It's always fun to change the location to unwind for several days. I'd be happy to have such a break in Hua Hin.

It's known for being a "family friendly" destination in contrast to Pattaya which is a very hard party place lol. That's what they say at least, we've never been to Pattaya

Sharing what I know. Both cities are a sort of "Bangkok" (from the point of quality of infrastructure) by the sea and loved by many foreigners who want to long-stay without leaving the comfort zone. Like, guys with kids or elderly people usually don't go to long-stay in a remote island with no hospitals.

Pattaya in general is less laid-back and more foreigners-oriented (but livelier).

The beach in central Pattaya, from my point of view, isn't a place for swimming (overcrowded, not appealing). However, Pattaya has an easy-to-access Ko Lan island you can visit daily by ferry. The island has amazing beaches much-much better than Pattaya or Hua Hin city beaches. (You can rent a place directly in Ko Lan island either but accommodation is more expensive.)

If you need a new place by Bangkok for the next time, consider visiting Prachuap Khiri Khan or Koh Samet.

Koh Samet is a touristy island with amazing beaches.

Prachuap Khiri Khan City (4-5 hours by bus from Bangkok, 2 hours or so from Hua Hin) is much less touristy (like, a real Thai place), much cozier, cheaper than Hua Hin and Pattaya. And they have aaadorable wild langurs coming from a seaside woody mountain to get some food from people. The most gentle, fairy-tale-like creatures (unlike wicked macaques). They also have a mountain in the city center with hundreds of macaques living there and walking on the surrounding streets. Prachuap has the same shallow okay beach (rent a bicycle/motorbike to reach it) as in Hua Hin but more picturesque (Ao Manao beach).

Ko Kood is where I want to go next time, but the trip will take more time from Bangkok... Looks like it's an island with a lot of jungles and great beaches. My type of island.