[roamer]

Hi and welcome on board.
I personally prefer Pattaya to Bangkok but in fairness I haven`t spent enough time in Bangkok to get to know where to go etc.

Only a general comment on accomodation in Pattaya, on a first trip
I`d choose somewhere with a good location so it`s easy for you to
get around.
Really any of the sois(streets) 1 through to 13 between Beach Road and 2nd Road would be well located.

On some early trips I`ve stayed at hotels on soi 13, Dynasty Inn ,Lek and Whitehouse Condotel all OK,better value to be found elsewhere but still good for a 1st visit.
I think there`s also some popular choices on sois 7&8 which appear
to be better value but no personal experience.

As others have said give an idea of budget and what is important to you e.g. swimming pool,facilities and you should get some specific recommendations.