Weekend Spot: This New Space-Themed Hotel in Thailand Is What Sci-Fi Dreams Are Made of
It has a roof deck water park, too.
(SPOT.ph) Pattaya, a beach destination only two hours away from Bangkok, is a favorite weekend getaway for those weary of the city’s landlocked urban landscape. It’s also popular among travelers looking for a few days of sun and sand, but don’t have the luxury of an extra few days to stray too far from the capital. It has a good mix of chic city and country vibes; a blend of a relaxing vacation with modern conveniences.
A great place to check in for that much-needed quick getaway is ultra-modern Grande Centre Point Space Pattaya, which opened its doors on August 1, 2022.
A premier hotel brand in Thailand, Grande Centre Point offers a uniquely local experience in terms of both its hospitality and the place's design, the latter of which reflects the different aspects of the kingdom’s rich heritage. They currently have six branches with two in Pattaya—one of which, the Grande Centre Point Space Pattaya, boasts being the first space-themed establishment of its kind in Thailand.
Also read: 10 Exciting Things to Do in Pattaya, Thailand
Grande Centre Point Space Pattaya Hotel: An Experience of Astronomical Proportions
Each of the hotel’s 490 rooms and suites is designed to tell the story of the "Journey of the Universe." Every furnishing, decor, and embellishment come together to tell this narrative, making the hotel truly a one-of-a-kind "astronomical" experience—pun intended.
The hotel has five types of accommodation, each carrying a zodiac sign theme executed in the most innovative ways. A step onto every floor is like walking through a spaceship in a Star Trek or Star Wars episode—sleek, metallic, and galactic. Now, let’s talk about the rooms because this is where the magic truly happens.
First, the doors were designed to look as if you were entering a space pod or capsule. In fact, we wouldn’t be surprised to find astronauts floating inside—but we exaggerate. It’s hard not to gawk at the solar system-inspired chandeliers, galactic wall and ceiling projections, metallic furnishings, and star-studded carpets. Everything is thoughtfully designed to stay faithful to the hotel’s space theme.
It’s at night when the rooms come alive and you get to fully enjoy the outer space aesthetics of the Grande Centre Point Space Pattaya. After dimming down the lights, guests are lulled to sleep by the soft glow of the aurora borealis and a starlit night sky projected on the room’s ceiling. No need to count ‘em sheep as there’s a good chance you’ll fall asleep in no time.
Don’t worry. The intergalactic theme doesn't mean the rooms exude a cold and detached vibe because all rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing guests a view of Pattaya Bay and the wide expanse of the sky. Cue Jake Peralta’s “Cool. Cool. Cool.” Not a very profound or thought-provoking word choice for sure, but it is what is—cool. Super cool.
The 45-square-meter Space Deluxe and Space Premium rooms are ideal for couples or for small families of three. You can choose from a king or double bed and it comes with a minibar, Bluetooth speaker, tea and coffee maker, sofa bed, wireless charger, and table. The bathroom has a rain shower and a soaking tub.
For bigger families or groups of friends, 90-square-meter Space Connex rooms fit from five to six people comfortably with adjoining rooms. Each of these rooms have two king-size beds, a dining table, a Bluetooth speaker, and a mini bar. The bathroom has a standing shower and a large soaking tub.
The slightly smaller Space Suite (88 square meters) is great for groups of five or six looking for a touch of luxury. It has a sitting area with a 65" TV, a Harman Kardon Bluetooth speaker, a dining table for four, and a mini bar with a refrigerator and microwave. The en-suite bathroom has a rain shower and a large hot tub with views of the ocean.
The hotel’s largest and most expensive accommodation is the Space Suite Connex. It has a separate living area with a 65" TV, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speaker, couch, dining table for four, refrigerator, capsule coffee-making machine, and a microwave. It features two bedrooms, a wardrobe, and two bathrooms, one with an en-suite jacuzzi and a separate rain shower.
All rooms come with their own balcony overlooking Pattaya Bay.
Guests will be happy to know that each floor is equipped with an ice-maker and vending machine, which is perfect for putting in your tumblers before going out on a scorching day at the beach. There’s free WiFi connection throughout the building; and free snacks, soda, coffee, and tea are available for checked-in guests.
Room rates range from THB 5200 (P8,400) to THB 21,009 (P34,667). A complimentary breakfast buffet is included.
From Space to Earth: Gorge on International Delights
The hotel has four dining options to choose from. The Oort Cloud Tea Room offers over 20 quality, organic loose-leaf teas and a contemporary twist on the British afternoon high tea. You must try their traditional British Scone (THB 55), Smoked Salmon and Sour Cream Scone (THB 120), and any of their hot teas (from THB 120).
The Orbit restaurant offers a wide selection of buffet and à la carte options from both local and international menus. Dishes are prepared in a live and interactive kitchen.
The hotel’s rooftop restaurant, Sola | Luna, gives guests breathtaking views of Pattaya Bay while dining on excellent Japanese and Italian cuisine. Recommended are their Teba Shio or Salted Chicken Wings (THB 220), Oysters Rockefeller (THB 220), Miso-glazed Sea Bass (THB 550), Ribeye Steak (THB 1,500), and any of their pasta dishes (from THB 200).
The Space Beach Bar is located at the hotel’s water park and offers options from light meals and snacks to refreshing sweets and beverages. Some of the most popular items on the menu are their Corn Dog (THB 80), Teriyaki Salmon Hotdog (THB 140), Hawaiian Pizza (THB 280), and Mountain Beef cheeseburger (THB 220). They also have combo sets from THB 640.
"A Destination Within Destination"
Grande Centre Point Space Pattaya’s icing on top—literally—is its own waterpark, which is found 32 stories above ground. It sports the tagline “A destination within a destination,” making the 12,000-square-meter recreation area a main draw among hotel guests. It features two water slides, a huge tipping bucket, and an army of space invaders gushing water.
The water park is divided into four themed zones: the Mountain Zone with a winding river, cave pool, and jungle tub; Flying Rock Zone with a playground; Space Pirate Beach, which has a make-shift white-sand beach with waves; and the Planet Zone, which has a mini golf course, swimming pool, and amphitheater.
Children who aren’t fond of water activities can still have loads of fun at the two-storey Astro Club. On the first floor is the Kids’ Zone, where the little ones can choose from a wide selection of puzzles and computer games and make new friends. On the second floor is the Games Zone which has a variety of table games, board games, and computer games for both kids and their parents.
Older members of the family can have a rejuvenating time at the hotel’s Let’s Relax Onsen and Spa. The facility has a two-storey spa, café, and Thailand's first seaview onsen. It has a selection of onsen pools that have separate areas for men and women. They also offer a range of treatments from traditional Thai massage to relaxing aromatherapy massages.
Fitness buffs can head out to Gravity Fit Club, which is complimentary for guests. It’s equipped with treadmills, spin bikes, and elliptical machines. In addition to cardio equipment, weight lifting equipment, free weights, and yoga mats are available. They also offer plug-in entertainment applications to get the most out of your workout.
How to Get There
AirAsia flies from Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport 11 times a week—every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
From Bangkok, you can take a train to Pattaya from Hua Lamphong station (from THB 31, four hours). You can also take a bus from the city’s Eastern Bus Terminal (from THB 108, two hours), Northern Bus Terminal at Mo Chit (THB 117, 2.5 hours), or Southern Bus Terminal (from THB 119, 2.5 hours). You can likewise take a minivan at any of the said terminals (from THB 150 to THB 160, 2.5 hours).
Grande Centre Point Space Pattaya is at 888 M.5 Na Kluea, Bang Lamung, Pattaya, Chonburi, Thailand. Rates start at THB 6,000 (P9,800). For more information, visit Grande Centre Point Space Pattaya’s website.