A great hotel is one which fires the imagination. Transports
you beyond the everyday into some fantasy world of your own choosing.
It’s something I feel when I step into, say, The Raffles in
Singapore and the E & O in Penang.
And it’s something I experienced recently down a rather
non-descript soi (street) in the heart of the old walled city of ChiangMai. At Rachamankha.
Its imposing walls open up to reveal a splendid oasis that
immediately allows you to dream you are on the verge of some great Mekong
adventure. Like Henri Mahout slashing his way through the jungles to unveil an
overgrown Angkor Wat.
But rather than untamed jungle, here you find frangipani
trees, groves of palms and even bonsais. The shrill chirps of cicadas. And bird
song. And thick-pillared buildings dazzle white in the highland sun.
“It’s so authentic,” said my wife.
Indeed, Rachamankha has a
sense of establishment and stature way beyond its mere 10 years. Perhaps that’s
got a lot to do with use of heavy dark local woods. Or the 19th
century Burmese antique manuscript boxes which line the corridors. And the
beautiful old furniture pieces which adorn each of the 26 rooms and suites. No
IKEA-like chipboard stuff here.
Local materials are also used in things like leather-bound
menu covers and locally crafted lampshades. And 2-inch thick doors which add to
the oeuvre of its Chiang Mai Old Town location.
One ‘but’, however. For a luxury hotel offering, not all
rooms offer a bath tub. A shower just doesn’t cut it for me in such sumptuous
surroundings. A strong personal bias of mine. I don’t care too much about the
room as long as there is a bathtub to luxuriate in. With a bonus point for an
old claw-footed enamel one.
Guests will enjoy its airy library, which once again brings
us to the likes of the Oriental Bangkok with its leveraged literary heritage.
And for a truly regional gastronomic experience, the hotel’s gourmet restaurant
dishes up exotic offerings from Thai, Myanmarese and Tai Yai (southern Chinese and
Shan ) influences. A la carte breakfast served in the Chinese-themed courtyard
sets the tone for a special day ahead.
At the end of a fascinating day around Chiang Mai, the hotel
works its magic too.
“It’s sooo romantic,” cooed my wife as we walked across the
moodily spot-lit gardens to sit around the pool one night.
Little wonder then Rachamankha has garnered awards for
architecture, culture and boutique accommodation from various respected sources
including Conde Naste. For a wonderfully civilized adventure. Imagine that.
I'm impressed with your hotels. Hope they are all affordable. - Dave of Hotel Chiang Mai
ReplyDeleteI am pleased to see the Rachamankha Chiang Mai hotel review because yesterday I have decided to visit the Chiang Mai after coming from my caves near washington dc tour. I have heard a lot about the Chiang Mai but did not see it before. Now my dream is coming to fulfill and I am very happy for that. After deciding my destination my first priority was to search a fabulous and comfortable accommodation and I am sure this search has finished now. This hotel is looking very impressive and idealize place for stay I hope I will find it easily.
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