ZiZ Asia

The Chedi, Chiang Mai Review

Think Chiang Mai and images are conjured of glistening temples, the historic Lanna culture, of hill tribes and markets overflowing with traditional handicrafts.  Few associate words like “Hip”, “Trendy” and “Design” with Chiang Mai, a city founded by King Mangrai in 1296 which once served as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom.  But woven into Chiang Mai’s history is a passionate relationship with art which over the last few years has undergone something of a renaissance.

Don’t expect to arrive in Chiang Mai today and find a showcase of modern art for the renaissance is more about modern takes on the traditional, of combining things old with new and the Chedi Chiang Mai is testament to this.  Designed by Kerry Hill of Aman Resorts fame, the Chedi Chiang Mai became an instant classic as soon as it threw open its doors in 2005.

Occupying the former grounds of the British Consulate, the original 1920’s building remains as the centerpiece but now houses the hotels main restaurant and bar.  A brace of chefs blend and baste to create the East-Meets-West menu downstairs while a wrought iron staircase spirals up to the roof-top bar with its views over Chiang Mai’s River Ping.

Off a fairly busy main road in central Chiang Mai, a discreet entrance transports guests to an urban retreat far removed from the hectic city life.  Nestling on one of the city’s best riverside locations, the grounds are spacious and sprinkled with native trees that provide shade around the pool and restaurant.  There is no lobby front desk check-in here.  Instead guests are whisked along white corridors to their rooms where formalities can be completed in comfort.

Rooms
Spread over 4 floors of an L-shaped building, formed around a large courtyard, the Chedi Chiang Mai’s 84 rooms with sweeping floor to ceiling views of life on the River Ping are sleek in design and make intelligent use of linear shapes.  Low platform beds and modern rattan furniture offset teak panelling while traditional Thai materials are incorporated in the interior design to create a contemporary twist and interpretation.

Open plan bathrooms are a feature in both room types with a shower and separate bath, the latter having sliding screens that can be opened-up to the room.  Private courtyards and open balconies also feature across both room types with cool terrazzo floors, sumptuous day beds and stunning river views.

Club Suite Rooms occupy the corners of each north wing floor and have the best river views, more space, laundry and butler service, evening cocktails and a free mini bar brim full of red and white wines, beers, juices and veritable vats of spirits.  If you are planning to entertain these are the rooms of choice.  You are also given access to the Chedi Club Lounge where you can enjoy complimentary Continental breakfasts, afternoon tea, cocktails and canapés.

Expect to find in-room safes, mini-bars, coffeemakers, plasma TV, broadband Internet port, IDD phones and DVD and CD players in both room types. The diversity of gizmos and complimentary goods is what differs between Suites and Deluxe Rooms; the former has a cappuccino machine as well as the complimentary mini-bar.

Facilities
There is no shortage of choice in Chiang Mai where restaurants and fine dining are concerned with culinary genres to suit all tastes but there is something rather special about dining at the Chedi; its stunning riverside location, the candle-lit pathways, the candles on lotus pads in the lotus ponds.  It’s all rather romantic and evocative.

There is also something to be said for dining in what was formerly the British Consulate; the culinary focal point within the Chedi Chiang Mai.  In amongst the idyllic riverside setting, the dreamy landscape and the unmistakably contemporary ambiance of the Chedi, the restaurant still whispers tones of colonialism and diplomacy.

Afternoon tea is served before the kitchens galvanize into full swing for the evening fare of Northern Thai specialties, Pacific Rim cuisine and innovative Asian culinary creations.  Complimenting the menu and the already intoxicating atmosphere is one of Chiang Mai’s most extensive wine lists.  To accentuate the dining experience, private dining rooms within the house are also available for special occasions and private dining.

The Terrace Bar and Lounge located on the second floor of the Chedi’s main wing is a more informal and relaxed abode serving refreshments, cocktails and snacks to guests reposed atop cozy day beds.  Here too you can enjoy wines from the extensive wine list and cigars from the cigar menu; a perfect venue for pre and post dinner drinks and relaxation.

Further options include the Lobby Lounge which serves light snacks and afternoon tea in an open air setting and the Chedi Club Lounge for the exclusive use of Suite Guests only.  Service throughout the Chedi Chiang Mai is attentive but unobtrusive.  Complimentary wireless internet access is available throughout all bars and lounges.

Running parallel to the riverbank and landscaped with shady trees and grassy areas, the black tiled pool is a haven of relaxation where patrons can while away time beneath white umbrellas periodically refreshed by helpful hotel staff bringing iced water and face spray.

For total relaxation though head for the spa and for those who would like to discreetly improve their tan there is a sundeck on top of the spa.

Beyond the hotel, Chiang Mai offers a wealth of sightseeing, adventure and activities and Land Rover excursions can be arranged at the Chedi Chiang Mai to take you on hill tribe treks and elephant tours.

Location
The location of the Chedi Chiang Mai is quite simply second to none.  Not only has it got possibly the most attractive stretch of river frontage in the city but guests are also within distance of renowned attractions in Chiang Mai such as the famous night market.

Long gone are the days when Chiang Mai was a sleepy market town.  Today it is a bustling city and one would think that a hotel in such a central location would suffer from the din of roads and other city sounds, but the Chedi does not.  Indeed, when you enter its grounds it really is like stepping into another world no matter how clichéd that sounds.

The Chedi Chiang Mai is the epitome of a city retreat; a Chiang Mai hotel where guests have the best of both worlds.  It combines an urban location, in this historical city, with the feel and all the pleasures of a resort hotel.  The Chedi Chiang Mai embodies contemporary style and elegance and presents an honest example of discretely warm Thai hospitality.

Awards & Accolades:
2006 Condé Nast Hot List

Location:
Central Chiang Mai

When to Go:
August and September are more prone to rain.

Rooms & Accommodation:
Total Rooms: 84
Room Types:
• Deluxe Rooms (52)
• Chedi Club Suites (32)

Facilities & Amenities:
24-hour Room Service, Bar/lounge, Gym, Pool, Spa

Contact Details
123 Charoen Prathet Road
Thanon Changklan
Amphur Muang
Chiang Mai,
Thailand 50100
Telephone: 053-253333

Booking & Enquiries

Contact Us at ZiZ Asia for impartial Southeast Asia Trip Plan advise & Hotel Reservations in Thailand and Indochina (Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Burma) at local rates.