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27 April, 2023

REVIEW: Rich history and culture flourishes at the Meliá Chiang Mai

By Zach Havard

Located in the northern region of Thailand, Chiang Mai is steeped in history, cultural heritage, and beautiful landscapes.

Taking in the spot of wonder was Travel Weekly’s own Nancy Hromin, who enjoyed a stay at the luxurious Meliá Chiang Mai.

The city has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by its historical importance as a centre of Buddhism, as well as by the diverse ethnic groups that have inhabited the region over the centuries. The local people are predominantly of Thai Lanna and hill tribe descent and their traditions and customs are still very much a part of daily life. If your client hasn’t been to Chiang Mai and wants to experience an authentic Thai culture, this is a must see part of the country.

Doi Inthanon at Chiang Mai,Thailand. (iStock – wichianduangsri)

The Stay

Meliá Chiang Mai is located on the Charoen Prathet Road by the River Ping and Night Bazaar. It features a design that pays homage to contemporary aesthetics and Chiang Mai’s charming history and culture.

The hotel is located six kilometres from the Chiang Mai International Airport, near an array of tourist attractions including the Old Town that’s home to an ancient moat, red-brick walls and the city’s oldest temple Wat Chiang Mai.

Rooms

A king-size bed, a sofa, table and chairs, tea and coffee-making facilities, bathrobe and slippers and all the comforts you can come to expect from the Melia brand of hotels are here at the Meliá Chiang Mai.

Spacious rooms at the Meliá (Supplied)

Designed with high-end materials, stylish décor, and state-of-the-art technology, travellers will immediately feel relaxed and indulged. The beds are large and comfortable with high-quality linens and plush pillows.

Family room are also available. (Supplied)

Service and Facilities

Rooftop Bar

Located on the top floor of the hotel with stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains, the bar was designed with a modern and sophisticated aesthetic, featuring sleek furnishings and an extensive menu of signature cocktails and premium wines.

The Sky Bar. (Supplied)

The Level – “A hotel within a hotel”

Unveiled as a a ‘hotel within a hotel’, The Level sets apart 43 rooms and suites as well as a private lounge and a host of bespoke privileges situated on the upper floors of the 22-story urban hotel.

‘The Level Rooms’, ‘The Level Premium Rooms’, ‘The Level Suites’ and ‘The Level Presidential Suite’ are 30sqm, 44sqm, 62sqm and 113sqm respectively and afford some of the city’s most spectacular views. Guests staying in The Level experience an upgraded level of service and benefits, including exclusive access to 21st floor executive lounge The Level Lounge, which offers all-day snacks and beverages and private check in/out services.

The Level. (Supplied)

Tucked under the hotel’s 22nd floor 360-degree rooftop bar Mai The Sky Bar is the highest bar in Chiang Mai. The Level Lounge is a visual marvel where guests enter the venue under an arch that pays homage to a nearby temple. Various artworks of umbrella canopies hang on the walls, such as those made from antique Chiang Mai textiles. The carpet’s concentric patterns, in the likes of gun-metal grey, periwinkle and soft amber hues, reference umbrella tops in a striking yet subdued way.

Stunning views from the level. (Supplied)

A private breakfast service from 7-10.30am, afternoon tea from 2.30-4pm, and cocktails and canapes for adults only from 5.30pm until 7.30pm are among a raft of The Level privileges.

In-room services include welcome amenities such as fruit, Nespresso coffee machines and coffee capsules, and late check-out until 2pm subject to availability. Guests also enjoy complimentary use of The Level’s meeting room for two hours per stay and a 10 per cent discount at YHI Spa.

Overall impression

The Melia is an elegant and comfortable hotel where detail has been carefully considered to ensure an unforgettable experience for guests. The option of ‘The Level’ for business travel is a classy touch that puts it a level above the rest in the Chiang Mai Area.

Twilight arrival at Meliá Chiang Mai. (Supplied)

Getting there:

Jetstar flies direct to Phuket from Sydney for $349 and from Melbourne from $379

Jetstar’s low fares make it possible to travel to more places, more often for less.

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

Chiang Mai Chiang Mai Old Town Hotel Review Melia Chiang Mai