Mr. Sjostedt has been working for Centara Hotels and Resorts for 18 years. He started his career as Resident Manager at Centara Kata Resort and then transferred to Centara Karon Resort in the same position.

He was then promoted to General Manager for Centra Ashlee Hotel Patong, Phuket. Prior to arriving to Pattaya, where he has been the Area General Manager for the last 10 years, his current position he was General Manager of Centara Koh Chang Tropicana Resort.

Pattaya, once known mostly for its party scene, has undergone an impressive transformation over the last five or so years. Here's a brief yet insightful Q@A with Jonas about how the city has evolved into a vibrant, family-friendly, and event-packed destination.

XpatLoop: Pattaya really seems to have something for everyone now! Aside from the famous attractions, we hear that the city is also hosting a ton of events. What’s that been like?

Jonas: Oh, it’s been amazing! There’s literally something happening every month. Pattaya Municipality has invested heavily in international events, and they’re drawing crowds from all over the world.

Some of the major events include the Pattaya International Kites Festival, the Pattaya Music Festival, and the Pattaya Squid Fair Sea Food Festival. Then, of course, there’s the famous Songkran (Wan Lai Pattaya Festival), which is a massive water festival.

XpatLoop: Those sound like some great local celebrations. What about the bigger, more global events?

Jonas: Oh, Pattaya is definitely on the map when it comes to international events too. The Pattaya he Songkran Festival is like no other event and attracts more than a half million people to Pattaya each year.

The International PRIDE Festival is growing every year, and the International Fireworks Festival is something you don’t want to miss – we’ve got six to eight countries competing with jaw-dropping firework displays free of charge at Pattaya Beach.

There’s also the Rolling Loud Pattaya, which has featured superstars like Lil Wayne, Travis Scott, and Chris Brown. And let’s not forget the Pattaya International Bikini Beach Run and the Pattaya Marathon – both are huge crowd-pullers.

And there is the Wonderfruit Festival, which blends music, art, and sustainability into an unforgettable experience for 3 days in December.

XpatLoop: It sounds like there’s never a dull moment in Pattaya! What’s your favorite event?

Jonas: That’s a tough one! The International Fireworks Festival in November always blows my mind – it’s such a spectacle. But I’d have to say the Songkran Festival (Thai New Year in April) holds a special place in my heart. The entire city comes alive, and it’s just pure joy and celebration. Plus, it’s a chance for locals and tourists to come together in the best possible way.

XpatLoop: Pattaya is clearly making moves! From better infrastructure to world-class events and family-friendly attractions, it sounds like the city’s future is bright.

Jonas: Absolutely! Pattaya has come a long way, and it’s exciting to see where it’s headed next. With its evolving infrastructure, endless attractions, and packed calendar of events, Pattaya is quickly becoming one of Thailand’s top destinations for families, fun-seekers, and culture lovers alike.

Whether you’re here for the beach, the food, or the festivals, Pattaya is a city that has something for everyone. A City with a Beach!

So what makes this hotel so good?

Firstly, there's a great swimming pool with plenty of sun loungers around and fluffy pool towels, and its own bar for those who enjoy a dip and sip, plus nearby is a fitness centre for sporty types.

You can stay connected poolside, in your room, and anywhere else in the hotel with free Wi-Fi. And whatever your plans for sightseeing and touring in this fascinating city, the friendly tour desk is ready to take care of all the arrangements.

Also, keep in mind is that Pattaya Pier, where ferries and speedboats depart for the Tropical island of Koh Lan and its white sandy beaches, is just 20 minutes away from this central property - a bit more on that lovely day-trip option below.



Intimate in size and stylish in design, the hotel has 226 rooms and suites along with a great service culture, which provides an extra warm and attentive service. For instance you can arrange to take a massage in your room, just ask the front desk team.

On top of that there are blue glinting pool views from most rooms, here are the key details:

• Every guestroom has its own private furnished balcony, and both a shower and separate bathtub are available in most room categories.

• Family studios and two-bedroom units are especially suitable for families, as they have either a dedicated children’s area or extensive living area.



The famed beachside resort town of Pattaya has something to entertain everyone when guests venture out, from international-quality golf courses to water sports, world-class shopping and tiny Tropical Island getaways.

An increasingly popular destination, Koh Lan, known for its white sand beaches and pleasant ambience, can be reached by an inexpensive 45-minute ferry ride, or it’s just 15 minutes by speedboat which is also great fun as well as quick.

As you’d hope, Pattaya Beach is within walking distance from the hotel, and guests wishing to visit Jomtien and Naklua beaches can enjoy a ride in the city’s main form of public transport, a song-teow – which is a fun experience in itself.

Along with fond memories of Thailand guests can also take home new cooking skills to delight family and friends by attending the hotel's popular Thai Cooking Class.

On the topic of food, Mix Bistro, the all-day dining restaurant, serves a combination of Thai and international cuisines, and has both indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the pool. As well as very well cooked local dishes, the Western style options are well worth a try – the steaks are great, as is the wine selection.

The Lobby Lounge serves a selection of cocktails, non-alcoholic refreshments plus snacks in a casual atmosphere, while the swim-up pool bar 'Blu Pool Bar' serves drinks and snacks with both Thai and international influences. Plus In-room dining is also available.



Worth noting is that Centara Pattaya Hotel is an great venue for seminars, corporate events and meetings, with a business corner and one meeting room that can hold up to 100 persons seated theatre-style or 80 in classroom set-up.

The pool area can accommodate up to 120 persons for a standing reception and makes for a convivial venue.

The meeting facilities feature the latest in audio-visual technology including complimentary wireless internet access, LCD projectors, technical assistance and a meeting service desk that provides personalised support.



Summary

Located right in the heart of one of Asia’s most exciting cities, Centara Pattaya Hotel is an ideal base to explore this vibrant city.

It’s a great choice if you're staying in Pattaya with your partner, your family or your friends, as this hotel provides a truly relaxing oasis in the midst of all the action Pattaya has on offer.

In short, this hotel manages to envelop you in a comfortable cocoon of peace, safety and heart warming joy.

Getting There

The drive to and from the closest airport, U-Tapao International, is easy and takes approximately one hour.