelf, but it’s the headboard that captures the attention. It’s patterned in motifs of foliage and merpeople, and features a massive pair of red lips that double as a lamp, a simple yet noticeable tongue-in-cheek touch.
The bathroom is equally functional yet aesthetically pleasing. The sprawling double vanity and standalone tub are standard, but the gigantic shower room, which features two showers and a feature wall tiled in the hotel’s colours and Davines amenities, is very on brand for The Standard.
Food and drinks
The centrepiece of the hotel’s food offerings is Esmé. The Standard’s first-ever beach club blends bold Mexican flavours with fresh Thai ingredients in an elevated beachfront setting rendered in earthy tones, a textural white ceiling, and foliage. They’re celebrating Dia de los Muertos this weekend with colourful decorations, lively music, and face-painting, but the meal consists of classic dishes from their dinner menu. My favourites were the perfectly grilled elote, the piquant tostada del mar, and the tacos.
Breakfast at Sereia is sizeable, if standard (no pun intended), with a buffet and several live stations. But it’s at dinner that the restaurant really comes alive with menus of Thai-inspired specialities focusing on local seafood and premium meats. I really enjoyed the delightfully spicy Comb Pen Shell in Lotus Petal to start, followed by a rich Beef Cheek Massaman Curry packed with succulent meat (the culinary highlight of my stay)—accompanied by a fresh margarita that I’d shaken up myself in a cocktail class led by the restaurant’s head bartender.
Is there more?
The two main public amenities at the hotel are the outdoor pool and the beachfront. At the former, red sunloungers and oversized parasols create decided Miami Vice vibes, while a hint of playful modernity comes in the layered stairs that offer access to the pool and space to sit in the water. The latter offers immediate access to the ocean—from more sunloungers or perhaps a double-sized sunbed—alongside beers on tap from the Surf Shack (which also has paddleboarding and kitesurfing), cocktails from Esmé, and occasional DJ sets.
For an all-encompassing beach resort, it’s surprising to find there’s no spa on-site, at least, not of the traditional variety. Instead, there’s Mmmhmm. While it’s not officially open during my stay, a sneak peek revealed an inviting adults-only “social spa” that has cold plunge baths, mud rooms, and even a pool and bar.
Rounding out the offerings are a gym (it’s small, and is packed when I work out at 8 am on a Monday) and The Hut, a dedicated kids’ club.
Final thoughts
The Standard, Pattaya Na Jomtien, packs a visual punch, offers plenty of fun, and has solid restaurants, which is probably why it’s already attracting a (largely local) crowd. But with plenty of space, it doesn’t feel too busy. The only caveat is that the service, while delivered with a smile, probably has a little room for improvement. For example, I had to walk over to Esmé or Sereia to order drinks or food while at the beach or pool, and had to request to have the room made up or get turndown service.
Still, my visit was during the soft-opening phase, so no doubt once the team finds its groove, service delivery will be sharper. There’s no doubt that this will be a favourite weekend spot for both Bangkokians and visitors.
Read more about The Standard, Pattaya Na Jomtien or Book through Booking.com Book through Expedia
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