It was when I was again invited to cover IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific 2026, Bangkok (again, the only Indian journalist), I decided to use this opportunity to cover the Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya. Co-ordinating with my dear friend Michael Chua, VP Sales & Marketing, HPL Hotels & Resorts, and the ever-smiling Sarinthip Khlongkhleao (Celine), DoSM, Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya, I planned to visit the hotel.

“As we have just finished our renovation, I think it would be a good time for you to visit and cover our newly renovated product. We also have an excellent Indian chef who can provide excellent Indian vegetarian food cooked in the authentic way,” said Michael. How true he was on both counts.

The immigration at Bangkok was very quick, and I cleared it in 6 minutes (this surprised me as during the last several visits it took me at least 45minutes). The hotel vehicle was there to pick me up and the ride to Pattaya (around 2 hours) was comfortable.  As I entered the lobby, I could sense the changes (visiting after more than 8 years), especially the relocated reception desk and the new Rock Shop adjacent to the entrance. The lobby, apart from art, also showcased rare music memorabilia and guitars from Florida.

Tanyarat Mahitthises (Tanya), Director of Marketing Communications, Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya, met me in the lobby, and we proceeded for lunch at Pizzeria, where I opted for the Vegetarian thali. Over lunch, Tanya gave me insights on the renovated rooms and refreshed hotel facilities. After lunch, I had the hotel orientation tour across the refreshed lobby, reception, LED wall, memorabilia, rock shop, and a selected renovated room.

For check-in, I had to go to the 9th floor to the new Rock Royalty Lounge (which was on the same floor as my suite). It provided special guests with private check-in and check-out. The lounge provides complimentary breakfast, all-day refreshments and evening cocktails. They also include complimentary 1-time of a poolside cabana per stay, complimentary 2-hour usage of Roxity Kids Club per stay, and for car enthusiasts, a complimentary 6-hour test drive of the Toyota C+ POD car per stay.

I was given the Gold Suite (around 64 sqm), which was one of the newly renovated rooms featuring a separate living lounge adjoining a spacious king bedroom with a nice-sized bathroom. I was also provided exclusive access to the new Rock Royalty Lounge (which was on the same floor), which provided complimentary breakfast, all-day refreshments, and evening cocktails.

While I had a nice dinner at Hard Rock Café, it was the International buffet with vegetarian selections over Breakfast at Starz Diner caught my attention. Had an interesting conversation with Indian Sous Chef Jeevan Lal, who has been in Thailand for 15+ years focusing on Indian cuisine. “Indians love Indian cuisine, and I have been fortunate to serve them some of the tasty Indian dishes like Chole Bhatura, dal, roti, samosa, etc and naturally the Indian chai,” said Chef Jeevan. He prepared some yummy dishes for me, giving me an idea of how content the guests must be feeling.

I also had the opportunity to spend some time with the GM, Jorge Carlos Smith, and Celine before departing to Bangkok. “After almost 18 months spent on renovation, we are now ready to provide guests with an elevated stay. As you may have noticed, this transformation brings a fresh sense of style and luxury to every room and suite. And add to this our new Rock Royalty Lounge, and it’s bound to bring satisfaction to our august guests,” said a smiling Jorge.

Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya has given itself a fresh new look while retaining the music, personality and spirit that make it special, with thoughtful touches that make every traveller feel right at home.

Read More: Hotels & Resorts