Chiang Mai’s online media were invited to spend a splendid 24 four hours at the recently rebranded Marriott Chiang Mai, and we couldn’t have had a more wonderful time.
On arrival we were immediately treated to a spectacular Northern Thai lunch which was as authentic in flavour as any street-side local venue in the city, while serving up superb quality ingredients and tastes. The khao soi, the hung-le, the nam prik ong and num, the massaman, the sai-ua…all served up in the elegance of the Ping Cuisine and Bar Restaurant on the ground floor.
After a very filling lunch, we gathered for a quick tour and briefing in the lobby, wandered by the curated gift shop which had a few hand bags I was eyeing, and headed to reception.
Next, we were swiftly checked into our plush and lush rooms, as we all ran around visiting one another in our bathrobes, exclaiming at the panoramic views, trying out our deep sunken bathtubs, our rain showers, our lounge day beds and the toys and bells and whistles each room is complemented with.
Bathrobes and barefooted, I headed down to the fourth floor Infiniti’s edged and panoramic viewing swimming pool for a few hours of lazy cocktails, overflowing chocolate Sundaes and sun basking (with a quick jaunt to the kiddy’s pool next door for som cheeky slides) before heading up to get changed for dinner.
All prettied up and perky, we all headed back to the Pool House Bar for some lip-smacking cocktails, as we waited for the Christmas party reception guests to arrive.
The party was joyous, with food stations from all of the Marriott Chiang Mai’s current, as well as soon to open, outlets which will soon include a Cantonese and Szechuan restaurant. After gorging ourselves on food and wine, we headed down to the pop-up Christmas room where a TV played fire, mulled wine had been simmering all day, and an assortment of delicious and delectable Christmas cakes and candies were available. A warm mulled wine down, it was time to head to the bar.
The Ping Bar, just off the lobby, is a destination to all things gin (though there are plenty of drinks and other cocktails to choose from) and we enjoyed a wonderful Siam Lanna gin before heading back up stairs to the Pool House to join the rest of the media.
Some of us were already in pajamas, others in full on gowns, as we whiled away hours lounging under the glow of the pool bar.
After a deep sleep in an absolutely sumptuous bed, it was time for breakfast.
An incredible spread, almost bewildering in choice, kept us going until nearly lunch time as we gorged ourselves on Thai, Northern Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Italian and all sorts of interaction fare for our breakfast.
Sad to leave, we can not recommend our stay at the Marriott Chiang Mai enough. The service was seamless and sweet, the rooms were impeccable, the outlets were first class – and fun! – and the entire experience was beyond pleasurable. If you are looking for a hotel which is a SURE THING, where everything is just so, where you have all of your needs anticipated, and where you can really indulge in just thoroughly having a wonderful time, then check out the Marriott Chiang Mai.
