Affordable Luxury Hotel in City center
by Homanded about Imperial Mae Ping
Wonderful 4 star quality service for under USD $45.00/night! Got rates through the internet.
Great food buffet in the mornings but best of all, the friendliness of staff and the wonderful tailor adjacent to their property (behind the swimming pool - next to the hair salon).
We were able to walk to the shopping areas from this hotel and arranged the Karem Long Neck tour to pick us up and drop us off right at our lobby.
You can also book additional tours such as dances, etc. through their concierge.
Rooms were quite roomy, very clean and with a nice view of the river. The Imperial Mae Ping Hotel is located in the middle of Chiang Mai city. It is within an easy reach just five minutes walking to the exotic shopper's paradise, the "Night Bazaar", where you'll find many interesting handicraft and Thai souvenirs. The hotel is also close to the remains of the city walls that once had protected this ancient city. Moreover you'll find the glorious temples dating to the 14th century.
You can also marvel the natural wonders of the city. The Mae Ping River flows quietly through the center, while the imperial peak of Doi Suthep majestically guards the city.
Bargain or luxury?
by nancyw about Rydges
We had booked rooms at the Top North Guest House, which was highly recommended by Frommer's. We were picked up, as promised at the Chiang Mai airport, by friendly people in a new van. So far, so good. We checked in with no problem but as we made our way to our room, that's when the disappointment began.
After over two days of planes and airports, we were looking forward to clean and cool. Piles of old mattresses and furniture in the outside hallways weren't a good omen.
Both of our rooms had the basics (unless you consider TP a basic), with very worn furniture, windows that wouldn't close (with no screen), and a variety of bugs to go along with the very old, worn and slightly moldy accommodations.
Had we been less tired and sweaty, perhaps we wouldn't have been quite as disappointed. These rooms, though cheap, bore no resemblance to the photos we'd seen on the internet (and were shown when checking in!)
After spending the rest of the day walking and enjoying the evening market and checking out a number of hotels (the Imperial Mae Ping just wasn't all that Imperial, in our opinion), we stumbled across the new Rydge's hotel.
We checked in that night, moved our luggage and were very happy campers! At $35 USD, this new hotel had the location, ambiance and amenities our spoiled American hearts were searching for.
In fairness - we did find out that there had been a mix-up at the Top North. Seems there's a Top North Guesthouse and a Top North Hotel - only blocks apart and owned by the same people. We'd been taken to the Guesthouse, rather than the Hotel, where we had reservations. The rooms were should have had would have been acceptable and were only $19 USD per night. We have no regrets, though. The extra money was worth the luxury of a new hotel. The hotel had all the amenities of a large chain hotel. We started each morning with the full breakfast in the casual dining area. A wide array of both western and asian choices, the food and service were terrific. I still miss the fresh fruit and the charming smile as my tea was served!
We also took advantage of the pool late each afternoon. Never crowded, it was a wonderful way to cool and off and gear up for our evening activities.
The only downside about Rydge's was the bar service. They have a charming outdoor casual bar, with light food. Live music every night and a breeze of the moat. Perfect except for the prices. For what we paid for two drinks at Rydge's, we could have walked down the block to Daret's and bought a round for the house - and still come out ahead!
Forum Posts
Christmas in CM
by sootyy
Hi, We'll be in Thailand in late Dec and are looking for a family oriented Chiang Mai hotel to spend a couple of days over Christmas. Not really into doing the full on Christmas stuff but someplace where the kids can get to hang with other kids. Budget up to €100 per night for 2 adults and 2 children (7 and 5).
Thanks.
RE: Christmas in CM
by thedouglas
Try the Imperial Mae Ping - big friendly hotel, with great grounds, pools etc. lots of things for kids to enjoy.
