As I stepped into the grand foyer of the Meliá Chiang Mai, a sense of serenity enveloped me, a welcome respite from the bustling energy of the city beyond its doors. This luxury hotel, nestled in the heart of Chiang Mai, promised not just accommodation but an experience where tradition meets modernity in perfect harmony.
My (hosted) stay was exactly the close to my Thailand trip I’d been hoping for – something that felt clean and inviting, had great food, and plenty to keep us occupied if we didn’t feel like venturing out too often, but was well located for when we did.
If you’re considering staying at this rather new hotel, here’s everything to know about whether the Meliá Chiang Mai is worth it:
The Rooms
This was my first time staying at a luxury hotel in Chiang Mai, and I have to say, the amenities and spacious room made it so worth it. Even the smallest rooms are still 30sq m, with lovely views. For those traveling with kids, the family room is 54 sq m, and has plush toys and a teepee to play in.
We were in a Level suite, which is even larger and had sooo many nice spaces to relax. The window had a cushion all along the bottom of it, in addition to a couch and cozy beds. The spacious bathroom had luxurious amenities, and separate closet kept things organized, while the plush bed promised a restful night’s sleep after a day of exploration.
And for our little one, a charming crib awaited, ensuring we didn’t have to travel with one from home. The sitting area provided a cozy nook for reflection, while the fruit and fully stocked mini bar added a touch of luxury to our stay, reminding us that every detail had been carefully considered to ensure our utmost comfort and satisfaction.
One of the other major benefits of staying in a Level room is access to a lounge that’s only for level guests, which is stocked with snacks throughout the day, has a separate dining area for breakfast, and offers a happy hour in the evenings with drinks and small bites, all included in the room rate. IMHO, this is nice, affordable luxury.
The Food
Speaking of the food, the Mai restaurant served my favorite meal of the trip. While I will forever be a Thai street food lover, this elevated dining experience was a true culinary journey curated by a local chef, seamlessly blending Thai and European flavors with finesse. Each dish was a masterpiece, a symphony of taste and texture. The set menu offered a delightful exploration of the region’s culinary heritage (including a genius pappardelle Khao Soi), from aromatic curries to delicate seafood dishes, finishing with a platter of desserts!
For those looking for light bites or just a gorgeous place for a sundowner, with the title of the tallest rooftop bar in Chiang Mai, the views of the river and temples in the distance were nothing short of breathtaking from Mai in the Sky. Sipping on a refreshing mocktail, I savored the moment, grateful for the opportunity to witness such splendor from such a privileged vantage point.
The Amenities
Let me begin with the all-important pool area. It’s a nice, big pool with plenty of seating and lounge chairs with fresh towels for guests. But it wasn’t just the pool that I appreciated; it was the thoughtful addition of a splash pad for kids that truly set the Melia apart.
And for those seeking to maintain their fitness routine while on vacation, an upscale gym awaited upstairs, offering state-of-the-art equipment and panoramic views of the surrounding cityscape.
But the delights didn’t end there – for anyone traveling with kids, the play area was honestly amazing. I tend not to be a parent who enjoys playgrounds or indoor kids’ gyms, but this was so tastefully done, and most importantly, clean! Multiple connected rooms offered something for children of all ages, from toddlers to teens.
Video games on a grand screen captivated the older ones, while a giant ball pit provided endless entertainment for the younger crowd. Wooden toys, carefully chosen to avoid intrusive noise, sparked creativity and encouraged imaginative play. And they thought of parents too, with, air purifiers and lounge couches in each room, creating a space where relaxation and supervision could coexist.
They also offer kids activities from painting to sculpture. Many are free, and some have an additional (small) fee, and you get to go home with a souvenir after that your kiddo decorated!
The Location
Located near the vibrant night bazaar, the Meliá Chiang Mai offered the perfect base for exploration, whether you’re staying within the city or doing some Chiang Mai day trips. With Grab taxis readily available, navigating the city was a breeze – just make sure you have a SIM card that keeps you connected outside of the hotel – whether venturing into the old town to explore ancient temples and bustling markets or heading to the airport to catch a flight home.
In conclusion, my stay at the Meliá Chiang Mai was nothing short of wonderful. From the surprisingly wonderful kids club to the culinary delights of Mai restaurant, every moment was infused with warmth and hospitality.
Whether traveling solo, as a couple, or with family in tow, this luxurious retreat offers an unforgettable experience in Chiang Mai!
*Many thanks to Meliá Chiang Mai for hosting our stay. My thoughts on this beautiful hotel and the delicious food are my own!
Leave a Reply