The hype
Families and influencers love the pool and ship theme, but almost everyone notes the rooms are tired and in need of the upcoming renovation.
A-One The Royal Cruise
$50-85/ night
Book this if You want the kitschy novelty of sleeping on a cruise ship without leaving land, and you prioritize a pool party vibe over silence.
Why People Love It
- Unique 'cruise ship' architecture that actually looks like a docked vessel
- Fat Coco Beach Club is a legitimate local hotspot for pool parties and Instagram shots
- Directly across from North Pattaya Beach, quieter than Walking Street but still central
Quick Take: A fun, aging novelty act that's currently trading on its pool club vibes while the rooms desperately wait for their scheduled 2025 facelift.
Reviewed by @MARYBlaireABARQUEZ4149929: I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the giant airplane right outside my window! The room at A-One The Royal Cruise was huge, and the bed was honestly one of the best I've slept in. Being right next to Terminal 21 made shopping and eating so easy. Highly recommend!
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'Ocean View' is often partially blocked by trees or other buildings unless you spring for a Suite on a high floor.
- You're traveling with kids who will get a kick out of the sailor-costumed staff
- You plan to spend your days at a lively pool club with DJ beats
- You want a beachfront location without the chaos of Walking Street
Cleanliness & Maintenance
6.8
- Housekeeping: Daily service is reliable, but they are fighting a losing battle against aging carpets and scuffed furniture.
- Bathroom hygiene: Functional but dated. Grout lines show age, and water pressure can be inconsistent. No black mold reports, but 'damp' smells are common.
- Maintenance: Visible wear and tear: peeling paint on balconies, scratched floors, and duct-taped fixes have been spotted by guests.
- Linens & towels: Clean but worn. Towels can be scratchy and greyish rather than fluffy white.
- Odors & scents: The main building has a persistent musty/humid odor typical of older tropical hotels.
Sleepability™
6MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Traffic from North Pattaya Beach Road
- Music from Fat Coco Beach Club (until 10-11 PM)
- Hallway noise due to gaps in door frames
Before you book
Good to know
- A 3,000 THB deposit is required upon check-in (cash or card hold).
- The 'New Wing' is a separate building behind the ship; it's newer but lacks the novelty factor.
- Breakfast at 'The Boat Restaurant' is extensive but gets chaotic with tour groups—go before 8 AM.
What to pack
- Earplugs (essential for lower floors)
- A power strip (outlets are scarce and often oddly placed)
- Mosquito repellent (for the balcony and pool area)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Ocean Front Suite (76sqm) — The only way to guarantee a real, unobstructed sea view and a balcony big enough to actually use.
- Panoramic Ocean View Suite — If you have the budget, this wraps around the 'bow' of the ship.
Rooms to avoid
- Standard Deluxe Rooms on floors 2-4 — often have views of the parking lot or trees, not the ocean.
- Any room in the 'Main Building' after May 20, 2025 (due to construction/closure).
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a high-floor room (Floor 6+) in the Main Wing (Ship Building) facing the ocean. Please ensure I am NOT placed near the elevator or the connecting door to the New Wing.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool free for guests?
Yes, hotel guests get access to the Fat Coco Beach Club pool, but you may need to pay for premium seating/cabanas which are often reserved for paying outside guests.
Is it really shaped like a boat?
Yes, the main building is architecturally shaped like a cruise ship, complete with a bow, decks, and staff in sailor uniforms.
How far is Walking Street?
It's about 3km away. A baht bus (songthaew) ride takes 10-15 minutes and costs 10-20 THB; walking would take 40+ minutes.
Is there a gym?
Yes, 'Fitness One' is surprisingly well-equipped for a hotel of this age, with weights and cardio machines.
Is it guest friendly?
Policies vary, but generally, there is no joiner fee for one unregistered guest if you book a double room, though ID will be held at reception.
What is the renovation situation?
The main 'Ship' building is closing for a major overhaul from May 20, 2025. If you book for late 2025, expect to be in the New Wing or a nearby sister property.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 200 THB entrance fee for Fat Coco is often waived for hotel guests, but the food/drink credit system for loungers still applies.
- ✨
There is a 'secret' exit at the back of the complex that leads to Soi 2, putting you closer to street food and 7-Eleven without walking along the busy Beach Road.
- ✨
The 'New Wing' rooms are actually slightly larger and quieter, even if they lack the 'ship' shape.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'ocean view' from lower floors is mostly a view of palm trees and tour buses.
💡The air conditioning units in the older rooms can be aggressively loud and rattle all night.
💡The 'sailor' uniforms on the staff are charming to some, but can feel a bit like a theme park to others.
💡There is a distinct 'old hotel' smell (musty carpet/humidity) in the hallways of the main ship building.
💡The elevators are tiny and slow—expect a wait during breakfast rush.
Local Playbook
Map
See where A-One The Royal Cruise is located and what's nearby.