SPECIAL PLACE TO STAY
The riverside, in-city property of the Anantara Chiang Mai Resort is small, cozy, and very special. The architecture that unites the whole concept together is exceptional. Walking through this property, you will see how immaculate the thinkers conceived this beautiful place. The general look is clean, almost minimalist, with stark and straight lines from the two main materials of marbles and woods. Yet, there’s a lush garden, big sprawling trees, lotus ponds, walls covered with climbing trees. And best of all, there’s the marvellously preserved colonial building – the star of the whole place – which was once the British Consulate of Chiang Mai back in 1921.
Here’s our room. A deluxe on the second floor. Rooms on higher floors of their four-storey building boast the view of the serene Ping River. The deluxe room has an area of 50 square metres, en-suite bathroom with bathtub and foldable panels, big closets, working desk, safe, coffee and tea machine, minibar, and lounge areas both inside the room and on the balcony. WiFi is available as complimentary for their guests throughout the resort.
SOME WELL-THOUGHT CONCEPT
We were most impressed with the resort’s wholesome and meticulous design that was meant to make this resort a sanctuary within the city. Practically high-walled from the main streets, the resort is like an enclosed Eden of its own. Their sun-lit lobby, a serene view of lotus ponds and the magnificently preserved historic colonial building are the welcoming sights when we walked in.
Their swimming pool, ample for some lap swimming. Chaise sun lounges line the area as well as on the rooftop of the spa building, for those wishing to get a serious suntan.
BIG & DELISH BREAKFAST BY THE PING RIVER
The breakfast at the Anantara Chiang Mai was served at their riverside The Restaurant – their all-day dining outlet. When it was still nice and cool, we chose to sit outside by the river, under an umbrella and enjoyed the scenes and light breeze. Their big breakfast featured huge selections of freshly-prepared a la carte items (eggs in all styles including Benedict and Florentine), Asian-style and vegetarian choices. And from the buffet stations, there were more choices, ranging from fresh fruits, cereals, juices, pancakes, noodles, congee as well as bacon, sausages and Northern style sausages. An impressive and delicious meal to start a day, especially when you have plans to explore the city later. 😀
SUMMARY
Location:
Right in the city area yet with the precious Ping River. Walkable distance to the old town for Chiang Mai highlights and markets that are brimming with foods and shopping opportunities.
Property:
Couldn’t ask for better-thought-out architecture in a city resort. So very impressed with the property’s wholesome existence. They are on the verge of being ‘minimalist and hip,’ yet still warm with all other elements that are unique for upscale resorts in Thailand.
Service:
The Anantara Chiang Mai gave us an exceptional service. Not only attentive and smiling, all the staff that we met appeared to have an excellent service-mind demeanor – from the reception, restaurant to housekeeping. We would like to thank everyone here again for their services that made our stay there truly special. Especially the housekeeping team for their meticulous cares for our rooms. I left my hair straightener out and unraveled one day and came back to see its cord neatly wound and knotted :D. The turn down service was also very caring, with the fragrant bouquet of jasmine on the pillow. Thank you ka!
Prices:
It’s true that the Anantara Chiang Mai is not cheap. Rooms can be as expensive as Bt25,000 for a deluxe during the high seasons. But if you have time when most people don’t, try their off-peak promotions that feature excellent deals (sometimes at about 7,000 per night including breakfast for two) and discounts in food, drinks and spa treatments.
For their promotion updates, here’s the link.
ANANTARA CHIANG MAI RESORT
123-123/1 Charoen Prathet Road,
Changklan,
Muang,
Chiang Mai 50100
Thailand
Tel: +66 53 253 333
Fax: +66 53 253 352
Email: chiangmai@anantara.com
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