North Pattaya & Naklua:

Family oriented, Many Germans (some persons call it Little Germany) has Entertainment next to every Hotel, from Beer bar to different styles of Restaurants. Good sea swimming mostly only 300-500 meters from Hotel.

Pattaya Bay (Central Pattaya):

Bar oriented. In the middle of all different types of entertainment of which Pattaya is famous. Beach is on walking distance, but not many tourists swim in the sea (water to dirty). Locals especially children do swim...but their stomach has better resistance against bacteria.

Pattaya Hill & Pratamnak

Pattaya Hill  is "Tour" oriented, many big hotels good clean seawater, but need car for Downtown entertainment. This gives at nighttime extra expense (around 50-150 baht per person). South Pattaya has some nice looking Hotels too. If the Hotel is located near the main road than it is a good alternative to Jomtien Beach as it is almost on walking distance from the main Entertianment district.

Jomtien Beach:

Great for families and bar hoppers. Downtown Pattaya can easily be reached by local transportation. Many good and clean restaurants at the Jomtien-Beach Road, where you can have dinner for 100 baht a person ($3). Clean seawater within 200 meters from Hotels. (My recommendation, for anyone who stays more than one week in Pattaya)

Na-Jomtien Beach:

Na-Jomtien Hotels are Very Family oriented, at least 10KM from entertainment district. Good sea swimming within mostly only 200 meters from Hotel.

Bang Saen Beach:

Around 25 Km from Pattaya, the beach resort where many of the Thai's have their weekend holiday. Very good for families with kids who do not want the night entertainment of Pattaya. The beach strip is around 2 km stretch with many food vendors and chairs.

Pattaya Hotel Prices:.

Budget:

With over 40.000 beds available in Pattaya, most hotels are found in this segment. Your choice depends more or less on the location and atmosphere. Check the websites, and try to find the one who caters your taste. Keep in mind some of them are frequent visited by golfers, or tourists who like diving. If you are fitting in these categories than try to stay inside those hotels. Talking with fellow guests will save you money, and at nighttime you will have some buddy's to talk with.

Tourist:

Value for money superb Hotels for little money! Thai Garden Resort is a good pick for families with children, but its around 1 km walking from the beach. Even so to my opinion the Jomtien Thani, a brand new Hotel at Jomtien Beach.

High Class:

Class Hotels with great rooms and views.

Superior:

Needless to say, all very high standard Hotels. Brand new,  is the Hard Rock Hotel.