Is it better to rent a condo or stay in a hotel for long-term living in Pattaya with kids?

Nov 20, 2023
a year ago
Andrew **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I have a non-visa question so it falls under the category of ‘and everything else’

currently I am in negotiations with 4 hotels for a long term stay rate for the year in Pattaya.

With most of the hotels...(all are either 4 or 5 star) they want 2 months up front and one month in advance, I guess that is standard I'm not sure, seems like a lot up front.

After that it is month to month for the rest of the year rate.

I can get on the low end $3500 USD per month and on the high end $4500 per month.

All hotels are beachfront and Oceanview.

That is for a 2bedroom. I have 2 kids with me.

The amenities are mostly all included with all the hotels, with on average either one meal, or 2 meals per day, 4 pieces of laundry per day, 10% off on food and drinks, house keeping 3X per week...(a couple of the hotels housekeeping is 2X per week)

The reason why I'm looking at hotels and not looking at condo rental is for a variety of reasons, not having to worry about utilities hookups and payments, or dogdy landlords...(I'm sure there are great landlords out there), security for the kids, close to major amenities so we don't need a car, etc etc etc.

My question is, is the price range something for the year any or you would consider if you had one or two kids or if it was just you and your partner? Or would you go and get a beachfront condo for that price range?

Or could you get a nice 2 bedroom beachfront condo with amazing amenities for less than that price range of $3K to $4K USD per month with everything included, if so where?

Which would you choose?

Thanks for your input.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around the preference between staying in a hotel versus renting a condo in Pattaya for a long-term stay, especially with children. The original poster is negotiating hotel rates for $3500 to $4500 per month with substantial upfront costs, seeking advice on whether this is reasonable or if they could find better value in a condo rental. Community responses suggest that the budget is generous enough to explore more luxurious options like spacious condos or villas with amenities for much less than the quoted hotel rates. Many emphasize the potential for finding better accommodations that are child-friendly and more cost-effective away from centralized tourist locations.
David ********
Does that price include the cost of the elite visa (which I assume is how you can stay a year?)
Diana ********
Watch YouTube Coopers Thai Adventure , Good Vibes Pattaya , they showed many nice ocean front places . Have you checked Copacabana or Riviera in Jomtien ?
Olivier ***************
Yes that place for kids it’s really not great, did you ever been there?

Lots of working girls there…

I was one time there I never see that much in one day that in my entire life.

So yeah 4K per month to get your childrens playing in the sand next to pros, not sure it’s a great deal tbh.
James *********
IMHO, if yer gonna get a place in that price range I'd spend a week, or at least a few days, at each, THEN decide which is most favorable for your family.
Kool *******
Cruise down the road a little farther, and look at Rayong. It is a much better environment for kids. You can get a nice villa, with maid, butler, driver, chef, for what you want to spend, and have money left over.
CT *******
Many nice condos available for far less money.
Maxim ***********
This has to be a troll post. 120k baht a month LOL!
Andrew **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Maxim **********
no troll post here Maxim, I have friends and colleagues in Thailand who spend more than that a month on rent, food, going out every other night. I'm a family man so the family wants to stay around terminal 21, the supermarkets, lots of street food and cheap so I have to keep them happy.

Myself I could care less about that stuff, I'm looking at the beachfront, swimming and working out. I worked hard so I like to relax in the sunshine. Sorry if you don't agree, to each their own. I've heard from lots of people that Thailand can be as cheap or as expensive as you want it to be, it all depends on what you want to spend. Be well.
Maxim ***********
You are confusing two things; 1) Price of rent ; 2) Cost of living (which you described in your post). 120k baht for everything is normal, but just for rent is a complete scam. My point is that these hotels are scamming you because you are asking them things nobody asked them before. People who stay months to years will stay in villa, condo, etc, NOT in hotel (and condo will have swimming pool, gym, service if you ask, etc). I'm guessing that you are doing all of this online, which add to the scam. To avoid getting scam, go there yourself while in Thailand, you will realize how absurd 120k baht a month is. Also, the other reason I thought of a troll post is because of the location (Pattaya). Have you been to Thailand before? Are you currently in Pattaya? Pattaya is very cheap compare to Bangkok and Phuket. And the location you mentioned above seems to be where your kids will see half-naked women selling their body on the daily. This is why overall I still believe you are trolling. It's not a good location for your kids, and the price is absurdly high for the location, hence why avoid hotels because they can see through their screen a total fish willing to get scam.
Chris ****
Take a Thai person with you. Let them ask about discounts.
Quinn ********
Money goes far here. And that’s a lot of money.
Mike ******
I agree with what others say about Central Pattaya not being the nicest place for children. Almost all other locations of Thailand would be better for a long term stay with children. Cheaper to stay in a condo on the beach if you are concerned about cost. No restaurant on site but, several in short walking distance. Also, 7-11 and other small stores are everywhere and very easy to order food in from most restuarants, using online apps, for a small delivery fee. The 2+1 month fees are typical with a nice accommodation and utility hookups are usually included with electrical, water and cable and you pay a relatively small cost based on usage.
Martin *********
But it IS a visa issue also I’d imagine , obviously you already have a yearly visa of some description .. but I guess if you’re staying in a hotel they will inform immigration for you ( via passports) and you will need to do your 90 day reports too .. unless you have money to burn which it sounds you have , yeah a
***
star hotel sounds a great option 😉👍🏻
Andrew **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Martin ********
yea my visa agent is in Pattaya and a good one. the hotel is going to write a letter to immigration and will do my reporting for me. when it comes to "money to burn" its not like that.

I work hard for my money and have for a long time.

The family wants to be around all the amenities like terminal 21 to walk through every other day, they want the markets like big C, lotus, tons of street food in the area for like 20 to 30baht so can't beat that.

We have yet to eat in an actual restaurant and really do not plan to, the food is cheap everywhere we go outside and in soho market etc etc etc.
Phil ******
@Andrew *********
try further north in Chonburi btw Bangkok and Pattaya and its better for the kids or further South past Jontien for ฿30k pm not on the beach but accessible. May I ask whats your fixation with Pattaya as its not a flash environment for kids?
Andrew **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Phil *****
entire family wants to be around terminal 21 for the amenities, Big C, Lotus, Beachfront, I'm indifferent I just want beachfront ocean view but the family wants to be around those tourist type amenities. If there were a terminal 21 in every city along with those type of stuff the family is looking for it would be easier to relocate.
Phil ******
Mma *******
I lived in Hotels here for 7 years. I prefer Hotels. The monthly rate is 'usually' half the daily rack rate. So 2000bht/nite becomes 1000/nite monthly up front. It sounds like money is no object for you so go with Hotels. Why do you have to commit to 12 months? just find another hotel and do month to month, also ask for 1 month bond.
Andrew **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mma ******
thanks Mma, we're going to give it a whirl with the hotels for a bit to see how it plays out. I've budgeted that amount and very comfortable with that budget. I'm not swinging for the fences, its just that in north america $3K to $4K was standard for monthly expenses so if I can get it for less then for sure I'll try hard to negotate with the hotel for a bit more money off the monthly rate. But its high season now so I doubt most will budge.
Stuart ***********
I am guessing you have no choice on the Pattaya location, but it is not a great place for children.

Have you thought about the potential for regular problems with noise from other guests as it's a hotel in a party location?

I would think about going further out, renting a condo and getting a hire car.
James *******
@Stuart **********
correct hotels are partytime you will not get any sleep

Rent a condo or villa with maid and nanny for your kids cheaper than a hotel
Thomas ********
I wouldn’t make a contract for a full year at a hotel. I guess I would leave it open to maybe change after some months or half year. Maybe there is a big construction next to the suite in a few weeks, maybe you and especially the life’s get tired of the food and amenities and would like to stay somewhere else
Andrew *******
Also Pattaya isnt where i would take my kids for a year unless work forced me to. Our 2 bedroom luxury condo in Hua hin with pool gym and 24 hr security that is walking distance to restaurants and bars and about half a mile from a shopping centre with western supermarket and is only $1000 USD a month
Lee ********
@Andrew ******
may I ask what condo that is? I will be looking for something similar starting in January to February time period. Hua Hin
Andrew *******
@Lee *******
check your messages
Lee ********
@Andrew ******
didn't get a message for some reason?
Andrew *******
Well when I "click" Facebook Messenger for your name I see a message from me to you
ฉันเป็นทางของประชาชน *********
Riviera Jomtiem very nice. FYI Don’t tell the agent your budget. They’ll just max it out.
ฉันเป็นทางของประชาชน *********
With that monthly budget get exactly what you want. Look around check Airbb. 🤙🏽
Bob **********
Look into North Shore condo on the beach you’ll get it for half and it’s the nicest on the beach
Paul ********
Your budget is extremely generous for Thailand.

You can get a spacious penthouse sea view condo with your own pool and probably even your own direct lift stop for less . Probably even a full-time maid and strong security.

Don’t sweat the details - utilities, etc. First, they’re simple to do, and second the booking agent will happily take care for you.
Andrew *******
It is my humble opinion (that i am entitled to) that you are about to utterly waste a large sum of money to stay in a hotel when there are far more luxurious options for far less money available on the local villa rental market. Each to their own i guess.
Alan ******
Totally agree with Julien, seriously 120k a month, can rent a 3 bedroom villa private swimming pool, maid, the lot, that is 1 hell of a budget. Think again.
Nick ****************
Beachfront Villas aren’t really a thing I. Pattaya as limited space. Out towards Jomtien there are quite a few. Price wise you are looking at around 1750 $ a month including pool maintenance and gardener. If you have staff quarters then possibly let gardener live in with his wife doing cleaning and washing instead of paying rent. Good luck.
Julien ******
3500 usd is 120k bahts. For this price per month you probably have huge penthouse fully equipped in Pattaya... In Bangkok you have absolutely wonderful condos or even villa at that price so I guess you'll get very very decent condo in Pattaya. Then all depends on availability...
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