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Chiang Mai has long been a must-visit destination, and it’s easy to see why – ancient historical architecture and distinctive traditions juxtapose perfectly with a thriving modern city. With the city’s highest rooftop bar, Meliá Chiang Mai is the perfect base to see it all.
What’s the neighbourhood like?
The hotel’s located on bustling Charoen Prathet Road, where you’ll find chic cocktail bars, thriving restaurants and trend-setting coffee bars in spades. Take a short stroll down to the banks of the winding Ping River or wander into the many temples that are dotted around the neighbourhood.
Just a five-minute walk away is Kalare Night Bazaar, a hub of top-notch food stalls serving up everyone’s favourites – including roti, dumplings, bao and pad Thai – and local artists selling creations like handmade postcards, paintings and trinkets.
Where am I sleeping?
My spacious The LEVEL Premium Room (two nights from A$699) exudes comfort and relaxation: despite being smack bang in the city I can’t hear any noise from the street below. From the large windows I can see out to the streets below, each teeming with plant-life; watching the world go by at the large bay window fills me with a sense of peace and connection to the natural world outside.
The wooden flooring is soft underfoot and even extends into the shower. The lighting is soft and reminiscent of contemporary artist James Turrell. I’m thrilled to have plenty of spaces to unfurl, relax and catch my breath in between exploring Chiang Mai.
This room has everything that you could need for a city break: tea and coffee-making facilities for an afternoon treat, plush bathrobes and slippers, an in-room safe and even an umbrella to protect you from the daily drizzle that hits the city. With The LEVEL Lounge access, I was able to enjoy a delicious afternoon tea as well as nightly cocktails and canapes in Mai Restaurant & Bar.
What’s on the menu?
My dinner is at the opulent Mai Restaurant & Bar, which happens to boast incredible views of the Doi Suthep mountain range. Elegant and refined, its interior is an ode to the city’s love for crafting intricate umbrellas.
The menu tonight is for the Signature 360-degree Cuisine Thai Set Dinner, with all the ingredients being grown at the Meliá Chiang Mai Farm in the San Sai District. Every dish is inspired by Northern Thai cuisine with a dash of Mediterranean influence. A highlight was the seared tiger prawns in fermented rice noodles, a simple-sounding dish that packed a punch – rich, sharp charcoal from the shell blends perfectly with the soft texture of the noodles, each slathered in a fragrant curry sauce. And for dessert? Lum Yai Pudding, a sumptuous Thai take on a classic sticky toffee pudding.
What are the facilities like?
Each space in the hotel is inspired by a different landmark or tradition that contributes to the vibrant tapestry that is Chiang Mai. The curved archways and doorways are an ode to Wat Umong, a cavernous Buddhist temple perched at the base of the mountain; reception is inspired by the annual Yi Peng lantern festival, where large paper lanterns are released into the sky.
The outdoor pool is fully staffed and has plenty of daybeds to go around. Taking respite from the heat of the day is not complete without an ice-cold drink, and the Tien Pool Bar is happy to oblige with crisp local beers and refreshing juices as well as a selection of snacks like burgers and sandwiches.
It’s extremely family-friendly, with a separate pool for the kids and The Kidsom kids’ club that offers a rotating range of daily activities, including Thai boxing, cupcake decorating and origami. While the little ones are busy with activities, the big kids can savour unbelievable views at Mai The Sky Bar, the highest rooftop bar in Chiang Mai.
For those looking to really luxuriate, then a spa treatment is in order at YHI Spa, the signature spa series of the Meliá brand. Each guest gets to choose from three scented massage oils to use in their treatment – juniper and cedarwood, lemongrass and lavender, or chamomile and white tea. My aromatic massage involved a footbath and cucumber salt scrub, then a soothing massage that almost put me to sleep. It ended with a herbal tea and peanut snack.
Who will love Meliá Chiang Mai?
This hotel is perfect for families seeking a quiet place to escape to after exploring the city.
The writer was a guest of the hotel.
