Discovering Cross Hotel Pratamnak Hill: Escape the Bangkok Bustle

Tired of the bustling city streets in Bangkok? Craving sun, sand, and serenity? After a month in the city we were, so when we were invited to visit the Cross Pratamnak Hill Pattaya Hotel we jumped at the chance. This idyllic hillside retreat offers a refreshing escape from the urban jungle, promising a rejuvenating weekend getaway. We hope our detailed review helps you decide if its right for you.

Pattaya. The name conjures images of neon lights, pulsing music, and a frenetic energy. But for those seeking a different Pattaya experience, there is another side. Nestled on a lush hillside overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, Cross Pratinack Hill offers a welcome retreat from the city’s vibrant chaos.

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Location: Why Pratamnak Hill Pattaya

My recent stay at Cross Pratamnak Hill was a bit of a revelation. Stepping into the lobby the contemporary style we had fallen in love with at Cross Kanchanaburi last year was immediately evident. 

The interiors of this hill top property feature clean straight lines and a minimalist approach, a complete contrast from the chaotic streets of downtown Pattaya.

The large arched windows and open plan lobby lead out onto the expansive swimming pool, allowing oodles of natural light and giving a seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor spaces.

The furniture is stylish and comfortable. Captivating artwork, a signature feature of Cross Properties, adds a touch of cultural richness to bring the space to life.

To make the most of our three-day escape, we arrived a few hours before the check-in time of 3pm. We were welcomed with a cool drink and completed the check-in process immediately. The team offered some ideas for how we could spend the time until our room was ready.

Full use of the hotel’s facilities was possible or we could head out and explore nearby. We chose to take a walk around the property and see what was on offer.

The service on arrival at Cross Pratamnak Hill was fantastic and this continued. Everyone we encountered was helpful and always had a smile on their faces. They helped out with ordering transport and with the best way to arrange our activities for the day.

The hotel facilities

It’s impossible to miss the pool on arrival at the hotel and it was the first place I headed. Spanning almost the length of the property, the pool, a brilliant shade of blue, is surrounded by a spacious, open-air area.

Comfortable sun loungers, upholstered in a rich navy blue, are arranged invitingly around the pool’s edge. The poolside atmosphere was relaxed and sophisticated, although a children’s area at one end reminded me this could change at any moment 😉

The lobby bar staff at Bite Box quickly look after food and beverage needs, and it’s clear that this pool is a central hub for relaxation and socializing at the hotel.

There is also a very well equipped gym with Life Fitness branded cardio equitment, plenty of free weights and a yoga space.

A games room features a pool table, table tennis and fuse ball, a little kids playroom and a guest lounge for working or relaxing in peace.

After exploring the facilities and grounds, I had a possibly crazy idea. I decided we would walk up and check out Pratinack Hill while we waited.

According to Google maps, it was only 20 minutes. What I didn’t notice was that 15 of those minutes were uphill!

This lesser-known gem offers stunning sunset views over the city and surrounding landscape. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and soak in the local atmosphere.

My phone rang at 2pm, just as we were about to expire from exhaustion, to let me know my room was ready. Talk about perfect timing.

Our Room

Stepping into our Elite Executive Seaview Suite, I was instantly captivated by the panoramic views of the Gulf of Thailand. Floor-to-ceiling windows allowed natural light to flood the space, creating a bright and airy atmosphere.

The elegant decor provided the perfect blend of luxury and functionality, seamlessly blending modern comfort with subtle Thai influences. It was anything but cookie-cutter.

The king size bed was extremely comfortable, with crisp white linens and a choice of pillows that is sure to please fussy sleepers like me.

Sliding glass doors on two sides lead out to balconies with stunning sea views. A perfect spot to enjoy the sunset. Being here in the middle of rainy season meant we lucked out on that this time.

The contemporary decor includes a cosy seating area with a single chair and a stylish sofa with plenty of cushions. The wood flooring added warmth, and the lighting was really well done. Switches by the bed allowed us to control it easily.

The room also offered a desk area with plenty of power outlets, a mounted flat-screen TV with free wifi for streaming movies, a kettle, a Nespresso machine, and a minibar with lovely glassware.

The Bathroom

I loved the space in the elegantly designed open-concept bathroom with glass partition. After a month of tiny hotel rooms in Japan and our compact condo in Bangkok, this felt like absolute luxury. It was bigger than some entire rooms we have stayed in this year!

The bathtub was a perfect size for relaxing in, and the shower was big enough for a small party. There were also double sinks and plenty of amenities. Everything you could need and more. However, it might be time to ditch the individual packaged toothbrushes etc in favour of having them available at reception if required.

Food and Beverage offerings at Cross

Food and beverage is anything but an afterthought here. A stay at Cross Pratinack Hill isn’t complete without indulging in a meal at Kliff, the resort’s restaurant, sitting fittingly on the cliff, overlooking Cosy Beach at the rear of the property. 

The restaurant’s menu boasts a fusion of Thai and international cuisine, showcasing the freshest local seafood and other regional delicacies. Guests get 25% off the dining bill making this a no brainer. 

We treated ourselves to dinner here, and everything was delicious.

There is a variety of seating, most making the most of the water view. I loved that there is plenty of space between tables and booths. You can also access the beach from the restaurant. 

Our stay also included the signature Cross breakfast, and I recommend you don’t miss this. When the buffet includes a delicious champagne breakfast, it’s worth getting up for.

Along with a very decent spread which includes a juice your own bar and plenty of premade juices and teas, you can also order main courses from an al la carte menu. 

On check-out, all guests are given a little treat for the journey home, two delicious home-made cookies.

Dining options near the hotel

The hotel is surrounded by cliff top dining. Over the three days we were there, we managed to try a few of them. Of course you could head to the night markets, but on this trip we just want to relax. So, we appreciated having at least 8 options on the doorstep.

Three Mermaids

Three Mermaid is an Instagram hotspot. It’s a huge hit with families and selfie lovers, with its giant mermaid and tree house style seating.

We popped in for lunch just after opening. To be honest, we thought it was starting to look a little run down, at least in the bright daylight. We sat in one of the tree houses and the view is fantastic, but the whole place needs a bit of a spruce up for the prices they are charging.

Service was almost nonexistent, our food arrived late and not exactly hot. For the price we paid it was pretty uninspired. Personally I would pop in here for a drink but eat at one of the other spots along the street.

The next night, we did exactly that.

The Forest by The Sky

We had a great experience at Forest by the Sky. The staff were welcoming and the food was delicious. They also make an excellent latte (almost as good as a flat white for any Aussies reading).

We ordered three Thai dishes here, and the food was as impressive as our meal at Kliff. I highly recommend a visit.

The Sky Gallery 

This was only a drink stop for us, but it’s another great option on the hill overlooking Cosy Beach. Of the restaurants on this cliff, this one does have the best view of the beach and the full sunset experience.

However, by the late afternoon it was jam packed and you need to have a booking for a good sunset seat. The food looked good but reviews are mixed. We would try it next time for sure.

Unwind and Relax: Spa and Wellness Facilities

For those seeking deeper relaxation, the on-site spa offers well-priced treatment. We treated ourselves to a rainy season special that offered you to choose 2 treatments for 1200 baht.

We went with a couples massage which we really enjoyed and certainly cleared out some of the cobwebs. The two skilled therapists used aromatic oils and soothing techniques to put us into a state of total relaxation.

At this time, the spa only offers massage and some body treatments. It would be great to see facials and other beauty treatments added, but otherwise we thoroughly enjoyed this beautifully decorated spa.

Exploring the Vicinity: Things to Do Near Cross Hotel

Pattaya offers more than just bars and beaches. A short drive from Cross Pratinack Hill lies the iconic Big Buddha, a majestic golden statue perched atop a hill. The panoramic views of Pattaya from this vantage point are simply breathtaking. Don’t forget your camera!

We also escaped the heat in the middle of the day with a bit of shopping. We visited both Central Pattaya and Terminal 21.

If you are looking to escape the heat, then it’s an easy 15 min walk along the beachfront between the two. However, if you only have time for one, then choose Terminal 21.

If you have visited the Terminal 21 mall in Bangkok then you may agree that the design here is even more impressive than that at Asoke.

Once you have explored here, it’s a quick Grab ride to the Sanctuary of Truth. But make sure you have tickets or arrive before 5pm – when the price goes up by 200 baht per person for what they call night viewings.

Getting to Pratamnak Hill

We took the bus to Pattaya and then jumped into a Grab. You could hire a driver from Bangkok for under 2000 baht.

The hotel is located outside the main bar and party area of Pattaya, which is a huge selling point for us. However, if you do want to venture down to the busy part of town or the malls, it will cost you less than $4 (AUD).

When we arrived, we considered renting a car so we could explore. In the end, it was less hassle to use Bolt to get around. The staff at the hotel recommended Bolt over Grab for service and rates in Pattaya.

The cost was incredibly affordable and our six trips over the two days came to about half the cost of car hire.  You could also use the Baht buses once you are down in Central Pattaya to see the nearby sites.

Who should stay at Cross Pratinack Hill?

Cross Pratinack Hill is perfect for those seeking a different side of Pattaya. It proves that this dynamic city caters not just to partygoers, but also to weary travelers yearning for relaxation and rejuvenation. 

This property was perfect for us as a couple looking for some quiet time. It was also evident by the number of families enjoying the facilities that it’s a good location for people travelling with kids to be able to enjoy Pattaya away from the hustle of the walking streets. 

Whether you crave breathtaking views, luxurious accommodations, impeccable service, or a range of activities – including venturing out to explore the Big Buddha or just relaxing on Cosy Beach – this resort offers the perfect escape from the frenetic energy of Bangkok. 

Would we go back? Yes, in a heartbeat!

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Note: We were hosted on this visit to Cross Pratimnak Hill, but we paid for our own meals and travel expenses. All opinions shared in this post are our own.