LOCATION
Google map is confusing. There are 2 Pinnacles listed: Pinnacle Grand Jomtien Resort and Pinnacle Resort. We walked from the highway to Pinnacle Grand by the beach. As there is also a Pinnacle Villa, we were misguided to follow the Pinnacle Grand Jomtien Resort at the Beach.
Our first impression was thus unpleasant. Both staff manning the beach pub and the security at the gate insisted we walk all the way around the premises on the main road to get to reception. We should have just walked through the resort pathway. It would have been quicker and easier. We had a luggage on wheels, which was no good on the beach sand, so we lugged our luggage above the sand and walked the tar road all the way around the resort! LUDICROUS!
SERVICE
At reception, we voiced our complaints to Miss Ann, assist guest relations officer and the reception clerk, who were disinterested. They asked how we arrived, by taxi? No we said, we walked from the highway! So walking around in PINNACLE circles was extremely agitating and annoying.
Then they asked for our passports, referring to us as a couple, BUT they gave us twin beds in Room 1120! The stench of the room was unbearable, with mold and grime evident in the bathroom. The room looked like it had not be occupied or cleaned in years! We immediately asked for another room, but with a double bed configuration. The bellboy went back to reception, then we were finally transferred to Rm 1437 in the new 6 storey building.
BREAKFAST
Good and wide selection of western, Thai and Chinese cuisine for a full breakfast. The area is charming and relaxing, with birds chirping in the background.
POOL
With 4 pools, the variety is luxurious, grand and fun! There were too many, we only dipped and dived into the pool near the new Beach Club under construction. The HIGHLIGHT of the pool was that one can dive and swim.The pool at the 6 storey white high rise also appeared inviting, as did the one outside the breakfast restaurant, but we were content with the pool of our choice and limited time-wise.
A hassle of the pool towels is that they are only offered at the pool near the Beach Club. One has to sign for the towels and also when dropping them off, otherwise a 400 Baht fine is charged. This is inconvenient for guests at either side of the resort, such as the beach or high-rise building, who have to walk half the resort just to get a towel. I would suggest keeping some at reception, and at the beach bar too.
ROOMS
The white high-rise building is new, hence the aircon is strong and bathroom is clean. The entire high-rise property had clean corridors and good maintenance.
The bed was comfortable but bathroom drain was clogged, so the water would rise to just under ankle length, despite there being no obstacle over the drain hole.
TENNIS COURT
Under renovation during visit
HOLIDAY RESORT
The resort itself is large, relaxing, peaceful and calm. There are 4 pools, a library, a mini-aviary, a fish pond and lush green gardens. The setting is serene and exquisite. Pity the seawater and beach is polluted, but humans are the guilty culprits. The water is not clear, but murky and there are rubbish floaters lying around.
One can take a stroll along the beach, or jog past numerous beach houses, hotels and tinhouses. The remote location of the resort is both a plus and minus. Guests are guaranteed seclusion, but transport is inconvenient, especially for budget travelers.
Business is booming (new beach club) as we observe busloads of tourists staying at this complex arriving late and departing early. The second group category are European families (Russian) travelling in unity, who just stay on the resort the whole day lounging at the beach or many poolsides. The disco music blaring keeps a party upbeat tempo, giving the middle pool area a funky atmosphere. One could lie on the recliner the entire day easily with a book.
MANAGEMENT
The next morning at breakfast, Miss Ann came over to ask how we were enjoying our stay. We informed her of the room issues, the disappointing service and how appalled we were with the state of the garden suite rooms. She promised to investigate with housekeeping.
The Resort Shuttle Bus service is not an attractive option at 80Baht per person for the ride to Mike Store. Other hotels offer FREE Songthaeu service, although granted for shorter distances.
SUMMARY
PLUS: Great Resort for FAMILIES! Multitude of POOLS!
MINUS: Service can be better! Remote location with transport costs unfriendly to budget travelers!
Recommendations for upgrading to SUPER RESORT :
Scooter or bike hire for individual travelers
Ping-pong table
Snooker table
Mini-golf
There is not much to do after 8pm (even the pool closes), thus adding other recreational facilities would be a BIG BONUS!
PK Versus PINNACLE BANGKOK LUMPINEE
Pinnacle Bangkok provides TOOTHBRUSH SET, has sauna, dirty white slippers with 200Baht charge if missing (see my review)
Pinnacle Jomtien has key cards, not door keys, has DIVING pool and brown, comfy slippers