Melia Chiang Mai – Where Thai Craft Meets Urban Sophistication.
Nestled along the banks of Chiang Mai’s Ping River, Melia Chiang Mai stands tall, combining modern elegance infused with traditional Thai craftsmanship. Inspired by the skilled artisans of Bo Sang village, the hotel’s interiors boast intricate fabric weavings and delicate wooden umbrellas, creating an ambience that is both contemporary and culturally rich.
Sky-High Revelry on the 22nd Floor
Ascending to the 22nd floor, guests discover the city’s highest sky bar, a multi-level oasis that has quickly become a favourite haunt for locals and visitors alike. From innovative cocktail collaborations to exclusive events, this rooftop sanctuary offers unparalleled 360-degree views and a vibrant ambience, setting the stage for unforgettable evenings under the stars.
For our visit bartenders and mixologists, Dicky Hartono from Firefly Bar Bangkok and Pim Thaveesinsuvan from Gladwell Bar Chiang Mai were doing a Bar Takeover crafting an evening of cocktail-sipping fun to a soundtrack of live music and DJs. If there’s a version or take on an Old Fashioned or Negroni we have to try it so as the Thai Old Fashioned was on the menu we made that our first choice.
This version, concocted by Dicky Hartono, was a blend of Maker’s Mark, jasmine rice, salted coconut sugar, chocolate bitters and orange bitters. It also came with a chocolate stick stuck to the side of the glass (which took us a while to work out) but must admit to ordering another round it was so good.
A Towering Urban Retreat
The hotel’s striking 22-floor tower, complemented by a seven-floor podium building, offers 260 rooms, including 38 deluxe accommodations with access to exclusive amenities catering to all needs. From the fitness centre and pool area to the indulgent YHI Spa, every aspect of the hotel is designed to pamper and rejuvenate.
Our Melia Room had a view of the river and was light and airy. There are no balconies at the hotel but the room has a large, comfy window seat and the decor from the rest of the hotel continues through to the rooms; with muted tones complimented with warmer orange soft furnishings and light wood.
A Gastronomic Journey
Drawing inspiration from its Spanish roots, Melia Chiang Mai celebrates the art of gastronomy with several distinct dining options. Whether savouring a sumptuous buffet breakfast at the bustling Laan Na Kitchen or experiencing the elevated service of The Level Lounge, guests are treated to culinary delights that reflect the city’s diverse flavours and cultures.
Indulging in contemporary Northern Thai dishes at Mai Restaurant & Bar is a great way to try out a range of local Lamma-inspired dishes that are prepped with a Mediterranean style. We tried ‘Mai’s Samplers’ as our starter which comprises tasting size portions of five different appetiser delicacies including; a catfish and pomelo salad, Vietnamese sausage, grilled green chilli relish on crispy salmon skin, Northern Thai-style pork sausage with grilled ginger and pickled cucumber and a warm spicy tomato relish in golden-fried tortilla.
For the mains, we had the baked salmon fillet with a northern Thai-style tomato confit and a mixed seafood platter of wok-fried prawns, mussels and calamari with crispy fish skins and fermented rice noodles.
The Level Lounge Experience
For those seeking an elevated experience, The Level Lounge awaits on the 21st floor, offering panoramic views of the city and in the distance the majestic Doi Suthep Temple. Exclusive privileges include private breakfasts, afternoon teas, and cocktail hours, all served against the backdrop of Chiang Mai’s skyline.
The service here is very good and after trying breakfast at the busy buffet service of Laan Na Kitchen on the ground floor we opted for the Level Lounge for the rest of the stay. It has all of the best bits of the buffet downstairs but prepared by the Lounge chefs – the noodle soup with beef being one of the best we’d tasted.
We indulged in just one afternoon tea and had an English scone with jam and cream, but we especially enjoyed the early evening Cocktail service where you can help yourselves to local beers, and premium spirits or get one of the cocktail specials being made by the staff that day. It’s accompanied by a selection of tasty canapés and the ideal start to an evening out.
The staff at the lounge can support a personalised concierge service to late check-out options (although not guaranteed as we found out during the busy Chinese New Year period – understandably), every detail is tailored to visitor needs.
Melia Chiang Mai is a destination where modern luxury meets traditional charm. Whether exploring the vibrant night bazaar (quite literally on the doorstep) or strolling through the historic Old Town, every moment spent is infused with a great mix of Thai warmth and Mediterranean hospitality – a winning combination.
For further information or to book your stay click here.
