MASON Pattaya
One Michelin Key
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Hotel Details
Location
Chon Buri
Thailand, Asia
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Expert Review: MASON Pattaya
MASON Pattaya, a Michelin Key One-Key property in Chon Buri, Thailand, is largely celebrated for its striking design, serene ambiance, and exceptional service, positioning itself as a luxurious escape from the bustling city.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
MASON Pattaya consistently receives "Exceptional" or "Superb" ratings from guests, often scoring between 9.1 and 9.6 out of 10 on various platforms. The general sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many guests praising it as one of the best hotels they have ever stayed in.
2. Key Highlights
Guests are particularly enamored with the hotel's unique artistic architecture, which blends local stone, polished wood, and modern, neo-Brutalist elements in harmony with nature and the sea. The private pools featured in each villa are a significant draw, often described as "the bomb." Exceptional staff service, stunning sunset views, and well-maintained facilities also stand out as key highlights.
3. Room Quality
MASON Pattaya offers 35 "almost perfectly designed" villa suites, emphasizing peace and privacy. The rooms are equipped with private saltwater pools, and some Duplex Grand Pool Villas feature expansive bathrooms with bathtubs large enough for six, handcrafted by local artisans. Interiors boast sleek, contemporary design with local stone, cool tiled floors, and pale wood details. Guest comfort is well considered, with amenities like divine bedding, Marshall Bluetooth speakers, Nespresso coffee machines, and complimentary minibars. Televisions are elegantly integrated into the design.
4. Dining Experience
The hotel's main restaurant, ZILA STREET BISTRO & BAR, serves local and international cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. While many guests find the food "great" and praise the good selection at breakfast, particularly the à la carte options, some have found the breakfast buffet to be somewhat basic or heavily focused on Thai and Korean dishes, suggesting room for improvement given the price point. For lunch and dinner, fresh seafood is a prominent feature on the menu. There is also the Krok-A-Café Espresso Bar at the Sky Pool offering light dishes and snacks, including pizza, and a beachside bar for drinks. A live duo band often performs on Saturdays, adding to the ambiance.
5. Service & Staff
The service and staff at MASON Pattaya consistently receive outstanding praise. Guests frequently describe the team as "exceptional," "top-notch," "super friendly and helpful," "attentive," and going "above and beyond" expectations. Many highlight the staff's kindness and attentiveness to guest needs.
6. Location & Accessibility
MASON Pattaya is situated in Na Chom Thian, a quieter fishing village approximately 10 kilometers outside central Pattaya, offering a tranquil retreat away from the city's main hustle. It is conveniently accessible by car, about 2 hours from Bangkok, 1.5 hours from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, and 30 minutes from Pattaya's U-Tapao Airport. The resort is a short walk from Mimosa Pattaya and South Na Jomtien Beach. While offering serenity, its location may require transportation for those looking to explore central Pattaya's attractions.
7. Value & Pricing
MASON Pattaya is positioned as a luxury property, with room prices typically starting around USD 470.24 (approximately THB 11,372.40). Many guests feel that the experience, especially the private pool villas, offers excellent value, comparing them to rooms that would cost upwards of $700 elsewhere. However, a few guests have expressed that the facilities felt more akin to a three-to-four-star property given the five-star pricing, and some found it to be overvalued.
8. Common Complaints
While largely positive, some recurring issues and criticisms have been noted by guests:
- Beach Quality: The beachfront has been described by some as "terrible," "uninviting," with "green/brown water and trash on the sand."
- Breakfast Variety: Some guests desired more variety in the breakfast buffet, finding it sometimes basic or too heavily leaning towards Thai and Korean options.
- Privacy Concerns: Despite being advertised as "private pools," some villas were reported to be overlooked by the bar, restaurant, or other buildings, which disappointed guests seeking complete seclusion.
- "Nickel and Diming": One reviewer mentioned being charged for a bedsheet stain, which they considered unfathomable for a luxury 5-star property.
- Lack of Conviviality: As a villa-centric hotel, some guests felt the resort lacked a lively communal atmosphere.
- Maintenance Issues: Occasional complaints included construction noise and the main pool being closed for private functions during a guest's stay.
Sources
Points to Consider
- •While largely positive, some recurring issues and criticisms have been noted by guests:
- •Maintenance Issues**: Occasional complaints included construction noise and the main pool being closed for private functions during a guest's stay.
About One Michelin Key
One Michelin Key is awarded to hotels that offer a very special stay. These properties are characterized by their unique personality, high quality, and ability to create memorable experiences for guests.
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