Location: Areca Lodge Hotel is located on the very central Soi 13 in Pattaya, about 50 meters from the “side” entrance to LK Metro (not from Soi Buakhao). In less than a 5-minute walk, you can reach 2nd Road, where the Bat Buses (Songtaews) run toward the famous Soi 6 and its bars. If you prefer, a relaxed 10-minute walk will take you directly to Beach Road.
The immediate area around Areca Lodge offers virtually everything—massage parlors, GoGo bars, restaurants, the ubiquitous Seven Eleven, a pharmacy just 20 meters away, and several bars within a short walk. If your main nightlife destination is Walking Street, the hotel is not inconvenient but it’s not the closest option. However, if you’re interested in exploring the rest of central Pattaya, day and night, it is probably the ideal hotel in terms of location.
Room: All rooms come with a balcony, starting with the 32 sqm Standard Room, so space is not an issue. The bed and pillows are average—nothing exceptional, but comfortable. Each room includes a table with upholstered chairs, a generously sized fridge for drinks and other items, a comfortable armchair with footrest, a wardrobe, and various other furniture for storing your belongings.
The décor is not modern but not vintage either, more of a standard classic hotel style. Lighting is good, with several well-placed light sources controlled by convenient switches, including next to the bed. Housekeeping service is reliable until mid-afternoon. Two bottles of water are provided daily, along with the usual set with kettle, tea, and coffee for those who need it.
There are various room types, mainly differing in size and whether the bathroom has a bathtub instead of a shower. Prices don’t vary much—a difference of about 15 euros between the Standard Room and the 42 sqm Executive Room. Luxury rooms accommodate three people, measure 60 sqm, and cost around 2,500 THB. The Suite is roughly double the price of a Standard Room, measures 120 sqm, and can host up to four people in two double beds. It also offers additional amenities such as a sink, microwave, larger private outdoor space, and more.
For a solo traveler who only wants company in the room at night, the Standard Room is more than sufficient. The other options are excellent and can often be booked at similar prices through deals on Agoda.
Bathroom: Equipped with either a shower enclosure or a bathtub, the bathroom is rather small compared to the room size but well-organized and includes all necessary amenities. The shower enclosure is not completely closed but is recessed from the rest of the floor, which generally isn’t a problem aside from some occasional splashing. The sink is large, with plenty of space to place your personal items. Everything is very well maintained. Towels are always replaced daily, and a complete set of toiletries is provided. All amenities are intended for use by two people.
Services: From the restaurant to the pool, Areca Lodge Hotel offers a good range of services, including a welcome drink and a decent breakfast (almost always included in Agoda deals). The hotel has a restaurant called Marble, a bar, and poolside service for those who wish.
The ground-floor pool is large and impressive, sunny for most of the day, providing a nice quiet spot to relax. There is also a fitness room with equipment. Free Wi-Fi works well. The reception is spacious and visually striking, with friendly and efficient staff.
Of course, every room is equipped with air conditioning and a fridge. Among the amenities available directly in the room (for a fee) is always a box of condoms—high-quality Durex, sized for an average Caucasian—which, while uncommon in a hotel, is a thoughtful and convenient touch.
Cleaning: The housekeeping staff is active throughout the day until late afternoon. Toilet paper and tissues are always available in the bathroom. Towels and bed linen are changed daily. Everything is kept in order and done efficiently—even in the early afternoon for rooms at the far end of the long corridor, the most remote point from the hotel’s reception.
Prices:
As always, rates vary depending on the season. Standard Rooms start at around 1,600 THB, while 40 sqm Executive Rooms start at 2,000 THB. Luxury Rooms, which are larger and can accommodate up to three people, cost around 2,500 THB in low season. Suites start from 4,000 THB per night and are essentially equivalent to two Luxury Rooms combined.
Agoda often offers good deals with breakfast included, and creating an account provides a minimum 10% discount on the first two bookings. The AgodaVIP program also increases in level based on your bookings and can offer discounts of up to 25%.
Notes: Guest Policy and Facilities: Areca Lodge is fully guest-friendly (not surprisingly, there are condoms in the in-room minibar menu), so it is possible to bring a guest to your room without extra charges. The guest must leave an ID at reception, and if not accompanied by the registered occupant of the room when leaving, the staff will make a quick call to verify everything before returning the ID. This is a common policy at nearly all guest-friendly hotels, although some staff may not always enforce it strictly.
Early check-in is guaranteed if the room is available, and check-out is quick and flexible as long as the room is not already booked for the same day.
The pool is large, with just over a dozen loungers and umbrellas, but they are rarely all occupied. Clean towels are always available, and bar service is provided either at your lounger or at the tables around the pool, ordering from the menu at the counter behind the poolside restaurant. Smoking is prohibited throughout the hotel, including the pool area, except on balconies.
Negative Notes: For those who like to go to bed early (though probably few among the Travelsformen travelers^^), it’s worth noting that a small cluster of beer bars just a few meters from the hotel plays live music at high volume in the evenings. While the rooms are reasonably soundproofed against most external noises, the music can be hard to ignore. However, this only lasts for a few hours each evening, alongside the general nightlife background of the area. Being about 100 meters from the bustle of LK METRO, there are many sounds, but everything quiets down afterward, as much as a city that never sleeps like Pattaya can.
In short, Areca Lodge is an excellent hotel, offering prices appropriate for the quality of the property and its prime location. There are cheaper options, but with a lower quality/price ratio. It’s hard to recommend a better choice for those looking to bring a guest to their room and enjoy the nightlife around LK Metro.
The staff is friendly and attentive to guests’ needs. The pool area is one of the hotel’s highlights for those seeking a bit of daytime peace and relaxation. Its good value for money makes it ideal for anyone looking for a comfortable, well-equipped hotel without spending excessive amounts.
If you prefer to stay in other areas of Pattaya, such as along the waterfront near the famous Soi 6 or close to Walking Street, check out the list of other Hotel GuestFriendly a Pattaya.
