Archive for February, 2008

EURANA BOUTIQUE HOTEL REVIEW

Tuesday, February 26th, 2008

The public areas are very pretty, with well-maintained walkways, gardens, ponds, and waterfalls. The pool is also well-maintained and attractive, although it doesn’t get much sun later in the afternoon. The breakfast buffet (included in the room rate) is excellent!

The location is also very good. Although it’s near a main road, the side street itself is quiet and we heard very little noise at night. It’s conveniently located to walk around the walled city, including many temples, restaurants, and shops. The Sunday walking street is only about 10 minutes away. The night market is also walking distance, but a little longer walk (20-25 minutes). If you’re going further, it’s worth trying to flag down a communal taxi, which cost only 15 baht to the most of the city.

Directly across the street is a very cheap internet place, and next door is a little outdoor tour stand that can arrange day trips and treks. Along Moon Muang Road, there is a 7-11, food stalls, and other shops.

The staff was very friendly and helpful – we had problems with our room safe and a minor plumbing issue, and they sent up people immediately. When the safe could not be fixed, they offered use of the hotel safe.

The rooms are not really the attraction here — the “superior” room we had was adequate. There was just enough space and it had the basic amenities, but it could have used a little sprucing up, in terms of new paint, tiles, etc. We were in the “M” wing though - the rooms/suites in the other wing of the hotel opened onto balconies and seemed nicer, so try to get one of those.

The hotel has a van that will drop off at the airport for 100B. I’m not sure if they also do airport pick-up.

For the price we paid, this hotel is a great value in terms of location and features.

SUKANTARA CASCADE RESORT & SPA HOTEL REVIEW

Tuesday, February 26th, 2008

“Fantastic experience”

Fantastic9
Sydney
Feb 18, 2008
Fantastic experience ! A hidden paradise in the midst of the jungle. It’s the one of great escape in Thailand. Staying next to a waterfall !Peacocks shouting outside ! This is the best stay I have ever had. I really felt refreased by the cascade, cute animals, and above all, nice smiles and heartiest hospitality by the staffs.

“little paradise”

MuseumMaryland
Maryland
Feb 3, 2008
“A holiday to remember ” The lodge houses are comfortable and well thought out. The service is faultless and the owners and staff are very friendly and polite. An authentic experience is not to be missed when in Thailand

“Spectacular, private setting!”

Sarah2015
Los Angeles, CA
Jan 10, 2008
This was one of my favorite hotels. The cabins are set along the gentle river, and there are lots of small waterfalls. It’s just a spectacular setting! It’ssecluded, but not too far from the Four Seasons and the Maesa elephant camp. The staff can provide transportation for an extra charge, and they’re very helpful with whatever you need.

“Loved it!”

almndxeyez
Irvine
Nov 22, 2007
Initially peeved as to how far this place was to get to, it all made up in the end. In short the pro’s & cons: Pro’s: - a gorgeous room, more than that, a cottage w/ very high ceilings, & loved the decor! - A full breakfast in the morning - Overall ambience: loved the lobby, nearby river

“Loved the Sukantara”

qwertyasdf
Singapore
Aug 16, 2007
1/1 found this review helpful
Gorgeous hotel and first-rate service. The Sukantara is located around a beautiful waterfall - the natural beauty of the place is absolutely stunning. What’s more, the hotel is snuggled near the peak of the mountain so you literally drive up the mountain to get there. A perfect place to experience the beauty of Chiang Mai

“Beautiful Setting”

TravelinMonty
New York
Aug 25, 2006
2/2 found this review helpful
Really a terrific place to get away from the crowds of Chiang Mai. As in the other review, don’t expect to be right outside of Chiang Mai. This place is buried. Expect 45 minutes and at least 1000 Baht(round trip) for excursions into town. This is a really special place. It has character beyond anywhere else we had stayed in.

10 photos
“Peaceful Retreat”

ATHITHAN VILLAS HOTEL REVIEW

Tuesday, February 26th, 2008

We really enjoyed our stay at this excellent villa which is just on the outskirts of the main city of Chiang Mai, 15 min from the airport. We were welcomed in the main lobby with very friendly staff who showed us to our room without any delays. All the rooms are given names, we stayed in a bedroom call ‘Chiang Chaom’, it was very clean and comfortable, and decorated in the Thai tradition. The air-conditioned room has a living space with a large comfortable sofa, coffee table with a satelliteTV and DVD, friodge and minibar. The bathroom was very clean it has a walk-in wet room withshower and a large scultured bath made from concrete with a varnished finish and a waterfall fill feature. All the rooms have a view of the pool and the river (Mae Ping). All in all I can highly recommend this Villa.

SUAN BUA RESORT HOTEL REVIEW

Tuesday, February 26th, 2008

Chiang Mai was our first stop on a 3 week trip taking us to many places from north to south in Thailand. After a fantastic overnight train ride from Bangkok (book 1st class sleeper it is worth it) we were taken by taxi to the resort. Please note that the resort is a good bit outside the city of Chiang Mai, up the winding roads into the mountains but transportation is cheap and as we were visiting the region and not just the city this was perfect. We rented a taxi and driver for the 4 days we were there and he was there ready to take us wherever we wanted whenever we wanted.
The hotel and resort is beautifully landscaped and the views of the surrounding gardens and mountains spectacular. We stayed in a relatively newly built double room that was huge, felt like a suite with separate sitting room, balcony and a good sized bathroom. Spotlessly clean with everything one would need for a great hotel stay. Breakfast was a buffé with chefs preparing eggs to taste. There was a pool that the kids enjoyed but this is not the main feature of the resort. The spa on the other hand was great. I have seldom had such a good Thai massage as there. And the serenity surrounding the place made me relax in a minute.
My neighbor who grew up in Thailand found the hotel for us and it was just great. Didn’t seem that many other westerners had found it though as there were mostly asians staying there. This added to the feeling of being in a truly asian paradise.

EURASIA CHIANG MAI HOTEL REVIEW

Tuesday, February 26th, 2008

We enjoyed eurasia. The garden is a lust for the sences.
it’s a little outside of town but a free shullte bus wich runs every hour brings you right in the center of chiang mai.
We stayed in one of the bungalows and enjoyed it. Only minor pont was that the electricy box was right above the shower. In my opinion unsafe.

Its not toprated luxury. but so aren’t their prices. We stayed low season and there were not many guests. Breakfast buffet was minimal but everything you asked extra was served at your table at no extta cost. Staff was very friendly and although the hotel is not family owned, we felt as it was.

KAO MAI LANNA RESORT HOTEL REVIEW

Tuesday, February 26th, 2008

It’s one of the nicest hotels I’ve been to. What I love about Kaomai Lanna is that it’s green everywhere. I felt so relaxed and peaceful. It’s not just a nicely decorated boutique hotel or resort that are plenty in Chiangmai. I went there with my family and all of us loved it!

RARIN JINDA HOTEL REVIEW

Tuesday, February 26th, 2008

My stay at RarinJinda Wellness Spa was memorable, one I will never forget. Great mixture of modern accommodation and precious spa in a relaxing atmosphere. The hotel situated in an excellent location, with close access to the town centre (within walking distance) and superb view. The room, facilities and service were five-star at an affordable price.

This spa hotel is pretty close to perfect except for the noise surrounding the hotel and the hard beds. Since they only have 35 rooms, it’s a more intimate and quiet type of setting. When we arrived, the front desk greeted me by name without me introducing myself. I was pretty impressed.

YAANG COME VILLAGE HOTEL REVIEW

Tuesday, February 26th, 2008

Our stay at Yaang Come Village was exceptional. I am so happy we decided to stay at Yaang Come Village. It was beyond our expecations. The architectural design and landscape is a work of genius, with each detail creating a delicate and free-flowing calming ambience.

We stayed in the deluxe superior room, 2nd floor overlooking the pool—no noise from construction, and no mosquitos– and this was without any kind of repellent (we told management that we had asthma problems). We couldn’t have wanted a more aesthetic and comforting place to stay. The room, just the right size; the bed, extremely comfortable; amenities, luxurious. The staff went out of their way to help us on a number of occasions. Their willingness to please us in a genuinely warm and friendly way was beyond the norm for “good service”. Even when we accidently left one of our bags at the hotel, after checking out, they sent their driver a few hours later to bring it to us, 25 km away from the city, without asking for payment (even when offered).

We would like to make special mention of general manager,Ms. Rung-aroon, who we saw work ’round the clock, personally attending to the guests, (including yours truly!) in all facets of their stay. This personal touch was truly remarkable, and showed us how such involvement could make a difference.

Without hesitation, we would strongly recommend Yaang Come
for a special Chiang Mai experience!

FERN PARADISE HOTEL REVIEW

Tuesday, February 26th, 2008

This place was as good as advertised and better. Peaceful, quiet, beautiful. It was a needed change of pace after 5 days in bangkok. My only regret is we didnt stay longer ( only 2 nights). The grounds are simply perfection. Every detail is taken care of with an amount of passion that is rivialed nowhere else.

I travel frequently on business and I would say this is the best place I have ever stayed. I slept better here than at home.

CHIANG MAI HOTELS

Tuesday, February 26th, 2008

Boutique Resorts (Style with a personal touch)

Baan Gong Kham Boutique Lanna

This restful Northern Lanna style resort merges contemporary materials with native teak wood. Its eight guestrooms are inspired by the charm and simplicity of locals and their lifestyles.

Price from 58 US$* (1,900 Baht)
Fern Paradise

An idyllic nine-room resort where guests delight in the natural diversity of rare ferns, enjoy authentic Lanna architecture and interiors, and relish a peaceful stay away from city crowds.

Price from 76 US$* (2,500 Baht)
Bhodi Serene Hotel

This boutique hotel features 38 spacious rooms decked out in a contemporary Lanna style with a hint of Chinese décor. Thanks to its serene surroundings, a stay here can be likened to a rare enlightening experience…

Price from 82 US$*(2,700 Baht)
Karinthip Village

A beautiful boutique resort conveniently located in the middle of the city near Tapae Gate, Karinthip Village is one of Chiangmai’s most famous entrance gates and opposite Wat Chom Poo. The hotel has 62 guestrooms, including Deluxe, Superior and Suite (Karinthip Suite, Junior Suite and Fantasy Suite). All rooms have mini bar, television with satellite and a Jacuzzi with open-air private garden bathroom.

Price from 70 US$* (2,299 Baht)
The Field Village

These ten luxurious teak stilt cottages on the outskirts of Chiang Mai are flanked by rice fields, gardens and mountains. Neo-classical Lanna architecture and artworks shape the style.

Price from 100 US$* (3,300 Baht)
Veranda Chiang Mai The High Resort

Located outside the city of Chiang Mai, Veranda Chiang Mai The High Resort offers a total Zen experience from the moment of arrival. Divided into two zones, the resort on one side represents the cultural heritage of the north and the other a contemporary style. The resort features 69 rooms on the slopes above a valley, with stunning views over a landscape of mountains and rice fields.

Price from 165 US$* (5,450 Baht)
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City Center Hotels (Close to Shopping & Entertainment)

Amari Rincome Hotel

Amari Rincome Hotel, just ten minutes from Chiang Mai Airport, is perfectly situated for exploring Chiang Mai city or for day-trips into the northern highlands. Situated in a quiet area only 500 meters away from Kad Suan Kaew, the largest hopping centre in Northern Thailand

Price from 50 US$*(1,650 Baht)
Centara Duangtawan Hotel

A modern hotel with 500 rooms in the heart of Chiang Mai City. Just a few steps from the Night Bazaar, one of Asia’s most fascinating markets.

Price from 50 US$* (1,650 Baht)
Novotel Chiang Mai

Offering gracious Thai hospitality and the flair of an International hotel chain, Novotel Chiang Mai features 159 rooms, two restaurants, two bars, a swimming pool and fitness centre. Conference facilities are for up to 600 delegates. The Tantawan Pool on the third floor offers a panoramic view of Doi Suthep. Bask in the sunshine as you sample delightful cocktails and snacks from the poolside café.

Price from 32 US$* (1,067 Baht)
Bossotel Inn Chiang Mai

Situated near the Mae Ping River, the Bossotel Chiang Mai is only a short drive from the busy city centre and the main tourist sites. Its 150 rooms are modern and simple, equipped with all the amenities to ensure a pleasurable stay, and there’s a wide selection of facilities and services on hand.

Price from 27 US$*(900 Baht)
Maninarakorn

Opened in 2006, this chic hotel features 120 rooms in a location where the Night Bazaar, Airport, train station and bus stop are only a few minutes away. Rooms are spacious and tastefully decked out in contemporary Lanna-style, complete with modern amenities like a flat-screen television, DVD player and satellite channels. The hotel’s facilities include a shopping arcade, Jacuzzi, swimming pool, steam, sauna, meeting and massage facilities.

Price from 36 US$* (1,200 Baht)
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Family Resorts (Family Friendly with great facilities)

Sofitel Riverside Chiang Mai Hotel

Sofitel Riverside Chiang Mai is situated in the city centre, by the Ping River in Northern Thailand. It is four kilometres from Chiang Mai Airport, and close to the city’s historic attractions and famous Night Bazaar. Ideal for a holiday or a business trip, each of its 74 Deluxe Rooms and suites has a private balcony with river views and combines ancient Chiang Mai heritage with modern amenities.

Price from 249 US$* (8,212 Baht)
Puripunn Baby Grand

An intimate small luxury property with 30 guestrooms designed in a contemporary Lanna architectural style. Rooms are equipped with flatscreen TV, CD/DVD player and tea- and coffee-making facilities. The hotel is situated in the midst of one of Chiang Mai’s centuries-old communities where ancient Lanna treasures and cultural traditions have been well-preserved.

Price from 180 US$* (5,950 Baht)
Imperial Chiang Mai Resort Spa & Sports Club

A sports club-cum-hotel located in a thick of trees, right on the banks of the Mae Ping River. The refreshing climate and relaxed rhythm of living here have made it a favourite of both nature lovers and city slickers. Breathtaking views of mountains, the swimming pool, garden and trees from most of the 45 rooms and three suites.

Price from 82 US$* (2,700 Baht)
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Five Star Resorts (When you want the Best!)

Dusit D2 Chiang Mai

Voted one of the world’s hottest hotels by Conde Naste, D2 is a striking blend of vibrant colours, natural materials and modern textures. Hip facilities include an exceptional bar, restaurant and spa.

Price from 185 US$* (6,100 Baht)
Rarin Jinda

A no-luxury spared health spa resort overlooking Chiang Mai’s delightful Ping River. Enchanting rooms, therapies, sounds, cuisine and views are just some of this city sanctuary’s charms.

Price from 130 US$* (4,300 Baht)
Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

Luxurious accommodations in spacious Lanna-style pavilions overlook terraced rice fields and the mountains in the beautiful Mae Rim Valley.

Price from 509 US$ (16,800 Baht*)
Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi

Set amidst 60 acres of gardens, this Lanna-style resort offers boundless bodily extravagances amid untold oriental opulence. Everything from the suites to the spa is steeped in local culture.

Price from 504 US$ (16,630 Baht*)
Holiday Inn Chiang Mai

This haven of comfort and style is located in the most fascinating city in the north of Thailand. The hotel is only minutes from some of the city’s most famous temples and the renowned Night Bazaar. Its 526 guest rooms are designed for total relaxation. Enjoy great food and live entertainment at the hotel’s restaurants and 24-hour lobby lounge.

Price from 66 US$ (2,166 Baht*)
The Chedi Chiang Mai Hotel and Resort

With a unique atmosphere, Thai hospitality and five-star facilities, this is no doubt one of the Chiang Mai’s finest resorts. Strategically placed on the banks of the Mae Ping River, this elegant sanctuary features 84 exquisite bedrooms and suites with private courtyards and open balconies. The hotel also features several restaurants, meeting rooms, a swimming pool, fitness centre, spa and massage services.

Price from 300 US$* (9,900 Baht)
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Mountainside Resorts (Cool Breezes and great views)

Belle Villa Resort

A superb new boutique resort in the beautiful northern hills of Chiang Mai. Facilities include Spa, golf course, tennis court, camp fire, etc.

Price from 68 US$*(2,240 Baht)
Baan Klang Doi Hotel Resort & Spa

Northern Thai style houses set in a village atmosphere perfectly located on the protected mountains area of National Park. Suitable for couple or large family.

Price from 55 US$*(1,799 Baht)
Panviman Resort

Hemmed in by forests teeming with fruit and vegetables, the Panviman Resort offers a distinctive natural experience for its guests. It features 35 villas, suites and rooms in a superior Lanna style, each coupling wood floorings, soft lights and rich Thai furnishings with hi-tech amenities. Includes The Viman Natural Spa, a forest view restaurant and swimming pool.

Price from 127 US$* (4,200 Baht)
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Around Chiang Mai

Baan Pai Village

Consisting of three different types of accommodation, Ban Pai village offers more than 100 ‘Charming Pai Huts’ to meet the needs of a wide range of guests. Ban Pai Village is an environmentally friendly home away from home. Enjoy spectacular mountain views and see villagers go about their daily chores. The resort’s facilities include Poppies Wine Bar & Café, Jandara Spa and traditional Thai massage services.

Price from 27 US$* (900 Baht)
Anantara Resort and Spa Golden Triangle

Luxury living in beautiful surroundings - perched on a ridge overlooking the hills of Myanmar and Laos. Guestrooms feature Thai artwork and decor.

Price from 292 US$* (9,650 Baht)
Centara Maesot

Nestled in the cool northern mountains amidst the remoteness of pristine jungle, this charming four-storey resort provides modern-day comforts in an enchanting tryst with nature.

Price from 43 US$* (1,360 Baht)
Phupai Art Resort

In Mae Hong Sorn province, this resort is surrounded by beguiling mountains and is exquisitely constructed on a clean riverbank rich with local flora, rice fields and traditional culture. The honeymoon suites overlook rice fields, the deluxe rooms nestle amidst local plants and flowers, and the superior rooms enjoy the company of aromatic local plants.

Price from 91 US$* (3,000 Baht)
The Quarter Hotel

Situated in the centre of Pai, a serene village in the north of Thailand, The Quarter Hotel is well connected to all kinds of facilities and famous attractions. Surrounded by scenic views of mountains and lush scenery, it offers 36 guestrooms, including 24 double rooms and 12 twin rooms. Every room is uniquely named after tropical flowers such as Champa, Leelawadee and Chaba.

Price from 76 US$* (2,500 Baht)
Imperial Tara Mae Hong Son

Escape to the remote beauty of this remote northwestern corner of Thailand. This rustic resort features the joys of traditional Thai hospitality and 104 enchanting guestrooms, and has been designed to blend in seamlessly with its surroundings and the region’s cultural traditions. Includes a fitness centre, sauna and swimming pool.