AccorHotels in Pattaya aren't very strong if you considering the City Centre hotels (1 MGallry, 2 Mercure and 1 Ibis) and thus, Hotel Baraquda was the best of the lot considering it is an MGallery by Sofitel. Most of the hotels in Pattaya are aged and not in the best condition.

I was there on a short work/vacation trip and only stay for 3 nights.

Check In

Check-In was fast and recognition of status was given. Given the size of the hotel, we were the only VIP guest checking in even though we were only Gold Status (I am still upset I can't hit Platinum anymore :( ) 

As per Gold status, we were offered an upgrade the following day as all the suites were occupied currently. Thus, we are happy the hotel took the initiative to offer us an upgrade even though there wasn't any upon check-in.

A welcome refreshment was offered, which was separate from the Welcome Drink voucher.  

Welcome refreshment

Welcome drink voucher list

We utilised this at the rooftop bar and I must admit that their menu was extensive and put some other hotels to shame on what they offer as a welcome drink.

Welcome Letter for Gold members

Room

We were given a room on the highest level possible, 5th floor. We were first assigned a Deluxe room, room 5001. The room design is uncommon compared to the industry standard and which is most probably why it is under MGallery by Sofitel.

I must comment that for those planning to stay/share rooms with friends or etc. The bathrooms design isn't designed well for privacy. I'll let the picture do the talking.

The "unique" and "junky-funky" nature of the room is that there are blue mood lights that surround the room. Up to your preference if you like it or not.

Welcome amenity

*AccorHotels Signature Apple makes an appearance :)

Upgraded room (Baraquda Suite)

As per promised upon check-in, we were moved on day 2 to our upgraded room. The Baraquda suite is just 2 deluxe rooms combined together with one being a living room and the other being the bedroom. 

Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel was pretty good to be honest. For the size of the hotel, the buffet was sized perfectly and the quality of the food was excellent. They are both items that were pre-cooked and items that were available Ala Minute upon your ordering.

This gave the flexibility to guest to customise their orders. Additionally, this was the first time I saw a hotel offering curry to guest for breakfast.

Service

Service at the hotel was excellent throughout from Front Office staff to Restaurant team. yes, the hotel was starting to show its age but the staff were very welcoming and met the expectation of a 5-star hotel.

One can tell the hotel need to reinvest in the rooms and amenities soon as it can evidently be seen by the quality of the towels. 

Pool

I must admit I did not visit the pool or gym must and thus, have little photos. The pool did look peaceful but having travelled much, it did not appeal to me. 

Overall

Overall, if I had to come back to Pattaya, I would stay here again as either Mercure's are a big no-no to me. The Pullman was nice having stayed there before but was too far out of the city.

Would I recommend the hotel? I have to since its the only AccorHotel that I would stay in central Pattaya.